Holiday Events in Chicago

This Thanksgiving weekend in Chicago kicks off the holiday season with several key holiday events. Starting with the Thankgiving Parade on Thanksgiving Day, followed by the start of the Christkindle Market and more, you won’t be short on ways to spend some holiday fun time with family and friends.

Here is a sampling of some of the Chicago’s best holiday celebrations this year. Check back on iStopOver.com’s Chicago blog throughout November and December for more holiday event listings.

Sing-a-long-a Sound of Music at the Music Box Theatre on Southport Avenue (map) – If you love Julie Andrews in The Sound of Music, then you won’t want to miss this sing-a-long to subtitles. For show times and ticket prices go here. Show runs November 26-28.

Ice skating at Millennium Park (map) – Come out and skate for free at Chicago’s Millennium Park. Visit Millennium Park’s Website for hours. Skate rentals are available for $10. Ice skating at Millennium Park runs through March, weather permitting.

Christkindlmarket Chicago at Daley Plaza (map) –  One of Chicago’s most popular events is the German Christkindlmarket, which was inspired by the Christkindlsmarkt in Nuremberg, Germany. The Christkindlmarket is Chicago’s largest open-air Christmas festival and includes European arts and crafts, as well as brats and spiced wine. The Christkindlmarket is open daily through December 24.

Winter Wonderfest at Navy Pier (map) – Navy Pier’s winter festival that includes an ice castle, ice skating, and holiday entertainment December 3 – January 2, 2011.

Tip: Last year, the Doubletree Hotel (map) had a Peppermint Bar in the hotel’s lobby bar with a hand-made peppermint candy facade, as well as Egg Nog Martinis, Elf Iced Tea with candy cane vodka and a Spiced Poinsettia cocktails made with honey crisp cider. I am not sure if the Doubletree is doing the Peppermint Bar again, but as soon as I find out, I’ll let you know.

Photo credit: SXC