November in Chicago is a magical time, as the leaves start to fall, festive decorations begin to appear, and holiday events fill up our social calendars.
From dazzling light shows to magical holiday markets, there’s plenty to explore throughout the city.
Here are a few of the events and activities that we’re most excited about this month, from cultural celebrations for Native American Heritage Month to top Chicago holiday traditions.
Top events in Chicago this November
Ireland vs. New Zealand All Blacks (Nov. 1, 2025): International Rugby is back in Chicago, bringing an exciting rematch between Ireland and the New Zealand All Blacks to Soldier Field.
Black Harvest Film Festival (Nov. 7 – 16): The 31st annual Black Harvest Film Festival highlights the Black experience throughout cinema with screenings at Chicago’s Gene Siskel Film Center.
Lightscape at the Chicago Botanic Garden (starts Nov. 14): Explore the Chicago Botanic Garden with a magical twist for the holidays during Lightscape, the blockbuster holiday lights experience.
Illumination: Tree Lights at Morton Arboretum (starts Nov. 15): This massively popular annual event is a spectacle of light, sound, and color against a backdrop of nature at the Morton Arboretum.
ZooLights at Lincoln Park Zoo (starts Nov. 21): Head to historic Lincoln Park Zoo for a beloved holiday tradition and admire the millions of lights that bring Christmas magic to the zoo’s grounds.
Winterland at Gallagher Way (starts Nov. 23): Winterland returns to Wrigleyville this season with ice skating, Santa’s workshop, and a miniature Christkindlmarket.
Tree Lighting Ceremony at Millennium Park (Nov. 21): The 112th annual City of Chicago Christmas tree lighting will take place at Millennium Park, accompanied by music and fireworks.
Christkindlmarket Chicago (starts Nov. 21): The iconic German-inspired holiday market is back, and you can enjoy the beloved traditions, including warm mulled wine, across Daley Plaza.
The Wintrust Magnificent Mile Lights Festival (Nov. 22): The Magnificent Mile Lights Festival is a family-favorite holiday tradition that takes over Michigan Avenue with a parade, tree lighting, and fireworks show.
Chicago Thanksgiving Parade (Nov. 27): The iconic Thanksgiving parade will march down Chicago’s downtown State Street on Thanksgiving morning with larger-than-life floats, marching bands, and more.
Winter fireworks at Navy Pier (Nov 29): Experience the free winter fireworks display over Navy Pier, held each Saturday through the end of the year.
More events in Chicago this November
61st Street Farmers Market (starts Nov. 1): Shop local at the indoor version of this South Side farmers market filled with specialty produce, meat, cheese, eggs, and prepared foods from local and regional farms.
Andersonville Autumn Restaurant Week (Nov. 1 – 9): Explore Andersonville’s food scene with special prix fixe menus at some of the neighborhood’s most beloved dining spots.
DĂa de Muertos, A Celebration of Remembrance (through November): Learn about Day of the Dead traditions at the National Museum of Mexican Art in Pilsen during this annual exhibition.
Pigmented Black Fine Art Faire (through Nov. 2): The three-day celebration, held during October’s Black Fine Art Month, will amplify Black artistry, ownership, and legacy at the Zhou B. Art Center.
The Other Art Fair Chicago (through Nov. 2): Discover an art fair that goes beyond the mainstream, bringing independent artists and experiential pieces to Artifact Events in Ravenswood.
312 Comedy Festival (Nov. 4 – 9): Chicago’s premiere comedy fest brings big laughs and big names (Fortune Feimster, Pete Holmes, and more) to venues across the city.
Diwali Heritage Month (Nov. 4): The Field Museum is celebrating the Festival of Lights with cultural performances, storytelling, and kid-friendly activities.
First Nations Film and Video Festival (Nov. 5 – 12): This twice-annual festival is the only event of its kind to solely showcase the works of Indigenous/Native American directors.
Christmas Around the World and Holidays of Light (starts Nov. 8): The holidays are headed to the Griffin Museum of Science and Industry with this special exhibit showcasing global holiday traditions.
