You don’t need to reach for your wallet to get your fill of fun things to do all around the city. Here are 10 of our favorite free events and activities this month in Chicago, including exciting holiday festivities, cultural celebrations, live music, free museum days, and so much more. Start planning your budget-friendly Chicago adventures with these free things to do in November 2024.
1. Go ice skating in Millennium Park
Opens Nov. 15, 2024
Nothing says “winter in Chicago” like gliding around on one of the city’s magical ice skating rinks. One favorite spot is the McCormick Tribune Ice Rink, which opens for its 22nd season in November. This free-admission rink in Millennium Park is located in the heart of Millennium Park surrounded by views of “The Bean” and the glimmering lights of Michigan Avenue. Note that free online reservations are required, skate rentals are available for a fee.
2. Attend a magical holiday parade
Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024
The Magnificent Mile Lights Festival marks the official start of the holiday season in Chicago. This classic celebration is a packed day of free, family-friendly activities leading up to the famous tree-lighting parade on Michigan Avenue. The parade will illuminate more than 200 trees lining The Magnificent Mile and conclude with a spectacular fireworks show over the Chicago River.
3. Honor Day of the Dead
Throughout November
Día de los Muertos is a meaningful Mexican holiday that celebrates life and the memory of loved ones who have passed. Experience the customs and traditions for yourself at this year’s Día de Muertos: Where the Past Is Present exhibit at the always-free National Museum of Mexican Art. Now in its 38th year, the exhibit showcases stunning ofrendas (altars) by local and national artists.
4. Bask in the glow of ZooLights
Throughout November
More than one million lights make up the mesmerizing displays at ZooLights at Lincoln Park Zoo, which opens for the holiday season on Nov. 15, 2024. This year’s family-friendly holiday event, set in the city’s historic lakefront zoo, includes light shows set to music, an 18-foot tree, and live entertainment. This season, the zoo will be offering free admission to ZooLights every Monday. Advance reservations are required, so get your free Monday tickets online before you go. ZooLights will run through Jan. 5, 2025.
5. See the lighting of the official Christmas Tree
Nov. 22, 2024
For more than 100 years, the city of Chicago has celebrated the holiday season with the lighting of the official Christmas Tree in Millennium Park. This year’s free 111th annual tree lighting ceremony will take place on Friday, Nov. 22 and include live music, performances, and a fireworks display as officials flip the switch to illuminate this year’s tree. The Millennium Park tree will remain lit through January 2025.
6. Celebrate Native American Heritage Month
Throughout November
The First Nations Film and Video Festival is the only event of its kind to solely showcase the works of Indigenous/Native American directors. The fall edition, which runs from Nov. 1 – 10, includes a variety of free screenings in venues all around the city.
Take a free Open Beadwork Class at the American Indian Center in Albany Park. These weekly workshops are open to the public, whether you’re a member of the Native community, an ally, or simply curious about beadwork. No registration is required and all supplies are provided.
Visit the Field Museum on a Wednesday to take advantage of free admission for Illinois residents. While there, make time to visit the Native Truths: Our Voices, Our Stories exhibit, which was created with an advisory council of Native American scholars and collaborators representing over 105 Tribes.
Explore more things to do during Native American Heritage Month in Chicago.
7. Catch the Chicago Thanksgiving Day Parade
Nov. 28, 2024
Don’t miss the Chicago Thanksgiving Day Parade that takes over State Street with marching bands, live performances, giant helium balloons, and more on Thursday, Nov. 28.
The parade marches along Chicago’s iconic State Street in the Loop from 8 – 11 a.m. on Thanksgiving morning. Watch the festive procession make its way from Ida B. Wells Drive north to Randolph Street.
8. Visit Chicago’s famous Christkindlmarket
Opens Nov. 22, 2024
Christkindlmarket arrives in Chicago this month! The beloved tradition transforms downtown Daley Plaza into a bustling holiday market, filling the air with the smell of roasted nuts, fresh pretzels, and hot spiced wine. Admission is free to come in and peruse artisan goods, imported German gifts, and handmade holiday decorations. You can even catch cultural activities and family-friendly events. The market opens for the season on Nov. 22, 2024.
9. Get free admission at Chicago museums
Multiple days in November
Spend an afternoon wandering through a Chicago museum, where you can dive into fascinating history, artistic masterpieces, and galaxies far, far away.
Here are the upcoming free museum days in Chicago during November 2024 for Illinois residents:
- Art Institute of Chicago is free on Nov. 4, 11, and 22
- Field Museum is free on Wednesdays throughout November
- Chicago History Museum is free on Nov. 5, 11, and 20
- Shedd Aquarium is free after 5 p.m. on Nov. 5, 12, 19, and 26
- Adler Planetarium is free every Wednesday from 4 – 10 p.m.
The DuSable Black History Museum and Education Center is free for all every Wednesday, and the Museum of Contemporary Art is free for Illinois residents every Tuesday. You can also visit one of the city’s always-free museums, like the National Museum of Puerto Rican Arts and Culture, the National Museum of Mexican Art, and the Hyde Park Art Center.
Explore more: Mark your calendar for free museum days throughout the year.
10. See fall colors at the Chicago Botanic Garden
Nov. 4 – 8, 11, 12, 2024
Just north of the city in Glencoe, the stunning Chicago Botanic Garden is free for Illinois residents this month on Nov. 4 – 8, 11, and 12. Explore more than 380 acres of natural beauty, including an English walled garden, islands, a Japanese garden, a 100-acre wood, a rose garden, native plant area, and Nature Play Garden for kids. Check out the fall color tree walk to see the best of the season’s splendor.
Make sure to register in advance for your free admission.
Looking for more? Check out our guide on free things to do in Chicago all year long.
