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Thanksgiving Day Weekend 2023 in Chicago: Thanksgiving Parade, Turkey Trots, Christmas Shows

Don't miss the Holiday Light Parade this Thanksgiving weekend. Photo courtesy of the Rotary Club of Naperville
Don't miss the Holiday Light Parade this Thanksgiving weekend. Photo courtesy of the Rotary Club of Naperville
11/21/23 - By Maureen Wilkey

Looking for the best things to do in Chicago this Thanksgiving weekend 2023? Here are some family-friendly events and activities to add to your list for this Thanksgiving Day weekend.

Gobble up some activities along with your turkey this Thanksgiving weekend! There are plenty of things to do in Chicago this Thanksgiving weekend to kick off the holiday season. Check out the Chicago Thanksgiving Parade along State Street or sing along with carolers in Millennium Park. Get outside to move around after turkey dinner at a Turkey Trot in Grant Park or Beverly. The first performances of A Chistmas Carol are scheduled for this weekend at The Goodman Theater downtown, while The Nutcracker is playing in Hinsdale.

The weather is beginning to look a lot like Christmas, so take a trip out to one of our favorite Christmas tree farms to get yours. Or plan a skating trip to one of our favorite outdoor rinks. Plan out one of your December weekends to include a showing of The Nutcracker or a ride on the CTA Holiday Train.

Let's all give thanks for our wonderful kiddos as we enter this holiday season together!

More Things To Do in Chicago this Week with Kids

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Thanksgiving Day Parade this weekend in Chicago. Photo courtesy of the Chicago Thanksgiving Day Parade
Thanksgiving Day Parade this weekend in Chicago. Photo courtesy of the Chicago Thanksgiving Day Parade

Things To Do Thanksgiving Weekend in Chicago

Disney100: The Exhibition

Through January 28, 2023—Bucktown
The Walt Disney Archives opens its vault of historical and special treasures, works of art, artifacts, costumes, and memorabilia with Disney100: The Exhibition in Chicago! This once-in-a-lifetime event celebrates the magic of Disney, which is capturing the hearts of audiences of all ages around the globe. READ MORE

A Christmas Carol at the Goodman Theater

Wednesday, November 22, 2023 and Friday, November 24- Sunday, November 26, 2023—Downtown
Charles Dickens's holiday classic is brought to life at this annual play at the Goodman Theater. Nearly two million people have seen the show, which is now in its fifth decade. READ MORE

Chicago Thanksgiving Parade

Thursday, November 23, 2023—Downtown
Chicago's Thanksgiving Parade will have the theme of "Where Grateful Hearts Gather." Families can watch as floats, bands, and dignitaries travel along State Street from Ida B. Wells Drive to Randolph Street. READ MORE

Aurora Festival of Lights

Opens Friday, November 24, 2023—Aurora
A one-mile trail of lighted displays decorates Aurora's Philips Park. Families can drive through the arcs, skate on an expanded skating rink, and visit Santa's toy factory. READ MORE

Holiday Magic at Brookfield Zoo

Opens Friday, November 24, 2023—Brookfield
Featuring more than a million LED lights, a 41-foot talking Christmas tree, and a 600-foot tunnel of lights with coordinating music, Brookfield Zoo's Holiday Magic highlights the holidays and loads of animals. READ MORE

Kohlights

Opens Friday, November 24, 2023—Glenview
Kids can walk through a unique light display with a learning glow stick that controls and changes the lights, providing a different experience every time. Visit the pixel play meadow, rainbow arbor, color play tree, rainbow caterpillar, color walk, and rainbow art installation. READ MORE

Glen Ellyn Holiday Walk and Tree Lighting

Friday, November 24, 2023—Glen Ellyn
Glen Ellyn merchants will show off their decorated storefronts as shoppers walk through the downtown area. Santa will light the downtown Glen Ellyn Christmas tree at 6:30 p.m. Pictures with Santa at the firehouse will follow. READ MORE

Millennium Park Holiday Sing-Along

Friday, November 24, 2023—Downtown
Sing together with other Chicagoans in this multi-cultural holiday event. A different performer will lead the sing-along each week at the Cloudgate sculpture. Songbooks will be distributed so participants can sing along. READ MORE

Annual Turkey Trot Hike

Friday, November 24, 2023—River Forest
Walk off the turkey and stuffing at this annual post-holiday hike at Trailside Museum of Natural History. The whole family is welcome! READ MORE

Happy Holiday Railway

Opens Friday, November 24, 2023—Union
Enjoy a 40-minute train ride with a visit from Santa from the Illinois Railway Museum. The train ride includes hot chocolate, treats and gifts, and kids can see an amazing light display inside the museum. READ MORE

Vienna Boys Choir: Christmas in Vienna

Saturday, November 25, 2023—Downtown
The Vienna Boys Choir visits the Chicago Symphony Orchestra to perform Austrian folk songs, classical masterpieces, and Yuletide favorites. The choir builds on its 500 year history of vibrant singing.  READ MORE

