From unskippable events to fun activities, there’s something for everyone!
Wondering what you should do in Chicago this Thanksgiving weekend?
Looking for the best events and activities marking Thanksgiving 2022 in Chicago?
You’ve come to the right place!
Observing Thanksgiving 2022 in Chicago
With its stunning skyline and gala spirit, Chicago is one of the best places to observe and celebrate Thanksgiving.
From a spectacular Thanksgiving Parade to a run for a charitable cause and even a family-friendly Harry Potter-themed experience, there are so many activities and experiences to choose from!
So whether you're looking for a cozy night in or a fun-filled day out, make sure to check out our top 10 ways to celebrate Thanksgiving in Chicago!
Attend the Chicago Thanksgiving Day Parade
I think it goes without saying, but attending the Parade should be numero uno on your list of things to do on Thanksgiving Day in Chicago.
This annual event features marching bands, floats, and larger-than-life inflatable characters. The parade route will take it through downtown Chicago along State Street from Ida B. Wells Drive to Randolph Street.
Expect a host of performances and exhibits from singers, dancers, musicians, and much more, including…
Floats from a host of organizations, including Canadian Pacific, Santa’s Village, the Taipei Economic & Cultural Office in Chicago, and so on.
Dance performances from a host of companies, including the American Blues Theater and the Chicago Korean Dance Company.
Marching bands from over a dozen schools and universities.
The place where it begins is only a couple of blocks away from our escape room, and we’re waiting eagerly for the day to arrive!
Is the Chicago Thanksgiving Parade free? Yes, completely! But if you want VIP seating, you’ll need to buy tickets.
Where can I watch the Thanksgiving parade in Chicago? You can watch it all along the route.
When does it take place? 8 AM - 11 AM on Thanksgiving Day (Thursday, November 24th).
Website: Visit the Parade website
Take part in the Turkey Day 5K/8K Trot
Want to burn some calories ahead of Thanksgiving dinner while contributing to a good cause? Then you should take part in the Turkey Day 5K/8K Trot!
A Windy City tradition, the race will take you through central Chicago, past some of our most famous attractions. The course runs along Cannon Drive, between Diversey and Fullerton Parkway.
Meet with fellow joggers and walkers, get the blood pumping through a pleasant run, and take part in fun games like Corn Hole and Football Toss.
But it’s not all fun and games.
The Trot also raises funds for the Greater Chicago Food Depository that caters to the needy in Chicago and Cook County, so you’ll be giving the less fortunate a reason to be thankful as well!
When does it take place? 6 AM - 12 noon on Thanksgiving Day (Thursday, November 24th). The race itself begins at 9, but you’ll need time to register, pick up your race pack, and so on. Plus, arriving early is a great way to meet people and make new friends!
Website: Visit the Parade website
Volunteer
Looking to make this Thanksgiving more meaningful than amusing activities and a delicious dinner? Want to have an impact on someone less fortunate and give them a reason to smile as well?
There are many things you can do, such as helping out at a soup kitchen, volunteering at a local food bank, assisting at a local animal shelter, or even just doing your bit to clean up a local park.
Volunteering is a great way to give back to the community and make a difference in someone's life. It can also be a lot of fun.
And Chicago offers so many opportunities to volunteer!
In fact, volunteering can be a great way for families to reconnect and bond with one another.
Speaking of bonding, here are 10 impactful family bonding activities (including volunteering) that you can try out this holiday season.
Support charities
Donating your time via volunteering is one way to make an impact during Thanksgiving.
Giving away stuff to support charities is another.
And there are plenty of charities out there that you can support.
From supporting local homeless shelters and food banks with food and clothes to making financial contributions to organizations you approve - there are lots of ways to support charities and have a positive impact on the community during Thanksgiving in Chicago.
Visit Christkindlmarket
Enjoying bits of pretzels, potato pancakes, and bratwurst and sipping mulled wine is a great way to whet your appetite for Thanksgiving dinner, don't you think? Head for Christkindlmarket to make it happen!
This German-themed market features a variety of vendors selling handmade gifts, traditional Christmas decorations, and delicious food and drinks.
You can also find live entertainment, such as carolers and musicians.
Christkindlmarket is the perfect place to find unique gifts for your friends and family, and it's also a great way to get into the holiday spirit.
Where is the Christkindlmarket this year? Christkindlmarket will be held at three locations this year - Daley Plaza, Gallagher Way, and RiverEdge Park in Aurora.
When does it take place? The market will be open every day from Friday, November 18th. On Thanksgiving Day (Thursday, November 24th), the market will run from 11 in the morning to 4 in the afternoon (all three locations).
Website: Visit the website
Location: Check address/Plan route on Google Maps
Inquiry form: Visit their contact page
Email: info@christkindlmarket.com
Phone: (312) 494-2175
Marvel at digital art at Art on the Mart
The largest digital art projection in the world would make for killer Instagram updates on Thanksgiving, right? And we have that right here in Chicago, visible from the Riverwalk.
Art on the Mart projects contemporary artwork across the river-facing side of the Merchandise Mart.
You may catch a glimpse of great works such as Harmonic AI by Ouchhh Studios, Shaping the Future by After School Matters, and The Nutcracker by Joffrey Ballet.
When does it take place? It takes place every day at 8:30 and 9:00 pm.
Website: Visit the website
Location: Check address/Plan route on Google Maps
Inquiry form: Visit their team contact page
Catch special events at our museums
From exhibitions showcasing holiday traditions from across the globe to a special performance of the classic The Nutcracker, there are so many special events happening across Chicago that capture the spirit of the holiday season!
View holiday traditions from around the world through Christmas Around the World and Holidays of Light at the Museum of Science and Industry (closed on Thanksgiving day but open for the rest of the weekend).
