Chicago Dazzles This Winter Holiday Season!
Celebrate in Chicago with Festive Events in November and December 2011
Christine Pundavela 312.742.1158; Christine.Pundavela@explorechicago.org
{NOTE: The info below is from the City of Chicago website. For people with disabilities, please contact the event location and inquire of the accessibility of the location. At end of article will be a list info that could be of use when planning your day}
For event details and more information on visiting Chicago during the festive November and December months, visit www.ExploreChicago.org. Admission for the listings below are FREE unless otherwise noted.
ANNUAL TRADITIONS
Macy’s on State Street: 104th Great Tree Lighting
November 5
Join Giuliana and Bill Rancic of the Style Network to kick off the holiday season in downtown Chicago with the lighting of Macy’s Great Tree in the famous Walnut Room at 12pm. The event will include a short performance by the award-winning Chicago Mass Choir.
Millennium Park: McCormick Tribune Ice Rink
November 18 through March 11, 2012 (weather permitting)
Kick off Chicago’s winter season with a fun-filled day of ice skating. The rink, now in its 11th season and drawing more than 100,000 skaters annually, is free and open to the public. Skate rental is available for $10.
Magnificent Mile Lights Festival® presented by BMO Harris Bank
November 19
The holiday fun begins at 11am with a day full of live musical performances, celebrity entertainers and family friendly activities along Lights Festival Lane at Pioneer Court. Mickey and Minnie Mouse serve as grand marshals of the evening parade, magically illuminating more than one million lights on 200 trees along The Magnificent Mile®. The parade, which features more than 30 spectacular floats, balloons and marching bands, begins at 5:30pm and is followed by a spectacular fireworks show over the Chicago River at 6:55pm.
Daley Plaza: Chicago Christmas Tree and Lighting Ceremony
November 23
Presented by The City of Chicago and Underwriters Laboratories (UL), the 98th Annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony is a highly-anticipated event drawing people of all ages to the heart of Chicago's downtown Loop. Live performances and festive holiday music begin at 4:30pm and the holiday season officially commences at 5:00pm, when the switch is flipped and the lights begin to sparkle in Daley Plaza.
Daley Plaza: UL Santa House
November 23 through December 24
Visit with Santa Claus, enjoy interactive activities and have your picture taken at the UL Santa House, a replica of Santa’s workshop where children can experience the wonder of the North Pole this holiday season.
Daley Plaza: Christkindlmarket Chicago
November 23 through December 24
Experience a traditional German Christmas inspired by the famous Nuremberg Christmas market dating back to 1545. Visitors will find Chicago’s iconic Picasso sculpture surrounded by red and white crested huts glowing with warmth and overflowing with curios. Daley Plaza is transformed at this outdoor market offering exquisite handmade gifts, unique ornaments and German delicacies like brats, goulash, potato pancakes, cookies and Gluhwein (a warm spiced wine).
McDonald's® Thanksgiving Parade
November 24
Ronald McDonald, Santa and a cast of thousands march down State Street as over 400,000 people line the route from Congress Parkway to Randolph Street. Whether you're gazing at the gigantic helium balloons, moving to the beat of the marching bands or waving at the entertainers in decorative floats, there is fun for all at the biggest holiday parade in the city and the only one in Chicago to feature inflatable balloons every year.
Millennium Park: Caroling at Cloud Gate
November 25 through December 16 – Fridays
Chicagoans and visitors alike are invited to Cloud Gate in Millennium Park to hear the beautiful voices of different Chicago choral groups and participate in a holiday sing-along at 6pm. After the holiday sing-along, everyone is encouraged to skate at Millennium Park's McCormick Tribune Ice Rink.
Art Institute of Chicago: Wreathing of the Lions
November 25
Celebrate the 20th anniversary of this Chicago family favorite tradition as the lions along the Museum’s Michigan Avenue entrance are adorned with evergreen wreaths. Performances by Wooten Choral Ensemble add melodic cheer outside during the ceremony and inside the museum immediately following. Families can stop by the Ryan Education Center to create wreaths inspired by the many treasures in the collection.
Navy Pier: Winter Wonderfest
December 2 through January 8, 2012
New this year, an added week of family fun at the 11th annual Winter WonderFest presented by Bank of America. Enjoy more time to have more fun inside with 170,000 square feet of rides, inflatable slides, stunning lights and holiday décor, entertainment and more.
YouTube Uploaded by cityofchicagotv on Nov 14, 2011
CULTURAL ATTRACTIONS, EVENTS AND SIGHTSEEING
Chicago Greeter: Magnificent Mile InstaGreeter
November 4 through December 31 – Fridays and Saturdays
Just in time for the holidays, Chicago Greeter will offer free, one-hour walks of North Michigan Avenue and the surrounding area with local residents who provide information and insights on the Streeterville and Gold Coast neighborhoods; landmarks such as the John Hancock Center and the former Playboy Mansion, historic hotels and cathedrals; and best bets for holiday shopping. Departing from the Water Works Visitor Information Center, all InstaGreeter walks are first-come, first-served and limited to groups of six or fewer.
Art Institute of Chicago: Holiday Thorne Rooms
November 11
General museum admission ranges from $12-18.
The tiny but joy-filled Thorne Minuture Rooms are back, trimmed in historic holiday finery. This year, the New Orleans and New Mexico rooms join the festive tradition, and the never-before-seen Americana Room from Marshall Field V’s private collection will also be displayed.
Museum of Science and Industry: Christmas Around the World and Holidays of Light
November 17 through January 9, 2012
General museum admission ranges from $10-15.
A time-honored celebration, the Christmas Around the World exhibition includes more than 50 trees and displays decorated by volunteers from Chicago’s ethnic communities to reflect holiday traditions from around the globe. Holidays of Light, a multicultural display of holiday traditions that celebrate light or enlightenment, such as Diwali and Hanukkah, also illuminates the Museum’s halls during this time.
Lincoln Park Zoo: Zoo Lights
November 25 through December 11 – Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays
December 9 through January 1, 2012 – Daily
Enter a winter wonderland illuminated by more than two million lights at Lincoln Park Zoo’s annual classic. Get a picture taken with Santa through December 23rd, prepare holiday crafts and watch ice carving. Then escape the cold and experience the climates, conditions and animals of four continents: South America, Africa, Asia and Australia in the zoo’s Regenstein Small Mammal Reptile House.
Shedd Aquarium: A Holiday Fantasea
November 25 through January 2, 2012
General museum admission ranges from $6-8.
Back by popular demand, the holiday multi-species aquatic show returns featuring your favorite marine mammals. Pacific white-sided dolphins leap, beluga whales breach and a sea lion saunters, showcasing their natural behaviors set to a festive soundtrack from around the world – and Santa makes a special appearance.
Lincoln Park Conservatory: Winter Flower and Train Show
November 26 through January 8, 2012
See model trains wind their way through a miniature village set amongst colorful Poinsettias. The village, comprised entirely of natural materials including willow, spruce and birch woods, features famous buildings and Chicago-style homes such as the neighborhood bungalow, Chicago Theatre and Water Tower Place.
Chicago Children’s Museum: Celebrations Around the World
December 1
Learn how different cultures celebrate important occasions through music, dance, demonstrations and hands-on activities, all presented by community partners.
Shedd Aquarium: Holiday Breakfasts
November 26 and December 10, 17, 24
Adults $44.95, Youth (Ages 3-11) $34.95.
Treat the family to a special holiday experience where after a full breakfast, it’s “All aboard!” for a private viewing of the 15-minute The Polar Express 4-D Experience, followed by a drawing for special prizes. The holiday fun continues during a visit with Santa. Snap a photo with him and receive a gift. Explore Shedd’s Polar Play Zone and finish your special day with reserved seats to A Holiday Fantasea.