2023 Holiday Parade of Lights Naperville

Friday, November 24, 2023—Naperville
Watch as twinkling floats and vehicles travel through downtown Naperville at this annual parade sponsored by the Naperville Rotary Club. Santa will appear at the end of the parade and be on hand at the Naperville Public Library to visit with kids after the parade. READ MORE

Elk Grove Village Holiday Tree Lighting

Friday, November 24, 2023—Elk Grove Village
Elk Grove Village's Mayor will flip the switch to turn on more than 250,000 lights on the village Christmas tree, municipal complex, library, and park district pavilion. Families can also enjoy refreshments, a holiday concert, and fireworks. READ MORE

Grant Park Turkey Trot

Saturday, November 25, 2023—Downtown
Run through Grant Park and along Lake Michigan at this annual post-Thanksgiving 5k, 10k and kids' dash. Participants receive a cider or beer at the finish line. Families can also create a team to participate in The Thankful Turkey 5K and enter to win a prize for the best team name. READ MORE

The Nutcracker Performed by Salt Creek Ballet at Hinsdale Central

Saturday, November 25, 2023- Sunday, November 26, 2023—Hinsdale
Salt Creek Ballet performs the holiday classic The Nutcracker at various locations throughout the Chicago area, including  in both matinee and evening shows at Hinsdale Central. The ballet takes audiences on a journey through toys that come alive, dancing snowflakes, and waltzing flowers. Kids can enjoy a Sugar Plum Party after the Sunday show, giving them a chance to step onstage, meet the cast, and enjoy refreshments in the winter wonderland. READ MORE

Beverly Hills Turkey Trot

Saturday, November 25, 2023—Beverly
This 13th annual Turkey Trot leads families through 5 kilometers of the North Beverly neighborhood. Participate as an individual or as a team, and join other racers for a pancake breakfast in the gym of Christ the King for $5 after the run. READ MORE

Rialto Square Theater Holiday Movies

Saturday, November 25, 2023—Downtown
Rialto Square Theater shows classic Christmas movies for families to enjoy together. Home Alone is featured on December 22. READ MORE

Light Up the Lake

Opens Friday, November 24, 2023—Downtown
Enjoy an indoor winter wonderland at Navy Pier, complete with indoor light sculpture displays, ice skating, and visits with Santa. Guests can also enjoy Santa's Merry Main Street gift market and ride the iconic Navy Pier Ferris wheel. Roast marshmallows for s'mores around a fire pit or make someone a gift at a holiday workshop. READ MORE

Holly Jolly Fest Niles

Saturday, November 25, 2023—Niles
Start the holiday season with hot chocolate, horse-drawn sleigh rides, a PACE trolley, and fire pits to make s'mores at the Village of Niles Civic Center. A snow-globe photo booth and live entertainment round out the fun. Foods and beverages from local restaurants will be available for purchase and the village Christmas tree will be lit at 5:30 p.m. READ MORE

The State Ballet Theatre of Ukraine presents The Nutcracker

Saturday, November 25, 2023—Downtown
The State Ballet Theatre of Ukraine's 55 performers will perform The Nutcracker, the  fairytale that follows a young girl’s journey through a fantasy world of fairies, princes, and an army of mice, for audiences at The Harris Theater.  The troupe is recognized as one of Ukraine's most prestigious classical ballet institutions. READ MORE

Holiday Kick-Off

Friday, November 24- Sunday, November 26-- Downers Grove
Kick-off the holiday season with Small Business Weekend November 24-November 26. Watch Santa light the community tree and take a complimentary horse drawn wagon ride on Sunday. Families can vote in the Gingerbread House Contest and the Holiday Window Contest through December 10.   READ MORE

Orland Park Holiday Festival & Tree Lighting

Sunday, November 26, 2023—Orland Park
Orland Park's first holiday parade will culminate in the lighting of the village Christmas tree! Live entertainment, reindeer and pictures with Santa will join the holiday market at Orland Park Civic Center. READ MORE
'Tis the season to hit the Chicago skating rinks. Photo courtesy of the Chicago Park District
'Tis the season to hit the Chicago skating rinks. Photo courtesy of the Chicago Park District

More Things To Do in Chicago this Season

30 Performances of The Nutcracker Ballet for Kids in Chicago

Catch the classic holiday ballet this year at one of these excellent productions. READ MORE

Kid-Friendly Restaurants Open on Thanksgiving in Chicago

What if we told you that you didn't have to cook all day? READ MORE

Best Holiday Lights Drive-Thrus and Christmas Light Shows in Chicago

Brighten up your holiday nights with a visit to one of these elaborate lights displays and festivals. READ MORE

Best Outdoor Ice Skating Rinks for Chicago Kids and Families

Top Christmas Tree Farms Near Chicago

Grab some hot chocolate and create a special afternoon picking out your tree at one of these farms near Chicago. READ MORE

Places featured in this article:

Exhibition Hub Art Center Chicago
Trailside Museum of Natural History
Illinois Railway Museum
Elk Grove Town Center Village Green
Village of Niles Civic Center
Downtown Downers Grove
Richardson Christmas Tree Farm