Holidays are just around the corner…wow this year has gone quick! Here are some things to do this weekend to spend time with your loved ones.
Disney100: The Exhibition
Celebrate, Disney enthusiasts! An exciting new display featuring the rich history of the company is set to open at the 35,000-square-foot Exhibition Hub Art Center in Lincoln Park on November 18, coinciding with the debut of Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse on-screen in 1928. Dive into 14 engaging interactive installations and witness over 250 seldom-seen artifacts and memorabilia spanning various Disney franchises, including Marvel Studios and the Pixar Living Archives. Additionally, seize the chance to buy exclusive merchandise at the gift shop and capture memorable photos against captivating backdrops.
Christkindlmarket
Experience the enchanting German-inspired holiday market at Daley Plaza, infusing the Loop with a little over a month of festive celebrations. Explore stalls brimming with handmade gifts, delectable German cuisine, and an array of hot beverages to ward off the winter chill as you meander through the spirited atmosphere. Be sure to savor the aromatic spiced glühwein, a delightful German hot wine blend, ideally served in the market’s renowned souvenir mugs before you depart.
Ice Skating at Maggie Daley Park
Nestled in the heart of downtown Chicago, with the city’s expansive skyline as a picturesque backdrop, the Skating Ribbon at Maggie Daley Park stands out as a unique winter attraction. Skaters can don their ice skates and traverse a meandering path of frozen delight, double the length of a conventional rink. Given its popularity, it’s advisable to secure reservations in advance as slots tend to fill up rapidly.
Enjoy complimentary admission to the Skating Ribbon on Mondays through Thursdays and during 11 am sessions on Fridays through Sundays. For other time slots on Fridays through Sundays, as well as holidays, a nominal fee of $5 applies if you bring your own skates. If you don’t have skates, entry costs range from $16 to $22, covering the rental of a pair. The Ribbon remains open until March, weather permitting, and extends its hours even on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve, and New Year’s Day.
ZooLights
For a spectacular holiday lights extravaganza right within the city, make your way to Lincoln Park Zoo, where the annual ZooLights display bedazzles with millions of LED bulbs. While the majority of the animals stay cozy indoors, visitors are invited to meander through the park, capturing photos of enchanting displays and engaging in various holiday-themed activities. This year promises new exhibits and interactive programming, and, as always, guests can indulge in hot beverages and snacks available at stands throughout the park.
Admission is $7 on most weeknights and Sundays, $10 on Fridays and Saturdays, and Mondays offer free admission tickets. Explore the Lincoln Park Zoo website for details on special ticketed events during ZooLights, including Adults Night Out and a musical tribute to “A Charlie Brown Christmas.”
Enjoy Chicago!