Are you searching for what to do in Chicago this November? Here are the best things to do in Chicago in November 2026 (from a local) including the best November 2026 events and the top activities and attractions.
I suggest bookmarking this blog post as I will be updating it regularly with new events and activities.
Chicago in November
November is a great month to visit Chicago. Even though the weather is getting colder, it is still comfortable enough to enjoy spending time outdoors. Depending on the year, you might still see some fall foliage in the beginning of the month. Mid-November brings the start of festive Christmas and holiday activities and events which are in full swing by Thanksgiving at the end of the month.
For out of town visitors, please note that the weather in Chicago in November is very unpredictable and temperatures can vary greatly. Be prepared for fall or winter temperatures (sometimes all in one day!) as well as rain and possibly snow. Make sure to pack layers, a travel umbrella and check the weather right before your visit to know what to expect.
Things to Do in Chicago in November 2026
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Below are the top things to do in Chicago in November 2026.
Take an Architecture River Cruise
Taking an architecture river cruise is a must when visiting Chicago and a great outdoor activity on a warmer November day. While you can go on an architecture cruise most of the year (except when the water is frozen in the winter), they tend to be less crowded in the fall.
Take a Holiday Tour
If you are in Chicago during mid to late November and your time is short, there are a few tours that focus on Chicago’s holiday attractions:
Festive Food & Walking Tour
Seasonal Stroll Walking Tour of Holiday Attractions
Drunk Dracula
Step into a darkly enchanting adult-only adventure at Drunk Dracula where laughter, tipsy thrills, and the legend of Dracula collide. Each 90-minute session invites you to sip, shiver, and revel in the mischievous antics of a vampire gone delightfully rogue. Mingle with fellow thrill-seekers in a mysterious, adult-only setting. Must be 21+ with valid ID.
When: Through November 7, 2026
Where: 182 North Wabash Avenue, Chicago, IL 60601
Cost: Prices start at $29 per person. Click here to purchase tickets.
Enjoy the Views from 360 CHICAGO Observation Deck
360 CHICAGO, the observatory on the 94th floor of the former John Hancock Building, has one of the best views of the Chicago skyline and Lake Michigan. Early to mid-November is one of the best times to visit as you can see panoramic views of fall colors from above. Click here to buy a skip the line ticket.
Where: 875 North Michigan Avenue, 94th floor, Chicago, IL 60611
Tip: If you are visiting a few museums and indoor attractions, consider purchasing a Chicago CityPASS or Go Chicago Card to save money on entrance fees.
Enjoy the End of Fall Colors
There are many places in and near Chicago to admire the beautiful autumn leaves. The peak time for the best fall foliage in Chicago is usually mid to late October but you can usually still see some fall colors in the first half of November.
You can see fall colors at some of Chicago’s most popular attractions including Cloud Gate (aka “The Bean”) in Millennium Park, the Chicago Riverwalk and Lincoln Park.
If you are willing to leave the city, you can find even more spectacular fall foliage in the suburbs. One of the best spots for fall colors in the suburbs is Morton Arboretum (in Lisle about 26 miles west of downtown) which is home to more than 4,000 different types of trees among 1,700 acres. They publish a weekly fall color report every Wednesday on their website.
If you missed fall foliage in the Chicago area, head south. There will likely still be fall colors in other places of the Midwest early November making it a great time for a weekend getaway from Chicago. (This weekly fall color report keeps track of fall foliage times across Illinois and this fall foliage map by weather.com shows the progress of fall foliage in all of the United States.)
Admire Famous Works at The Art Institute of Chicago
The Art Institute of Chicago is one of the oldest and largest art museums in the United States and is frequently found on lists of the top museums in the world. (Click here to buy a skip the line ticket if you want to avoid long lines).
When: Thursday 11am–8pm; Friday to Monday from 11am– 5pm. Closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
Where: 111 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60603
Cost: Price varies; members and children under 14 are always free.
Go Outdoor Ice Skating
Outdoor ice skating rinks in the Chicago area open around mid to late November.
One of the best and picture perfect spots to go ice skating downtown is the McCormick Tribune Ice Rink (right in front of the Bean).
Another great spot is the skating ribbon at Maggie Daley Park which has a path twice the length of a lap around a traditional skating rink.
Look for Street Art
November is a great month to walk around Chicago looking for street art while also enjoying fall colors or holiday lights and more moderate temperatures.
One of the most well known Chicago murals is “Moose Bubblegum Bubble” by Jacob Watts which located at 33 E. Congress (South Wall). This famous mural is part of the Wabash Arts Corridor and is walking distance to Millennium Park, The Art Institute of Chicago and other tourist attractions.
Another famous mural is the Greetings From Chicago Mural at 2226 N Milwaukee Ave. You can see this mural and other street art on this street art tour.
Have Fun at Navy Pier
Navy Pier is a must do if you are visiting Chicago with toddlers or kids. A ride on the large Ferris wheel offers paranoramic skyline views of Chicago and is another great way to see the fall colors from above early in the month. (Click here to purchase a fast pass ticket and skip the long line).
