Searching for things to do in Chicago in early November? There are a range of Chicago November events. Chicago in November has its unique charm. Each November, The city of Chicago is filled with the spirit of Christmas, and with Halloween just passed, people are lively, and the atmosphere is bustling. With the city lit up with Christmas lights and the spirit of Thanksgiving in the air, Chicago in November will impress you more than any other place. November is a good time to visit Chicago. Explore our blog for a detailed guide on things to do in Chicago in early November, and immerse yourself in the festive and lively ambience of this vibrant city.
Things to do in Chicago Early November 2024
🎄1. Magnificent Mile Lights Festival
One of the best things to do in Chicago early November is head to The Wintrust Magnificent Mile Lights Festival. It is a beloved tradition, this spectacular holiday event includes a parade and the official lighting of the trees along iconic Michigan Avenue. The Wintrust Magnificent Mile Lights Festival® has been a thrilling and joyful holiday event for thirty-three years. The highlight is the biggest evening parade in the United States. Guided by Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse, the amazing 2024 parade along North Michigan Avenue will showcase splendid floats with cherished characters. The Wintrust Fireworks Spectacular, and one million lights shining on The Magnificent Mile’s 200+ trees.
This year, with support from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity and Enjoy Illinois, visitors can enjoy exciting new lighting: Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse from Walt Disney World® Resort will magically light up specific blocks along the parade route by the Chicago River with dazzling new illuminations along with giant Santa Kermit and Animal helium balloons, creative floats, and well-known musical stars including DJ Chip E, the iconic ladies of Chic performing Good Times and Le Freak, among others!
- TIME: Saturday, November 23rd
- Address: Pioneer Court at 401 North Michigan Ave
🎄2. Light Up the Lake at Navy Pier
Discovering fun things to do in Chicago in November, like watching the light up on the Navy Pier, could create cherished memories with your family and friends. Navy Pier is thrilled to introduce a revamped Light Up The Lake, the biggest indoor and outdoor holiday event in Chicago! Come celebrate winter with us as we brighten Chicago’s premier lakefront location from November 24th to December 31st. Discover the Pier’s stunning outdoor light exhibits by the lake. Enjoy the pleasure of outdoor ice skating with the stunning scenery of Lake Michigan. Gather with loved ones and enjoy roasting s’mores around the warm fire pits. Spark your imagination at our festive workshops.
Uncover unique treasures at local artisan markets. Feel the excitement of throwing axes. Savor live music each weekend featuring local artists. Enjoy a trip on the warmed Centennial Ferris Wheel. Make unforgettable moments with loved ones at Navy Pier fireworks displays every Saturday.
- Time: November 24th – December 31st 12:00 pm – 8:00 pm
- Address: 600 E. Grand Avenue, Chicago, IL 60611
🎄3. Christkindlmarket Chicago
Finding free things to do in Chicago in November? Visit the Christkindlmarket Chicago. Christkindlmarket is regarded as the most authentic German-style holiday market of its kind outside of Europe, and it offers a unique shopping experience, family-friendly events and intercultural activities. Stroll through this enchanted winter bazaar, which is modeled after traditional German Christmas markets, while sipping a mug of hot wine. Anticipating the Christkindlmarkets in 2024. The cherished Chicago holiday custom will be held at RiverEdge Park in Aurora and Daley Plaza in Chicago.
At the Christkindlmarket market, what can you anticipate? The whole family can enjoy a safe outdoor experience at the German-style Christmas Market. Admission to all Christkindlmarkets is always free. A trip to the market takes all your senses on a voyage, filled with the aroma of roasted nuts, fresh pretzels, bratwurst, and hot spiced wine, as well as the sound of festive music and the sparkle of Christmas ornaments. Visitors can take part in special activities, browse vendor products from around the globe, and savor the distinctive shopping experience.
- Chicago at Daley Plaza:
Time: November 22 – December 24
Sunday through Thursday: 11 am – 8 pm; Friday through Saturday: 11 am – 9 pm
Special Opening Hours:
Thanksgiving (November 28): 11 am – 4 pm; Christmas Eve (December 24): 11 am – 4 pm
- Address: Daley Plaza, 50 W Washington St, Chicago, IL 60602
- Christkindlmarket Aurora is open Thursdays to Sundays*
Thursday: 11 am – 7 pm; Friday through Saturday: 11 am – 9 pm; Sunday: 11 am – 6 pm
Special Opening Hours:
Thanksgiving (November 28): 11 am – 4 pm; December 16 through December 18: 11 am – 7 pm; December 23: 11 am – 7 pm; Christmas Eve (December 24): 11 am – 4 pm
- Address: RiverEdge Park, 360 N. Broadway, Aurora, IL 60505
🎄4. Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony
One of the most exciting things to do in Chicago in November is watch Tree Lighting Ceremony in Millennium Park. The yearly illumination of the tall tree in Millennium Park is always breathtaking, and Christmas tree lighting is a beloved holiday tradition. From November 22 to January 8, the 111th Annual City of Chicago Christmas Tree in Millennium Park, Chicago’s “official” Christmas tree, will be shining brightly close to the intersection of Michigan Avenue and Washington Street. Of course, there is more than one place hosting Christmas tree lighting events in Chicago in November.
