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Thanksgiving in Chicago 2016 – Things to Do in November & More

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

Image credit: Choose Chicago.

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

The Adler Planetarium in Museum Campus in Chicago

The Adler Planetarium in 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

bike chicagoA 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

Resultado de imagen para McDonald’s Thanksgiving Day Parade

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

Image credit: Lockwood Restaurant.

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

Image credit: Chicago Parent.

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

Image credit: Magnificent Mile Facebook page.

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

Image credit: Magnificent Mile Facebook page.

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.

News

Weather, roadwork add up to good forecast for holiday commuters

All signs point to acceptable road conditions for Chicagoans who plan to travel over the Thanksgiving weekend. Though some roadblocks are inevitable — work on the Jane Byrne Interchange will continue, for example — other lane closures “will be lifted wherever possible,” said Gianna Urgo, spokeswoman for the Illinois Department of Transportation.

For instance, Illinois Tollway officials announced last week that more lanes were being opened on the Jane Addams Memorial Tollway as work wraps up on the $2.5 billion project to rebuild and widen that highway.

Additionally, the National Weather Service forecast for the rest of the week has just a little rain in it, and Thanksgiving itself is expected to be partly sunny. High temperatures will be in the 40s through Sunday.

Still, Priscilla Tobias, director of IDOT’s office of program development, is urging commuters to remain cautious.

“The holiday season is the busiest travel season,” Tobias said, “you’re also at a higher risk for being in a crash.”

There have been 974 traffic fatalities in Illinois this year through November 20, up roughly 10 percent from 2015’s 868. IDOT surveys also show that seat belt use by Illinois drivers in 2016 has decreased slightly, from 95.2 percent last year to 93 percent this year. That has Tobias worried.

“The major contributing factor in vehicular fatalities is lack of seatbelt usage,” Tobias said. “We have people getting ejected [from their cars] in crashes that could have been preventable.”

The Chicago Police Department announced they would have hundreds of extra officers on patrol, and would seatbelt and DUI checkpoints in place through Sunday. That day-and-night effort is an attempt to prevent Illinois’ traffic fatality numbers from reaching their highest in seven years.

State Police Capt. David Byrd says the increased enforcement will not slow down travelers who are obeying the law.

“We’ll have mobile patrols, some traffic stops,” Byrd said. “It shouldn’t slow anybody down too much.”

News

How Winning the World Series Helps Chicago Tourism and Transportation

Finally! After 108 years, the Chicago Cubs has won the World Series once again. It was 5 whole hours of anticipation, but it was worth it. Finally, this year’s team achieved what a few others only came so close to in the past, but never really grabbed.

The Curse of the Billy Goat

What caused the drought in the first place? Well, as any sports fan would know, the industry would always have a few superstitions here and there, and apparently, the Cubs was a victim of it.

William Sianis, owner of the Billy Goat Tavern, was enjoying game 4 of the 1945 World Series at Wrigley Field. Although this seems like a normal affair, what wasn’t acceptable was the fact that he had his pet goat, Murphy, with him at the time.

Understandably, the goat’s odor bothered all the fans around them. Because of this, Sianis was asked to leave the stadium.

This incident sparked the belief that the Cubs were cursed. People say that as Sianis was leaving the premises, he vowed that the Cubs would never win again. It was unclear at the time whether he was referring to the World Series, or to a National League Pennant. Evidently, the belief that the curse was in action was emphasized even more by the 108-year drought the team experienced.

How Chicago Wins as a City

So what do people from Chicago gain from all this, aside from the fact that they now hold the title once again? Finally, there’s something more to be excited about when people think about visiting Chicago. Wrigley Field tours have not exactly been on top of the list for people who aren’t really interested in the sport, but this win could turn out to be the site’s turning point.

Chicago has a lot of beautiful architecture, and a lot of cultural spots to see. This win after such a long drought is just the thing that would boost tourism around the city even more.

Going Around Chicago

If you plan on visiting Chicago anytime soon, there are a lot of ways for you to enjoy the city. You can experience real Chicago living by taking the L, or you can rent a bike and take advantage of the picturesque city. Even better, you can hire a Universal Taxi to take you around town. Cabbies, after all, are among the best tour guides you can ever find.

Download the Universal Taxi app and book your trip in advance. You can also book a cab anytime, anywhere, to save you from the trouble of having to flag down random taxis down the street. Once your driver has picked you up, make sure you add Wrigley Field on your list of must-sees. From there, your cabbie can start suggesting places you can visit next.

You can also ask cabbies where you can dine and shop. They’re bound to show you a few secrets that only locals know. And before you know it, you can start sharing unique Chicago experiences that nobody else but a local would know about.