Other fun attractions at Navy Pier include Flyover Chicago, an immersive flyover experience, the Chicago Children’s Museum, rides and games and several restaurants, bars and shops.
Go Outdoor Curling
Curling season is here. A few places in Chicago offer outdoor curling starting in November:
Harry Caray’s Tavern at Navy Pier (700 E. Grand Ave)
Gwen’s Winter Curl & Chill at Upstairs at The Gwen (521 North Rush Street)
Kaiser Tiger (1415 West Randolph St)
Visit an Authentic German-Style Christmas Market
Christkindlmarket is an authentic German-style outdoor market. Visitors can shop for Christmas ornaments and products from around the world and try various German food and drinks such as roasted nuts, fresh pretzels, bratwurst, and hot spiced wine. You can purchase a limited edition souvenir mug to remember your trip.
When: Opens mid/late November.
Where: There are 2 locations in Chicago (Downtown at Daley Plaza, 50 W Washington St, Chicago, IL 60602 and Wrigleyville at Gallagher Way, 3635 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60613) and 1 location in the suburbs (Aurora).
Cost: Admission is FREE.
ZooLights at Lincoln Park Zoo
ZooLights at Lincoln Park Zoo is a cheerful, family-friendly holiday event in the heart of the city. Zoolights features hundreds of luminous LED displays and seasonal experiences, all under the glow of millions of lights.
When: Opens mid/late November.
Where: Lincoln Park Zoo, 2400 N. Cannon Drive, Chicago, IL
Cost: $7–$12 depending on the day (free admission on Mondays)
See the City of Chicago Christmas Tree
See Chicago’s “official” Christmas tree at Millennium Park starting on November 20, 2026. The best time to see it is in the evening when it is lit up.
Make sure to stop by The Bean – a must on any Chicago bucket list. The Bean is located a few feet away from the tree and can even take photos of The Bean with the Christmas tree in the background.
Where: Millennium Park, near the intersection of Michigan Ave. and Washington St.
When: The lighting ceremony takes place Friday, November 20, 2026.
Cost: Free.
Go Holiday Shopping (or Window Shopping)
Chicago is a great city for shopping with every type of store you can imagine. Many shopping centers and departments stores put up holiday decorations and attractions around early November. If you want to see holiday decorations before the holiday crowds, I recommend doing your holiday shopping (or browsing) in early to mid-November.
Make sure not to miss Macy’s (formerly Marshall Fields) – the building is a National Historic Landmark and it is known for its holiday window displays.
The major shopping areas in downtown Chicago include State Street (where you can find Macy’s, Target and many smaller stores) and The Magnificent Mile (where you can find shopping centers, luxury designers and labels, several departments stores and popular brands).
If you are looking for unique and/or handmade items, check out these markets for your holiday shopping: Lycée French Market (November 14-15, 2026), Chicago Artisan Market (Fulton Market) (November 15, 2026), Millennium Park Holiday Market, and Chicago Artisan Market (Ravenswood) (November 28-29, 2026).
Christmas Around the World and Holidays of Light
The Christmas Around the World and Holidays of Light at the Griffin Museum of Science and Industry annual celebration began in 1942 and features a four-story, floor-to-dome Grand Tree, surrounded by a forest of more than 40 trees and displays which represent the holiday traditions from cultures around the globe.
When: Opens mid/late November.
Where: Griffin Museum of Science and Industry at 5700 S Lake Shore Drive.
Cost: Included in regular museum admission. Here is a link to the official website for more information.
Walk the Illuminated Light Trail at Lightscape
Lightscape is an after-dark, illuminated trail with thousands of twinkling lights at the Chicago Botanic Garden. Ok so this is technically not in Chicago but it is in the suburbs only a 30 minute drive from downtown. Book early to guarantee your preferred dates. Tickets sell out quickly!
Where: Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe, IL 60022 (24 miles north of downtown Chicago)
When: Opens mid-November.
Illumination: Tree Lights at The Morton Arboretum
Illumination: Tree Lights at The Morton Arboretum is a one-of-a-kind, interactive spectacle of color, light, and sound that has been delighting audiences since 2013. Be surrounded by color as you walk a one-mile paved path amid interactive lighting effects that highlight the beauty of trees in winter.
Where: Morton Arboretum, 4100 Illinois Route 53, Lisle, IL 60532 (28 miles west of downtown Chicago)
When: Opens mid-November.
Cost: See their website for more information and to purchase tickets in advance.
Chicago November 2026 Events
In addition to the events and activities listed above, the best November 2026 events include: Hot Chocolate Run (November 1, 2026), City of Chicago Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony (November 20, 2026), Magnificent Mile Lights Festival (November 21, 2026) and Chicago Thanksgiving Parade (November 26, 2026).
For more November 2026 events, bookmark this post about the best weekend events which is updated every week.
As you can see there are many fun things to do in Chicago this November.
Planning a trip to Chicago? Check out my Chicago guides and itineraries:
