As the chill sets in, Chicago’s creative heart only burns brighter. This month, the city feels alive with art, culture, and connection — a celebration of the people and places that make Chicago shine when we show up for one another. Here are the 30 best things to do in November in the city and suburbs.
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Revolution(s) at Goodman Theatre
When soldier and musician Hampton Weems returns from Afghanistan, he finds himself caught in a movement that’s part uprising, part awakening. This new radical musical from Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Tom Morello (Rage Against the Machine, Audioslave, The Nightwatchman) and Chicago playwright Zayd Ayers Dohrn blends punk, hip-hop, and metal into a charged story about courage, conviction, and the fight for a better world. Recently extended by popular demand for the second time, the show runs now through November 22 at the Goodman Theatre.
Read more about the Revolution(s) in our interview with Tom Morello.
Raqib Shaw: Paradise Lost
Epic and intricate, monumental and meticulous — the paintings of Kashmir-raised, London-based artist Raqib Shaw offer fantastical meditations on identity, transformation, and the redemptive power of
beauty. Witness this masterpiece now through January 19, 2026.
Community Cinema: Free Screenings
The Chicago International Film Festival is excited to announce their 2025 Community Cinema series, bringing free film screenings to South and West side neighborhoods in Chicago. Screenings will be held at Kennedy-King College Theater (Englewood) and the National Museum of Mexican Art (Pilsen). See a screening before they end November 22.
Elizabeth Catlett: “A Black Revolutionary Artist and All That It Implies”
Bringing together over 100 works from across Catlett’s awe-inspiring career, this long-overdue retrospective showcases the significant role this revolutionary artist played in her time and the influence she still has today. Her powerful work continues to speak directly to all those united in the fight against poverty, racism, and imperialism. See this work in person before January 4, 2026.
As You Like It
Running now through Dec. 14, this musical adaptation of Shakespeare’s classic is an immersive dream-like tale of faithful friends, feuding families and chance encounters. Featuring an original folk-pop score by Shaina Taub, the Tony Award-winning composer of Suffs. For tickets and more information, visit Writers Theatre.
Christmas Around the World and Holidays of Light
The Museum of Science and Industry is getting into the holiday spirit with their annual exhibit, Christmas Around The World and Holidays of Light. Take a journey across the globe without having to leave Chicago! The holiday tradition — running November 8 through January 5, 2026 — will bring wonder and even a little education to guests as they wind through the exhibit, which represents all the holidays this time of year including Christmas, Kwanzaa, Diwali, Hanukkah, Chinese New Year and more! Tickets to this cheerful experience are available at the Griffin Museum of Science and Industry.
Tiffany Lamps: Beyond the Shade: Driehaus Museum
Driehaus Museum’s Tiffany Lamps: Beyond the Shade—open until March 15, 2026—casts a new light on one of the Gilded Age’s most recognizable names. The show moves past the familiar glow of Tiffany’s stained-glass shades to reveal the full scope of the studio’s work between the 1890s and 1920s — from bronze boxes and pottery vases to a monumental chandelier rarely seen by the public. With pieces drawn from both the Driehaus collection and the Richard H. Driehaus Art Exhibition Lending Foundation, guest curator Alexandra M. Ruggiero frames the story around the artistry, materials, and influential designers that helped make Tiffany a household name.
Chicago Humanities Festival Fall 2025
Through a stellar lineup of artists, thinkers, and cultural icons, the Chicago Humanities Fall Festival connects audiences to the ideas that shape and define us. This November, catch conversations and performances featuring celebrated voices such as Jill Lepore, Jenn White, Kurt Vile, Terry Allen, Margaret Atwood, Padma Lakshmi, Samin Nosrat, and Salman Rushdie. Each event invites audiences beyond the surface to engage with some of today’s most influential creators and changemakers. Tickets and details are available online at the Chicago Humanities Fall Festival.
A Christmas Carol
Rediscover the magical Dickens classic that is the “perfect Chicago holiday tradition” (Chicago Parent), where Ebenezer Scrooge’s disdain for the holidays is transformed. Directed by Jessica Thebus and featuring a “first-rate cast and marvelous staging” (Chicago Sun-Times), this beloved tale remains “the best Christmas story ever told” (Time Out Chicago). Catch the show from November 15-December 31, tickets on the Goodman Theatre website.