John Hancock Observatory: Breakfast with Santa
December 3 though December 18 – Saturdays and Sundays only
Adults $39, Youth $29, Infant $19
Experience a magical holiday high more than 1,000 feet in the air. Bring the family to the 94th floor of the John Hancock Observatory for pictures with Santa Claus and enjoy a festive breakfast buffet.
Macy’s on State Street: Breakfast with Santa Claus
December 3-4, December 10-11 and December 17-18
Adults $16.95, Youth (Under 10 Years) $12.95
Enjoy a yummy plated breakfast, children's entertainment and a visit from Santa at this family-friendly event.
DuSable Museum of African American History: Pre-Kwanzaa Celebration
December 8 through December 9
General museum admission ranges from $3-10.
The Harambee Pre-Kwanzaa Festival is an exciting musical celebration of family, community and culture, featuring Kwame Steve Cobb and Chavunduka, performing songs from their highly acclaimed recording, Seven Principles. Their dynamic multi-media, concert presentation teaches the Seven Principles of Kwanzaa.
Spirit of Chicago Santa Lunch Cruise
December 10
Ticket prices range from $19.95-39.90
Dine on a festive lunch buffet and enjoy live performances and DJ entertainment while cruising the lakefront and visiting with Santa. See spectacular views of Chicago’s skyline from the warm climate-controlled decks.
Goodman Theatre: A Christmas Carol
November 18 through December 31
Tickets range from $16-45.
For three decades, Charles Dickens’ classic story, exceptional actors and miraculous stagecraft have made A Christmas Carol a perennial holiday favorite and beloved Chicago tradition. Audiences delight in the “Bah, Humbugs,” the arrival of the ghosts, the music and dancing and Scrooge’s joyful discovery of life and love.
Art Institute of Chicago: Midday Music
November 25 through December 31
General museum admission ranges from $12-18.
From gospel to jazz, traditional carols to klezmer, heavenly harp and lute to exhilarating pipa, Chicago’s finest musicians offer the sounds of the season in these free concerts held in Griffin Court of the Modern Wing.
Hubbard Street Dance Chicago: Harold and the Purple Crayon: A Dance Adventure
December 3 through 4
Ticket prices start at $15.
This enchanting program by Hubbard Street 2 (HS2), the second company of Hubbard Street Dance Chicago, originally debuted at the prestigious Kennedy Center for Performing Arts and returns this December to the Harris Theater at Millennium Park. Families and their children ages 4 and up can help create Harold’s next adventure through their own exploration of movement at this hour-long, interactive dance adaptation.
Chicago Cultural Center: Dance Along Nutcracker 2011
December 4
Sugar-plum fairies and toy soldiers of all ages return once again at this interactive holiday event. Audience members, young and old, are encouraged to dress in their finest tutus and hit the dance floor alongside professional dancers. One hour before each Dance Along Nutcracker, younger participants are invited to special free ballet workshops in the Chicago Cultural Center.
Garfield Park Conservatory: Live Music in the Conservatory
December 4
Enjoy live music among living plants as Gina Gibson presents holiday selections including blues, jazz classics, pop standards and Broadway show tunes.
Joffrey Ballet Chicago: Robert Joffrey’s The Nutcracker
December 9 through December 27
Tickets range from $25-145.
One of Chicago’s most popular holiday traditions, Robert Joffrey’s production of The Nutcracker transforms the Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University into a land of beauty, fantasy and wonder. The entire company celebrates with brilliant costumes, ingenious lighting, entrancing storytelling and Tchaikovsky’s magical score performed by a live orchestra. This holiday tradition creates wonder for children of all ages.
American Girl Place Chicago: Children’s Holiday Choir
December 10
Families are invited to celebrate the season with American Girl at this festive event, which brings students from the British School of Chicago Children’s Choir will sing a selection of holiday favorites.
Chicago Children’s Choir: Songs of the Season
December 11
Experience the joy and musical excellence of the Emmy Award-winning Chicago Children’s Choir as they perform at the Harris Theater at Millennium Park. The Concert Choir is joined by the Neighborhood Honors Choir and will feature the 2005 winner of the BBC Singer of the World Competition, Nicole Cabell.