- Time: November 22, 2024—January 8, 2025
- Tree Lighting Ceremony • Friday, November 22 at 6pm, pre-show at 5pm
- Address: Millennium Park, Near Michigan Ave. & Washington St.
🎄5. ZooLights at Lincoln Park Zoo
Are you looking for things to do in Chicago early November? Going to ZooLights at Lincoln Park Zoo is a great option. This extravagant light show, featuring over a million sparkling lights, is a cherished community tradition. Lincoln Park Zoo is excited to host Sensory-Friendly Night at ZooLights on December 4. During this special event, all blinking or moving lights will remain static or turned off. Music will be turned to low volume as well. Celebrate with us in a landmark year for Chicagoland’s beloved holiday tradition, ZooLights will showcase over 3 million lights, comprising hundreds of glowing LED installations and holiday-themed experiences.
Explore the exciting holiday light tunnel or take a spin on the famous Ferris wheel, offering stunning vistas of the skyline and sparkling lights. Enjoy hot cocoa or grills over an open flame. On certain evenings, join in singing with carolers or be captivated by skilled ice sculptors. Connect with Lincoln Park Zoo on Facebook or Instagram to keep informed about all the updates for related Chicago events in November 2024!
- ZooLights tickets: $7–10 depending on the day. Most weekdays are $7 and weekends and premium nights are $10.
- Time: November 15, 2024–January 5, 2025
🎄6. Lightscape at Chicago Botanic Garden
Things to do in Chicago in early November also include viewing and appreciating this enchanted outdoor Lightscape show that fills these expansive Glencoe gardens. The popular Chicago November event attracts locals and visitors. At Chicago Botanic Garden, you can embrace the beauty and spirit of the season while illuminating the Garden with art, music, and light. With stunning installations making their premiere in the United States, this year’s reinvented trail elevates and illuminates our holiday celebration to new heights. At Lightscape, forget about your to-do list and create lifelong experiences. With your pals, take a stroll through Lightscape while enjoying locally made cocktails and a night to remember.
- Time: November 15, 2024 – January 5, 2025
- Address: 1000 Lake Cook Road Glencoe, IL 60022
🎄7. Tree Lights at The Morton Arboretum
One of Chicago November events you can’t miss is Tree Lights at The Morton Arboretum. 17 light and sound performances that showcase the beauty of trees in the winter are part of the 2024 exhibition. Trees light up with a hug, kinetic LED tall grasses recognise a natural species of the Midwest, and fairy lights draped over a remote glade. This year’s addition to the Gerard T. Donnelly Grand Garden is Celebration Circle, an interactive light show that consists of four groups of illuminated tree-shaped installations that are all timed to different musical instruments. The Arboretum Store is open later during Electric & Illumination for holiday shopping.
Celebrate the holidays and marvel at how light transforms a magnificent landscape at Illumination. All ages will enjoy this festive experience’s captivating elements and interactive exhibits. Enjoy a tasty meal at the Ginkgo Restaurant while watching a laser light show over Meadow Lake; stop by the Frost Hill concession tent for snacks and drinks or roast marshmallows. We recommend things to do in Chicago for couples, family and friends.
Illumination: Tree Lights at The Morton Arboretum
- Time: Saturday, November 16, 2024, through Saturday, January 4, 2025, open daily 4:30 to 9:30 p.m.
- Address:4100 Illinois Route 53, Lisle, IL 60532
🎄8. Chicago Thanksgiving Parade
Watch The Chicago Thanksgiving Parade is a popular thing do in Chicago early November. Beginning with a fun-filled morning in the center of downtown Chicago, the Chicago Thanksgiving Parade has been a local institution for nearly 90 years. TimeOut Magazine even ranked the family-friendly event as the nation’s #2 Thanksgiving parade. On Thanksgiving morning, the parade takes over Chicago’s famous State Street in the Loop from 8 to 11 a.m. At this free event for all ages, watch the vibrant procession ascend State Street from Ida B. Wells Drive north to Randolph Street. Originally known as the Christmas Caravan, the parade was started in the 1930s as a way to cheer people up during the Great Depression. To this day, it remains a beloved Christmas custom. Pluto TV will live stream Chicago November Events-Thanksgiving Parade for a national audience.
