Best Things To Do In Chicago In November 2026
Hi, Chicago lovers! November is here, and the city is transforming into a holiday wonderland. From the Magnificent Mile Lights Festival to Christkindlmarket, ZooLights to the Thanksgiving Day Parade — this is one of the best months to be in Chicago.
I’ve rounded up the very best things to do in Chicago in November 2026, with verified dates, ticket links, and a few personal favorites. Whether you’re planning a staycation or just looking for a reason to get out of the house, this list has you covered.
Quick note: some of the links below are affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you grab tickets through them. It costs you nothing extra and it helps me keep these roundups coming.
Holiday Kickoff Events
November is when Chicago flips the switch from fall to the holidays. These are the big moments you don’t want to miss.
1. Magnificent Mile Lights Festival
Date: Saturday, November 21, 2026
The 35th anniversary of Chicago’s most beloved holiday tradition! Festivities start at 11 AM in Lights Festival Lane at Pioneer Court (401 N. Michigan Ave) with family activities and live music. At 5:30 PM, Mickey and Minnie Mouse lead the parade down Michigan Avenue with 40 illuminated floats, giant helium balloons, and marching bands. The night ends with fireworks over the Chicago River at 7:15 PM. Free!
Photo: Enjoy Illinois
2. Christkindlmarket Chicago
Dates: November 20 – December 24, 2026
Chicago’s iconic German Christmas market returns to Daley Plaza for its 30th year! Browse handmade ornaments, sip glühwein, and grab a bratwurst. Open daily — Sundays through Thursdays 11 AM to 8 PM, Fridays and Saturdays 11 AM to 9 PM. Free admission! There’s also a location in Wrigleyville at Gallagher Way (open through Dec 31).
Photo: Epicurean Traveler
3. City of Chicago Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony
Date: Friday, November 20, 2026
Watch the city’s official Christmas tree light up in Millennium Park. This free ceremony is pure Chicago magic — bundle up, grab some hot cocoa, and kick off the season right.
Photo: Powering Chicago
4. ZooLights at Lincoln Park Zoo
Dates: November 20, 2026 – January 3, 2027
Over 3 million lights transform Lincoln Park Zoo into a walkable winter wonderland. Stroll the grounds with hot chocolate or mulled wine, visit Santa, and ride the Ferris wheel. Tickets $7-$12 in advance, free on select Monday evenings (tickets released one week prior). Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day.
Photo: Lincoln Park Zoo
5. Lightscape at Chicago Botanic Garden
Opens: November 13, 2026
An after-dark illuminated trail through the Chicago Botanic Garden in Glencoe. Stunning light installations along a scenic walking path — one of the most beautiful holiday experiences in Chicagoland.
Photo: Choose Chicago
6. Illumination: Tree Lights at Morton Arboretum
Opens: November 14, 2026
A one-mile walking path through the Morton Arboretum in Lisle, surrounded by interactive light displays that highlight the beauty of trees in winter. A must-do if you haven’t been.
Photo: Morton Arboretum
Thanksgiving Week
7. Chicago Thanksgiving Day Parade
Date: Thursday, November 26, 2026, 7:45 – 10:00 AM
The 92nd annual parade takes over State Street on Thanksgiving morning! Giant helium balloons, marching bands, floats, and Santa himself. Free and perfect before your turkey dinner. Steps off at State and Ida B. Wells Drive, ends at Randolph.
Photo: Minute Media
8. Millennium Park Ice Rink
Opens: mid-November 2026
Lace up your skates with the Chicago skyline as your backdrop. The McCormick Tribune Ice Rink in Millennium Park is free to skate (rentals available) and pure winter magic, especially in the evening.
Photo: Location Scout
Wine, Food & Nightlife
9. Godfrey Wine Fest
Date: Saturday, November 14, 2026, 1:00 – 5:00 PM
Four hours of wine tastings on the I|O Godfrey rooftop (127 W. Huron St.)! Great views, great wine, great company. Tickets $25-$47.84. Discount Code: TWTR
Get tickets here — don’t forget code TWTR!
Photo: Hotel 27 North
Museums & Culture
November is a great month for museums — shorter lines, cozy indoor vibes, and free days if you time it right.
10. Art Institute of Chicago
One of the best art museums in the world, right on Michigan Avenue. Always free for Chicago teens under 18 and all children under 14. Illinois residents should check for additional free days.
Photo: MyRazz
11. Field Museum
Free Wednesdays for Illinois residents throughout 2026! Come say hi to Sue the T. rex and explore exhibits from around the world. Bring your Illinois ID.
12. Adler Planetarium
Free Wednesday evenings from 4 to 10 PM. Stargazing, lakefront views, and some of the best skyline photo ops in the city.
Theater & Shows
Chicago’s theater scene is stacked this November. Here are the shows worth seeing:
13. Jersey Boys
Dates: November 11 – 22, 2026 | CIBC Theatre, 18 W. Monroe St.
The Broadway sensation returns! The story of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons, celebrating 20 years. Tickets from $53.
14. Mrs. Doubtfire
Dates: November 24 – 29, 2026 | James M. Nederlander Theatre
The beloved ’90s classic on stage — perfect for Thanksgiving week! Tickets from $100.
15. A Christmas Carol
Dates: November 13 – December 31, 2026 | Goodman Theatre, 170 N. Dearborn St.
Goodman’s legendary production of Dickens’ classic. A Chicago holiday tradition. Tickets from $38.
16. Little Shop of Horrors
Dates: November 4 – December 13, 2026 | Biograph Theater
Porchlight Music Theatre’s production of the cult classic. Howard Ashman and Alan Menken’s iconic score — feed me, Seymour!
17. Mexodus
Dates: November 6 – 27, 2026 | Studebaker Theater
A live-looping hip-hop musical revealing a hidden chapter of American history. Bold, innovative, and uniquely Chicago.
18. Blue Man Group: A New Holiday Surprise
Dates: November 24 – December 13, 2026 | CIBC Theatre
The Blue Men bring their holiday spectacular back to Chicago. Fun for the whole family!
19. Chicago Theatre of Magic
World-class illusions inside the gorgeous Palmer House Hilton. Cocktails, magic, and that stunning historic setting. Get tickets: Book on Fever
Photo: Pinterest
20. Drunk Shakespeare
One actor takes five shots of whiskey, then attempts to perform Shakespeare. Chaotic, hilarious, and a guaranteed great night out. Get tickets: Book on Fever
Where to Stay: November Staycation Hotels
Coming in from the suburbs or making a weekend of it? These downtown hotels put you right in the middle of the holiday action.
Loews Chicago Hotel
Modern luxury in the heart of downtown, steps from the Magnificent Mile. Perfect home base for the Lights Festival. Book on Expedia
Photo: Chicago Hotels
Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel
That iconic wavy building in Lakeshore East! Stunning architecture, great views, and an unbeatable location. Book on Expedia
Photo: Hotel Executive
LondonHouse Chicago
Riverfront views and a rooftop that’s gorgeous even in November. Right on the Chicago River at Michigan Ave. Book on Expedia
Photo: ABN Save
Plan Your November
That’s my ultimate list of the best things to do in Chicago in November 2026! From holiday lights to Broadway shows, wine fests to museum days — there’s something for everyone this month.
Save this list for when you’re planning your weekends. And if you want my full Chicago itinerary with even more hidden gems, grab my Chicago guide here.
Tag @travelwiththerussells on social media to share your adventures. I love seeing where you go!
Enjoy your November in Chicago, friends. Worth the trip!
