There’s no better place to spend Thanksgiving weekend than in Chicago, when the city comes alive with holiday spirit. From the much-loved Chicago Thanksgiving Day parade to the bustling Magnificent Mile, celebrating Thanksgiving in Chicago with loved ones is so much fun.
- A Chicago Thanksgiving: Ultimate Guide to Holiday Fun
- Watch the Chicago Thanksgiving Parade
- Visit Christkindlmarket, an Outdoor German-Style Christmas Market
- Shop the Magnificent Mile
- Take in Some Major Chicago Attractions
- Run the Turkey Trot in Chicago
- Dine at a Restaurant Offering Thanksgiving Dinner
- Go Ice Skating in Downtown Chicago
- See the Zoo Lights at the Lincoln Park Zoo
A Chicago Thanksgiving: Ultimate Guide to Holiday Fun
Thanksgiving is a time to celebrate with family and friends, but it can also be a time to explore the city and enjoy some of its attractions and events. Chicago has plenty of options for Thanksgiving weekend, whether you are looking for traditional turkey dinners, holiday shopping, festive parades, or other fun activities.
I’m sharing some of my favorite things to do on Thanksgiving weekend, to help you make your Thanksgiving in Chicago memorable.
Thanksgiving Day is Thursday November 23, 2023.
Watch the Chicago Thanksgiving Parade
If you visit Chicago on Thanksgiving, you’ll want to head to State Street in the Loop to catch one of the oldest and largest parades in the country, dating back to 1934. It’s easy to get caught up in the holiday cheer as you join the crowds watching as the marching bands, twirling acrobats and balloon-filled floats go by.
The parade has been beloved by Chicagoans for decades. Originally conceived as a Christmas parade by a group of merchants who wanted to boost the economy and the morale of the city during the Great Depression. The parade featured floats, balloons, bands, and Santa Claus, who led the procession along State Street. Decades later, the parade is a must-see for anyone in Chicago on Thanksgiving Day!
It’s easy to get a good spot without having to get to the Chicago Thanksgiving Day parade too early, thanks to the wide sidewalks along State Street. The parade starts at 8 a.m. on Thanksgiving Day and runs along State Street from Ida B. Wells Drive to Randolph Street. You can watch the parade from the sidewalk or purchase VIP tickets for reserved seating.
EXPERT TIP: You might even see some local celebrities taking part in the festivities: a few years ago, I was able to grab a picture with Chicago’s very own Bozo the Clown!
Visit Christkindlmarket, an Outdoor German-Style Christmas Market
Christkindlmarket is an authentic German-style outdoor market that opens on November 17 and runs until December 24. You, your family and friends can shop for Christmas ornaments and products from around the world and try various German food and drinks such as roasted nuts, fresh pretzels, bratwurst, and hot spiced wine.
Purchase a limited-edition souvenir mug to remember your trip, too. Christkindlmarket is located at Daley Plaza, 50 W Washington St, Chicago, IL 60602. Great news if you’re not in downtown Chicago: the market has two locations in the city: Daley Plaza in downtown Chicago and Gallagher Way in Wrigleyville.
Shop the Magnificent Mile
Chicago’s Mag Mile and surrounding Gold Coast is home to some amazing holiday shopping deals, especially on Black Friday. Michigan Avenue is all lit up for the holiday season, and you can shop ’til you drop at stores like American Girl in the Water Tower, Nike, the Gap and more.
Take in Some Major Chicago Attractions
Chicago is home to world-class museums, and while they are closed on Thanksgiving Day, the holiday weekend is the perfect time to visit some of these amazing Chicago attractions, including:
The Art Institute of Chicago, 111 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60603, is one of the oldest and largest art museums in the world. With a permanent collection featuring the works of artists like Monet, Picasso, Seurat and Warhol, you’ll also find top exhibitions and more at Chicago’s art institute.
EXPERT TIP: After you’ve spent some time at the Chicago museum campus, stop in for some delicious foods at a top-rated Chicago restaurant near the Art Institute.