- Time: Thursday, Nov. 28, 2024, from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. CT.
- Address: State Street in The Loop
🎄9. Ice Skating in Millennium Park
Come enjoy a traditional wintertime Chicago custom, ice skating is one of the most fun things to do in Chicago in November. There are numerous quaint ice rinks that appear across Chicago in November. For both locals and tourists, these seasonal rinks are a favorite winter activity. For a day of snowy enjoyment, you may skate on one of the picturesque ice rinks at Millennium Park or get on the ice in one of the numerous local parks in Chicago. One of the most beloved Chicago traditions is ice skating at Millennium Park. Every winter, there are two special public ice rinks in the downtown park.
You may spin on the unique ribbon of ice that winds through Maggie Daley Park after gliding along under the lights of Michigan Avenue and the shadow of The Bean. It’s the ideal winter pastime for date nights, families, and more. Every winter, two free picturesque ice rinks appear in Millennium Park, so grab your skates and stop by.
- Time: Saturdays and Sundays from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. between November 16 and February 2, weather permitting
- Address: Millennium Park | Chicago, IL
🎄10. Festival of Wood and Barrel-Aged Beer
Join in the fun things to do in Chicago in November at the Festival of Wood and Barrel-Aged Beer. For over two decades, FoBAB has brought together the best barrel-aged brewing programs in the country, bringing together brewers who have mastered the art and science of balancing wood and bourbon, timing and skill, for a unique display of brewing innovation and mastery. From coast to coast, experts of barrel-aging brewing enter their unique wood- and barrel-aged beer, cider, mead, and perry for competition every year. All FoBAB entries are assessed by a group of knowledgeable judges and industry stewards, who also bestow “Best in Show” awards across 13 distinct style categories in addition to gold, silver, and bronze medals. At this cult-favourite competition, sample the rarest, most exclusive wood and barrel-aged beers from over 100 breweries.
- Ticket: $85 GENERAL ADMISSION
- Time:
- SESSION 1 | FRIDAY NOVEMBER 22
- 6:00 – 10:00 p.m. (ImBIBE entry at 5:00 p.m.)
- SESSION 2 | SATURDAY NOVEMBER 23
- 1:00 – 5:00 p.m. (ImBIBE entry at 12:00 p.m.)
- Address: 525 S. Racine Ave. | Chicago, IL 60607
Weather of Chicago in November
Located in the US Midwest in the state of Illinois, Chicago in November is very cold, with an average of 5°C. The temperature drops to 0°C after nightfall, so gloves, hats, and scarves are essential. November is predicted to bring about 75 mm of rain and 30 mm of snow, but there will also likely be bright skies during this time of year. As a result, the weather of Chicago in November is cold and windy as winter arrives. If you visit Chicago in November and try to experience some things to do in Chicago in November, make sure you take lots of warm layers and a thick winter coat in case of snow.
Tips for Visitors Enjoy Chicago November Events
- Pack a spare pair of shoes or boots, along with a medium-weight jacket, scarves, gloves, or caps. Remember, the weather of Chicago in November is cold and windy.
- Selecting the ideal hotel or short-term rental apartment in Chicago. Since Chicago is a significant American metropolis, you have a variety of lodging choices. Making a list of your interested things to do in Chicago in early November and book a hotel close to your traveling destination.
- Since November is not the busiest travel month, you can book budget-friendly hotels in Chicago. You can receive a comparatively lower price if you reserve your room, ideally a few months in advance. And don’t forget to make a call to your hotel to inquire about any discounts, buffets, tour packages, taxis, etc.
- You can also save money by booking student housing in November. Check out uhomes.com if you’re studying in there and intend to rent new student housing in Chicago; we have a lot of affordable student apartments available.
Conclusion of Things to do in Chicago Early November
As you can see, there are many fun things to do in Chicago in early November. Chicago in November is gorgeous, and there are more fun things to do in Chicago in November waiting for you to explore. Imagine the entire city is lit up and decorated. Every month in Chicago has some events and activities, and Chicago November events are the most lively and rewarding to experience. Your trip to Chicago in November will be magical and unforgettable.
FAQ About Things to do in Chicago Early November
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