*Updated for November 2019

Things to Do in Chicago This November

The temperatures have dropped and the city is buzzing with seasonal events and specials leading up to the holiday season. Who else is beyond excited to add all of these festive events to their social calendar?? Make sure to take a look and mark down dates for things to do in Chicago this November! 

Christkindlmarket Chicago

One of my favorite seasonal events in Chicago comes back this November. Christkindlmarket is a festive holiday tradition in the city that graces Daley Plaza and Wrigleyville. Featuring vendors from all over the world, German food and drinks, and holiday entertainment, this event offers free general admission with food and drink available for purchase. Christkindlmarket is known for their souvenir boot mugs, which features a new design each year, are perfect for collecting, and perfect to have hot spiced wine in! This event is open to the public November 15 – December 24, 2019.

Meals on Wheels Celebrity Chef Ball

Enjoy an evening of food and philanthropy on November 8, 2019. Meals on Wheels Chicago‘s signature fundraiser, Celebrity Chef Ball, brings Chicagoans and chefs together to nourish homebound neighbors. Guests doing the VIP Chef’s Table option will enjoy a six-course dinner with cocktail pairings, desserts, and a live auction. Those doing the Chef’s Tasting Party will sample dozens of different chef stations, enjoy cocktails, a live auction and dancing.

MSI After Hours: Naughty or Nice 

Time to get naughty. Just kidding. But actually. This 21+ holiday party at Chicago’s Museum of Science and Industry features spiked hot chocolate, Santa Claus and Krampus to decide what list you’re on, over 50 holiday trees and decorations, and a 45-foot Christmas tree to take selfies with. Tickets are required ($30 each) and includes free parking, coat check, a complimentary drink, and access to MSI’s exhibits. 

Walnut Room Tree Lighting

Located inside of Macy’s on State St., The Walnut Room will have their annual tree lighting ceremony this November. The Walnut Room was the first restaurant to open inside of a department store, making it the perfect historic place to start off the holiday season in Chicago!

Zoolights at Lincoln Park Zoo

Another one of my favorite annual events to look forward to is Lincoln Park Zoo’s Zoolights. I love looking at the different light up displays synced with favorite holiday tunes while drinking a tasty hot chocolate. Admission into the zoo is free, however special events, like the zoo’s Holiday Market and Adults Night Out event, require a ticket.

Vegan Feast at Sunda

This River North (my neighborhood!) feast at Sunda offers guests a taste into Southeast Asia cuisine, on November 12, 2019, in celebration of World Vegan Month. Example dishes to try include Burmese Tea Salad, Shiitake Edamame Dumplings, and Filipino Mushroom Adobo. YUM. Guests will also have the special chance to try Sunda’s new vegan sushi menu, which launches November 1, 2019. Items on this menu includes Sweet Potato Caterpillar Roll and Beets Gunkan Maki. Tickets for Vegan Feast are $45 and can be purchased HERE.

The BMO Harris Magnificent Mile Lights Festival

On Saturday, November 23, 2019 enjoy a night holiday parade lead by Mickey Mouse and friends down North Michigan Ave. to Wacker Drive. Featuring one million lights, gaze upon a procession of decorated floats, marching bands, well-known Chicago mascots, and live entertainment all leading up to a firework show over the Chicago River. Join the celebration early the night before (Friday, November 22, 2019) for live music and sample treats from Chicago favorites including Garett’s Popcorn, The Eli’s Cheesecake Factory and more.

Heated Domes at City Winery Riverwalk

If you are worried about enjoying the Chicago River’s gorgeous views in Chicago winter weather, City Winery Riverwalk’s heated domes are your answer. Now until December 16th, reserve your own private heated dome for your next dining experience. Price is $85/guest: a non-refundable $25 rental fee per guest plus $60 each for food and drink minimum. Heated domes are 21+ only and include 2.5 hours inside the climate-controlled setting. Make your seasonal reservations here!

Writer Wednesdays

About Last Knife (ALK) has partnered with the American Writers Museum this season for Writer Wednesdays. Anyone who donates a book, starting on Wednesday 11/6, to neighboring Hotel Julian‘s library will receive a complimentary drink from ALK’s new literary-inspired menu! View some of the eight “Novel Approach” cocktails below:

• Hemingway Daiquiri with rum, maraschino, grapefruit, and lime
• Eventide – the name of Gwendolyn Brooks’ first published poem – with gin, americano, violette, and bitters
• The Giving Tree – inspired by Shel Silverstein’s infamous children’s book – with sherry, cherry, and demerara
• Bandit of Hell’s Bend – a Western fiction novel by American writer Edgar Rice Burroughs – with rye, cardamaro, and vermouth

Black Wednesday Turkey Bar Crawl

There’s always a bar crawl going on in Chicago, even right before Thanksgiving! This festive Black Wednesday bar crawl is only $10 and includes admission into Wrigleyville bars, a dinner buffet, gift cards to use during the crawl, drink specials, and more. Bars featured are Moe’s Cantina, Old Crow, Country Club, and Stretch with drink specials including $4 Bud Light, $5 Goose Island 312, and $6 Jameson at most bars.

Frosty’s Christmas Bar

Frosty’s will be back this year, and I’m guessing better than ever! I went to last year’s event and had a blast. This pop-up bar features themed drinks and 3 levels of all the holiday, Christmas decorations you can physically fit in a room. It is down right amazing. There’s even snow confetti canons. Make sure to wear something festive! Check out some inspiration from my visits here and here.

Christmas Around the World

View a floor-to-dome Grand Tree at this annual exhibit at Chicago’s Museum of Science and Industry. Featuring more than 50 trees, with decorations representing holiday traditions and cultures around the world, attend this event from November 14 – January 5, 2019. 

Seasonal Chicago Food & Treats

Now to the good stuff; FOOD. There are multiple places to put on your check out list this November (and December) for seasonal food and treats. Dine in with The Walnut Rooms’ Great Tree Buffet and enjoy a view of their giant Christmas tree!