November has arrived, bringing with it the first appearances of wintry weather and an onslaught of holiday events. Kick your month off by attending literary events at the annual Lit & Luz Festival, which highlights authors from Mexico and the U.S., or catch the final few weeks of this season’s Art on theMART projections downtown. Later in the month, get a head start on Christmas in Chicago by touring glittering light displays at Chicago gardens and parks or check out the first few days of the Christkindlmarket, which is returning to Daley Plaza and Wrigleyville with all the glühwein, spiced nuts and holiday ornaments you could ever desire. Finally, make plans for Thanksgiving in Chicago, whether that means pre-ordering your turkey or stocking up on the tastiest pie Chicago bakeries have to offer. Say goodbye to fall in Chicago (and the leaves on the trees) with our list of the best things to do in Chicago this November.
1. K Experience, Squid Games
Inspired by the smash-hit Netflix series, Squid Game, the Korean Cultural Center of Chicago is hosting a family-friendly version of the games from the show—which means that you won’t suffer a deadly fate if you end up losing. In an effort to provide a window into Korean culture, participants will play traditional childhood games like tug of war, red light green light, marbles, ddakji, honeycomb cutting and the titular squid game. You won’t get a giant piggy bank filled with millions if you win, but successful participants will receive popular Korean snacks. You’ll need to register in advance if you want to participate in the games, which will take place through the Korean Cultural Center of Chicago in Wheeling, Illinois.
2. Light Up the Lake
Too cold outside? Navy Pier brings all of the winter fun indoors, filling its gigantic 170,000-square-foot Festival Hall with a regulation-size Apline ice skating rink, a holiday beer garden, kiddie train rides, Santa’s Village and a gift market. The centerpiece of Light Up the Lake (which replaces Navy Pier’s Winter Wonderfest) is a collection of oversized light sculptures, including a giant Teddy Bear, 25-foot-tall deer, a 60-foot light tunnel and 40-foot tree. Boasting more than 600,000 lights, Navy Pier claims that it’s “the area’s largest indoor lights show.” Plus, each Light Up the Lake ticket includes a ride on Navy Pier’s 200-foot Centennial Wheel—don’t worry, all of the gondola’s are fully enclosed and heated!
3.’Twas the Night Before Christkindlmarket
Can’t wait for Christkindlmarket to open its stalls stocked with steaming beverages, tasty German treats and festive gifts? You’ll be able to visit the holiday market the night before it opens to the public if you score tickets to this exclusive preview event, which offers a peek at what vendors have in store. Guests at ‘Twas the Night Before Christkindlmarket will witness the official opening ceremony, complete with a visit from the Christkind and performances from the Canterbury Carolers and the Alpine Brass Band. You’ll also be able to get cozy in the heated Timber Tent and snap a photo with the Christkind. Each ticket includes the 2021 souvenier mug and a light-up celebration necklace, as well as an entrée, a dessert and two drink coupons. Tickets for kids include one entrée, one drink coupon and a kids mug.
4.“The Office Experience Chicago”
Calling all The Office fanatics: The same team that created “The Friends Experience” is back with another nostalgic pop-culture experience that will make you feel like a Dunder Mifflin employee. Spread across two floors, the pop-up features 17 rooms that recreate sets from the show, including the Scranton Business Park workplace (which features Michael’s office, Pam’s reception desk and Ryan’s closet) and Schrute Farms. Guests will be able to recreate moments like Kevin’s chili spill and the Dundie Awards—and you’ll also find a few original props and costumes on display. Don’t forget to stop by a gift shop that’s dressed up like the Warehouse, featuring merch like “World’s Best Boss” mugs, sweatshirts that say “Nard Dog” and staplers (Jello not included).
5. Chicago Thanksgiving Day Parade
Why settle for watching a parade weave through New York City on TV when you can see giant cartoon-character ballons, marching bands and dancers on the streets of Chicago? If you happen to be in the city on Thanksgiving, you can catch the annual procession before digging into the turkey. Moving down State Street between Congress Parkway and Randolph Street, the parade finishes by 11am, which means you’ll have plenty of time to get home and help with the cooking.
Original Article Here
Written by Zach Long and Emily Krupp for Time Out 10/8/2021
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