What to Do for Thanksgiving in Chicago

The holidays are approaching, and excitement is building in Chicago. Between shows and theatrical performances, as well as tons and tons of shopping, there’s so much to do during the holiday season in this busy, high-energy city. So, it makes sense that Chicago is a prime destination for Thanksgiving festivities each year.

Yet if you’re looking to shake things up this year and do something different, create a slew of Chicago traditions for you and your family, or experience the holidays in a brand new city, here’s a helpful guide to making the most of Thanksgiving in Chicago this year.

See a Show

You can never go wrong with a classic, holiday-themed show, such as A Christmas Carol or How the Grinch Stole Christmas at the downtown Chicago Theater, but you can also get tickets for many other incredible performances throughout Chicago, like The Book of Mormon or Miss Saigon and many other Broadway in Chicago shows.

And beyond plays and musicals, you can also buy tickets to a comedy show at Second City or frequent the ballet, as well. Plus, you’ll want to keep seeing performances into the New Year—Rahm Emanuel named Chicago as 2019’s top destination for theater and the arts.

Visit the Holiday Show at MSI

The Museum of Science and Industry is known for its inspiring Christmas around the World lights and tree display for the holidays, and the exhibition begins on November 15^th and lasts until January 6^th, so you have the whole holiday season to enjoy it. With over 50 tree displays, it’s a playground for kids—and okay, adults too—as it features cultural traditions from around the world.

While you are there, check out The Science Behind Pixar exhibit through January 6^th. A perfect activity for the whole family where you can see behind the scenes of how movies like Toy Story 3 are made.

Shop Along Michigan Avenue

If you’re looking to get an early start on your holiday gifts this year—and you know Thanksgiving has some pretty great deals—Chicago is the perfect city to do a little shopping damage.

You can always shop along the Magnificent Mile on Michigan Avenue for high-end, luxury pieces for designer stores, like Burberry or Van Cleef, or you can head into major department stores, like Nordstrom’s, Macy’s, or Bloomingdale’s for some sweet deals.

If you stay at a hotel you can even find one that offers perks for shopping on Michigan Avenue. Hotel EMC2 has a special – “The Art of Shopping Package” –with this package you get a $50 Visa gift card, free continental breakfast for two and a custom art print from a local artist to enjoy your stay even more.

See the Thanksgiving Day Parade

If you really want to get in on the holiday action bright and early, gather around for the Uncle Dan’s Thanksgiving Day Parade from 8am-11am on State Street on Thanksgiving Day, which is November 22^nd this year. Kids will relish in the spirit, and it’s a great way to create a fun holiday tradition that the whole family will love. There will be live performances and lots of energy to gear you up a big plate of turkey later that evening.

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