THIS WEEKEND IN CHICAGO – IT’S OFFICIAL – CHICAGO HOLIDAY SEASON IS HERE!
THIS WEEKEND IN CHICAGO – IT’S OFFICIAL – CHICAGO HOLIDAY SEASON IS HERE!
A full day of holiday celebration is planned for this Saturday as Chicago officially kicks-off the Holiday Season with BMO Harris Bank’s Magnificent Mile Lights Festival held at Pioneer Court (401 N. Michigan Avenue) in the Streeterville neighborhood at 11:00 a.m. Grand marshals Mickey and Minnie Mouse return again this year for the annual tree-lighting parade down the Magnificent Mile (Michigan Avenue from Oak Street to Wacker Drive) featuring over 40 floats marching bands musical performances and balloons starting at 5:30 p.m. and ending with the grand finale at 6:55 p.m. – a spectacular fireworks show over the Chicago River! But before the parade from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Pioneer Court offers family-friendly activities at their Lights Festival Lane top musical artists performing rockin’ concerts at the BMO Harris Bank Stage (11:00 a.m.-3:30 p.m.) the Largest Holiday Carol with Mario Lopez steps-off along Michigan Avenue just prior to the parade your chance to contribute to the BMO Harris Bank Community Art Project Mural and the best holiday shopping ever with extended hours!
Afterwards you have the opportunity to continue your kick-off holiday celebration at The Ritz-Carlton Chicago (160 E. Pearson Street) in the Gold Coast neighborhood as they host their annual Lobby Tree Lighting at 7:30 p.m. with a complimentary glass of Prosecco for the adults and a hot chocolate station for the kids. Afterwards holiday jazz will be provided by the Miles Hayes Trio with Chicago DJ Brinton “Champ” Flowers spinning music later in the evening for the adult crowd!
Navy Pier (600 E. Grand Avenue) in the Streeterville neighborhood also will be kicking-off the Holiday Season with the following events –
The 11th annual Chicago Toy and Game Fair will be held in Festival Hall A on Saturday (10:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m.) and Sunday (10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.). Both classic and new toys and games will be featured as well as live stage entertainment life-sized toys and games contests an opportunity to meet the inventors and much more!
Santa’s Arrival and Light Show Spectacle takes place Saturday between 5:00 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. Join special guest Santa (8:00 p.m.) as he flips the switch to bring the entire façade of Navy Pier to life with lights and projection dance choreographed to festive music! Best views from Gateway Park (west of main entrance). Also an encore presentation of the Light Show Spectacle will be held on Sunday between 5:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. for those who missed the Saturday evening event!
Not to disappoint my arts & craft show fans the Randolph Street’s Holiday Market kicks-off this Saturday and Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at Plumbers Hall (1340 W. Washington Street) in the West Loop neighborhood. This Holiday Market will once again provide antique vintage and modern gifts in all price ranges to get your holiday shopping off to a good start! FREE parking and gift wrapping are also available again this year!!
Finally let’s not forget about Thanksgiving. You know the Holiday before Christmas! This year’s 80th annual McDonald’s Thanksgiving Parade steps off on Thursday (November 28th) at 8:00 a.m. from South State Street and East Congress Parkway in The Loop featuring giant balloons floats marching bands performances and much much more!
There’s also the Edison Park Turkey Trot 5K and Fun Run being held on Thursday (November 28th) at 9:30 a.m. and taking place at Edison Park (6755 N. Northwest Highway) at the Fieldhouse. Complimentary t-shirts will be handed out as well on a first come first serve basis!
SUE MOSS & DEAN’S TEAM CHICAGO