Lightscape at Chicago Botanic Gardens
Of all the decorations and light shows across the North Shore, it’s hard to find one more unique than Lightscape at the Chicago Botanic Gardens. From November 14-January 4, venture over to the gardens in Glencoe for “an after dark, illuminated trail” that takes you across the grounds to witness dazzling displays. Fit for the whole family or just for friends! Information on admission and logistics can be found on the Chicago Botanic Gardens website.
Christkindlmarket
If you’ve faced a Chicago winter then you likely know of the Christkindlemarket, open this year November 21-December 24. This Loop-based market — with additional locations in Wrigleyville and Aurora — is the destination for all holiday season enjoyers. Snack on aromatic roasted nuts, fresh pretzels and hot wine while you soak up the authentic German-style market experience. Shop from unique vendors whose products come from all around the world. This outdoor market is one sure way to squeeze the most from your holiday season! More information on this beloved tradition can be found at Christkindlmarket website.
Second Saturdays at the Goodman
Saturdays at the Goodman are family-focused intergenerational workshops centered on joy, creativity, and sharing space. Join them to participate in workshops facilitated by Goodman Teaching Artists as they celebrate creativity and the art of storytelling. Second Saturdays are ideal for littles (ages 4-10), and their families. Find more details at Goodman Theatre online, now through July 2026.
Much Ado About Nothing
“As merry as the day is long!” Just in time for the holiday season, Shakespeare’s wittiest rom-com dazzles in the Sicilian sun. You’ll be transported to Italy with a talented ensemble cast in CST’s Courtyard Theater, considered one of the finest spaces to experience Shakespeare’s stories live in performance. Catch it November 18-December 21.
Miracle on South Division Street
The Nowaks of Buffalo have always believed in their family’s miraculous Christmas Eve story — until Ruth turns it into a one-woman show, only to have a deathbed confession threaten to unravel the legend. As the truth emerges, the Nowaks face their faith, family and hilarious truths in this heartfelt comedy.
Limited Runs
November 1-2: Paranormal Activity
James and Lou move from Chicago to London to escape the past… but they soon discover places aren’t haunted, people are. An original story set in the world of the Paranormal Activity films, this terrifying new play from celebrated Chicago playwright Levi Holloway will haunt you long after you get home. Catch this show at Chicago Shakespeare Theater now through November 2.
November 1-2: Day of the Dead
“Taking place October 31- November 2, the three-day Day of the Dead observance is a time to remember the departed and celebrate life. Like Halloween, the Day of the Dead celebration begins on All Hallow’s Eve/All Saints’ Eve, the Christian holiday dedicated to remembering saints, martyrs, and other departed mortals. For Day of the Dead in many Mexican-American homes, families set up ofrendas, small tables decorated with photos of those who’ve gone before, some of their favorite things — like foods, toys, or sports gear — and marigolds, lots of marigolds, the signature flowers for Day of the Dead.” Read more on how to celebrate and honor this holiday by visiting Better’s Day of the Dead coverage.
November 1-2: DESTINOS: 8th Chicago International Latino Theater Festival
8th Chicago International Latino Theater Festival returns to Chicago again this year as the citywide festival showcasing local, national and international Latino theater artists and companies. The fest has an impressive run from October 1 until November 2, so you’ve got plenty of time to join in the celebration this month. The festival lineup includes various productions that are new to the city and remains a “cultural high point of Chicago’s Latino Heritage Month.” Find more details on the Chicago International Latino Theater Festival site.
November 2: Hot Chocolate Run
Enjoy running in Chicago? Enjoy hot chocolate? Want to merge the two of them together? Then join the hundreds of other runners, walkers and supporters who will come out for the annual Hot Chocolate Run — with a variety of course lengths. After the race, join the after party that is full of chocolatey goodness and other sweet treats, not to mention the company of other chocolate lovers like yourself! So grab some friends or the family and make this one of your autumn-must-do activities. Registration and race details can be found on the Hot Chocolate Run website.
November 5-13: First Nations Film and Video Festival
Celebrating 35 years of programming, FNFVF brings a whole new line-up to the 2025 fest. “Their mission is to advocate for and celebrate the works of Native American filmmakers and new works and films that break racial stereotypes and promotes awareness of Native American issues. All films screened are directed by Indigenous/Native American filmmakers from the United States, Canada, Central and South America, and Mexico.” Check out their webiste, film schedule and more at First Nations Film and Video Festival online.
