Around the holidays in Chicago, a lot of the transplants head out and an influx of families come in. While things to do in the neighborhoods may shut down, downtown lots is left for fun activities. A few great things to do this Chicago Thanksgiving weekend:
1. Avoid Macy’s at all costs. It will be a zoo.
2. An interior architectural tour with yours truly, Chicago Detours
The Loop Interior Architecture Walking Tour avoids the cold (high of 43 degrees for Friday, only 36 for Saturday) by staying indoors to explore a very striking variety of buildings: a modernist structure, a church in a skyscraper, the dazzling mosaics of the Cultural Center. It’s not about dates and names of architects and events in history – it’s about the people and stories that make Chicago great. Friday 3pm, Saturday (SOLD OUT) & Sunday 1:30pm.
3. Christkindlmarket
It officially opens today! The annual German-style market with gifts, sausages, and best of all – you can drink beer or spiced wine called gluhwein in the middle of Daley Plaza.
4. Thanksgiving Day Parade
Starts at Randolph and ends at Congress along State Street on Thursday morning. According to their website, they will have “decorative floats dispensing holiday cheer.” Giant inflatable balloons will also contribute to the joy and terror of both children and adults. Fun fact: the parade started with “dispensing” just any kind of cheer in the 1930s, as it was created to boost morale during the Depression.
5. Fantasia with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra
Disney’s Fantasia will be performed with the original 1940 film screening. Saturday 8pm, Sunday 3pm. 
6. The Historic Chicago Walking Bar Tour
Drink and eat while learning about Chicago’s entertainment history. Stop into a few bars and restaurants you never knew had such fascinating history. It’s a blast. Saturday 5pm, near the Mag Mile area.
Whatever you do, have fun and enjoy time with people you love. And THANK YOU for reading!
— Amanda Scotese, Executive Director