A Christmas Story, the Musical
December 14 through December 30
Ticket prices range from $35-79.
This favorite Christmas movie comes to life on the stage of The Chicago Theatre. Chronicling the young and bespectacled Ralphie Parker as he schemes his way toward the gift of his dreams, a Red Ryder Action Air Rifle BB Gun, it is a holiday classic that will entertain the whole family.
Chicago Symphony Orchestra: Welcome Yule
December 16-18 and December 21-23
Tickets range from $20-98.
The merry musicians of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and Chorus promise a delightful program of new arrangements, cherished carols and some musical surprises. Join in the fun with sing-alongs and rollicking traditional tunes, including "Christmas in Chicago."
Art Institute of Chicago: Maxwell Street Klezmer Band
December 22
General museum admission ranges from $12-18.
On the second night of Hanukkah, Chicago’s own Maxwell Street Klezmer Band plays songs inspired by the works of Marc Chagall.
SHOPPING EVENTS
Glitter: a Holiday Shopping Event
December 1
Discover the best gifts for the holidays when local Chicago designers and boutiques celebrate the season with special holiday items, sales and original fashions at the Chicago Cultural Center.
Notebaert Nature Museum: Green Family Holiday Fair
December 10
Join the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum as they partner with the Green Parents Network for a special day of family fun and holiday shopping with plenty of green companies and their products.
Illinois Artisans Chicago Holiday Art Spree
December 14 through December 16
Juried artisans display and sell gift items in a three-day Holiday Art Spree in the James R. Thompson Center Atrium. Take home local Illinois-made items, from jewelry, photography, paintings and ceramics.
Chicago’s Downtown Farmstand
The Farmstand is the perfect place to find locally-made holiday gifts for the foodies on your list, and to buy ingredients and discover new recipes for holiday meals. Open year round, this specialty market offers edible local products, all sourced within 250 miles of Chicago, including fresh fruits, vegetables and herbs in season; baked treats; and a full range of condiments, preserves, seasonings and other dry goods items.
Holiday Shopping in Chicago Neighborhoods
Southport Corridor and Lincoln Park along Lincoln Avenue, Clark Street, Armitage Avenue and Halsted Street are home to specialty shops that carry the work of independent and Chicago-based designers. Division Street and Wicker Park along Damen, Milwaukee or North Avenue offer an even wider variety of shopping alternatives.
VISITOR INFORMATION RESOURCES
Visitors and Chicagoans planning to entertain out-of-town guests can receive trip-planning assistance and information by visiting www.ExploreChicago.org. Brochures and information on Chicago’s exciting events and activities are also available at the Visitor Information Centers. Friendly Visitor Representatives can answer questions and assist in planning an unforgettable itinerary. The visitor centers are located in two of the city’s most popular areas: across from Millennium Park in the Chicago Cultural Center, 77 E. Randolph Street; and at the historic Water Works pumping station, 163 E. Pearson Street at Michigan Avenue.
For daily alerts about fun and free things to do in the city, follow Explore Chicago on Twitter at www.Twitter.com/ExploreChicago and on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/ExploreChicago, where you can also weigh in on your Chicago favorites. Get answers to your Chicago questions on the go, restaurant recommendations, and tips on citywide events and activities via the FREE Twitter Concierge Service @explorechicago available daily.
The Chicago Office of Tourism and Culture is dedicated to promoting Chicago as a premier cultural destination to domestic and international leisure travelers, providing innovative visitor programs and services, and presenting free world-class public programs. For more information please visit www.ExploreChicago.org.
# # #
http://www.cityofchicago.org/content/city/en/depts/dca/provdrs/tourism/news/2011/oct/chicago_dazzles_thiswinterholidayseason.html
# Chicago Transit Authority, trip planner & accessibility:
http://www.transitchicago.com/
# Mayor's Office for People with Disabilities:
http://www.cityofchicago.org/content/city/en/depts/mopd.html
# Cultural Affairs and Special Events:
http://www.cityofchicago.org/content/city/en/depts/dca.html
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