There are a number of massive and great events in both the Illinois festivals 2018 and the Chicago area, with a superb schedule of festivals, concerts, and conferences throughout the year. Get out and enjoy family-friendly, holiday, snowy and exciting events throughout the state.
Here are some of Chicago and events in Illinois this weekend to get you in the holiday spirit!
Illumination At Morton Arboretum
You won’t see any usual Santas or Rudolph because mother nature is the star of this show. Illumination: Tree Lights at the Morton Arboretum is designed with interactive features that allow trees and lights to “react” to motion and sound. The mile-long kaleidoscope of color is a blend of nature, technology, and holiday spirit.
Choose to stroll the main path that offers hands-on fun or a clear trail and view around the lake. Experience the sights of the Crown of Light, which is a five-piece sculpture from a Smithsonian-featured arts collective. You can also step into Woodland Wonder where a grove of trees envelopes the rotating points of light.
Zoolights At Lincoln Park Zoo
This annual ZooLights holiday tradition has been going on for 24 years. The joyful experience has offered free family-oriented holiday celebrations featuring bright displays and incredible seasonal activities.
You can take photos with Santa and enjoy warm spiced wine and frosty beers. You can also indulge in gift shopping and holiday snacks; listen to carolers, and musical light shows at the Winter Wonderlawn. Then grab your 3D specs for the individual displays, and stroll Candy Cane Lane and more than 100 giant, themed exhibits.
Joffrey Ballet’s “The Nutcracker”
The Joffrey Ballet’s beautiful rendition of The Nutcracker will make you squirm in delight. Reimagined by Christopher Wheeldon, a Tony Award-winning choreographer, it has been the city’s highlight of World’s Fair since 1893.
As it returns on December 1-30, 2018, the magical production opens in Chicago on Christmas Eve and take audiences on otherworldly visits to the Fair’s attractions.
Annual Holiday Cookie and Bake Sale
On December 7, 2018, unleash your baking skills. Zion UCC will hold our Annual Holiday Cookie and Bake Sale at 3:00 pm until sold out. A different kind of cookies, baked goods, and candy will be available. Not only will you showcase your talents, but you can also help others, too. Proceeds will benefit kids that are going to the camp and provide support to various local organizations.
Chicago Jazz Festival
One of the significant musical events is the free jazz festival, attracting big names and newcomers to the outdoor stages at Grant Park and Millennium Park. You and your family can sit on the lawn and enjoy the tunes, and if you’re a real jazz fan, you should be on the lookout for hot after-hours jazz sets at the city’s top clubs and bars.
Chicago International Film Festival
The Chicago International Film Fest is America’s longest-running competitive film festival since 1964. There are more than 100 flicks in all kinds are screened at theaters all around the city. There’s a great emphasis on international films which will be bringing some rare treats from around the globe to the city’s screens. Famous directors and actors also make debuts at premier events.
Chicago Thanksgiving Parade
Chicago Thanksgiving Parade commenced in 1934 and is one of America’s oldest Thanksgiving Day parades. Illinois has more floats, balloons, and marching bands. The show plays up State Street for several blocks as 350,000 people watch on the sidewalks in the nippy November air.
Illinois Valley and Chicago come alive in winter with holiday celebrations, snowy festivals and more. So pull yourself away from home and bundle up for an outing—you don’t want to miss these exciting events. While you’re out enjoying these events, hire a professional house cleaning service.
