Spending time with friends and family during Thanksgiving in Chicago this year? Even if you’re not spending your entire time in Chicago itself, it’s a great idea to make the most of your trip by spending an afternoon, or maybe the weekend, in the city.

If you’re researching some activities for Thanksgiving in Chicago 2016, check out these suggestions of local activities and more seasonal things to do in November.

They’re a great way to explore Chicago during the holidays, and get an early glimpse of their famous holiday decorations Save on Attraction Admission

Regular admission to a number of these Chicago attractions are included on the Go Chicago® Card.

Choose as you go from dozens of top attractions and save up to 55% on combined admission vs. paying at the gate.

Chicago Christmas Tree Lighting

Millennium Park November 18, 2016

This year’s ceremony will be held in the Millennium Park location, although you can also watch from the comfort of your home (which you may want to do if it’s typical November weather!).

If you do choose to venture abroad, Millennium Park is also home to a number of excellent Chicago attractions, from the award-winning Art Institute of Chicago to the charming Lurie Garden (pretty fascinating even in the cold weather).

Getting In: Admission to the Christmas Tree Lighting is free. Art Institute of Chicago tickets are included with the Go Chicago® Card.

Chicago’s Museum Campus

If you’re looking for some indoor attractions in the Chicago fall weather, you can’t go wrong with the fine institutions at the Museum Campus.

Choose from the kid-favorite Shedd Aquarium, the fascinating Adler Planetarium, and my favorite, The Field Museum.

Each of these offers something unique to visitors, from an astonishing collection of natural and historical artifacts to some of the ocean’s most majestic creatures. Take the kids and spend the whole day at the Museum Campus!

Plan to visit at least two of these museums on the same day to maximize your time and the value of your card.

Getting In: Admission to all three Museum Campus institutions is included with the Go Chicago® Card.

Go for a Family Bike Ride

A bike ride is the way to get your exercise in Chicago while staying warm in the crisp fall air. It’s the perfect way to be out and active, as you zoom around the parks, along the lakeside, and throughout the city.

Check out the City of Chicago Bike Map  in order to plan your route before you go. With 20 miles of lake-front paved paths, Chicago offers plenty of opportunities to explore the beauties of nature in autumn.

Getting In: Bike rentals by Bike and Roll Chicago are included with the Go Chicago® Card.

McDonald’s Thanksgiving Day Parade Downtown Chicago
November 24, 2016

This parade has it all. In addition to the nation’s best marching bands, ginormous helium balloons of your favorite cartoon characters, and gorgeously decorated floats, you can expect tons of musical talent, too!

Arrive early to snag a spot along the parade route, or enjoy watching snuggled in your living room.

Getting In: Admission to the McDonald’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is free.

Thanksgiving Dinner at the Palmer House Hilton 

The Loop November 24, 2016

If you’re not one for cooking at home – or, if like many Chicagoans, you’re dealing with big family in a small apartment – check out one of the many fabulous spreads throughout the city.

One of the most famous is the Thanksgiving Dinner held each year at the Lockwood Restaurant in the historic Palmer House hotel.

It’s a bit pricey, but the elegant atmosphere and unsurpassed dining experience are worth it. Remember to make reservations soon, as it books up quickly for this special event.

Getting In: Thanksgiving Dinner at the Palmer House Hilton is separately ticketed and is not included with the Go Chicago® Card. For more information and to make reservations, please visit the restaurant website.

Christkindlmarket

Downtown Chicago
November 18 – December 24, 2016

Thanksgiving is right about the time when Chicago’s gamed Christkindlmarket gets going, a lovely tradition you won’t want to miss out on.

It’s basically a combination Christmas craft fair and German food extravaganza – two of our favorite things in one!

It’s a great place to get some holiday shopping done, and is a wonderful way to experience Chicago’s strong German heritage.

Getting In: Admission to Christkindlmarket is free.

Holiday Windows 

The Magnificent Mile Late November – December

Given its eclectic mixture of high-end stores, funky independent shops, and the most creatively designed major chain stores, it’s not surprising that the Magnificent Mile is even more beautiful than usual during the holiday season.

Right around Thanksgiving you’ll start to see the holiday decorations go up, and if you’re anything like me you’ll be tempted to photograph all of them.

Get some holiday shopping done and enjoy the first tastes of the December holidays.

Getting In: Window-watching on the Magnificent Mile is free.

Mag Mile Lights Festival November 19, 2016 Michigan Avenue

If you’re in town the weekend before Thanksgiving, don’t miss out on the BMO Harris Magnificent Mile Lights Festival!

It’s a beautiful celebration of light and color along one of the city’s most vibrant neighborhoods, filled with music, dancing, fireworks, and more.

Getting In: Admission to the Magnificent Mile Lights Festival is free.

Remember to Save on Attraction Admission

We listed just a few fun suggestions for things to do in November and Thanksgiving in Chicago 2016. Of course, there are plenty of other activities to help fill your plans.

Remember, many of these great options are included on the Go Chicago® Card, where you can save up to 55% on combined admission vs. paying at the gate.

Please note, the November and Thanksgiving events taking place at some of these attractions may be separately ticketed and not included with the Go Chicago® Card.

Consider adding a few of these fun options to your November weekend itineraries.