Your guide to Thanksgiving weekend: 10 Chicago events for out-of-town visitors and kids

Need some ideas on how to keep your kids busy this Thanksgiving break in Chicago? From strolling through sparkling lights and watching holiday shows to getting a head start on gift shopping, we’ve put together an inclusive list that has an activity for every member of the family. 

Special events

Millennium Park Christmas Tree Lighting 

6 p.m. Nov. 21, 2025

Celebrate the holidays with the City of Chicago’s Christmas tree lighting ceremony. Guests of all ages can enjoy seasonal treats, giant screens and a lively main stage. After the illumination of Chicago’s Christmas Tree, the event will reach its festive finale with a fireworks display. 

• Location: Millennium Park, near Michigan Avenue and Washington Street
• Cost: Free admission

The Wintrust Magnificent Mile Lights Festival 

11 a.m. Nov. 22, 2025 

Kick off the holiday season at The Wintrust Magnificent Mile Lights Festival. Take in a full day of seasonal activities at Lights Festival Lane before the parade begins at 5:30 p.m. Mickey and Minnie Mouse will kick off the celebration, followed by performances from musical celebrities, marching bands and a special appearance from Santa Claus. The excitement concludes with the Fireworks Spectacular at 7:15 p.m., the perfect way to start the holidays.

• Location: 625 N. Michigan Ave., Chicago
• Cost: Free admission

Chicago Thanksgiving Parade 

8-11 a.m. Nov. 27

The annual Chicago Thanksgiving Parade features musical performances, festive floats and a special appearance from Santa Claus. The whole family can go to historic State Street on Thanksgiving morning and see the parade in person or watch from the comfort of your home on Pluto TV. 

• Location: State Street, From Ida B. Wells Drive to Randolph, Downtown Chicago 
• Cost: Free admission 

Lifetime Turkey Trot Chicago

9 a.m. Nov. 27, 2025

Start Thanksgiving off running with the whole family at a annual Turkey Trot. The Turkey Trot Chicago has events for every age, from a kids’ fun run to an 8K. To fuel back up after running, celebrate the family’s hard work at the Turkey Day Tailgate, where you can find treats, holiday activities and live music. All proceeds will go to the Greater Chicago Food Depository. 

• Location: 2601 N. Cannon Dr., Chicago 
• Cost: 8K is $55 with a $7.21 service fee. 5K is $50 with a $6.88 service fee. Kids’ race is $20 with a $4.85 service fee 

Ongoing events

Christmas Around the World and Holidays of Light 

9:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Nov. 8, 2025-Jan. 5, 2026

Immerse yourself in holiday spirit at the Griffin Museum of Science and Industry’s Christmas Around the World and Holidays of Light, featuring a four-story Grand Tree and more than 50 decorated displays that celebrate global holiday traditions like Hanukkah, Kwanzaa and Diwali. The entire family can walk through the indoor winter wonderland, take a photo in front of the Grand Tree, enjoy festive treats and more. 

• Location: 5700 S DuSable Lake Shore Drive, Chicago
• Cost: Included in general admission ticket

Lightscape at Chicago Botanic Garden 

4:30-10:30 p.m. Nov. 14, 2025-Jan. 4, 2026 (last entry is at 8:30 p.m.) 

Step into a dazzling trail of twinkling lights and displays at Lightscape at Chicago Botanic Garden, featuring unique creations for each holiday season. Around the one-way 1.3-mile path, the entire family can experience artistic installations set to seasonal music. Bundle up, grab a hot chocolate and take a stroll through the gleaming holiday display. 

• Location: 1000 Lake Cook Road, Chicago
• Cost: Adult tickets are $36 in advance and $39 day of for nonmembers. Children ages 3-12 are $19 in advance and $23 day of for nonmembers. Children ages 0-2 are free.

“A Christmas Carol” at the Goodman Theater 

Showtimes vary, Nov. 15-Dec. 31, 2025

Experience Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol” in theaters this holiday season. This classic performance brings the family together to celebrate holiday joy. 

• Location: 170 N Dearborn St., Chicago
• Cost: Tickets vary by date and time

The Christkindlmarket 

11 a.m.-8 p.m. Sunday-Thursday, 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Friday-Saturday, Nov. 21-Dec. 14, 2025

Get a head start on holiday shopping at the Christkindlmarket. The German-style Christmas Market provides a fun outdoor experience for the entire family. Attendees can partake in special events, explore vendor products from around the world and soak up the unique shopping experience.

• Location: Daley Plaza, 50 W. Washington St.., Chicago 
• Cost: Free admission

McCormick Tribune Ice Rink 

11 a.m.-10:30 p.m. daily, Nov. 21, 2025-February 2026

Take a spin on the ice this holiday season at McCormick Tribune Ice Rink. Skating is free if you bring your own skates, and wheelchairs are allowed on the ice. Free skating lessons are available from 9-10 a.m. Saturdays and Sundays. Snacks and hot drinks will be available next to the skating rink.

• Location: McCormick Tribune Plaza, 1 N Michigan Ave., Chicago
• Cost: Free admission, but reservations are required 

Lincoln Park Zoo Lights 

4:30-9 p.m. daily, Nov. 21, 2025-Jan. 4, 2026

Explore Lincoln Park ZooLights, with more than 3 million dazzling lights, hundreds of LED displays and festive fun that captures the magic of the holiday season. Take a ride on the Ferris Wheel and soar over one of the best views of the Chicago skyline surrounded by twinkling lights, enjoy hot chocolate and roast s’mores on an open fire. Take in the Zooltide South Lawn Light Show, live ice carving and capture a magical moment with Santa. 

• Location: 2400 N. Cannon Drive, Chicago 
• Cost: $7-12, depending on the day, free admission on Mondays

Read more: Looking for more fun ideas for the holidays? Check out our 2025 guide to holiday train rides, kid-friendly holiday hotel experiences, spots to visit Santa and holiday light shows you won’t want to miss!

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