If you’re looking for things to do in Chicago before the Black Friday Sales start, here is my list this year:
1. Dance Chicago - November 6 to November 29 The 14th annual, month-long fest of dance at Athenaeum Theatre. I recommend this dance festival whether you are a dancer or not, they feature the most creative and talented dancers in Chicago.
2. SOFA - International Exposition of Sculpture Objects and Functional Art
An enticing exploration of functional arts held at Navy Pier. Ok so this is a high end arts exhibition and sale. Maybe not for everyone. But go if you want to be inspired or find the most unique piece for your home. It will be at Festival Hall @ Navy Pier this year. $15 admission, open from 11am to 8pm Nov 7-9th 2010.
3. Macy’s Holiday Windows & 103rd Great Tree Lighting Ceremony with Katharine McPhee - The State Street Store Macy’s (111 N. State) unveils it’s famous holiday window displays for 2010 and the 45-foot Walnut Room Christmas tree (now with LED lights) at 12 Noon on Saturday November 6th. Check it out with the family on the 7th floor at Noon.
4. Christmas Around the World - The Museum of Science and Industry’s popular holiday event will help the museum celebrate its 75th year. The great thing about going this year is that they have updated a lot of other exhibits in the Museum so it is more worth the trip to see Science Storms also. (avoid the “Net” exhibit though, very 1996).
5. Millennium Park Ice Rink Opens for the Season - It is a great family holiday tradition to go skating in Millennium Park and it’s great exercise to work off the extra holiday bakery. This rink opens in November and stays open until about mid-March every year. Located on Michigan Avenue.
6. Radio City Xmas Spectacular with the Rockettes If you have never been to Radio City Music Hall in New York City, you can see the show here in Chicago too.
7. A Christmas Carol at the Goodman Theatre - Another family tradition to see in person instead of just in old movies.
8. Magnificent Mile Lights Festival - Saturday, November 20 This Chicago parade starts the official shopping and the season on Michigan Avenue. See live performances by Allstar Weekend presented by Radio Disney, KT Tunstall presented by 101.9fm THE MIX. 11AM – 3PM and it is free.
9. Thanksgiving Day Parade - Thursday, November 25 @ 8:30 AM on State Street from Congress to Randolph We have a Thanksgiving Day Parade right here in Chicago. New York has nothing on this one.
10. Winter Flower Show at Garfield Park Conservatory - Garfield Park Conservatory’s holiday flower show is stunning. This begins in the last week of November and runs through December. No admission but donations appreciated.
11. Also, Reyka Vodka, the first-ever vodka distilled in Iceland, is wrapping up a sweepstakes December 1st which will allow ten lucky Reyka fans to win an all expense paid trip for two to Iceland, during which they can discover this unique country and spend some time with some of Iceland’s most renowned cultural Icons, as they explore their passion for art, design, adventure, or music. Iceland Naturally – Reyka Toast To Iceland Sweepstakes
