Around Town: What to do in Chicago During Thanksgiving Week
With the holidays right around the corner our schedules are getting busier and we are beginning to lose track of the time. This season is the perfect opportunity to try to relax and spend time with family and friends. From the food to the leaves to the exciting atmosphere and events, fall/winter in Chicago is one of the best times of year. With that comes Thanksgiving. It's sneaking up on us, and whether you’re indulging in dinner with the family or spending the day out with friends, Chicago has a variety of things to do for the holiday. As a Chicago native, I never get bored of the endless holiday festivities. I’ve pulled together a few of my favorite events and things to do in Chicago for Thanksgiving to ease the stress of the upcoming season:
Photo via Christkindlmarket
Christkindlmarket: One of my favorite activities around the holidays is to visit the annual outdoor Christkindlmarket at Daley Plaza, right across from Block 37. The German market has everything from authentic food and drink, to hand-made ornaments and crafts. The market is the perfect spot to gather with friends and get a taste of authentic German beer. Christkindlmarket is even expanding it’s reach to the suburbs of Naperville this year on Thursdays through Sunday, from November 25th until December 18th, and every day from then to the 24th. The 21st Annual Christkindlmarket in Chicago will occur from November 18th through December 24th.
Randolph Street Holiday Market: If you want to catch up on the holiday shopping then The Randolph Street Market Festival is your spot. What I love about these markets is that you can find unique trinkets and hand-made pieces that add a touch of vintage and modern to your collections. With over 200 vendors and 3 floors of gifts it’s the perfect weekend getaway for all the vintage shopaholics! The market occurs every Saturday and Sunday from 10am to 5pm from November 19th-December 11th. The market is located indoors at the Beaux Arts Plumbers Union Hall Building.
Sullivan’s Steak House Thanksgiving Dinner: With the holiday season being a bit stressful, cooking dinner for a large family can get overwhelming. Sullivan’s Steakhouse will be the home away from home this Thanksgiving with their Prix-Fixe Holiday Feast from 12pm-8pm and it’s only $39 per person! Talk about not breaking the bank. You can indulge in a hand-roasted turkey with a choice of starter and two side dishes and desserts. Don’t let the stress of cooking get in the way and spend the time enjoying your family and friends. Check it out here. (Photo via: Sullivan’s Steakhouse)
Turkey Trot: Now what happens after stuffing your face with a delicious Thanksgiving dinner? Most of us will get cozy on the couch and watch some football (or, let's be real.. the return of Gilmore Girls), but why not run it off with a 5K!? Grant Park will host a post-Thanksgiving Turkey Trot to work off the feast and offer gorgeous views of the city’s skyline the Saturday following. Don’t worry though because once you reach the finish line, you’ll get a cinnamon roll and a free beer or hot cider! Talk about motivation. Register here.
Elly Hayn, Fall 2016 Intern