REASONS TO

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ChooseChicago.com
REASONS TO
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LOVE CHICAGO
Chicago’s urban energy,
diversity and ever-evolving
cityscape create countless
ways to enjoy fall and winter.
Here are just some of the can’t-miss experiences and exciting
developments that make Chicago a top destination to visit this season.
Award-Winning Architecture,
Skyline and Parks
Known as the birthplace of the
skyscraper, Chicago is renowned for
its historic and contemporary architecture.
Hop on a bus tour with the Chicago
Architecture Foundation and admire
structural works of art such as the Art
Deco-style Carbide & Carbon building and
the stately façade of The Rookery.
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The soaring buildings of Chicago
create one of the most stunning
skylines in the country — and the world.
For a truly unique view of the city, head to
The Ledge at Willis Tower and take it all
in from 103 stories above the ground.
©City of Chicago
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The city’s many parks and green
spaces complement Chicago’s urban
landscape. Celebrate the season at Millennium
Park, where you can snap a photo in front of
Anish Kapoor’s famous “Cloud Gate” — called
“The Bean” by locals — or spend the evening
ice skating at McCormick Tribune Ice Rink.
Cutting-Edge Dining
Chicago is known as a foodie town,
but it’s more than just pizza and hot
dogs here. The culinary scene around the
West Loop and other neighborhoods is
brimming with avant-garde chefs at the
forefront of the latest food trends.
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LGBT Pride
Visitors can take part in many
LGBT-focused programs and events.
The Chicago History Museum hosts Out at
CHM from January to May, a program series
exploring LGBT issues. Past programs
highlighted topics such as the first painters
of gay art, sexual identity and house music.
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In June 2014, Illinois officially became
the 16th state to legalize same-sex
marriage, making Chicago an ideal spot for a
wedding. The city boasts a number of
one-of-a-kind, LGBT-friendly venues that
promise a memorable celebration.
©Adam Alexander Photography
Neighborhoods
Chicago’s 77 distinct neighborhoods
allow you to travel the world without
leaving the city. For a taste, journey to the
German community of Lincoln Square,
experience Puerto Rican pride in
Humboldt Park and discover the Hellenic
past in Greektown.
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©Adam Alexander Photography
©Adam Alexander Photography
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Bank of America Chicago
Marathon
Christmas Around the World
and Holidays of Light
McDonald’s Thanksgiving Parade
10/12
11/13–1/4/15
Grant Park, 312-904-9800, chicagomarathon.com
Museum of Science and Industry,
773-684-1414, msichicago.org
State St., Congress to Randolph St.,
312-235-2217, chicagofestivals.org
Thousands of elite athletes take to the streets to run 26.2
miles through Chicago and reach the finish line in Grant
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A one-of-a-kind seasonal celebration that showcases
more than 50 trees decorated to represent various
cultures and holiday traditions.
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Huge helium balloons, remarkable floats and awardK=BB=B;A5F7<=B;65B8GA5?9H<9=FK5M8CKB,H5H9
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Caroling at Cloud Gate
Chicago Ideas Week
10/13–19
Various Locations, chicagoideas.com
Christkindlmarket Chicago
Fridays, 11/28–12/19
11/21–12/24
Millennium Park, 312-742-1168,
millenniumpark.org
Daley Plaza, 312-494-2175, christkindlmarket.com
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American holiday market, complete with a beer hall,
spiced wine and a sweets castle filled with assorted
German chocolates and holiday cakes.
McCormick Tribune Ice Rink
11/21–3/9/15 (weather permitting)
©Chicago Ideas Week
Millennium Park, 312-742-1168,
millenniumpark.org
A cherished tradition in Chicago, with hundreds of
singers and choral groups belting out traditional holiday
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ZooLights
11/28–1/4/15
Lincoln Park Zoo, 312-742-2000, lpzoo.org
An annual free, family-friendly holiday celebration,
featuring a luminous display of more than a million lights.
December
An annual, week-long gathering of global thought leaders
sharing ideas through talks, labs and conversations with
the goal of stimulating new initiatives and ventures.
One of a Kind Show & Sale
Fashion Focus:
Chicago’s Fashion Week
12/4–7
10/14–19
©City of Chicago
Various Locations, 312-744-3316,
fashionfocuschicago.org
This event celebrates Chicago’s fashion industry with
runway and fashion shows and pop-up selling events in
neighborhoods throughout the city.
Open House Chicago
BMO Harris Bank Magnificent
Mile Lights Festival
11/22
10/18–19
Various Locations, 312-922-3432,
openhousechicago.org
Glide around the 16,000-square-foot outdoor rink with
the twinkling skyline in the background. Admission is free
and skate rentals are available at an additional cost.
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Michigan Ave., Wacker Dr. to Oak St.,
312-409-5560, themagnificentmile.com
A free public festival offering behind-the-scenes access to
150 buildings across Chicago, where visitors can explore
hidden gems and architectural treasures of the city.
More than a million lights on 200 trees illuminate along
Michigan Avenue during The Magnificent Mile
celebration featuring live concerts, a parade and a
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Happy Hauntings
Randolph Street’s Holiday Market
10/23–26
11/22–23, 12/13–14
Chicago Cultural Center, 312-744-3316,
chicagoween.us, chicagoculturalcenter.org
1340 W. Washington St., 312-666-1200,
randolphstreetmarket.com
Merchandise Mart, 312-527-4141,
oneofakindshowchicago.com
A refreshing alternative to traditional retail, the show features
works from more than 600 artists from across the country.
Winter WonderFest
12/5–1/11/15
Navy Pier, 312-595-7437, winterwonderfest.com
Celebrate the season at this winter extravaganza,
including 170,000 square feet of family-friendly fun,
complete with an indoor ice skating rink, rides, an indoor
Ferris wheel and more.
Holiday Magic at Brookfield Zoo
12/6–31
Brookfield Zoo, 708-688-8000, brookfieldzoo.org
The “People’s Palace” comes alive with spooky
decorations and family-friendly fun — including music
and theater performances, arts and crafts and more.
Chicago Humanities Festival
10/25–11/9
Various Locations, 312-494-9509,
chicagohumanities.org
Journeys, the 25th anniversary festival, lets people explore
the humanities with over 140 programs around the city.
©Chicago Zoological Society
©Randolph Street Holiday Market
November
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of smartly priced antique, vintage and modern goods,
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Chicagoland’s largest lights festival features over one
million twinkling lights, caroling, ice carving and a visit
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Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony
New Year’s Eve Fireworks
at Navy Pier
Navy Pier, 800-563-7632, sofaexpo.com
11/25
12/31
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functional art and design returns for its 21st year with
dealers from around the world.
Daley Plaza, 312-744-3316, cityofchicago.org/dcase
Navy Pier, 312-595-7437, navypier.com
Watch the iconic tree light up in Daley Plaza to kick off
the holiday season.
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New Year when the clock strikes midnight.
SOFA Chicago
Opening Night: 11/6, Fair: 11/7–9