News

New ‘Elves’ Workshop Train’ Joins CTA Holiday Train

A new “Elves’ Workshop Train” will follow the popular CTA holiday train through Chicago this winter, according to the Chicago Transit Authority.

Like the holiday train, the elves’ train will be adorned with garland, bows, and wintry scenes as “Santa’s Elves” hand out candy canes to riders. The six-car elf train will debut Nov. 26 and follow the holiday train every Saturday the holiday train is in service.

“The CTA holiday train and bus are iconic Chicago traditions that are enjoyed by thousands every year,” Dorval Carter, Jr., CTA’s president, said in a statement. “We’re pleased to expand on that strong Chicago tradition by offering the new Elves’ Workshop Train, which will allow even more customers to experience this unique holiday happening.”

The CTA will also roll out its annual holiday bus starting Nov. 29 on the No. 56 Milwaukee Avenue Bus. The full bus schedule can be found here.

CTA riders can track the holiday train and bus by using the CTA Train Tracker or clicking here.

Review

AAA predicting biggest Thanksgiving travel rush in 9 years

The slowly improving economy could boost travel over the Thanksgiving holiday to levels not seen in nine years.

AAA forecasts that 48.7 million Americans will travel, the busiest Thanksgiving period on U.S. roads and skies since 2007, the year before the global financial crisis plunged the U.S. economy into a deep recession.

The auto club AAA said Tuesday that it expects 1 million more Americans to venture at least 50 miles from home, a 1.9 percent increase over last year.

In Illinois, 2.5 million people will be traveling for the holiday weekend, a 1.6 percent increase from 2015. Of those travelers, nearly 2.3 million will be driving (up 1.9 percent from 2015) and 182,000 will be flying to their destination (a 1.5 percent decrease from 2015). Gas prices across Illinois are averaging $2.10 a gallon, down from $2.21 in 2015.

The forecast was assembled at research firm IHS, which said it considered jobs, household net worth, the stock market, prices for gasoline and airline tickets, and other factors.

The researchers did their number crunching in mid-October, about three weeks before the surprising outcome in the presidential election.

The AAA forecast predicts that from Wednesday, Nov. 23, through Sunday, Nov. 27, about 43.5 million Americans will take long car trips, 1.9 percent more than last year. AAA expects 3.7 million will travel by air, a 1.6 percent increase. Bus and train trips will grow less than 1 percent, the auto group said.

An airline-industry trade group is a bit more bullish. Airlines for America predicts that air travel will rise 2.5 percent over last year’s holiday, although the group considers Thanksgiving travel spanning a 12-day period that begins Nov. 18.

AIR TRAVEL TIPS

Planes are likely to be packed over the holiday, and bad weather or airline computer malfunctions can slow things to a crawl. If the unexpected happens, be ready to react quickly.

• Arrive early. At some airports, including Dallas-Fort Worth International and Dallas Love Field, garages and other facilities are under construction, making matters worse.

• Pack smart. Don’t put anything you really need — medicine, passport, other important papers — in your rollaboard bag; or remember to remove it if the airline orders you to gate-check your bag, which happens when flights are full and bins are overstuffed.

• Customer assistance. If your flight is canceled, get in line to talk to an airline customer rep but call the airline too. You might have better luck reaching an overseas number — look up the numbers before your trip.

News

Here’s What Illinois’ New License Plate Looks Like

Illinois cars are getting new license plates with a new look.

Secretary of State Jesse White announced Tuesday that the state will begin sending out replacement plates in 2017. Passenger cars will get them first on a rolling schedule that will stretch for years.

The new plates ditch the fancy, script font used for “Illinois,” replacing it with an all-caps, serif font.

It also features Abraham Lincoln off to the left side of the plate and a skyline with the Willis Tower and the state capitol in the background. The old plates had Honest Abe in the middle.

The change was made due to rusting issues with existing Illinois plates, the Sun-Times reported Tuesday. The state won’t be charged for the new plates due to a manufacturing error that caused the rust problem.

“This is a forward-thinking, long-term solution that does not require a complete replating overhaul, which would cost around $60 million,” said White. “This plan removes older plates and replaces them with newly designed plates within our current budget. This will ensure that plates are appropriately replaced with the ultimate goal being no license plate on the road will be more than 10- years-old.”

The oldest plates on the road will be replaced first. In 2017, passenger plates manufactured in 2000 and 2001 will be replaced, according to the secretary of state’s office.

In 2018, passenger plates made in 2002 and 2003 will be replaced. Each year the office will continue to replace older license plates with the new plate. The process will start again in 2027, replacing the plates issued in 2017.

Vehicle owners will be notified by mail if they qualify for the new license plates.

Review

Navigating Your Way through Chicago Airport Taxi Services

Traveling to Chicago? Here’s a go-to guide loaded with insider tips on how to get around the city and beyond, including navigation to and from the airports.

