Before you’re tasked with turkey and entertaining out-of-town relatives, you’re going to need lots of holiday cheer (and a little luck too). This spread of events—from concerts to art shows to winter beer tastings—should get you in the mood.
November survival guide
The holiday rush is on, but there’s still time to squeeze fun out of 2009
By Rebecca Palmore
November 1, 2009
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Wanted: Your awesome TBOX costume
Show off your 12 Bars of Christmas get-up for our camera
Pixies
- Aragon Ballroom - 1106 W. Lawrence Ave. - Uptown
November 21 : 7:30 p.m. SOLD OUT
Black Gold (Nov. 19), No Age (Nov. 20), Jay Reatard (Nov. 21).
A Christmas Carol
- Goodman Theatre - 170 N. Dearborn St. - Loop
Saturdays : 8 p.m. (ends December 30)
Chicago actor Larry Yando recreates his role as Scrooge in Tom Creamer's stage adaptation of Charles Dickens' classic tale of Ebenezer Scrooge and the true meaning of Christmas.
Millennium Park Ice Skating
- McCormick Tribune Ice Rink at Millennium Park - 55 N. Michigan Ave. - Grant Park Museums
Fridays : 12 p.m. - 10 p.m. (ends March 14)
Warm up with a few rounds on the outdoor rink.
Magnificent Mile Lights Festival
- Michigan Avenue from Oak Street to Wacker Drive - 990 N. Michigan Ave. - Magnificent Mile
November 21
Mickey Mouse leads a street-lighting procession along North Michigan Avenue at this annual event.
Modern Vintage Holiday Market
- Journeymen Plumber's Hall - 1340 W. Washington Blvd. - West Loop
November 21 : 10 a.m. - 7 p.m.
The third annual shopping event from the organizers of the Chicago Antique Market and the Indie Designer Market.
Monday Night Dining Series
- The Dining Room at Kendall College - Kendall College, 3rd Floor - 900 N. North Branch St. - West Town
November 23 : 6:30 p.m. Southwest
A regional series features a different five-course menu of American fare each week, prepared by instructors and students at the cooking school.
The Moth StorySLAM: Blunders
- Martyrs' - 3855 N. Lincoln Ave. - Chicago
November 24 : 8 p.m.
Sign up for a chance to be one of 10 competitors in the third installment of this themed series.
Metromix/RedEye Black Wednesday Pilgrimage
- Emerald Loop Bar & Grill - 216 N. Wabash Ave. - Loop
November 25 : 6 p.m. - 12 a.m. Trolleys leave first bar at 7:30 p.m.
A Thanksgiving Eve pub crawl with Metromix and RedEye
City of Chicago Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony
- Daley Plaza - 50 W. Washington St. - Loop
November 25 : 4 p.m.
It's smaller and slimmer this year, but the 55-foot tall tree still serves as the centerpiece of the 96th annual holiday spectacle
McDonald's Thanksgiving Parade
- State Street and Congress Parkway - 500 S. State St. - South Loop
November 26 : 8:30 a.m.
The 76th annual procession features marching bands, floats, giant helium balloons, horses, performances and more.
Christkindlmarket Chicago
- Daley Plaza - 50 W. Washington St. - Loop
Fridays and Saturdays : 11 a.m. - 9 p.m. (November 27 through December 23)
An open-air, German-style market showcases handmade ornaments, accessories, clothing and gifts from more than 50 vendors. Also features German food and drink such as beer, hot spiced wine, potato pancakes, bratwurst, schnitzel, strudel and more.
Bucktown Bazaar
- Holstein Park Fieldhouse - 2200 N. Oakley Ave. - Bucktown/Wicker Park
November 28 : 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Make a dent in your holiday shopping with handmade gifts from the DIY set and established artisans, including those featured in the annual Bucktown Arts Fest. Includes a silent auction, an origami ornament-making workshop for kids (2-4 p.m. both days) and more.
ZooLights
- Lincoln Park Zoo - 2200 N. Cannon Drive - Lincoln Park
Daily 5 p.m. - 9 p.m. (November 27 through November 29)
More than two million lights add holiday cheer to the zoo grounds. Ice carving demonstrations, kids' activities and visits with Santa round out the festivities.
Purple Pig
500 N. Michigan Ave. - Chicago312-735-6300
Nov. 30: The Mediterranean-focused small plates spot in River North aims to open today. Expect charcuterie, cheese and lots of wine.
