Looking for fun things to do this Thanksgiving instead of cooking? Try any number of events in the Chicago area.
McDonald’s Thanksgiving Day Parade kicks off on the big day at Congress Parkway at 8:00 am. Traveling along State St, the helium filled event, led by Ronald McDonald himself ends up at Randolph around 11:00 am. Admission is free and you can enjoy window shopping as you wait for the parade.
Another free option starts Friday November 18, at McCormick Tribune Ice Rink. Enjoy ice skating at the free rink in Millennium Park which is open until March 11. Don’t have your own ice skates? No problem! Rental is only $10.
Christkindlmarket begins November 23, at the Daley Center located at the corner of Washington and Dearborn. Sample German food and assorted European arts and crafts at the open-air Christmas festival. The festival runs until December 24 and admission is free.
On Thanksgiving morning, the 34th annual Turkey Trot 8k takes place. Start the morning of the most gluttonous day of the year right with a jog in Lincoln Park among other running enthusiasts. Register online at www.TurkeyTrotChicago.com for the 9am start for $30 per adult. Kids ages 2-12 can participate in the Plymouth Rock Ramble, a circular path race, for $12 for child.
Give back and let others reap the rewards. Volunteer for the afternoon at the Greater Chicago Food Depository. Find more information about visiting the headquarters responsible for the majority of food pantry stock in the Chicagoland area check out the GCFD site. If you’re not planning to venture to the city for the day, check out your local food pantry and see if they are hosting a soup kitchen turkey dinner.
If you are looking to give thanks and celebrate with fellow worshipers, the annual Thanksgiving Day Worship Service at Rockefeller Memorial Chapel. Hosted by the Hyde Park Kenwood Interfaith Council, this is a service that has been held for over 90 years. The service is appropriate for all faiths and starts at 11am in the Chapel located at 5850 South Woodlawn in the University of Chicago.
There is no shortage of events this year in Chicago. All of the area museums are open, along with the always free Lincoln Park Zoo. Families, couples, singles – there is something for everyone in the Windy City!