Buzz
Marvelous light displays, parades, festivals, and stages fill Chicago's annual event calendar. The 'Windy City' becomes exceptionally beautiful and vibrant, perfect for you to enjoy your holidays. When you travel to Chicago with a US tour, you'll have the chance to explore, shop along Michigan Avenue to Millennium Park, experience the enchanting Zoo Lights at Lincoln Park Zoo, and witness fantastic festival parades.
Shop on Michigan Avenue
Michigan boasts numerous upscale stores along the stretch of the avenue known as 'The Magnificent Mile.' The area between the Chicago River and Oak Street features over 460 shops, three malls, 275 restaurants, and 60 hotels. Shops with imported goods from England, Crate & Barrel, and Uniqlo stores from Japan are fantastic shopping destinations.
Not far away, State Street is also a renowned shopping district for international travelers looking to indulge in Chicago. What's more, there are dozens of museums and attractions along the way, including the Chicago Sports Museum in the heart of the Water Tower Place shopping center.
McDonald's® Thanksgiving Parade
When taking part in this parade, make sure to dress warmly and bring an umbrella because the unpredictable weather won't stop this annual event. The parade runs along State Street, from the Capitol to Randolph. Participants carry numerous giant balloons, colorful floating floats depicting vibrant cartoon characters, marching bands, ethnic dancers, and stage performances of live music.
The McDonald's® Thanksgiving Parade is broadcast on local television, but nothing compares to directly participating in the event.
Caroling at Cloud Gate
Experience harmonious sounds from a local choir every Friday night in November and December in front of the sculptural masterpiece, Cloud Gate. Situated in Millennium Park, Cloud Gate is an iconic structure of Chicago, often referred to as the 'giant bean.'
The Caroling group will sing Christmas carols, and the audience is often invited to join in a song. Whether you sing well or not, the music will uplift your spirits. While listening to the melodic tunes, you can also marvel at a fantastic city illuminated by visual effects reflected in Cloud Gate.
Magnificent Mile Lights Festival
Together with Michigan Avenue, from Oak Street to the Chicago River, all the trees are adorned with sparkling lights signaling the beginning of the festive season. The light parade usually kicks off on November 22, followed by a fireworks display over the Chicago River.
Before the parade starts, retailers along the Magnificent Mile intricately decorate their shop windows, and the shops are judged by representatives from local art organizations. At this festival, many artists entertain guests with live music, comedy, dancing, acrobatics at Pioneer Court, and along the parade routes.
Navy Pier Winter WonderFest
This renowned festival attracts large crowds. Navy Pier adorns itself with the enchanting winter lights, and inside the pier is a lively festive atmosphere created by indoor games. During this event, Navy Pier offers skate rental shops, allowing you to rent skates and glide along the indoor ice skating rink.
The Chicago Blackhawks banner hangs, reminding you that you're in a significant sports town. If the weather permits, you can also go up the outdoor Ferris wheel at Navy Pier to enjoy a panoramic view of the harbor from above.Additionally, when planning to book affordable travel tours to festive Chicago, you also have the opportunity to participate in other fantastic events such as Zoo Lights at Lincoln Park Zoo, Joffrey Ballet, and Christkindlmarket.
