The autumn chill has been in the air in Chicago for a while now, which always reminds us that the holidays are right around the corner. There are many events going on around AMLI’s Chicago apartments and most of them are free! The majority of these events are taking place in Millennium Park and the surrounding areas this season, and it all kicks off in November. While there is a literal plethora of things to do in the city during the holiday season, here are just a few classic events not to miss. Be sure to catch all these quintessential 2018 Chicago holiday events.
McCormick Tribune Ice Rink
Opens at noon Friday, Nov. 16 and runs through March 10 (weather permitting)
Put ice-skating on your holiday bucket list this season. The McCormick Tribune Ice Rink has themed skate nights on most Thursdays which are free with your own skates. You can also rent ice skates for 3 Monday through Thursday, and 5 on Fridays to Sunday and on holidays. Another great opportunity for winter skating is at the skating ribbon at Maggie Daley Park just across the bridge. The McCormick Tribune Ice Rink is located just 1 mile from our Printers Row apartments and South Loop apartments.
Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony
6pm Friday, Nov. 16
Don’t miss this year’s annual Chicago Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony. Join hundreds of Chicagoans who’ll gather around the city’s 50-foot Christmas tree and watch it light up for the first time this season in Wrigley Square—just 1 mile from our River North apartments. Miguel Cervantes, the lead actor starring in Chicago’s Hamilton performance, will serve as the host for the event along with holiday music performances and other special guests. The lights will be turned on at 6pm, and will shine throughout the holiday season in Millennium Park near the intersection of Michigan Ave. and Randolph Ave.
Millennium Park Holiday Art Market
11am-7pm Friday, Nov. 16-Sunday, Nov. 18
Located in a heated tent on the Chase Promenade North, this holiday market is filled with gifts for everyone on your gift list. There will be over 150 student artists displaying their work from jewelry, fashion, painting, sculpture, prints, drawings and so much more. Local art students from the Art Institute of Chicago, Columbia College Chicago and After School Matters, will be showcasing and selling their work. This holiday art market is located under 2 miles from our apartment rentals in downtown Chicago.
Christkindlmarket
You’ve seen the houses being built around the Picasso sculpture in Daley Plaza for weeks now. Well, they’re just about ready to turn the lights on and get the glühwein flowing. The German-themed holiday market purports to have over 60 percent its vendors straight from Germany this year and the traditional boot-shaped mugs are getting a redesign, featuring a heart shape stamped with a backdrop of the Chicago skyline.
Magnificent Mile lights festival and parade
5:30-7pm Saturday, Nov. 17
Kick off the holiday shopping season at the Magnificent Mile Lights Festival where you will see grand holiday lights and a parade down Michigan Ave. This festival ends with fireworks over the river and is a fun—and free—event for the whole family to enjoy. The parade runs down North Michigan Ave. to Wacker Drive.
Wreathing of the Lions
10am Friday, Nov. 23
The 25 annual Wreathing of the Lion event is put on by the Art Institute Chicago on Michigan Avenue—less than 2 miles from our apartments near UIC. It’s an outdoor family-friendly event that features live holiday music performances as well as hot chocolate. The wreathing event is free, but tickets must be bought to enter the museum after the wreathing ceremony has concluded.
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