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Top 5 Holiday Events in Chicago

Temps Drop but the Fun Doesn't Stop!

By Sara Yaniga, Macaroni Kid Chicago (Midtown) November 16, 2018

Chicago is full of magic this time of year and I honestly had a hard time narrowing the list down to five, so I included a link to my Holiday Event Guide just in case you are looking for more!


1) BMO Harris Magnificient Mile Lights Festival and Parade - For my family, the real prize is the parade, although the fun starts the day before on Wrigley Plaza.  This year, people will line Michigan Avenue, from Oak Street to the river, to watch as Mickey & Friends lead a parade of Chicago's favorites down the street and magically turn on the thousands of twinkling lights recently installed.  Like any decent holiday parade, there will be an appearance from Santa Clause as I heard reports of his sleigh touching down at O'Hare the other day.  To wrap up the night in style a holiday fireworks display can be seen from the viewing areas by the bridge.


2) CTA Holiday Train - I know a lot of people who have never done this for various reasons.  We don't own a car, so the CTA is my primary source of transportation and like to hop on the Holiday Train every couple of years.  My youngest is now old enough to enjoy it and since the CTA announced the schedule for the Holiday buses and trains today we will certainly be making a plan.  Last time we rode the Red Line north toward Howard and then continued on to Wilmette to have a pizza dinner and then head back home.  After Fullerton and Belmont the crowds thinned to about half and it was a much more comfortable ride.  The 2018 trains will be running from 11/23 until 12/21 and will include a new 'Workshop' train too!


3) Chicago Thanksgiving Day Parade - This is a long-running tradition in Chicago and one that I really enjoy.  This year the city welcomes a new sponsor for the event, but the line-up looks as entertaining as ever!  You can easily get to the parade route on the "L" trains as it will go down State Street, starting at Congress and heading north toward Randolph.  Plan ahead if you like to sleep in because the parade happens from 8:00 am to 11:00 am and you will want to leave enough time to get a spot along the route.


4) Playing in the snow - I know we have already seen the flakes falling from the sky, but we haven't had one of those great "play in the snow" days yet.  We have a couple of favorite spots to go when we get that first snowball worthy day - one is the beach and the other is Millenium Park near the Crown Fountains.  Space to run, play and make some snowpeople and angels.  The good thing about Chicago is all of the parks and green space that dot the city.  Each neighborhood probably has a great place to get some snow time.  If sledding is more your speed then despite being in a really flat state, Chicago has some really fun spots for speed - check out Cricket Hill, Soldier Field, and A. Montgomery Ward Park.  I have heard of a few more north of the city and look forward to checking them out.


5) Santa Hustle 5k - I am not a runner by any means, but I do enjoy the occasional local race, especially this one!  I discovered it last year when our son asked if he could do a race with me and this one seemed perfect.  It has a great family-friendly vibe, is well organized and has room for everyone from 4-minute milers to walkers.  Plus the novelty of a bunch of Santas running through Chicago is very appealing to kids of all ages.  If you would like to join us, please use the promo code MACARONIKID when registering for a discount!  Prices increase November 17th.






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