Festival of Barrel Aged Beers (Nov. 7 – 8): This cult favorite festival will showcase over 350 barrel-aged beers, ciders, and more from hundreds of local and national breweries.
Lit & Luz Festival (Nov. 9 – 14): This one-of-a-kind, cross-cultural, bilingual festival brings together renowned writers and visual artists at venues throughout Chicago.
Hell’s Kitchen (starts Nov. 11): This new musical from Broadway in Chicago is inspired by the life and music of Grammy award-winning Alicia Keys.
IllumiBrew at the Morton Arboretum (Nov. 14): Sip seasonal beers, ciders, and more as you walk the light-filled paths of the sprawling Morton Arboretum during their annual Tree Lights event.
Ice Skating Ribbon at Maggie Daley Park (starts Nov. 14): Skate with a city view at the Maggie Daley Park ice rink, a unique ribbon that curves through the whimsical park.
Fourth Annual Frankie Knuckles Festival (Nov. 15): Join a daylong celebration of the Godfather of House Music, using Frankie Knuckles’ personal record collection to honor the power of the genre he pioneered.
Prop Day at Goose Island (Nov. 15): Beer lovers won’t want to miss this highly anticipated event at Goose Island’s taproom, which includes tastes of this year’s Bourbon County Brand Stout and more.
Randolph Street Market (Nov. 15 – 16): From antiques to clothes to collectibles, there’s plenty to discover at this festive vintage market with over 125 vendors.
Chicago Vinyl Connection (Nov. 16) Shop and browse thousands of records and LPs from an array of top record shops at The Promontory in Hyde Park.
Chicago Artisan Market (Nov. 16): The annual Artisan Market in Fulton Market offers the best Midwest food, fashion, home goods, decor, art, jewelry, and much more.
Pickwick Vintage Show (Nov. 16): The Pickwick Vintage Show, a mainstay on the West Coast, comes to Chicago for the first time for a one-day market at the Chicago Athletic Association.
Enjoy live music at the Garfield Park Conservatory (Nov. 19): Musicians will be performing throughout the conservatory’s plant collection, creating a unique and immersive experience.
Jacob Marley’s Christmas Carol (starts Nov. 21): This one-actor show features 19 characters and explores the untold story of Jacob Marley from the iconic Charles Dickens classic.
Millennium Park Holiday Market (Nov. 21 – 23): Kick off the holiday season with shopping, entertainment, food, drink and more at the Millennium Park Holiday Market.
Rachel Maddow at the Harris Theater (Nov. 21): The acclaimed broadcaster and author joins historian Timothy Snyder on stage at the Harris Theater for an evening of conversation, insights, and stories.
Holiday Sip and Stroll at Brookfield Zoo (starts Nov. 20): Be among the first to see this year’s Holiday Magic lights display at Brookfield Zoo during this exclusive 21+ event.
Dozin’ with the Dinos at the Field Museum (Nov. 22): Pack your sleeping bag and get ready for a night at the Field Museum filled with games, challenges, and stories, and of course, dinos.
Vintage House Market (Nov. 22 – 23): Head to Revolution Brewing and get ready to shop vintage finds (for $10 and under) during this pop-up market event.
Dagwaagin (Fall) Artist Market (Nov. 29, 2025): Celebrate Native American Heritage Month and Small Business Saturday during this free market featuring Native American artists and entrepreneurs.
Not a Soft Thing at the Chicago Cultural Center (through November): The newest exhibit at the Chicago Cultural Center is a group exhibition by artists mothers and tells the story caregiving through different art forms.
Leo Lionni’s Frederick at the Chicago Children’s Theatre (through November): Based on the beloved children’s book, Frederick, this warm and charming stage musical adaptation is perfect for families looking to bring their little ones to a seasonal theater experience.
Yoko Ono: Music of the Mind Exhibit (through November): The Museum of Contemporary Art is now home to a limited-run retrospective of artist Yoko Ono, the only U.S. stop on the exhibit’s tour.
Take Care with Peanuts: The Exhibit (through November): Charlie Brown and the Peanuts Gang head to the Chicago Children’s Museum for an interactive exhibit that transports kids of all ages to the beloved comic strip.
