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Best of November: Day of the Dead, Thanksgiving Parade, and More Things to Do in Chicago

Chicago Thanksgiving Parade. Photo by Brian & Jaclyn Drum via Flickr 2.0
Chicago Thanksgiving Parade. Photo by Brian & Jaclyn Drum via Flickr 2.0
10/27/24 - By Maureen Wilkey

November brings plenty of things to do, as Chicago gears up for holidays from Veterans Day to Thanksgiving and full steam ahead to Christmas. Don’t miss our favorite kid-friendly events and activities in Chicago this month. 

Kick off the month with Day of the Dead celebrations in Marquette Park and Hanover Park.  Take a solemn moment to talk to kids about Veterans Day by listening to storytime at Cantigny or by seeing the color guard at Brookfield Zoo Chicago. Light shows are coming back for the holidays—perennial favorites at the Morton Arboretum and Chicago Botanical Gardens will have you mesmerized yet again! And of course, there's the Chicago Thanksgiving Parade!

For more fun things to do check out our Fall Bucket List or our Day Trip and Weekend Guide—and don't forget to book tickets for these Holiday Train Rides!

We’re adding more events to our family activity calendar daily, so don’t forget to check it frequently.  

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Illumination: Tree Lights photo courtesy of the Morton Arboretum
Illumination: Tree Lights photo courtesy of the Morton Arboretum

Things to Do in Chicago with Kids this November 2024

Dia de Los Muertos Celebration at Marquette Park

Chicago Lawn
Friday, November 1, 2024
Celebrate Day of the Dead at Marquette Park with performances, games, and the final day of the diversión exhibit, which features art from southwest side artists. READ MORE

Milo Imagines The World - A World Premiere Musical

West Loop
November 2-3 and November 9-10, 2024
MILO IMAGINES THE WORLD is a musical odyssey of imagination. Through vibrant song, expressive dance, and a whole lot of imagination, this magical, musical journey takes us through the mind of a child, as he learns to see the world as it really is. A journey from house to home, this play is a real ride! READ MORE

Jack and the Beanstalk

Lincoln Park
Tuesdays through Saturdays, November 6-November 27, 2024
Come along with Jack and his best friend Carmelita (a Spanish-speaking cow), as they try to save their village from a crazy giant! Along the way, you’ll meet a beautiful singing Harp, a Golden Goose, and a wacky Bean Salesman. Watch the Giant Beanstalk grow on stage! READ MORE

Hanover Park Day of the Dead Dance

Hanover Park - FREE
Friday, November 8, 2024
Celebrate Mexican heritage with a Latin music, authentic Mexican food, and face painting. The event also includes craft tables, a Dia inspired photo booth, and games like Loteria for both kids and adults. READ MORE

Deepavali: A Celebration of Lights

Bridgeport
Saturday, November 9, 2024
Join Kalapriya, Chicago's southeast Asian arts community organization, for Deepavali at Chicago Women's Park and Garden. The celebration will include food, sparklers and art to commemorate the victory of Light over Darkness, Good over Evil, and Knowledge over Ignorance. READ MORE

Brookfield Zoo Veterans Day Celebration

Brookfield
Monday, November 11, 2024
Families can salute the armed forces with a free day at Brookfield Zoo, including many celebratory events. The zoo will display veterans' memorabilia and vehicles at the Discovery Center and host a presentation about Ambassador Animals at 11 a.m. Families can also enjoy performances by the Legacy Girls and Jesse White Tumblers and a posting of the colors and singing of the National Anthem. READ MORE

Veterans Day Family Activities at Cantigny

Wheaton - FREE
Monday, November 11, 2024
The West Chicago Public Library District and Cantigny invite you to a special story time this Veterans Day! It’s a day to honor and thank all the men and women who have served in the United States armed forces — whether in the Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, Space Force, or Coast Guard. Library staff will share a heartwarming story inspired by heroes, with a special guest reader who is a veteran! Sing along to patriotic songs and grab a veteran-themed activity (while supplies last) to take home. READ MORE

ANNIE at the Chicago Theatre

Downtown
November 12-December 1, 2024
The iconic Tony Award-winning musical returns to Chicago this holiday season with a limited three-week engagement at The Chicago Theatre. ANNIE is a heartwarming musical that for generations has reminded audiences that “the sun will come out tomorrow.” And now the best-loved musical of all time is set to return in a new production that celebrates family, optimism, and the American spirit as the ultimate cure for the hard knocks life throws your way.  READ MORE

Lightscape at Chicago Botanic Garden

Glencoe
Opens Friday, November 15, 2024
Go for a stroll down a mile-long path filled with holiday wonder at the Chicago Botanic Garden. READ MORE

Reindeer Run

Brookfield
Saturday, November 16, 2024
Run with the animals at Brookfield Zoo's annual Reindeer Run. The course is entirely within the zoo and allows runners to be the first to see the Holiday Magic lights. Music, drinks, food and animal ambassadors will be on hand after the run. READ MORE

Illumination: Tree Lights at the Morton Arboretum

Lisle
Opens Saturday, November 16, 2024
Visitors walk a one-mile path with thousands of lights in displays illuminating the trees, accompanied by music. An awe-inspiring display illuminates the new Grand Garden. Visitors can enjoy some old favorites and new displays. Stop along the way to roast s'mores around a campfire or drink a hot beverage from concession stands.  READ MORE

