CELEBRATING THE HOLIDAYS

 I want to welcome back my loyal readers. I'm so glad you come back again and again and I hope you are enjoying all that Chicago has for FREE.

For those of you who are new to my blog let me explain this is not a “what’s happening today” spot. Rather, it is a source of information about (mostly) regularly scheduled FREE events and local organizations that offer FREE activities throughout the year.
 
I hope you will use the blog like a guidebook as you plan your visit in advance. I highly suggest your start with my first post on 1/1/2016 and work your way through. You can then make note of those places you want to see and events you want to attend and have a FREE FOR ALL in Chicago.


CELEBRATING THE HOLIDAYS
As you busy yourself getting ready for the holidays, I hope you will find some time to enjoy all there is to do in Chicago during this season that is FREE FOR ALL!
 
MAGNIFICENT LIGHT PARADE
The holiday season always kicks off with the Magnificent Mile Light Festival.  Always held the Saturday before Thanksgiving, you can enjoy family-friendly events along North Michigan Avenue 10am – 4pm (16:00) from Oak Street to the Chicago River. The day concludes with the Magnificent Mile Light Parade starting at 5pm (17:00). The day ends with a fireworks display at Michigan Avenue and the Chicago River at 6:55pm (18:55).
If you can’t make it downtown you can watch all the evenings activities on ABC Channel 7 TV starting at 6pm (18:00).
This year an extra event is being held on Friday. At the “Lights Festival Lane” located on Pioneer Court (at North Michigan Avenue and the River) you will find family-friendly activities from 4pm (16:00) to 8pm (20:00).

900 N. Michigan Ave.
The shopping mall at 900 N. Michigan Avenue is kicking of the holidays with "Illuminate 900: 1st Annual Holiday Tree Lighting" on Nov. 17, 2016 at  7pm (19:00). The evening will include entertainment by the Chicago Children’s Choir, The Ruth Page Center for Performing Arts, The Chicago Academy for the Arts, New Music School, Piano Forte, Ava Fain, cookie decorating and other give aways.

THANKSGIVING DAY PARADE
Come on downtown early to see the Thanksgiving Day Parade along State Street. The parade steps off at 8am at Congress and State Street and goes north to Randolph Street. You can watch the parade from home on WGN Channel 9 TV.

WREATHING OF THE LIONS
Each year the iconic lion statues in front of the Art Institute wear giant wreaths around their necks. This year marks the 25th anniversary of this holiday event. The festivities start at 10am at Michigan Avenue and Adams Street. Some of the cast of Hamilton the musical will be on hand offering FREE hot chocolate.
Afterwards families are invited to the Ryan Learning Center (entrance on Monroe Street) for “art-making fun”.

LIGHTING THE CHICAGO CHRISTMAS TREE
For 103 years Chicago has presented a live Christmas Tree for all of Chicagoans. For the second year, the tree will be located in Millennium Park. This year the tree will be adorned with more than 80,000 lights. The festivities begin at 6pm (18:00) Nov. 18th.

VISIT SANTA
Santa will set up shop in Millennium Park starting Nov 18th from 12pm to 6pm (18:00). Other hours include 

• Saturday, November 19 & Sunday, November 20: 12 Noon-6pm
• Thursday, November 24 (Thanksgiving Day): 12 Noon-3pm
• Saturdays & Sundays, November 26-December 18: 12 Noon-6pm

DALEY PLAZA MENORAH
Every night of Hanukah another light on the city’s menorah will be lit at 5:30pm (17:30pm)

CAROLING AT CLOUD GATE
Also in Millennium Park, you can listen to and sign along with choral groups singing Christmas Carols. https://www.cityofchicago.org/city/en/depts/dca/supp_info/caroling_at_cloudgate.html  Join in the fun by Cloud Gate (a.k.a. “The Bean”) Fridays from November 25 through December 2 from 6pm (18:00) to 7pm (19:00). 

CHRISTMAS TREE SHIP
Keeping up the tradition and in memory of Herman Scheunemann who brought Christmas trees for the poor for decades in the early 1900’s the US Coast Guard Christmas Tree Ship will dock at Navy Pier this year on December 2nd.  On Deceber 3rd ceremonies and unloading of the trees begins at 10am. Come down and volunteer to unload the trees that will be heading to a home of someone in need.

LINCOLN PARK AND GARFIELD PARK CONSERVATORY
Each year the conservatories erect special holiday flower shows. Days and hours can be found on their websites
Lincoln Park Holiday Flower Show  and Garfield Park Holiday Flower Show
 
ZOO LIGHTS
While you are in the neighborhood of Lincoln Park stop by in the evening to see the Zoo Lights. This is a festival of lights and music and a fun time to see the animals as they sleep.
 
CTA HOLIDAY TRAIN AND BUS
The Chicago Transit Authority just announced the 2016 schedule for the Holiday Bus and Holiday Train.  This is one you won’t want to miss. It’s worth seeing and riding these elaborately decorated vehicles. The train even has Santa in his sleigh in the middle. It does cost the price of a ride, but the sights, sounds, smells and yes tastes (in years past the elves passed out candycanes) are FREE.
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PALMER HOUSE HOTEL TUBA CONCERT
Each year a Tuba Concert is held at the Palmer House Hotel. This year you can enjoy this FREE concert on Saturday, December 17th at 12:30pm (17:30) in the Grand Ballroom. Seating is limited so get there early.

MACY’S ON STATE
Macy’s continues the Marshall Field tradition of a Christmas tree in the Walnut Room restaurant and decorated windows along State Street. Best to view the tree from above on the 8th floor.

DANCE-ALONG NUTCRACKER
Once again this year the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events invites you to be part of the Nutcracker. Join in the fun at the Chicago Cultural Center December 4th in Preston-Bradley hall of the 3rd floor. FREE lesson are offered to “dancers” of all ages between 11am and 2p (14:00). The Dance-Along Nutcracker performances are at 12:00 and 3pm (15:00) Tutus and dance shoes NOT required.

CHRISTMAS AROUND THE WORLD
Once again the Museum of Science and Industry will show how people all over the world decorate their Christmas trees.  This year if you are an Illinois residents you can visit the Museum for FREE December 1st.

ICE SKATING
You can skate for FREE (if you have your own skates) at Millennium Park and the Maggie Daley Park. Find days and times on the websites. 

Don’t know how to skate? That’s OK. You can attend the FREE skating lessons offered at the Millennium Park rink every Friday, Saturday and Sunday (except holidays) 1 hour before the rink opens.  Just want to watch? Go and see the FREE special programming including speed skating, Noodle Hockey and ice dance demonstrations.
You can find the hours of operation on the City of Chicago website.


 I know it's getting cold, but all the FREE things to do during the season are worth bundling up and doing.


For more information about activities in the city this season check out the City of Chicago website www.cityofchicago.org/holiday


All information was correct at the time of this post, but before you come, please check the websites to get the most up-to-date information. All quoted text was lifted from the website sited.
 
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If you know of a FREE event in Chicago you’d like me to share, email me at ChicagoFreeForAll@gmail.com
 
Don’t forget to sign up for a free Chicago Greeter visit (see 1/1/2016 post) at www.chicagogreeter.com

I hope to see you in Chicago