November 6: Family Service Center Chrysalis Luncheon
Family Service Center is having it’s 4th Annual Chrysalis Luncheon. The program includes a luncheon and a bit of magic. Come help support mental health in the community.
November 6-9: Joffrey at the Harris: Matters of the Heart
This fall, three powerhouses in the Chicago arts and culture scene — Harris Theater for Music and Dance, the Joffrey Ballet and Chicago Philharmonic — come together to host Joffrey at the Harris: Matters of the Heart. Across four days, there will be five performance events that combine the beauty of dance and live orchestral music. Find your tickets and more information online.
November 12: Mozart’s Viola Quintet in C Major
In this one-of-a-kind program, the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center performs five works from across four centuries, each with a pair of violas. The performance culminates in Mozart’s joyful and uplifting C-major Quintet, one of six he composed that truly put the viola quintet on the chamber music map.
November 15-16: 21st Annual Lycée French Market
The Lycée Français de Chicago transforms into a bustling, Parisian-style marketplace for its 21st Annual Lycée French Market. Guests are invited to browse more than 75 local and French artisanal vendors and enjoy authentic, hand-crafted French fare at the French Market Bistro.
November 15-16: Randolph Street Holiday Market
“America’s Largest and Liveliest Urban Antiques Market” returns for its 22nd year with all the vintage and niche items of your dreams. Browse the goods of over 100 vendors all while enjoying live entertainment and local eats. The event promises non-stop “treasure hunting” at Plumbers Hall. Curious buyers can find more information on the event and admission prices on the Randolph Street Holiday Market webpage.
November 20: Beethoven X Beyoncé
This newest production by Steve Hackman combines pop’s Queen B with classical music’s King, for a fantastical trip through an imaginary music festival curated by those two artists: Beethoven and Beyoncé. Intent on redefining art music for the 21st century. The run time is 100 minutes, and the performance contains strong language. More details at Beethoven X Beyoncé.
November 21-30: A Night of Mellon Collie and Infinite Sadness
To celebrate the 30th anniversary of his hit album, Melon Collie, Billy Corgan of Smashing Pumpkins invites Chicago to enjoy A Night of Mellon Collie and Infinite Sadness. You’ll hear Billy Corgan and special guest artists along with the epic sound of the Lyric Opera Orchestra and Chorus in a completely new, sonic and visual experience.
November 21: City of Chicago Tree Lighting Ceremony
Nothing gets Chicagoans in the holiday spirit like the adornment of lights, displays and decorations across town. But the best showing of our collective spirit is at Millennium Park, where this year, we celebrate the 112th lighting of the city’s annual Christmas tree. The lighting takes place at 6pm. If you like all things holly and jolly, take some time to head over to The Loop this winter, you’ll be glad you did! Additional information available on the City of Chicago website.
November 22: The Wintrust Magnificent Mile Lights Festival
For decades the city of Chicago has kicked off its holiday season with one grand Lights Festival. Catch the spectacle as illuminated floats go down Michigan Avenue while hundreds of spectators watch in awe. Giant balloons, celebrities, marching bands — you name it, they’ve got it in store. Visit the The Magnificent Mile Lights Festival online for all the details to get you excited for this year’s show.
November 27: Chicago Thanksgiving Parade
The balloons, the music, the floats, the cheering, all of that and more is back once again as we celebrate the Chicago Thanksgiving Parade — “Where grateful hearts gather,” as their slogan says. Witness the splendor of a parade that has captivated Chicagoans for generations, located on State St. from Ida B. Wells to Randolph, 8-11am. This family- and community-friendly event is for everyone to take part in. To find more information on the parade or how to get involved, visit the Chicago Thanksgiving Parade website.
More from Better:
- Why Collaboration Is Chicago’s Secret to a Thriving Arts Community
- Tom Morello on Music, Activism and Bringing ‘Revolution(s)’ to Chicago’s Goodman Theatre
- 11 TV Series That Showcase the Best in Humanity: 2025
Margaret Smith is a Chicago-based writer and editor with a passion for socio-political storytelling about their community. They are a graduate of Columbia College Chicago.
