2010 Holiday Events in Chicago

The holidays are upon us in Chicago. The weather is getting colder, the ground is getting wetter, and the leaves are falling. With Thanksgiving fast approaching, that means Christmas is just around the corner. If your holiday travel plans take you to the Chicago area, listed here are a few ways to ring in the Christmas season that you may enjoy.

Chicago Holiday Event #1: Thanksgiving Day Parade
The Thanksgiving Parade, sponsored by McDonald's, takes place on State Street in Downtown Chicago on November 25, 2010. The 77^th annual parade begins at 8:00 a.m., so make sure to get a good spot bright and early among the other 425,000 spectators. Marching bands, balloons, Ronald McDonald, and of course, Santa Claus will be seen at this years parade.

Chicago Holiday Event #2: Magnificent Mile Lights Festival
The Magnificent Mile Lights Festival on November 20, 2010, kicks off the holiday season, especially holiday shopping, in Chicago. The festival will run from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Michigan Avenue between Oak Street and the Chicago River, but the parade steps off at 5:30 p.m. The parade will be emceed by Mickey Mouse, and a fireworks show will directly follow. It's free for anyone, not including parking or transportation to the event. Most stores will have their holiday window displays up and extended shopping hours for the occasion. During the day, there are choir performances, live entertainment, and ice sculptors.

Chicago Holiday Event #3: Ice Rink in Millennium Park
The ice rink in Millennium Park is something you must visit when visiting Chicago. Whether you ice skate or are just taking in the scenery, it is an event you won't forget, especially at night with the city skyline and lights as your view.

Chicago Holiday Event #4: The Chicago Christmas Tree
The Chicago Christmas Tree located in Daley Center Plaza on Washington and Dearborn is a sight to see. This year, it is a 70-foot fir tree donated by the John Colomer family of McHenry, Illinois. There was a contest to vote on the tree to be used this year out of 75 trees. A total of 7,000 red, green, and white lights string around the tree. If you cannot make it to the tree lighting ceremony, featuring entertainment and Santa Claus, on November 24, 2010, you must at least visit the tree this season. The ceremony, which is free, begins at 5:30 p.m., with entertainment at 4:30 p.m.

Chicago Holiday Event #5: Santa's Workshop
Santa's workshop is located at the base of the Chicago Christmas tree in Daley Center Plaza. Opening day takes place on November 26th and continues every day through Christmas Eve. Special days and hours can be found online, but from November 26 to December 23, 2010, it is open 11:00 am to 6:00 p.m. (Monday through Friday) or 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. (Saturday and Sunday).

Sources:
www.chicagofestivals.org