The holiday season is almost here (can you believe it?), which means annual favorite events like Christkindlmarket, ZooLights, and the Museum of Science & Industry’s Christmas Around the World and Holidays of Light exhibit are about to return to Chicago. But if you’re not quite ready to start thinking about jingle bells and gingerbread, there are still plenty of non-holiday events to enjoy this month too, including “Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back” in Concert, the Antiques + Modernism Show, and a visit from Michelle Obama.
Here are some of the best things to do in Chicago this month.
Theater
Nov. 20 to Dec. 2: “The Book of Mormon”
Don’t miss your chance to see this award-winning musical when it returns to Chicago. Oriental Theatre, 24 W. Randolph St., Chicago, 312-977-1700
Nov. 29 to Dec. 30: “It’s a Wonderful Life – A Live Radio Play”
Experience the classic tale of George Bailey in a whole new way. Oil Lamp Theater, 1723 Glenview Road, Glenview, 847-834-0738
Through Jan. 13: “Women of Soul”
You don’t want to miss this tribute to Aretha Franklin, Whitney Houston, Etta James, Diana Ross, Janet Jackson, Janis Joplin, and more. Black Ensemble Theater, 4450 N. Clark, Chicago, 773-769-4451
Comedy
Begins Nov. 13: “The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly Sweater“
The most wonderful time of the year can also be the absolute worst. This Second City show will have you LOL’ing about it all. UP Comedy Club, 230 W. North Ave., Chicago, 312-662-4562
Film
Nov. 23-25: “Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back” in Concert
Watch this movie on the big screen as the Chicago Symphony Orchestra performs John Williams’ classic score. Symphony Center, 220 S. Michigan Ave., Chicago, 312-294-3000
Music
Nov. 17: Rhythm Future Quartet
This quartet will perform “Jaytude No. 1 in Em,” “Come Together” by The Beatles, and “I Can’t Give You Anything But Love.” Ravinia Festival, 418 Sheridan Road, Highland Park, 847-266-5100
Nov. 17: Joy Williams
Joy Williams, formerly of The Civil Wars, will perform music from her new album, Front Porch. Special guest Anthony da Costa. Old Town School of Folk Music, 4544 N. Lincoln Ave., Chicago, 773-728-6000
Museums
Opens Nov. 15: Christmas Around the World and Holidays of Light
MSI’s holiday tradition returns with a four-story Grand Tree surrounded by more than 50 trees and displays and weekend performances. Museum of Science and Industry, 5700 S. Lake Shore Drive, Chicago, 773-684-1414
Through Jan. 13: “Storyland”
Seven classic children’s books, including “The Tale of Peter Rabbit” and “If You Give a Mouse a Cookie,” come to life in this exhibit. Kohl Children’s Museum, 2100 Patriot Blvd., Glenview, 847-832-6600
Ongoing: “Modern by Design: Chicago Streamlines America”
This exhibit “explores how Chicago shaped the look and feel of modern America,” says Chicago History Museum Senior Curator Olivia Mahoney. Features almost 300 objects, photos, and documents from the 1930s-1950s. Chicago History Museum, 1601 N. Clark St., Chicago, 312-642-4600
Ongoing: “Activists and Icons: The Photographs of Steve Schapiro”
Forty-six large-format photographs by Chicago-based photographer Steve Schapiro showcasing historic moments like the March on Washington in 1963 and celebrities who “challenged — and changed — our cultural norms” will be on display. Illinois Holocaust Museum, 9603 Woods Drive, Skokie, 847-967-4800
Events
November to December: One Book | One Community
Now in its 8th year, Spertus Institute will celebrate Jewish Book Month with programming related to this year’s selection, “Memento Park” by Mark Sarvas.
