5 Things To Do This Weekend In Chicago || Vol. 4

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Can I get two hands in the hair! Waive them around like you just don’t are – cause it’s almost Friday, y’all!

The holiday spirit is in full swing here and Chicago. This weekend marks the start of all things festive in the city. So, grab your mulled wine, grab a train ticket into downtown and catch all of the great happenings take place this weekend. We’re excited to share with you all our 4th installment of ‘5 Things To Do This Weekend In Chicago.’

1. Weekend at the Grand Geneva – Taste of Wisconsin

If you read yesterday’s post on our Grand Geneva Resort, you know how much we love a good weekend away in Lake Geneva. The Grand Geneva is one of our favorite local getaways. Now is a great a time as ever to book your trip for a weekend of fun with the family or R&R with that special someone.

This weekend the marks the start of the Taste of Wisconsin. Taste the flavors of Wisconsin as they pair regional cheeses, mustard and fruit with the state’s best microbrews. Hurry, space is limited!

Also, don’t forget to save 15% off your stay at the Grand Geneva with code ALILYLOVEAFFAIR15!

2. Kick of the Holiday Season With the Magnificent Mile Lights Festival

Downtown Chicago will erupt with strings of fairy lights this weekend, officially kicking off the city’s holiday season.

While the Mag Mile and Millennium Park ceremonies draw the biggest crowds, there are plenty of places ushering in the Yuletide. If you’re in need of a post-election pick-me-up (which, come on—all of us are), a heavy dose of holiday spirit just might do the trick. So be good to yourself and treat yourself to a bit of fuzzy Christmas cheer at these tree-lighting ceremonies.

InterContinental Chicago Magnificent Mile Tree Lighting Ceremony

The InterContinental is hosting its very own ceremony, complete with a performance by the American Caroling Company and a never-before-seen video-light display. Christmas is serious business, folks. (Intercontinental Hotel, 505 N Michigan Ave; Nov 17 2:30pm-3:30pm. Free)

Tree Lighting at 900 North Michigan

During the holidays, 900 North Michigan goes from shopping mall to Christmas wonderland. Such commitment calls for celebration, so the shops are throwing their very first tree lighting ceremony this year.

(900 N Michigan Ave; Nov 17 6pm-8pm. Free)

Palmer House Chicago

The Palmer House invites Chicago over for an afternoon holiday party, which features the Jesse White Tumblers, the cast of the Goodman’s A Christmas Carol, afternoon tea and more.

(The Palmer House Chicago, 17 E Monroe St; Nov 18 12:45pm-2pm. Free)

Magnificent Mile Lights Festival

This two-day event celebrates its 25th anniversary this year, so, as usual, it’s going all out. Complete with live music, treats from local favorites and Santa Claus himself, the kids will absolutely love this fest. The tree-lighting parade takes place Saturday night (Nov 19, 5pm-7pm).

3. Ring In the Merry at Christkindlmarket

Got family in town for Thanksgiving already? Take them to Christkindlmarket, the annual German holiday market in Daley Plaza, which opens Friday. (Daley Plaza, 50 W Washington St, Fri-Sat 11am-9pm, Sun 11am-8pm. Free).

I have been dying to give the Christkindlmarket a go every year since moving to Chicago. It really does look like such a fin way to usher in the holiday season.

While they are calling for rain early Saturday morning, the forecast calls for clearer/cloudy sky and 48 degrees in the afternoon. Plus, great weather Sunday. Now’s the perfect time to enjoy!

Chicago’s largest open-air market is a favorite of locals and tourists alike. Inspired by a Nuremberg, Germany, market that was founded in 1545, this market features iconic German items like nutcrackers, cuckoo clocks and beer steins, as well as hand-blown ornaments and wooden handicrafts.

Authentic food (sausages, sauerkraut, potato pancakes, waffles) and drink (beer and Glühwein, a traditional hot spiced wine) are also available, along with assorted sweets.

4. Ice Skating In Millenium Park

The McCormick Tribune Ice Rink is open to the public for skating with one of the best views of the downtown skyline.

Experience one of the city’s finest winter traditions from November 17 (the same day as the city’s annual Christmas Tree Lighting Celebration) to March 4. Check the website for daily hours of operation. Admission is free with free skating lessons Friday through Sunday one hour before the rink opens.

5. A Christmas Carol

The Goodman Theatre’s annual holiday production of the Charles Dickens classic enters its 40th year with seasonal charm intact. No bah humbugs here. Larry Yando returns for yet another outing as Ebenezer Scrooge, while director Henry Wishcamper is back for his fifth year.