November is a significant month in Chicago and across the country, mostly if you haven’t yet taken advantage of early voting or mail-in. Chicago provides same-day voter registration, making it uncomplicated on Election Day to head to the polls and cast your vote. The next, after celebrating fall, there’s Christmas music blasting through your local café speakers. As a result of the pandemic, this year promises to be different. However, you can still rely on a list of fun activities to lead you into the holiday season from virtual events to glittering light displays at parks and gardens. This month is bound to be memorable so grab your calendar and fill them with the best things to do in Chicago this November.
Here is hubub’s guide.
1.Locate your Election Day Polling Place
The biggest event in November’s first week is Election Day! To find your polling place, visit the Chicago Board of Election Commissioners website, where you can input your last name including address to look up your voter information which includes your assigned polling place and precinct. You can also use this site to generate a sample ballot and check your voter registration. If you are not registered, calm down, Chicago offers same-day voter registration which you can complete at your polling station as long as you come along with two eligible forms of ID. If you are unable to make it to your assigned polling place, go to the city’s Super Sites located in the Loop, 191 N Clark Street or the United Center, 1901 W Madison Street where any Chicago resident can cast their vote or present eligible ID for same-day voter registration between 6am-7pm. Wearing a mask is compulsory.
2.Virtual Christkindlmarket
The Christkindlmarket Chicago is the most authentic traditional holiday market of its kind outside Europe, offering a unique shopping experience, family-friendly events and intercultural activities. This year’s edition will not take place in Loop or Wrigleyville. Instead, from November 1st to December 31st, Chicagoans and people from all around the world will be able to enjoy this tradition from the safety and comfort of their homes through the first-ever virtual Christkindlmarket ‘Home for the Holidays’ featuring an online marketplace, family-friendly events and fun interactive activities. Get into the holiday spirit and make some wonderful memories!
3.Lightscape
Displaying from November 13 to January 3, the Chicago Botanic Garden hosts its yearly display of festive lights, an after-dark illuminated trail basks in the glow of thousands twinkling lights in favourites like the Cathedral of Light and new delights you’ve never set your eyes on. New to this year, in addition to one-way traffic and other safety measures are five installations from Chicago artists like Tanner Woodford’s “Pride and Promise”. For ticket prices and new procedures due to COVID-19, visit https://www.chicagobotanic.org/lightscape
4.Ice Skating at Maggie Daley Park
Known for their one-of-a-kind Skating Ribbon which swerves and curves through the whimsical park, Maggie Daley Park is located in the heart of downtown Chicago and it is definitely worth visiting this November. The Ribbon will stay opened up until March and also offers limited hours Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day. Admission is free but you’ll need a reservation this year in order to adhere to social distancing guidelines, which is, a maximum of 180 skaters will be allowed at any given time on the ice. Skate rentals are available starting at $16. Check out https://maggiedaleypark.com for more information.
5.ZooLights at Lincoln Park Zoo
ZooLights at Lincoln Park Zoo are back and brighter than ever. Visit Lincoln Park Zoo from November 20 and get to stroll through magical breath-taking light displays and outdoor animal exhibits. This year’s ZooLights will cost a $5 entry fee, but there will be a one free day this month offered by the zoo which is on November 24. In addition to the regular admission, visitors will be able to grab tickets for an adults-only night out and A Charlie Brown Christmas tribute concert from the Chris White Trio. Grab your tickets and stay updated on changes due to COVID-19 at https://www.lpzoo.org/event/zoolights-presented-by-comed-and-invesco-qqq/
6.The Stoop Comedy Show
There are currently limited places in Chicago where you can catch a live comedy show, hence the reason why you have to make use of the Stoop Comedy Show. This show brings comics from throughout the city outside, staging a weekly showcase on a stoop in Logan Square. You can snag a ticket to have a great laugh in person with required face masks on or tune into a live broadcast via Twitch in the comfort of your home. For latest line-up and to stay informed, check out ‘Stoop Comedy Show’ on Instagram.
7.Visit a Free Museum
There is never a dull experience in Chicago’s Museum so grab your mask and take a tour in the city’s museum for historic information. Hyde Park Art Center, Smart Museum of Art, Oriental Institute Museums among others are offering free entry and as the city’s museums continue to reopen with new safety procedures, there are variety of interesting exhibits to explore without spending a penny.
8.Catch a Virtual Magnificent Mile Lights Festival
Even though there is going to be no parade this year, you can still get to experience a virtual magical moment of the Magnificent Mile lighting up over one million sparkling bulbs. There will be a special broadcast celebration of the BMO Harris Bank Magnificent Mile Lights Festival. The event will feature an hour of spectacular performances and Disney surprises. The holiday special will air on ABC 7 at 6p.m on Sunday, November 22.
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