THIS WEEKEND IN CHICAGO- Turkey Time!

Thanksgiving is inching closer! Are you thrilled about turkey time? Or are you more excited that this weekend marks a month until Christmas? Either way, we’ve got a mix of Thanksgiving and Christmas activities for you this weekend! 

Want to get out of the city for a day? Check out the Long Grove Holiday Festivities! Every Saturday and Sunday from now until December 22, there will be complimentary horse-drawn sleigh rides, carolers, classic Victorian buildings trimmed in lights, cobblestone walkways illuminated by luminaries, and special appearances by Santa. Historic Downtown Long Grove is home to unique restaurants and specialty shops that will be welcoming visitors throughout the holiday season. This is classic Christmas fun for the whole family!

It’s time for the Chicago Toy & Game Fair! The fair takes place this Saturday, November 23 from 10 am to 6 pm and Sunday, November 24 from 10 am to 5 pm at Navy Pier. Families, teachers, kids, and toy/game enthusiasts will preview new games and toys, meet toy and game inventors, have a picture taken with Star Wars characters, and much more. You can also visit the Gator Golf Putting Station, join the Young Inventor Challenge, see the Oscar Mayer Wienermobile, and much more. For the adults, there’s a Beer Garden with popular adult and party games! What are you waiting for!? Get your tickets here now!

Want to burn a few calories before the big Turkey Day? Well, lace up your running shoes and get ready for the annual Lincolnwood Turkey Trot! It’s this Sunday, November 24. This chip-timed 5K/10K race and 5K Fitness Walk takes you through scenic Lincolnwood, featuring a flat, fast course that’s perfect for novices, as well as experienced runners. For kiddos aged 6 and under, there’s the Drumstick Dash! A portion of the Turkey Trot proceeds are donated to the Parks and Recreation scholarship fund, which helps local families in need with the costs for day camp and the after-school program. You can register online until the end of the day on November 22 here. Don’t miss out! 

Want to get a head start on your holiday shopping? Check out the 2019 Autumn Festival: An Arts and Crafts Affair! Held at the Odeum Expo Center in Villa Park, the festival is Friday, November 22 (11 am-9 pm), Saturday, November 23 (9 am to 7 pm), and Sunday, November 24  (10 am- 5 pm). Hundreds of the nations finest artists and crafters will be displaying and selling their handcrafted works. There will be plenty of food and drink, hourly gift certificate winners, family fun, and free parking! Adult tickets are just $10 and your ticket is good all weekend long. Children under 10 have free admission. Purchase your tickets here now!

See trees in a different light at Illumination: Tree Lights at the Morton Arboretum! This Saturday and Sunday, you’ll be surrounded by color as you walk a one-mile path amid interactive lighting effects that highlight the beauty of the trees in winter. There will be seasonal music, captivating light designs, and you can warm up by a crackling fire with a holiday drink and roast marshmallows for s’mores. There’s a new exhibit called Tree Fascination, a brilliant digital projection of immersive color and pattern on a grove of Eastern white and Scots pine trees. Purchase your tickets here now! This is the perfect way to get in the mood for the holidays!

How will you spend this weekend?? With all things turkey or all things Christmas?? 

RACHEL HOOVLER & DEAN’S TEAM CHICAGO