The Field Museum, 400 S Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, IL 60605, is one of the largest natural history museums in the world. Be sure to stop by and offer a holiday greeting to Sue, one of the largest Tyrannosaurus Rex specimens ever discovered. One of Chicago’s top attractions, a visit to the Field Museum is one of the my favorite ways to spend a day in Chicago.
Adler Planetarium, 1300 S DuSable Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, IL 60605, is the first planetarium in the United States. Gather your space-loving friends and family and learn about skies above the Windy City and beyond.
Shedd Aquarium, 1200 S DuSable Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, IL 60605, is the third largest aquarium in the Western Hemisphere. Shedd Aquarium’s 32,000 animals include Beluga whales, sharks, turtles, sea otters and more.
Run the Turkey Trot in Chicago
The Turkey Trot in Chicago is a popular running event that takes place on Thanksgiving morning, before the Chicago Thanksgiving Parade. The event offers different distances for runners of all ages and abilities, such as 5K, 8K, or kids races. The event also features a festive atmosphere with music, costumes, prizes, and post-race activities.
The Turkey Trot in Chicago started in 1978 as a small race organized by a group of friends who wanted to burn some calories before indulging in their Thanksgiving feast. The race grew over the years, attracting thousands of participants and spectators. The race also benefits various charities and causes, such as Ronald McDonald House Charities, Make-A-Wish Foundation, Special Olympics Illinois, and more.
Dine at a Restaurant Offering Thanksgiving Dinner
Yes, there are some restaurants open on Thanksgiving Day in Chicago.
If you don’t feel like cooking or cleaning up, you can dine at one of the many restaurants in Chicago that offer Thanksgiving dinner. You can choose from different cuisines and atmospheres, and enjoy everything from roasted turkey, cranberry sauce, and green bean casserole to brussels sprouts, buttnernut squash and pumpkin chiffon pie. Here are some of my favorite restaurants to eat Thanksgiving dinner in Chicago:
- Joe’s Seafood, Prime Steak and Stone Crab, 60 E Grand Ave., Chicago, IL 60611
From sliced Turkey Breast and classic stuffing, mashed potatoes, and green beans, to Butternut squash with toasted marshmallows and pumpkin chiffon pie, you’ll love the regular menu at this River North favorite. - RPM Italian, 52 W Illinois St, Chicago, IL 60654
You’ll have a wide variety of options at the three course prix fixe Thanksgiving Feast at RPM Italian, including Italian dishes like Brown Butter, Sage Potato Gnocchi, Mediterranean Branzino Filet and more - Chicago Firehouse Restaurant, 1401 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60605
The three-course prix fixe menu includes choices such as lobster bisque, butternut squash soup, apple and blue cheese salad, roasted turkey, garlic whipped potatoes, stuffing, and pecan bourbon pie. Chicago Firehouse Restaurant also offers options for private dining events, too. - Shaws Crab House, 21 E Hubbard St, Chicago, IL 60611
This River North favorite offers a sumptuous Turkey Day dinner including herb roasted turkey breast, cranberry relish, traditional brioche stuffing, mashed potatoes, and gravy.
Go Ice Skating in Downtown Chicago
Looking for a great way to burn off some of those Turkey Day calories? Bundle up, lace up your skates and head to one of the outdoor ice-skating rinks in Chicago. Here are four of my favorite outdoor ice skating rinks in Chicago:
- Maggie Daley Skating Ribbon – 337 E. Randolph St., Chicago
- The Sky Rink at the Peninsula Hotel – The Peninsula Hotel – 108 E. Superior St., Chicago
- McCormick Tribune Ice Rink at Millennium Park – 201 E. Randolph St., Chicago
- The Rink at Gallagher Way – 3637 N. Clark St., Chicago IL
See the Zoo Lights at the Lincoln Park Zoo
The fabulous holiday display at the Lincoln Park Zoo is much more than Christmas Lights. Wandering through this glowing winter wonderland during Thanksgiving weekend is another great way to burn off your turkey dinner. The lights go on November 19 and the family-friendly fun starts.
The animal exhibits stay open late so you can visit with them as you roam the zoo, taking in the lights, music and taking photos with Santa.