Check out a series of paintings by the artist David Hockney capturing the arrival of Spring at Normandy in France at the Art Institute.
Treat your kids (and yourself) to a performance of The Nutcracker unlike any you’ve ever seen before at The Immersive Nutcracker: A Winter Miracle at Lighthouse Artspace.
Drop in at Lincoln Park Zoo for Zoolights
One of the most cheerful ways to spend Thanksgiving weekend in Chicago - revel amidst cheerful displays made up of millions of twinkling lights.
That’s what Zoolights at Lincoln Park Zoo is all about!
It's a great way to get into the holiday spirit. The zoo is decorated with millions of lights and features light shows and holiday-themed performances.
Plus, it's a chance to support your favorite zoo and its animals.
When does it take place? Zoolights is closed on Thanksgiving Day. For the rest of Thanksgiving weekend, it’s open from 4:30 PM to 10:00 PM each day.
Website: Visit the webpage on the Zoo website
Location: Check address/Plan route on Google Maps
Inquiry form: Visit their team contact page
Phone: 312-742-2000
Go ice skating outdoors
Winter in Chicago means many things - one of the best has to be the reopening of outdoor ice skating rinks! Gather your loved ones, strap on your skates and see how gracefully you can skate through the ice on Thanksgiving!
Ice skating is a great way to grab some exercise, breathing in the brisk outdoor air and getting those muscles to work.
The best places in Chicago for ice skating during the Thanksgiving weekend
The ribbon-shaped trail at Maggie Daley Park is twice as large as the average rink and possibly the best rink in the city.
Want to skate with The Bean as the backdrop? Head for the McCormick Tribune Ice Rink in Millennium Park.
The Gallagher Ice Rink at Gallagher Way in Wrigleyville welcomes skaters, both newbies, and experienced folks.
If you want to try out new rinks and courses, or if you’d prefer a quieter and less crowded experience, check out the neighborhood and community skating rinks scattered throughout our city.
Visit Winterland at Gallagher Way
Located in Chicago's historic Wrigleyville neighborhood, Winterland lives up to its name - it IS a winter wonderland come to life.
With its charming Christmas lights and festive decorations, it's the perfect spot to get into the holiday spirit.
And if you're looking for something to do on Thanksgiving Day itself, Winterland offers a variety of holiday-themed activities, from ice skating and sledding to roasting marshmallows and making s'mores.
Website: Visit the website
Location: Check address/Plan route on Google Maps
Email: info@GallagherWay.com
Phone: (773) 388-8260
Go on city tours
Chicago is a great city to visit any time of year, but there's something special about the city during Thanksgiving.
It's the perfect time to take a tour of some of Chicago's most iconic landmarks.
The Chicago River is always beautiful during this time of year, and you can get a unique view of it from one of the many bridges that cross it.
The skyline is also particularly stunning when lit up for the holidays.
And, of course, no trip to Chicago would be complete without a visit to Millennium Park.
Thanksgiving is also a great time to enjoy some of the city's delicious food. Chicago is known for its deep dish pizza, but there are plenty of other great options as well.
Take the children to Harry Potter™: Magic at Play
A must-visit Thanksgiving attraction in Chicago this year if you’ve got kids!
It’s an interactive experience that your kids will absolutely adore…and you too will find hard to resist!
From venturing inside Platform 9 ¾™ to arriving at Hogwarts™ by boat, from being allotted a House by the Sorting Hat to treading through the mysterious Forbidden Forest, there are all kinds of magical activities waiting for you!
And you can visit the Butterbeer™ Bar for themed bites and drinks.
Website: Visit the website
Location: Check address/Plan route on Google Maps
Visit a Christmas tree farm
What better time to get into the Christmas spirit by visiting a tree farm than Thanksgiving?
This is a great opportunity to get a head start on your Christmas shopping and to find the perfect tree for your home.
Christmas tree farms are a fun place to spend the day, and you can even enjoy a cup of hot chocolate or apple cider while you browse the trees.
Chicago is home to many Christmas tree farms, and they are open to the public during the Thanksgiving weekend. You can find trees of all sizes and shapes, and you can even have them delivered to your home.
Start your holiday shopping
With all of the amazing shops and boutiques in Chicago, you're sure to find something for everyone on your list.
And what's more, we are home to some of the best Thanksgiving Day sales.
So if you're looking for extra savings this holiday season, be sure to check out the sales at some of Chicago's top shopping destinations.
From big-name department stores to small local shops, there's something for every taste in Chicago.
Check out the tree lights at the Morton Arboretum
Join the Arboretum for their10th annual holiday light show this Thanksgiving weekend!
You'll have a chance to walk through 50 acres of trees while enjoying DJ-curated music and displays set among these giants, all under one roof at Electric Illumination!
Website: Visit the webpage on the Arboretum website
Location: Check address/Plan route on Google Maps
Inquiry form: Visit their contact page
Email: trees@mortonarb.org
Phone: (630) 968-0074
Observing Thanksgiving 2022 in Chicago - a final word
So whether you want to attend a spectacular Thanksgiving parade, catch special exhibitions at museums and art galleries, or make a start on your holiday planning, Chicago has you covered.
Fox in a Box will be closed on Thanksgiving Day - we all have a lot to be thankful for and decided to take a well-deserved day off - but we’re all excited for the Parade, which starts only a couple of blocks away from our Dearborn Galleria location!
And if we missed your favorite Thanksgiving event or activity in Chicago, please do let us know - tweet/FB it out, tag us (we’re @foxinaboxchicago on FB and @foxinaboxCHI on Twitter).
Happy Thanksgiving!
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