Thanksgiving has always been a holiday of revolving traditions for me. Growing up in Ohio, it was about family, home-cooked meals, and laid-back gatherings.
More recently, I’ve been building new traditions here in Chicago, enjoying the long weekend in a city I’ve called home for nearly a decade.
Spending Thanksgiving in Chicago? Whether you’re a local or visiting, discover the best things to do and festive experiences to make your holiday weekend incredible.
1. Gather on State Street for the Chicago Thanksgiving Parade
The Chicago Thanksgiving Parade is a classic way to kick off the holiday season. Giant balloons, colorful floats, marching bands, and performances fill the streets with festive energy.
When: Thursday, November 27, 2025, at 8:00 a.m.
Where: State Street from Ida B. Wells Drive to Randolph
I’ve attended this parade, and it is such a blast(even if it is a bit chilly out). If you can’t attend in person, the parade is streamed live online.
2. Join the Chicago Turkey Trot
Start Thanksgiving morning with a Turkey Trot Chicago! The Annual Life Time Turkey Trot Chicago includes 5K & 8K races, as well as the Plymouth Rock Ramble Kids Race. Proceeds support the Greater Chicago Food Depository, helping local families during the holiday season.
Afterward, enjoy tailgate activities such as Cornhole, Football Toss, and warm apple cider. Personally, running this race has become one of my favorite Thanksgiving traditions — it combines fitness, community, and holiday spirit.
3. Spread Holiday Cheer by Volunteering
Thanksgiving is the perfect time to give back. Organizations like Chicago Cares and Idealist make it easy to find volunteer opportunities, whether it’s serving meals, organizing drives, or helping local families.
4. Watch the Millennium Park Christmas Tree Lighting
The Millennium Park Christmas Tree lighting is a magical event that marks the start of the holiday season. Twinkling lights, live performances, and the festive energy of the city create an unforgettable experience.
5. Marvel at Lincoln Park Zoo Lights
Zoolights at Lincoln Park Zoo transforms the zoo into a holiday wonderland with sparkling displays, interactive installations, and festive activities.
Dates: Mid-November through early January
Admission: $7–$10 (Free Mondays with a reservation)
Going to Zoo Lights is one of my personal holiday rituals. The combination of holiday lights and the zoo’s charm makes for a nostalgic and joyful experience.
6. Explore Christkindlmarket Chicago
Step into the European-style Christkindlmarket, with festive music, handcrafted ornaments, and delicious seasonal treats. From roasted nuts to hot spiced wine, it’s a holiday shopping experience unlike any other.
Visiting Christkindlmarket has become a must-do Chicago holiday tradition. The key is to go as early in the season as possible; even if it’s technically a prelude to Christmas, it’s the perfect way to start the season.
7. Shop Small for the Holidays in Chicago
Chicago is full of unique boutiques and small shops perfect for holiday gifts. Whether you explore Wicker Park, the West Loop, or local pop-ups in Bronzeville, you’re sure to find one-of-a-kind treasures.
Every year during this season, I enjoy discovering new shops and finding unique gifts for others (and myself) at local businesses across the city.
Looking for Chicago events and things to do in Chicago this weekend? Check out the events calendar.
8. Sample Thanksgiving Eats in Chicago
Take a break from cooking and enjoy a stress-free holiday with Chicago’s Thanksgiving to-go options:
- Bloom Plant Based Kitchen – Plant-based Thanksgiving by a JBA-nominated chef. Pickup available.
- Amaru – First-ever Pumpkin Tres Leches Cake to-go. Pickup recommended.
- Heritage Restaurant – Classic Thanksgiving menu with a refined twist. Pickup only; pre-order required.
- Q-BBQ – Thanksgiving packages featuring savory smoked meats. Pickup only; pre-order online.
- Nettare – First-ever Thanksgiving pie collection. Pickup available; limited quantities.
- Luella’s Southern Kitchen – Southern comfort meals to-go (Dinner for 4 or 8). Pickup only on Thanksgiving Day; pre-order required.
9. Go Ice Skating Outdoors
Chicago’s outdoor ice rinks open around Thanksgiving, offering a classic winter activity:
- Maggie Daley Park – Ribbon-shaped trail perfect for all skill levels
- McCormick Tribune Ice Rink (Millennium Park) – Skate near The Bean
- Gallagher Ice Rink (Wrigleyville) – Neighborhood skating rink near Wrigley Field
If you’re looking for a fun family activity during Thanksgiving weekend, this is definitely one to try!
Make Thanksgiving Your Own in Chicago
Thanksgiving in Chicago is about tradition, exploration, and creating memories. From parades and turkey trots to festive lights, holiday markets, and seasonal dining, the city offers countless ways to make your holiday special.
For me, Thanksgiving has evolved into a blend of familiar comforts and new Chicago traditions. Whether it’s volunteering or sampling a Thanksgiving to-go meal from a favorite restaurant, the city provides the perfect backdrop for a Thanksgiving holiday weekend.