As Halloween and October come to an end, colder weather and the holiday season are upon us! Check out the activities below for some fun weekend plans to get into the holiday spirit.
Light Up the Lake
Located at Navy Pier’s Festival Hall, Light Up the Lake is one of the most exciting new events coming to Chicagoland this Holiday season. Light up the Lake is Chicago’s largest indoor, temperature-controlled light garden. Featuring an ice rink(with free skate rental with event ticket), an authentic holiday beer garden, kiddie train rides, Santa’s Main Street and gift market, and a visit with Santa! Each ticket also includes a free ride on Navy Pier’s world famous Centennial Wheel which will remain valid until March of 2022. Navy Pier’s light show boasts over 600,000 lights decorating oversized, holiday-themed sculptures–including a massive lit-up rubber duckie. Light up the Lake is the perfect way to spend a chilly weekday or weekend day, so get your tickets now.
For tickets of more information on Light up the Lake click here!
Festival of Wood and Barrel Aged Beers
Do you love a good beer and enjoying the beautiful Chicago fall? Then look no further than the Festival of Wood and Barrel Age Beers on November 12th and 13th. After a hiatus in 2020, the festival is back for its 19th year, with a smaller event experience and more delicious food options than previous years! Located at the Credit Union 1 Arena, two 4 hour sessions, Friday 6-10 pm and Saturday 1-5 pm, are available to everyone with tickets priced at $85. Proof of a negative Covid test within the last 72 hours OR proof of full vaccination are required to enter the event. If you would feel more comfortable enjoying the festivities from home, they have a to-go option available, with six-packs of an assortment of beers from all 14 categories. Tickets for the six packs are still available at $60 and there are multiple pick up windows during the weekend. Whichever option you choose, sit back, relax and enjoy this great event!
For more on the Festival of Wood and Barrel Aged Beers click here!
City of Chicago Christmas Tree Lighting, November 19th
As the holiday season kicks off with Thanksgiving, take a trip to Millennium Park for the 108th Annual City of Chicago Christmas Tree lighting. After being all virtual in 2020, the city is excited to welcome back citizens for a lovely Friday night! The event will have a DJ, tree lighting at exactly 6:30 pm, followed by fireworks and a concert. Expanded to allow for guest comfort and safety, masks are recommended and free “Chicago” masks will be available. Plus, there will be multiple viewing locations and screens, so you won’t miss any of the action. Admission is free for this classic event and we hope you head down to Michigan Ave for a nice holiday evening on November 19th.
To learn more about the tree lighting click here!
Millennium Park Holiday Sing-Along
Another event that will be sure to get you in the Holiday spirit is the Millenium Park Holiday Sing-Along(previously “Caroling at Cloud Gate”). Worried about not knowing the words? Not to worry, songbooks will be distributed upon your arrival. Whether you’re there to sing your heart out or to listen, you will get to hear some great voices from groups such as Chicago Community Chorus, the Chicago High School for the Arts Chorale Ensemble, and the Kol Zimrah Jewish Community Singers. Starting Friday November 26th at 6pm, this event will take place every Friday until December 17th. So go sing your heart out this year and get into the spirit with your fellow Chicagoans.
To learn more about this event click here!
Lincoln Park Zoo Lights
For those of you with kiddos, head to the northside for a beautiful evening at the historic Lincoln Park Zoo, which is lit up for the holiday season beginning November 20th. The zoo, founded in 1868, began their magical light show in 1994, continually adding new exhibits and experiences for all ages to enjoy. This year features a new light experience on the Main Mall, as well as an exciting light show on the South Lawn. The show is free to visitors on Mondays and Tuesdays with a limited capacity, but is otherwise $5 per person. In addition to the lights, there are multiple ticketed experiences and special holiday events to enjoy throughout the season. Bundle up, grab your family and go experience the magical lights at Lincoln Park Zoo.
To learn more about Zoo Lights click here