The Music of Taylor Swift for Kids

Evanston
Sunday, November 17, 2024
Rock 'n Roll Playhouse presents a variety of tunes originally by Taylor in a show designed specifically for kids. Paired with games, movement, and stories, the music of this rock icon is part of kids' inspiring journey into music. READ MORE

Turkey Basketball Free Throw Contest

Chicago Lawn
Wednesday, November 20, 2024
Kids compete to see who can make the most free throws at this Thanksgiving themed event. Gobble, gobble! READ MORE

Turkey Trot Family Fun Run/Walk at Russell Square Park

South Chicago Thursday, November 21, 2024
Join the Chicago Park District for a cross country race for kids ages 8-17, along with a bonfire, s'mores and games afterwards! Turkey prizes will be awarded to the top two kids in each age group. READ MORE

111th Annual Chicago Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony

Downtown - FREE
Friday, November 22, 2024
Chicagoans of all ages can enjoy the annual lighting of the Chicago Christmas Tree in Millennium Park in this event. The event will also include fireworks and many musical and theatrical performances. READ MORE

Magnificent Mile Lights Festival

Magnificent Mile
Saturday, November 23, 2024
Chicago's Magnificent Mile hosts the annual Lights Festival with a parade of lights with Grand Marshalls Minnie and Mickey Mouse. The event includes booths full of family-friendly activities, including pictures with Santa. READ MORE

Light Up The Park at Parkway Bank Park

Rosemont
Saturday, November 23, 2024
Rosemont’s Parkway Bank Park entertainment district is thrilled to kick off the holiday season with the return of its Chicago Wolves Ice Rink Saturday, November 23. Visitors can enjoy ice skating beginning at 11 a.m. in addition to several other holiday offerings available throughout the afternoon leading up to the Park’s annual “Light Up The Park” tree lighting event.  READ MORE

The Beatrix Potter Holiday Tea Party

West Loop
Opens Saturday, November 23, 2024
Four adorable Beatrix Potter favorites come to life in this mesmerizing, interactive trunk and puppet show, complete with original music. Storytellers weave Potter’s classic narration with gentle interactive moments, recruiting young watchers to join the adventure. After the show, head to the lobby to play with the puppets, take pictures with the cast, and join fellow Chicago families for a communal tea party featuring a festive spread of holiday treats! READ MORE

Willow Springs Winter Fest

Willow Springs
Saturday, November 23, 2024
Enjoy this new event in Willow Springs that culminates with a tree lighting and fireworks! Families can shop for holiday gifts from local vendors, enjoy trolley and wagon rides, roast marshmallows for s'mores by the fire pit, drink hot cider or cocoa, and take a free picture with Santa at Willow Spring Village Hall. READ MORE

Santa Arrives by Helicopter

Bloomingdale - FREE
Sunday, November 24
Santa Claus is coming to Stratford Crossing in his helicopter this November. Families can go see his arrival and receive free pictures with Santa with a $25 receipt from any of Stratford Crossing's retailers. Face painting, a magic show, and a balloon artist will also be on hand. READ MORE

Chicago Thanksgiving Parade

Downtown - FREE
Thursday, November 28, 2024
Chicago's Thanksgiving Parade will have the theme of "Where Grateful Hearts Gather." Families can watch as floats, bands, and dignitaries travel along State Street from Ida B. Wells Drive to Randolph Street. READ MORE

2024 Holiday Parade of Lights Naperville

Naperville - FREE
Friday, November 29, 2024
Watch as twinkling floats and vehicles travel through downtown Naperville at this annual parade sponsored by the Naperville Rotary Club. Santa will appear at the end of the parade and be on hand at the Naperville Public Library to visit with kids after the parade. READ MORE

The Nutcracker Performed by Salt Creek Ballet at Hinsdale Central

Hinsdale
Saturday, November 30-Sunday, November 1, 2024
Salt Creek Ballet performs the holiday classic The Nutcracker at locations throughout Chicago, including matinee and evening shows at Hinsdale Central. The ballet takes audiences through a world of toys that come alive, dancing snowflakes, and waltzing flowers. Kids can enjoy a Sugar Plum Party after the Sunday show, giving them a chance to step onstage, meet the cast, and enjoy refreshments in the winter wonderland. READ MORE

The Wizard of Oz in Concert

Downtown
November 29-December 1, 2024
Chicago Symphony Orchestra presents a showing of the classic The Wizard of Oz on screen while the orchestra plays alongside. Herbert Stothart’s beautiful score performed live by the CSO. READ MORE

Happy Holiday Railway

Union
Opens Friday, November 29, 2024
Enjoy a 40-minute train ride with a visit from Santa from the Illinois Railway Museum. The train ride includes hot chocolate, treats and gifts, and kids can see an amazing light display inside the museum. READ MORE
"Lego, Star Wars, and More Awesome 2024 Advent Calendars for Kids and Parents, Too! Photo courtesy of Lego.

More Things to Do Near Chicago with Kids this Season

Polar Express Train Rides and Christmas Trains Near Chicago

Where can you still get Polar Express tickets? Check here. READ MORE

The Best Christmas Towns in the Midwest

Shop, visit Santa, and get into the holiday spirit with a trip to one of these idyllic Christmas towns. READ MORE

Lego, Star Wars, and More Awesome 2024 Advent Calendars for Kids and Parents, Too!

Toys, wine, slime, and more fun ways to countdown to Christmas. READ MORE

20 Quirky and Small Museums in Chicago Kids Will Love

Quirky spots kids will love! READ MORE

Places featured in this article:

Hanover Park Community Center
The Morton Arboretum
Illinois Railway Museum