THIS WEEKEND IN CHICAGO – CHICAGOANS WELCOME IN THE HOLIDAYS!
THIS WEEKEND IN CHICAGO – CHICAGOANS WELCOME IN THE HOLIDAYS!
With the Magnificent Mile Lights Festival of course! Head on down to Michigan Avenue (990 N. Michigan Avenue) this Saturday where a full day of live music with performances by Choo-Choo Soul Justin Roberts and the Not Ready for Naptime Players runs from 11:00 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. Then at 5:30 p.m. it’s time for the street-lighting procession from Oak Street to Wacker Drive of over one million bulbs along Michigan Avenue which is lead by Mickey and Minnie Mouse the Radio Disney Road Crew and Allstar Weekend. Crystal Bowersox and Siobhan Magnus of "American Idol" along with Jon Michael Hill of ABC’s "Detroit 1-8-7" will be appearing in the ceremony as well. The festival wraps-up with a fireworks display at 6:55 p.m. over the Chicago River at Michigan Avenue.
The Museum of Science & Industry located at 5700 S. Lake Shore Drive in the Hyde Park neighborhood kicks-off its Holiday Season this weekend with the ‘Christmas Around the World’ and ‘Holidays of Light’ exhibits now in their 69th and 15th years respectively featuring over 50 Christmas trees of ethnic traditions from all over the world as well as other winter holidays celebrating light and enlightenment such as Hanukkah Kwanzaa and Diwaii. A 45-foot tree decorated with more than 30000 lights and 300 Jim Henson character-inspired ornaments adorns the museum’s rotunda. Music and dance performances complement these exhibits.
The Randolph Street’s Holiday Market now in its 4th year will feature antiques and vintage collectibles crystal goblets formalwear housewares jewelry paintings and more at Journeymen Plumbers Hall located at 1340 W. Washington Boulevard in the West Loop neighborhood. This annual shopping event also includes a $10 shopping voucher with a purchase of $50 or more and complimentary gift wrapping.
The DIY Trunk Show now in its 8th year will feature nearly 100 crafters and artists offering accessories body care products handmade jewelry housewares stationary and much more at the Pulaski Park Fieldhouse located at 1419 W. Blackhawk Street in the West Town neighborhood this Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Sunday brings from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. the Winter Bazaar: Gifts and Famous Cookie Sale to Indian Boundary Park located at 2500 W. Lunt Avenue in the Rogers Park neighborhood featuring photos with Santa holiday gifts and homemade seasonal treats such as cookies.
Next week rings in the Thanksgiving Day holiday on Thursday November 25th which brings us the following two events –
the 77th annual McDonald’s Thanksgiving Parade from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. in the South Loop neighborhood at State Street and Congress Parkway. This year’s grand marshal is actress Jennifer Beals who leads off the procession with marching bands floats giant helium balloons as well as performers from the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey circus The Joffrey Ballet the Fred Astaire Dance Studio and more as they move along State Street from Congress Parkway to Randolph Street; and
the 33rd annual Turkey Trot 8K Run and Walk in the Lincoln Park neighborhood at Fullerton Parkway and Cannon Drive. Registration begins at 7:00 a.m. with the run/walk at 9:00 a.m. This year’s event is expected to draw more than 5000 participants which includes a long-sleeved technical shirt a raffle and prizes for top finishers while the kids can participate in the Plymouth Rock Ramble Race. Don’t forget to bring some canned food donations to benefit the Greater Chicago Food Depository!
Last but not least for those of us "determined" to get those incredible deals before the crack of dawn next Friday November 26th brings Black Friday Sales & Specials – the official start of the Holiday Shopping Season! Clicking the link you can research and plan in advance get the Top 15 Deals get Brad’s Top 10 Tips for a successful Black Friday ads with coupons and much more. Happy Shopping!!
Here’s to a Happy Bountiful Thanksgiving with Lots of Good Eats and Great Deals!!
SUE MOSS & DEAN’S TEAM CHICAGO
