Are you searching for what to do in Chicago this November? Here are the best things to do in Chicago in November (from a local).
November is a great month to visit Chicago. Even though the weather is getting colder, it is still comfortable enough to enjoy spending time outside. Depending on the year, you might still see some fall foliage in the beginning of the month. The middle of 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.
I suggest bookmarking this blog post as I plan to update it regularly with current information and any new activities and events.
Things to Do in Chicago in November
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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 Friday on their website. Don’t miss Human+Nature, an outdoor art installation by renowned South African artist Daniel Popper which features 15- to 26-foot-tall sculptures.
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.)
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.
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.
Other neighborhoods that have a high concentration of street art include Pilsen as well as West Town.
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.
Attend a Candlelight Concert
Chicago’s Candlelight Concerts is a series of special classical music concerts that take place in beautiful venues bathed in candlelight. Some of the concerts taking place this November include:
Candlelight: A Tribute to Taylor Swift
Candlelight Día De Los Muertos: Celebrating the Day of the Dead
Candlelight: Tribute to Aretha Franklin, Nina Simone, and the Divas of Soul
Candlelight: The Best of Hans Zimmer at Music Box Theatre
You can find the full list of candlelight concerts in Chicago here.
Light Up the Lake at Navy Pier
Light Up the Lake at Navy Pier is a family-friendly winter event. Immerse yourself in interactive light displays, a whimsical skating rink, journeys through the birch tree maze, visits with Santa and more.
Where: Festival Hall at Navy Pier, 600 E Grand Ave, Chicago, IL 60611
When: Opens November 25.
Cost: Prices vary depending on day. Tickets start at $15.
Immersive Nutcracker: A Winter Miracle
The Immersive Nutcracker: A Winter Miracle is the ultimate holiday experience for the entire family! Experience the timeless holiday tale like never before – brought to life on a majestic scale.
When: Opens November 19
Where: Lighthouse ArtSpace at Germania Place, 108 W. Germania Pl, Chicago
Cost: You can see full prices and purchase tickets in advance here.
Visit the new Museum of Ice Cream
Museum of Ice Cream is Chicago’s newest attraction. Step into an ice cream wonderland that is bound to ignite your senses through a theatrical experience with unlimited ice cream treats as you journey through 14 installations. Ride on the pink Sprink-L line, put your golf skills to the test on the Putt-Putt course, or take a dip in a pool filled with millions of sprinkles.
Where: Tribune Tower, 435 North Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60611
Cost: You can see full prices and purchase tickets in advance here.
Watch Digital Art at Art on the Mart
Art on theMART is the largest permanent digital art projection in the world, projecting contemporary artwork across the 2.5-acre river-façade of theMART.
Where: The Merchandise Mart, 222 W Merchandise Mart Plaza, Chicago, IL 60654. Spectators can watch the show from the jetty section of the Chicago Riverwalk on Wacker Drive between Wells Street and Franklin Street.
When: 30-minute program of projections are shown nightly.
Cost: Free.
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 rides and games, restaurants, shops and the Chicago Children’s Museum.
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: Hours are Monday and Thursday–Sunday from 11 a.m.– 6 p.m. (10–11 a.m. for members). Closed on Tuesday–Wednesday.
Where: 111 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60603
Cost: $25 for adults, $19 for seniors, students and teens (14-17); members and children under 14 are always free.
Go Outdoor Ice Skating
Outdoor ice skating rinks in the Chicago area open in mid-November. The best and picture perfect spots to go ice skating downtown are the McCormick Tribune Ice Rink right in front of the Bean and the skating ribbon at Maggie Daley Park which has a path twice the length of a lap around a traditional skating rink.
When: Both opening rinks are opening for the season on November 18.
Take a Holiday Tour
If your are in Chicago during late November and your time is short, there are a few tours that focus on Chicago’s holiday attractions. For some history with your holiday tour, check out this walking tour or this Segway tour. Party animals will enjoy this BYOB Party Bus Holiday Lights Tour.
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.
The market will be in two locations in the city of Chicago: in front of Daley Plaza in downtown Chicago and Gallagher Way in Wrigleyville. (They will also be opening a new location in Aurora, IL this year.)
Where: 50 W Washington Street and 3635 N Clark St
When: Opens November 18. Hours vary- see official website for hours.
Cost: Admission is FREE.
ZooLights at Lincoln Park Zoo
ZooLights Presented by ComEd and Invesco QQQ 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. All dates require a timed reservation.
Where: Lincoln Park Zoo, 2400 N. Cannon Drive, Chicago, IL
When: 4:30–10 pm on select dates starting November 19.
Cost: Mondays are free. Tuesday-Sunday tickets are $5.
See the City of Chicago Christmas Tree
The City of Chicago will put up their annual Christmas Tree at Millennium Park on November 19.
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 Avenue & Washington Street.
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 sometime in November. If you want to see holiday decorations before the holiday crowds, I recommend doing your holiday shopping (or browsing) in mid November before Thanksgiving weekend.
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 there markets for your holiday shopping: Sauced – Fall Night Market (November 4-5), Randolph Street’s Holiday Market (November 12-13), Millennium Park Art Market (November 18-20), Chicago Artisan Market (November 26-27) and State Street Holiday Market (weekends starting November 18).
Christmas Around the World and Holidays of Light
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The Christmas Around the World and Holidays of Light at the 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.
The Art of The Brick exhibit is also getting into the holiday spirit with the debut of new pieces themed around the 12 Days of Christmas.
Where: Museum of Science and Industry at 5700 S Lake Shore Drive.
When: Opens November 16
Cost: Included in regular museum admission. The Art of the Brick is not included in Museum Entry and requires a separate, timed-entry ticket. 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 November 11
Cost: See https://www.chicagobotanic.org/lightscape for prices and to purchase tickets.
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 November 19
Cost: Tickets range between $7-$19 for members, $13-$24 for guests. See their website for more information and to purchase tickets in advance.
Outdoor Curling
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Curling is a winter sport in which players slide stones on a sheet of ice or a lane towards a target. Two Chicago hotels have designed curling rinks on their outdoor rooftops. Advance reservations are required.
Kennedy Rooftop at Hyatt Place Chicago/Wicker Park (1551 W North Ave)
Upstairs at The Gwen (521 North Rush Street)
Eat and Drink in an Igloo
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Rooftops start opening their outdoor igloos around mid-November. Advance reservations are required as they are very popular. Some of the best outdoor igloos in Chicago include:
Kennedy Rooftop at Hyatt Place Chicago/Wicker Park (1551 W North Ave)
I|O at The Godfrey Hotel Chicago (127 West Huron Street)
Chicago November Events
In addition to the activities mentioned above, other November events include: Fleurotica (November 3), Hot Chocolate Run (November 5, 2023), City of Chicago Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony, Magnificent Mile Lights Festival, Turkey Trot Chicago 5K & 8K (November 23, 2023), Chicago Thanksgiving Parade (November 23, 2023), Millennium Park Holiday Sing-Along (previously “Caroling at Cloud Gate”) and The Sound of Music Sing-a-Long.
As you can see there are many fun things to do in Chicago in November.
Planning a trip to Chicago? Check out my Chicago guides and itineraries:
