CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- Hey Chicago, the holiday season is about the begin! There are so many holiday events kicking off this weekend, and if you want to be among the first to check them out, then you better bundle up! This weekend forecast has highs in the mid to upper 40s and lows in the upper 20s to low 30s, with a chance of rain Sunday.
This weekend the City of Chicago and surrounding suburbs are skipping over Thanksgiving and jumping right into the holiday season. The 108th annual Chicago Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony takes place Friday in Millennium Park, and then on Saturday, the Magnificent Mile Lights Festival parade steps off, lighting up Michigan Avenue.
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Additionally this weekend, the Christkindlmarket opens in Daley Plaza and Wrigleyville; and ice skating opens in Millennium Park and Maggie Daley Park. Plus, Christmas Around the World begins at the Museum of Science and Industry and ZooLights begins at Lincoln Park.
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If you are looking for things to do in the suburbs, the brand new AMAZE Light Festival opens at Rosemont's Impact Field; Illumination: Tree Lights begins at the Morton Arboretum with five new features; and Lightscape is aglow at Chicago Botanic Garden.
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For sports fans, the Chicago Bears host the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday at noon. The Chicago Blackhawks travel to Edmonton on Saturday to take on the Oilers at 9 p.m. and then to Vancouver on Sunday to take on the Canucks at 7 p.m. Meanwhile, the Chicago Bulls travel to Denver on Friday to take on the Nuggets at 8 p.m. and then host the New York Knicks on Sunday at 7 p.m.
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Here's a look at things to do this weekend in Chicago and the suburbs:
108th Annual Chicago Christmas Tree Lighting
Chicagoans will be rockin' around the Christmas tree Friday night, letting the Christmas spirit ring! The 108th Annual Chicago Christmas Tree Lighting kicks off Friday at 6 p.m. in Millennium Park.
The 2021 event has been expanded and reimagined to provide more space and opportunities for guests to participate — including multiple viewing locations with screens and concessions across the Park and a main stage on the Great Lawn with the traditional Tree Lighting Ceremony followed by fireworks and a special concert from 6:35 p.m. to 7:45 p.m., headlined by singer-songwriter Brian McKnight. MORE INFO.
Where: Millennium Park, near Michigan Avenue and Washington Street
When: Friday, 6 p.m.
Cost: Free
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Magnificent Mile Lights Festival
Shining bright for 30 magnificent years, The BMO Harris Bank Magnificent Mile Lights Festival returns to downtown Chicago this weekend to kick off the holiday season.
The action-packed weekend will begin with a preview night on Friday, Nov. 19 at 4 p.m. featuring a ceremonial tree-lighting in The Wrigley Building Centennial Plaza in honor of the building’s 100 years.
On Saturday, Nov. 20, the event-filled day begins at 11 a.m. starting in Lights Festival Lane, located at 401 N. Michigan Ave., with a festive thoroughfare of booths and family activities, including photos with Santa Claus, until 4 p.m.
The family fun continues with the grand tree-lighting parade down North Michigan Avenue on Saturday, Nov. 20 starting at 5:30 p.m. with Grand Marshals Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse from Walt Disney World Resort in Florida. The parade features more than 60 minutes of fabulous floats, giant helium balloons, exciting marching bands, celebrities, musical performances, Santa Claus, and more, all helping to illuminate more than 1 million lights along The Magnificent Mile. The event draws to a grand conclusion with spectacular fireworks over the Chicago River at the DuSable Bridge at 7 p.m. MORE INFO.
Where: The tree-lighting parade steps off at 5:30 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 20 at Oak Street, heading south on Michigan Avenue to Wacker Drive.
When: Preview on Friday; Parade and Fireworks on Saturday
Cost: Free
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Squid Arcade at Replay Lincoln Park
Replay Lincoln Park has announced their latest pop-up theme: Squid Arcade, which will begin Friday, Nov. 5 and run through Sunday, Nov. 28. The arcade bar, located at 2833 N. Sheffield, will transform its gaming areas into a Squid Game-inspired haven (or hell) with childhood inspired tabletop games throughout. Plus, there will be weekly karaoke, K-Pop DJ guests on select nights, weekly Squid Game-inspired competitions, a themed cocktails and food menu, a Squid Game costume celebration, and a marbles guessing game. MORE INFO.
Where: Replay Lincoln Park, 2833 N. Sheffield
When: Now through Sunday, Nov. 28
Cost: Free
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Neon and Light Museum
The new Neon and Light Museum pop-up invites guests to stand in, under and around some 70 professional neon and light-based sculptures in a dazzling and dramatic immersive exhibition.
Among the highlights are certain to be: Breathe, a 14-foot-tall perspective-based neon sculpture created by artist John Bannon; Circle’s Edge, Monika Wulfer’s dynamic installation inviting participation with activated gas trapped in glass tubes; and an iconic neon self-portrait by legendary Beatle John Lennon. Other remarkable talent represented in neon and light includes internationally renowned British artist Sarah Blood, feminist neon artist Zoelle Nagib, pop sign artist Jason Pickleman, neon master bender Jacob Fishman, the digital imagery of Detroit’s Annica Cuppetelli and Cristobal Mendoza, the projected light of Gary Justis, the language play of San Francisco’s Helen Lee, and abstract sculptor Michael Young, and more.
The Neon and Light Museum is an expansion of the successful On Neon show presented here in 2020 by the Ken Saunders Gallery, which, since 1995, has exhibited the most important and innovative artists working with glass in the world. MORE INFO.
Where: 325 West Huron, River North, Chicago
When: Now through Dec. 15
Cost: $25
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Christkindlmarket Chicago
The Christkindlmarket Chicago celebrates its 25th anniversary and will be back in-person, as well as online in 2021!
Stroll through the aisles of the market while taking in the smells of roasted nuts, fresh pretzels, bratwurst, and hot, spiced wine, listening to holiday music play in the background, and gazing at all the sparkling Christmas ornaments - this is the true, Christkindlmarket experience.
Guests can explore all the vendors’ products from all around the world that feature everything from traditional items like nutcrackers and beer steins to everything in between. And once you are done shopping, you may catch yourself watching one of the many performances that take place throughout the season. MORE INFO.
Where: Daley Plaza, 50 W. Washington St.
When: Now through Dec. 24
Cost: Free
Christkindlmarket Wrigleyville
In addition to its main location in Chicago's Daley Plaza, people can also visit the beloved holiday tradition at Gallagher Way outside Wrigley Field. The Christkindlmarket Wrigleyville is part of the Winterland at Gallagher Way that offers plenty of fun outdoor holiday activities for the whole family. MORE INFO.
Where: Gallagher Way, 3635 N. Clark St.
When: Now through Dec. 31
Cost: Free
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WNDR museum
The home of Chicago's only Infinity Mirror Room (created by Japanese Yayoi Kusama) is open to the public once again, presenting a new collection of one-of-a-kind art installations alongside some old favorites. New additions to WNDR Museum include a multi-sensory experience from S̶A̶N̶T̶IA̶G̶O̶X that uses artificial intelligence, sounds, visuals and scents, as well as an installation called I Heard There Was a Secret Chord that allows guests to become part of an evolving virtual choir. MORE INFO.
Where: 1130 W. Monroe St.
When: Tickets available now through Dec. 31
Cost: $30
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ZooLights at Lincoln Park Zoo
ZooLights returns Saturday, Nov. 20, transforming Lincoln Park Zoo into a twinkling winter wonderland, complete with festive activities, such as visits with Santa, a holiday pop-up bar, an Enchanted Forest, Light Maze, sweet treats of all kinds, and much more.
ZooLights runs from 4 to 10 p.m. on Nov. 20-24, 26-30, Dec. 1-23, 26-31, and Jan. 1-2. Tickets to ZooLights are free on Mondays and Tuesdays and are $5 Wednesday-Sunday. Tickets are on sale now and available via Eventbrite at lpzoo.org/zoolights. Note, tickets are required for all guests including infants and children. MORE INFO.
Where: Lincoln Park Zoo, 2001 N. Clark St.
When: Now through Jan. 2
Cost: $5+; Free on Mondays and Tuesdays
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Lightscape
Thousands of twinkling lights and new features that shine with all the colors imaginable will be on display during Lightscape at the Chicago Botanic Garden this holiday season.
Lightscape returns Nov. 12 and will run on select dates until Jan. 2 on an all-new, one-way, 1.25-mile path filled with favorite artistic installations set to seasonal music, along with new and reimagined pieces. More than 80 percent of this year’s trail will feature new installations from Chicago-based and international artists. MORE INFO.
Where: Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe
When: Now through Jan. 2
Cost: Tickets range from $24-26 for members and $26-28 for non-members. Child tickets range from $12-15 and children under 3 are free.
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Illumination: Tree Lights at The Morton Arboretum
Those looking for a unique winter light show this year will find it in the ninth annual Illumination: Tree Lights at The Morton Arboretum, opening Nov. 20 with five new features and a curated selection of music from around the world along the walking path.
Illumination attendees will find familiar favorite features from previous years, as well as the newly created experiences of the Arboretum’s 26-foot tall Human+Nature Hallow sculpture lit at night, a glittering entry gateway, passage through 150 colorful lanterns, a blanket of white lights across a hilltop meadow and a conifer trail lined with dozens of spectacularly colored light reeds. MORE INFO.
Where: Morton Arboretum, 4100 Illinois Route 53, Lisle
When: Now through Jan. 2
Cost: Ticket prices range from $8 to $24 per person. Children under age 2 will be admitted free of charge.
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AMAZE Light Festival
Starting in November, Rosemont's Impact Field will transform into the ultimate holiday destination with the debut of The AMAZE Light Festival. Visitors are welcome to enjoy outdoor holiday activities for all ages amongst an immersive display of more than one million holiday lights.
In addition to enjoying timed light shows and seven theme-based illuminated worlds, AMAZE guests can take advantage of tubing on “Polar Peak,” a holiday market, festive food and beverages, a candy shop, and more. Children can also enjoy visits to Santa's Workshop, holiday craft making, and even festive train rides on the “Arctic Express.” MORE INFO.
Where: Rosemont’s Impact Field, 9850 Balmoral Ave.
When: Now through Jan. 2
Cost: General admission tickets are $23 for adults and $18 for children ages 2-12.
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The Dr. Seuss Experience
Welcome to The Dr. Seuss Experience, an imaginative and interactive immersion into the wondrous world of Dr. Seuss! This Seuss-tacular sensory spectacle takes you on an awe-inspiring journey through nine different, visually stunning Dr. Seuss worlds. You can swing among Truffula Trees from The Lorax, make your way through a brilliant balloon-filled maze from Oh, the Places You’ll Go!, stroll through towering clovers listening for a Who from Horton Hears a Who!, or join the Circus McGurkus! Join us and meet the characters, live the stories, and experience Dr. Seuss like never before in this once in a lifetime experience not to be missed! MORE INFO.
Where: Water Tower Place, 835 N. Michigan Ave., Ste 100
When: Now through Jan. 2
Cost: $26-$59
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Christmas Around The World and Holidays of Light at the Museum of Science and Industry
Christmas Around the World and Holidays of Light return to the Museum of Science and Industry this November highlighting the rich customs of more than 50 countries and cultures.
Hundreds of volunteers from Chicago's diverse communities use handmade décor and personal mementos to decorate a forest of trees and displays that line the Museum's Rotunda and main floor in a stunning spectacle. Guests can learn why silver spiders are good luck, find out which country celebrates the world's longest Christmas season, marvel at intricate origami ornaments and more. MORE INFO.
Where: Museum of Science and Industry, 5700 S. DuSable Lake Shore Drive
When: Now through Jan. 3
Cost: Included in museum entry
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The Office Experience
Fans of The Office will be transported to the world of Dunder Mifflin Paper Company, as The Office Experience is set to make its debut in Chicago on Friday, Oct. 15. The interactive two-story experience features 17 rooms filled with original props and costumes, set re-creations, and more as fans visit Scranton Business Park and other sites associated with the beloved series. Guests will be able to take pictures throughout the Dunder Mifflin office including Pam’s desk, Michael’s office, and Ryan’s closet, as well as Schrute Farms. Fans will also relive iconic episodes and memorable moments, such as Kevin’s Chili Spill and Beach Day, in the largest official interactive fan experience based on The Office. MORE INFO.
Where: The Shops at North Bridge on the Magnificent Mile, 540 N. Michigan Ave.
When: Now through Jan. 17
Cost: $37.50 plus taxes and fees
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Immersive Van Gogh
Step inside of Starry Night and The Bedroom in Arles with the help of more than 75 digital projectors in this high-tech exhibition that explores the work of Vincent Van Gogh. Designed by the Italian creative team that worked on the "Atelier des Lumières" exhibitions in Paris, "Immersive Van Gogh" covers 35-foot walls with animated versions of the Dutch painters work, accompanied by a score that blends electronic and classical compositions. MORE INFO.
Where: Lighthouse ArtSpace, 108 W. Germania Pl.
When: Now through Feb. 6
Cost: $39.99+
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Blue Man Group
Blue Man Group will welcome colder temperatures this fall and holiday season with an expanded performance schedule at Chicago’s Briar Street Theatre. The added performances include Blue Man Group Chicago’s first-ever shows on Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day, bringing louder drummer boys and not so silent nights to Chicago locals and visitors alike this holiday season.
Blue Man Group originally debuted at the Briar Street Theatre in Chicago’s Lakeview neighborhood in 1997. A dynamic combination of art, music, comedy and technology, Blue Man Group encourages audiences to reconnect with their inner (and outer) child in order to see the world through a new perspective. Three bald and blue men explore today’s cultural norms with wonder, poking fun at the audience’s collective quirks and reminding them how much they all have in common. The show is continually refreshed with new music, stories, custom instruments and state-of-the-art technology. MORE INFO.
Where: Briar Street Theatre, 3133 N. Halsted St.
When: Tickets available for select dates now through February 2022
Cost: Ticket prices range from $49 – $89
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Ice Skating at Maggie Daley Park Ice Skating Ribbon
The Maggie Daley ice skating ribbon, located at 337 E. Randolph St., is slated to open Nov. 19, weather permitting, with Van Gogh-inspired visuals on the ice provided by Immersive Van Gogh Chicago, the blockbuster immersive experience seen by more than 3.5 million visitors since its North American debut last year.
This year, skaters will be able to glide across sunflowers and 'Starry Night' brush strokes, as they take part in a unique and exciting winter experience for all ages.
Reservations for the opening skate are now available online. The ice will be open seven days a week with four sessions a day; 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. and 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. MORE INFO.
Where: Maggie Daley Park Ice Skating Ribbon, 337 E. Randolph St.
When: Now through March, weather dependent
Cost: Prices begin at $16 for skate times Monday through Thursday and $20 for holidays and skate sessions Friday through Sunday. This price includes a skate rental. If you are bringing your own skates, admission is $5, excluding the 11 a.m. session, which is free for anyone with their own skates.
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The Infinite Wrench
At The Infinite Wrench, you’ll see 30 original plays in 60 minutes; written and performed by The Neo-Futurist Ensemble. Each play offers something different, be it funny, profound, elegant, disgusting, topical, irreverent, terrifying, or a song; all are truthful and tackle the here-and-now, inspired by the lived experiences of the performers. With new plays every week, The Infinite Wrench is The Neo-Futurists’ ongoing and ever-changing attempt to shift the conventions of live performance and speak to those unreached or unmoved by traditional theater.
The Infinite Wrench is recommended for audience members 14 and older. Performances are weekly on Saturdays at 10:30 p.m. and Sundays at 7 p.m., at The Neo-Futurist Theater, located at 5153 N. Ashland. Performances of The Infinite Wrench are priced at $10. Note: walkup tickets are available with cash or card. MORE INFO.
Where: The Neo-Futurist Theater, 5153 N. Ashland
When: Now through 2022
Cost: $10
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Teatro ZinZanni
Teatro ZinZanni is pleased to announce its grand reopening with a brand-new show starring veteran performer, Frank Ferrante. An experience unlike any other, Teatro ZinZanni is a whirlwind of international cirque, comedy and cabaret served with a multi-course gourmet feast. Teatro ZinZanni takes place on the 14th floor of the Cambria Hotel Chicago Loop, 32 W. Randolph St. in the heart of Chicago’s Theatre District.
Described as a “feast for the senses” by The New York Times, the fast-paced action unfolds around, above and alongside guests. World-class acrobats, musicians, divas, illusionists, madmen, and aerialists fill the intimate Spiegeltent ZaZou, a unique jewel box mirror tent located in the heart of Chicago’s Downtown Theater District. MORE INFO.
Where: Cambria Hotel Chicago, 32 W. Randolph St. (14th Floor)
When: Tickets available for select dates now through August 2022
Cost: Individual tickets, which include a four-course meal, range in price from $119 - $189. Limited à la carte “show-only” tickets will also be available for $69.
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Human+Nature
The Morton Arboretum’s next outdoor art exhibition, Human+Nature, will inspire awe and wonder as it connects people and trees. Internationally renowned artist Daniel Popper created five 15- to 26-foot-tall sculptures exclusively for the Arboretum that will be featured in various locations across its 1,700 acres, leading guests to areas they may not have explored before. It will be his largest exhibition to date anywhere in the world.
On the East Side, a short walk from the Visitor Center, guests will be able to step within a huge female figure, as if into the heart of nature. Continuing along a less than mile-long walk, they will encounter a majestic maternal figure as tall as a tree, and a sculpture of diverse human facial traits interwoven with root structures. On the West Side, two hands joined by intertwining roots will extend near a grove of old oaks, and a towering face will evoke the interconnectedness of humans and trees. Made of concrete, fiberglass, and steel, each sculpture will weigh several metric tons. The largest ground footprint will be 28 feet wide and 37 feet long.
Human+Nature will be included with timed-entry admission to the Arboretum. The exhibition is planned to run for at least one year. MORE INFO.
Where: Morton Arboretum, 4100 Illinois Rte 53, Lisle
When: Now through next year
Cost: Included with timed-entry Arboretum admission
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