Snowy Skies Ahead: German knick-knacks, Lights O’ Plenty and Saint Nick

The weekly Blue Skies column is heading to the North Pole until its return in January, but jolly times await in the windy city. Grab your coat, mittens, friends and make the most of this festive season — Christmas cheer can be free after all.

Chicago’s 90th Thanksgiving Parade will feature giant floats, jaw-dropping performers and cheery marching bands. Word around State Street is that Santa will be there.

The Adler Planetarium is the perfect place to space-out and explore starry skies at the Adler at Night series. Those yearning to practice their Christmas caroling skills can belt it out at Punch Bowl Social’s Very Merry Karaoke nights. 

Chicagoans who are ready to celebrate their favorite Christmas traditions can visit the Christkindlmarket and stock up on German holiday crafts, snacks and other knick-knacks. 

Visitors can see Christmas lights and all things bright at the Millennium Park Holiday Tree Lighting, where Chicago will unveil its shining new tree for the holiday season. Just around the corner, the Wintrust Magnificent Mile Lights Festival will shine bright with over 200 trees, transforming the city into an illuminated wonderland.

Adler Planetarium: Wednesdays through Dec. 24

The Adler Planetarium is hosting an Adler at Night series Wednesdays from 4-10 p.m. Visitors can explore the exhibits, learn about the first lunar missions and view the sky show — free of cost and light pollution. The Doane Observatory will be open to guests, which features the largest telescope open to the public in the Chicago area.

Christkindlmarket: Nov. 20-Dec. 24

Brave the unmoving masses — Chicago’s famous German-style Christmas market is back for another year of festive fun. Visitors can grab a bratwurst and hot chocolate while exploring European traditions of craft, music, toy making and more homemade goods.  The market is open Sunday-Thursday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. 

Millennium Park Holiday Tree Lighting: Nov. 21

Join thousands of Chicagoans in the 112th annual Christmas tree lighting in Millenium Park. The live event will feature music, fireworks and lights to illuminate the city. The pre-show will begin at 5 p.m., with performances from local singers and dancers along Washington Street. The tree lighting will begin at 6 p.m., where visitors can see the 53-foot-tall Colorado blue spruce tree shine until Jan. 11.

Wintrust Magnificent Mile Lights Festival: Nov. 22

Come experience Christmas magic in Chicago at the largest nighttime parade in the nation. The 34th annual parade will span down Michigan Avenue and feature Grand Marshals Mickey and Minnie Mouse, floats of Walt Disney Resort, marching bands from across the country, musical celebrities and Santa Claus. One million lights will illuminate Mag Mile’s 200+ trees, making for a memorable holiday celebration.

Winterland at Gallagher Way: Nov. 23 – Dec. 31

Wrigleyville will be transformed into a winter wonderland where visitors can partake in all Christmas activities. Winterland will feature the Winter Market, Santa’s Workshop and the Tree Lighting Ceremony Dec. 5. Daily events will also include carnival rides, ice skating around the Cubs stadium and a loop around the field on the miniature train. Free holiday Tubi movies will be streamed on the Gallagher Way video board Dec. 12 and Dec. 19. 

Lincoln Park Zoo Lights: Nov. 21 – Jan. 4

Stroll through an illuminated wonderland of animal displays and Christmas characters at the annual zoo lighting. Visitors can walk through the stunning holiday light tunnel or ride the park’s ferris wheel while indulging in hot chocolate and festive foods. Carolers and ice carvers will be present on select nights, as well as the Zooltide, a recreated South Lawn Night Show.

Very Merry Karaoke: Nov. 7- Dec. 28

Sing your heart out this holiday season at Punch Bowl Social’s karaoke nights. From 9-12 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, attendees can perform open mic and show off their skills in the arcade bar. For those 21 and up, free arcade cards will be given with first drink purchases. Drink specials include $7 dollar wells, $5 dollar shots, $6 dollar draft beer and $3 dollar Red Bull and Liquid Death.

Chicago Thanksgiving Parade: Nov. 27
The 90th annual parade will kick off Thanksgiving 8-11 a.m. Performers, marching bands and festive floats will join together in a holiday showcase stretching down State Street. The parade will feature live performances from cultural groups including Ballet Folklorico Sones Mexicanos, Chicago Korean Dance Company and American Blues Theater.