Chicago Special Events
Magnificent Mile Lights Festival
The holidays become lifetime memories when individuals and families include the Magnificent Mile Lights Festival on their calendars. This tradition brings more than a million lights to life in Chicago on the weekend leading up to Thanksgiving. The trees lining the Magnificent Mile on North Michigan Avenue are dressed up and draped with twinkling reminders of this time of year. There are fabulous music performances, longer shopping hours, and a parade that is guaranteed to make every comer get into the spirit of the season. Kids love seeing Chicago's sport mascots, and oldsters love the feeling that comes with enjoying the festive celebration.
Life Time Turkey Day 5K
No one needs to sit around and gain weight on Thanksgiving when there is a Life Time Turkey Day 5K in which to participate. Lincoln Park is the launching pad for friends and family to run, jog, or walk along Lake Michigan's shoreline. Regardless of the weather, the run goes on, so participants are advised to dress the part. At registration, gear check will be available. Even the younger generation from ages two to 12 will be happily participating in a loop course that is divided up by age groups. Food donations for the Greater Chicago Food Depository will be appreciated and accepted on Thanksgiving Day at the race site.
Chicago Humanities Festival
An amazing opportunity to explore, support, and enjoy programs and events that showcase the humanities exists in Chicago in the month of November. By presenting the world's cultures on stages, through sights and sounds, and in the midst of festivities, the Chicago Humanities Festival gives persons of all ages exposure to the humanities in exciting and new ways. The idea is to foster dialogue and cooperation among the various communities of education, the arts, and cultural mediums. This yearly festival was born in 1989 as a dream of some cultural leaders in Chicago, and the dream continues to this day.
Chicago Fine Chocolate Show
Anyone with a sweet tooth should mark his calendar for the Chicago Fine Chocolate Show held at the Navy Pier. Wonderful artistic creations made from chocolate around the world will draw chocolate lovers young and old. Not only will candies made from this idolized treat be presented, but chocolate will also be espoused to other ingredients to show its versatility in culinary delights. Guests will also discover the six steps involved in creating chocolate. Pastry demonstrations, seminars, and free samples create the recipe for delicious family fun.