Nov. 1-4: SOFA CHICAGO
The Sculpture Objects Functional Art and Design (SOFA) Fair returns for its 25th year of showcasing 3D art and design. Navy Pier, 600 E. Grand Ave., Chicago
Nov. 2-4: Antiques + Modernism Show
Support the work of Winnetka Community House by shopping furniture, artwork, clothing, and more at this annual show. A preview party will take place Nov. 1. Winnetka Community House, 620 Lincoln Ave., Winnetka, 847-446-0537
Nov. 2-4: Monster Jam: Triple Threat Series
For some super-charged family entertainment, watch Monster Jam favorites like Grave Digger, Pirate’s Curse, and Megalodon go head-to-head for the championship in trucks, Speedsters, and ATVs. Allstate Arena, 6920 N. Mannheim Road, Rosemont
Nov. 11: Holiday Boutique
The Sisterhood of Beth Hillel Bnai Emunah Congregation presents this free boutique featuring jewelry, clothing, toys, books, and more. Beth Hillel Bnai Emunah Congregation, 3220 Big Tree Lane, Wilmette, 847-256-1213
Nov. 13: Michelle Obama: “Becoming”
Former First Lady Michelle Obama’s book tour begins in Chicago. Don’t miss it … if you can score a ticket. United Center, 1901 W. Madison St., Chicago, 312-455-4500
Nov. 14-17: Holiday Boutique
This annual Women’s Board of Northwestern Medicine Lake Forest Hospital event supports the board’s fundraising goals. Lake Forest Recreation Center, 400 Hastings Road, Lake Forest
Nov. 16-17: The Magnificent Mile Lights Festival
Kick off the season with family activities, shopping, musical performances, a Tree-Lighting Parade, fireworks, and more during the largest evening holiday celebration in the country. Michigan Avenue, Chicago
Nov. 16-18: WCE 2018 Holiday Bazaar
The Woman’s Club of Evanston’s annual juried gift fair welcomes vendors in categories like fashion accessories, home decor, gourmet food, and fair trade. The Woman’s Club of Evanston, 1702 Chicago Ave., Evanston, 847-475-3800
Nov. 16-18: Chicago Sports Spectacular
Join Heritage Auctions at the Chicago Sports Spectacular for free auction evaluations. Donald E. Stephens Convention Center, 5555 N. River Road, Rosemont
Nov. 16 to Dec. 24: Christkindlmarket
A holiday tradition, visitors can shop unique goods while enjoying delicious food and drinks. Daley Plaza, 50 W. Washington St., Chicago, 312-494-2175
Opens Nov. 17: Illumination: Tree Lights at The Morton Arboretum
Walk a one-mile path amidst trees lit with bright colors. The Morton Arboretum, 4100 Illinois Route 53, Lisle, 630-968-0074
Nov. 17-18, Dec. 15-16: Randolph Street Holiday Market
Shop three floors of vintage and modern fashion, housewares, art, gifts, and more while enjoying a beverage from the market bar. Randolph Street Market, 1341 W. Randolph St., Chicago, 312-666-1200
Nov. 17 to Dec. 22: 2018 Winter Arts & Crafts Expo
This annual event features more than 140 artisans showcasing jewelry, paintings, photography, and more. Evanston Art Center, 1717 Central St., Evanston, 847-475-5300
Opens Nov. 23: ZooLights
ZooLights is back with 3D displays, live ice-sculpture carving, musical light shows, a holiday market (Nov. 27), holiday snacks and drinks, and more. Lincoln Park Zoo, 2001 N. Clark St., Chicago, 312-742-2000
Nov. 24: Small Business Saturday
Support the local businesses that make our communities unique, from Lake Forest and Winnetka to Evanston and Chicago.
Nov. 24: Drury Lane Theatre Tree Lighting Ceremony
For the first time ever, Drury Lane Theatre will host a tree lighting ceremony. The tree is designed by Amy Jackson and is inspired by the theater’s production of “Disney’s Beauty and the Beast.” Drury Lane Theatre, 100 Drury Lane, Oakbrook Terrace
Nov. 30: Lights & Lagers
This new event features music, beer samples, a preview of Holiday Magic, and more. Brookfield Zoo, 8400 31st St., Brookfield, 708-688-8000
Opens Nov. 30: Fifth Third Bank Winter WonderFest
Celebrate the season with carnival rides, an indoor ice skating rink, activities, and more. Navy Pier, 600 E. Grand Ave., Chicago, 1-800-595-7437
Bonus
Nov. 3: Selah Freedom Volunteer Connect Meeting
Selah Freedom is a national organization confronting sex trafficking. Meet the team and find out how you can get involved at this volunteer meeting. You can also register for Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children (CSEC) 101 training on Nov. 10 in Kenosha, Wisconsin.
Media Sponsorships
Make It Better is a proud media sponsor of this event:
Nov. 10-11: North Shore Wine & Spirits Event
Sip on wines and spirits from around the world while making a difference for hospitalized children by raising funds for the Holiday Heroes program. The Art Center Highland Park, 1957 Sheridan Road, Highland Park
Additional events Make It Better is proud to support:
- Nov. 3: Youth & Family Counseling’s 2018 Cabaret Gala, Sanfilippo Estate, 789 Plum Tree Road, Barrington
- Nov. 3: C24/7’s A Night of Hope, Loeber Motors, 4255 Touhy Ave., Lincolnwood
- Nov. 6: ZCenter’s 4th Annual Taste of the Town Gala, The Drake, 140 E. Walton Place, Chicago
Anna Carlson writes the weekly Weekend 101 column and monthly Recommended Events. A graduate of the University of Missouri, her work has been published in Chicago Parent, Inside Columbia Magazine, and Central California Parent Magazine. She is a proud supporter of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
