Best Of Thanksgiving Weekend In Chicago
Thanksgiving weekend in Chicago has more to offer than turkey and fixings. Just say no to the craziness that is Black Friday shopping and try something new this long weekend. Usher in the holiday season by taking part in these fun and festive Thanksgiving happenings.
Modern Vintage Holiday Market
When: Saturday and Sunday, November 19 – 20,
10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: 1340 W. Washington
Admission: $8 discount online or $10 at the gate
New in 2011: Every paid admission gets a $5 or $10 Shopping Voucher good toward purchases
www.Randolphstreetmarket.com
Looking for unique, antique, modern or vintage holiday gifts? How does free parking, free gift wrapping and hassle free shopping sound? The Modern Vintage Holiday Market is your one stop shop for housewares, decorative art, jewelry, clothing and more. You'll find the memorable gifts you're looking for and leave with everything wrapped up and ready to give. And you don't even have to wait until Black Friday!
McDonald's Thanksgiving Parade
When: November 24, 2011 (Thanksgiving Day),
8 a.m. – 11 a.m.
Where: State Street, from Congress to Randolph
www.Chicagofestivals.org
Step into the Loop and catch some giant balloon characters as they waltz down State Street. The McDonald's Thanksgiving Parade also features popular entertainers, fancy floats, and loads of holiday cheer. Get there early to reserve your curbside seating. Bring along a thermos of hot cocoa to keep you warm and a blanket to keep your buns toasty.
Turkey Trot 8K
When: November 24, 2011
Where: Lincoln Park, Cannon Drive North of Fullerton
Start time: 9 a.m.
Register at: www.Turkeytrotchicago.com
Burn off the pumpkin pie at the 34th annual Turkey Trot 8K in the Lincoln Park neighborhood of Chicago. Each runner will be supplied a disposable ChronoTrack "D Tag"; the top male and female runners will win an extravagant Thanksgiving dinner package at the Chicago Hilton for up to four guests. Don't forget to bring a couple of cans of food to help feed some of Chicagoland's less fortunate as this trot benefits local food pantries (to be collected on-site when you pick up your packet). Not the athletic type? No worries you can line the streets and cheer on the participants. Plus, there's a Plymouth Rock Rumble for youngsters (2-12). Click here for course details.
Zoo Lights at Lincoln Park Zoo
When: Weekends: November 26 - 28, Dec. 3 -5, Dec. 10 – 12
Open Nightly: Dec. 17 – Jan. 2 (closed Dec. 24 & 25)
5 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Where: Lincoln Park Zoo
2001 North Clark Street
Admission: Free
www.Lpzoo.org
Every winter, from the day after Thanksgiving to New Year's Day, the Lincoln Park Zoo lights up its snowy surroundings with thousands of colorful miniature lights. Check the zoo's website at for a full listing of entertainment and educational options, from carolers to cow milking demos. The ice carvers, located across from the seal pool, put on a mighty display as they wield their chainsaws, carving magnificent creatures out of their ice blocks. Extended hours mean you can catch the animals at night, when they tend to be more active.
Amy Bocchetta is a writer, a teacher, and a mom to two kids. She lives in the city and blogs at TiramisuMom.com.
