Each year, Chicago is a great place to celebrate the holiday season and this year is no exception! The season kicks off in full gear this Thanksgiving weekend with numerous events bound to provide hours of fun for you and your family.
Chicago Christmas Tree Lighting
The 100th anniversary of Chicago’s Christmas tree-lighting ceremony will take place on Tuesday, November 26th at 6pm. Mayor Rahm Emanuel will be joined by The Moore family of South Holland who donated this year's tree along with other guests including special performer Darlene Love. This century-old celebration continues in Daley Plaza.
McDonald's Thanksgiving Parade
Santa Claus, Ronald McDonald and a cast of thousands bring you the 79th Anniversary of the McDonald’s Thanksgiving Parade, marching down State Street on Thanksgiving Day. Whether you’re moving your feet to the carols of marching bands, gazing up at the gigantic inflatable helium balloons making their way down the street, or waving at floats, there is fun to be had by all at the biggest holiday parade in Chicago. The Thanksgiving Parade is the only parade in the city of Chicago to feature inflatable balloons every year. Grab the kids and head over to State Street for some free parade entertainment. Over 400,000 people lines the parade route on State Street each year.
ZooLights
Lincoln Park Zoo is home to ZooLights sponsored by ComEd and Charter One. Enjoy the brilliance of this annual fun, free and family-oriented holiday celebration featuring luminous displays throughout the zoo grounds. The switch gets flipped on November 29th and ZooLights will shine Friday-Sunday through December 13th and nightly thorough December 23rd and then again from December 26th through January 5th.
This year's festive activities include a new route with even more lights, photos with Santa through 12/23, free holiday crafts, holiday gift shopping, live ice carving, carousel and train rides, musical lights show and more!
These events are just a few of the many Thanksgiving week holiday activities that make Chicago a great place to live. If you'd like to find out more about living in Chicago, click here to contact Menard Johnson & Associates Real Estate. They've been in the Chicago real estate business for over 30 years and can help you find your next home.
