When it comes to food towns, Chicago is known for having some of the best chefs and restaurants in the country (it is home to the James Beard Awards after all—aka the industry’s Oscars). So it comes as no surprise that both locals and visitors want to take advantage of what the city has to offer — which in addition to great dining experiences — also includes some of the country’s most exceptional architecture (see this blog for details!), as well as numerous attractions to see and experience. Naturally, this makes the Windy City the ideal place to celebrate Thanksgiving. Not only is there the annual Chicago Thanksgiving Parade for all ages to enjoy, but in Millennium Park, you’ll also find the City of Chicago Christmas Tree arrives early to get everyone feeling festive — along with skating at the McCormack Tribune ice rink. There’s also the authentic German-style outdoor market, Christkindlmarket, where you can shop for gifts from around the world to give loved ones on your holiday list. Of course, spending time on the Chicago River is a must no matter what, and City Cruises offers the perfect way to do that (more info below). Bottom line? When you’re ready to feast, there’s plenty you’ll find.
Celebrate Thanksgiving in Chicago with City Cruises
Since Thanksgiving is often so much work when you host, considering other options for the event is very enticing. Now you could head to one of Chicago’s many amazing restaurants (and if you’re there for several days we suggest you do so), but if you want to make the day into something really special, a City Cruises experience is the answer—and we have two exceptional options to consider: the Thanksgiving Day Premier Plus Afternoon Lunch Cruise on the Chicago River and the Chicago Thanksgiving Day Premier Afternoon Lunch Cruise on Lake Michigan. Cruising on the Chicago River is a popular pastime when you’re in the city because it’s an amazing way to take in all of Chicago’s sights and sounds.
Both of these 2-hour outings feature a delectable, chef-prepared, and plated Thanksgiving meal with all the trimmings, live DJ entertainment, excellent service, and breathtaking panoramic Chicago River and Lake Michigan views of local landmarks and celebrated skyscrapers such as the DuSable Bridge, Merchandise Mart, Willis Tower, and the Old Chicago Post Office (among others), which can be seen from our climate-controlled interior and open-air decks. Alcoholic beverages including beer, wine, and specialty cocktails are available for purchase at the fully stocked bar; cocktail attire is required. You can also request additional upgrades to customize the experience.
Everyone Loves a Thanksgiving Day Parade
In addition to football — and the annual feast — one of the biggest events taking place on Thanksgiving in Chicago is the annual parade. The route follows State Street from Ida B. Wells Drive to Randolph and runs from 8:00am to 11:00am Central Standard Time. All of your favorite floats and cartoon characters will be featured along with a diverse range of performances that showcases all of the city’s talent from singers and dancers to bands and much more. Whether you see it in person or on TV, it’s a fun and festive way to usher in the holiday season.
Ring in the Holidays: Chicago-style
Another time-honored tradition in Chi-town is the lighting of the city’s official Christmas tree. This year the ceremony will take place on November 17th, 2023 in Millennium Park, and the tree will remain illuminated until early January 2024, so visitors will have plenty of time to catch a peek. During the season, ice skating is another family-fun activity that can be enjoyed in Millennium Park at the McCormick Tribune Ice Rink (free admission for all), which is located right near another landmark in the park — the iconic art piece, The Bean. Other cultural attractions you’ll find in this vicinity include the Art Institute of Chicago, the Chicago Cultural Center, and the Harris Theater.
Start Your Holiday Shopping in Chicago Over Thanksgiving Weekend
What’s the holiday season without shopping? One automatically goes with the other. With Black Friday looming post-Thanksgiving, gift givers are getting ready to begin the hunt for bargains and presents for everyone on their list. In fact, Chicago is beloved for its amazing shops — we’re looking at you, the Magnificent Mile — and during this time of year, there’s one particular option we get really excited about. Not only does it feature unique gifts from around the globe, but Christkindlmarket offers the German-style Christmas market you didn’t know you needed. Admission-free, visitors will savor the sights, sounds, and flavors of the season with festive music, the smell of roasted nuts, and hot spiced wine. Special events there are hosted as well.
Plan Your Thanksgiving with City Cruises
With so many choices of what to do in Chicago during Thanksgiving, it’s difficult to know where to begin. We suggest booking an experience with City Cruises and developing an itinerary based around it. That way you get to see and experience everything from both land and water — then you won’t miss a thing.