Although Chicago is a large, busy city, it’s quite easy to get around. But we at Universal Taxi recommend that you always plan ahead to cut back on your transportation budget. Also, planning helps you get the most out of riding public transportation.

First things first, think of the Chicago area as vertical with Lake Michigan as the border to the east. The grid system is a straightforward blueprint for directions. One mile is equivalent to eight blocks. This is important if you plan on doing a lot of walking or biking around the city.

Chicago Airports

  • O’Hare International Airport

O’Hare is one of the busiest airports in the world. It’s roughly 15 miles NW of the Loop in Chicago’s downtown area. It has five airport terminals, each with information booths as well as multilingual staff.

If you have multiple luggage and prefer a car ride, you can opt for a taxi service. Getting a cab from Universal Taxi will allow you to conveniently go to the city straight from the airport. An alternative is the Go Airport Express vans. GAE provides services to most Chicago hotels, but you must have a reservation in advance.

Travel time from O’Hare to downtown Chicago is 30 minutes, without traffic. Public transit is also an option, especially if you want to avoid rush-hour traffic. Trains leave every six to ten minutes throughout the day, and every 30 minutes at night.

  • Midway International Airport

Although quite small compared to O’Hare, Midway is nearer to the Loop. The choices for getting into downtown Chicago by car are just like those you can find at O’Hare. Taxi services and Airport Express vans are easily accessible – but with booking requirements for the latter. Without traffic, the ride takes roughly 20 minutes.

Using public transit is fast and easy too. However, unlike O’Hare where the operation continues day-in, day- out, services under Midway transit stops between 11:30 PM and 5:00 AM.

Around the City

  • Taxis

Cabs are abundant in Chicago so finding one is relatively easy. While it’s a bit pricey compared to taking the bus or the L, riding a cab provides a fast and hassle-free way to get around the city. If you want to go beyond the downtown area, hiring a taxi service is recommended.

  • Chicago Public Transportation (CTA)

CTA buses and trains are fast and cost-effective options to go around Chicago. If it’s your first time here, riding the L is an experience you shouldn’t miss.  It’s an authentic “Chicago thing” and a cool way to see The Loop from a different vantage point.

  • Walk or Bike

Discover the hidden gems of Chicago by walking or biking. Either is great, especially if you’re going around with friends. Walk from one shop to another. Bike when exploring the parks.

Beyond Chicago

For travels outside of the city – especially if it’s only for a day – book a taxi service instead of hiring a rental car.

News, Review

606 To The River: The Big And Small Ideas Of River Trail Action Plan

Connecting the popular 606 Trail to a continuous riverfront path is just one of the big ideas included in the detailed “Chicago River Trail Action Plan” released Thursday by the Active Transportation Alliance.

After sharing a high-level summary of the report in October, the alliance now is putting meat on the plan’s bones. Specific recommendations encompass everything from major infrastructure projects to minor sign improvements.

The advocacy group consulted with community organizations and city agencies on its proposals. Although the centerpiece of the plan is a 27-mile continuous river trail, the alliance also focused on the need for user-friendly connections to the waterway for pedestrians and cyclists approaching from the east and west.

The plan separates the riverfront into seven “zones” — from Edison Park on the Northwest Side to Archer Heights on the Southwest Side — and notes existing conditions, areas of opportunity and needed improvements.

Among the “big ideas”: Create a network of neighborhood greenways on the Northwest Side to overcome barriers, such as highways and railroad embankments, that limit access to the North Branch Trail.

An elaborate rendering demonstrates how the 606 could connect to a Chicago River Trail via underpasses, ramps and bridges.

On a far smaller scale, the alliance points out areas where simply painting new stripes for bike lanes would make it safer for cyclists to get to the river.

The Chicago River Trail Action Plan is merely advisory; the alliance seeks to build consensus and identify priorities to move development forward.

The recent push for a continuous trail is aimed in part at taking advantage of a “unique window of opportunity,” according to the alliance.

With a number of public and private projects either underway or scheduled to break ground along the river, several miles of trail could rapidly come to fruition, and coordination is necessary, the report states.

Review

How to Enjoy Chicago during the Holiday Season

Chicago is one of the largest cities in the US. It’s also one of the best places to visit during the holidays. The Windy City has its own traditions, and your holiday season can become a lot merrier if you join us and experience Christmas in Chicago.

Here are some of the best ways you can enjoy your holiday season here in our city. To fully enjoy the scenery while going from one attraction to another, hire a Universal Taxi.

Winter Wonderfest

If you want the ultimate winter wonderland shebang in Chicago, this is the place to be. The festival at Navy Pier starts in December and lasts just over a month. It’s the perfect blend of Christmas activities, games, rides, and ice skating. You also get access to rows after rows of food vendors selling the most scrumptious delicacies.  

Ice Skating Extravaganza

If you want a unique Chicago experience with a stellar view, go visit Millennium Park. One of the fun things you can do alone or with your loved ones during the holidays is ice skating. Make memories at this beautiful park with a gorgeous backdrop. Located spectacularly right in front of the “Bean,” you can skate as long as you want. Rental fees for the skate gear are cheap too.  

Lights Festival

If you would love to witness a spectacular light display, the Lincoln Park Zoo Lights Festival is right up your alley. It’s an exquisite, one-of-a-kind Christmas lights show that you won’t probably see anywhere else in the world. Another great thing about this festival is it’s for free. You can come alone or bring your friends and family with you, and feast your eyes on what the dazzling lights can do. While you’re at the park, you can also take part in various holiday activities like taking a picture with Santa, creating holiday crafts, and carving ice sculptures.

Museum Hopping

Chicago is almost synonymous to museums. Regardless of what mood you are in for the day, you can find a museum to match it. Educational facilities and museums in Chicago are a big deal. If you truly want an authentic Chicago experience while getting away, even temporarily, from the freezing temperature outside, you only have to visit our museums and galleries. If you’re lucky enough, you may even get a holiday entrance discount.

Holiday Shopping

Between Chicago and Chicagoland, you’ll find dozens of impressive shopping areas to help you complete your holiday shopping. Visit the famous Michigan Avenue, go to Roscoe Village, or look around at the Christkindlmarket at Daley Plaza. These are great places to start! And don’t forget the local stalls and markets all over the city.

And when all fails, think of Chicago Pizza

No doubt about it, Chicago is the home of the best pizza joints in the world. Chicago pizza doesn’t just fill you up in the most delicious way, it’s also the easiest way to enjoy an authentic experience in our city.

Chicago is a vibrant, urban place that celebrates the holiday spirit. Enjoy the season to the fullest and let Universal Taxi be your guide.

News, Review

Suspension Bridge That Soars Over Lake Shore Drive At 35th Street Opens

A tall, sleek white bridge designed to allow cyclists and pedestrians to cross Lake Shore Drive at 35th Street opened Wednesday evening.

Mayor Rahm Emanuel was on hand, along with other elected officials, city transportation officials and community members, to celebrate the opening of the city’s first suspension bridge spanning the southern portion of Lake Shore Drive.

“Chicago is only as strong as its neighborhoods, and the investment we’ve made in this beautiful new bridge strengthens Bronzeville and makes it easier for residents to enjoy our unparalleled lakefront,” said Emanuel. “This project will improve the health of the community and its residents. It also brightens the future of Bronzeville and builds on the great momentum we’re seeing throughout the community.”

Unlike the narrower bridge that previously straddled the drive at 35th Street, the suspension bridge is 20 feet wide and fully accessible to people with disabilities, city Transportation Department spokesman Mike Claffey said.

Resultado de imagen para A rendering of the bridge

Like San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge, the weight of the 35th Street bridge is suspended over the roadway “by cables, ropes or chains from two tall towers.”

Plans for the bridge first were announced in 2014, and Emanuel said it was designed to allow Bronzeville residents to get to the lakefront without traveling to 31st Street or 39th Street.

Ald. Sophia King (4th) echoed Emanuel sentiments, but also mentioned the historical aspect of the bridge’s location.

“The 4th Ward is immensely honored to house the only single-cable suspension bridge in the city of Chicago, which will serve as a passageway to one of our community’s most prized assets — the lakefront,” King said. “Moreover, the bridge is anchored only steps away from the Stephen Douglas Tomb and Memorial, which further underscores the depth of distinction and historical significance.”

The bridge was built with $18 million from the federal government and $5 million in state funds.

The only other suspension bridge in Chicago crosses the Chicago River between Lincoln Park and Wicker Park.

The bridge also features architectural and safety lighting, landscaping enhancements and pedestrian plazas on both ends, Claffey said.

The bridge stands about 17 feet above the drive, officials said.

By the end of 2018, city officials plan to build a pedestrian bridge at 41st Street and 43rd Street, and replace vehicular bridges at 31st Street and 39th Street, Claffey said.

Michelle Wall, a Bronzeville resident, said she thinks the bridge will be a great addition to the community.

“It’s nice that we have this addition. We have 31st and 39th [streets]; it’s great that people can enjoy the lakefront from this side of Bronzeville,” Wall said. “It’s a great way for us to get to the lake even more from bikes and even more.”

In recent months, a Mariano’s store has opened up the Bronzeville/Douglas neighborhood, and there are plans to build a Culver’s franchise in the community.