Ready or not, the holiday season is here, which means the return of seasonal Chicago favorites like Christkindlmarket, ZooLights, and Joffrey Ballet’s “The Nutcracker.” However, you also won’t want to miss Black Ensemble Theater’s “The Other Cinderella,” dinner and a tour at the Museum of Contemporary Art, and the brand new Lightscape at Chicago Botanic Garden.
Events
Oct. 31 to Nov. 3: SOFA Chicago
Roughly 80 galleries will showcase 3D art and design pieces at this year’s SOFA (Sculpture Objects Functional Art and Design) Fair. Navy Pier, 600 E. Grand Ave., Chicago
Nov. 1-3: Jurassic World Live Tour
Dinosaurs come to life (well, sort of) on the Jurassic World Live Tour. Adrenaline is a given, thanks to fantastic special effects, physical stunts, and, of course, dinosaurs big enough for an arena. Allstate Arena, 6920 N. Mannheim Road, Rosemont
Nov. 2: Taste of Donuts
Sample the best doughnuts and coffee from some of Chicago’s and the Midwest’s top restaurants and bakeries, including Stan’s Donuts, City Mouse, and Sweetwater’s Donut Mill. Morgan’s on Fulton, 952 W. Fulton Market, Chicago
Nov. 7: American Cancer Society’s Taste of Hope
Join the fight against cancer while dining on samples from Chicago’s top chefs and mixologists. Morgan Manufacturing, 401 N. Morgan St., Chicago
Nov. 7: Fall Wine Stroll
Explore the shops and restaurants of Lincoln Square and Ravenswood during this wine tasting event. Various routes and check-in locations
Nov. 8-10: Antiques + Modernism Winnetka Show
Shop furniture, art, clothing, jewelry, and more at this annual show benefitting Community House Winnetka. 620 Lincoln Ave., Winnetka
Through Nov. 10: Chicago Humanities Festival
It’s the 30th year of the Chicago Humanities Festival, and this promises to be just as thought-provoking as the years before. You’ll hear from your favorite artists, activists, journalists, policy makers, and many others. Various
Nov. 15 to Dec. 24: Christkindlmarket
This Chicago tradition returns for its 24th year this month. Plus, don’t miss the Christkindlmarket Wrigleyville at Gallagher Way starting Nov. 22. Daley Plaza, 50 W. Washington St., Chicago
Nov. 16: Autism Speaks’ Chip In Casino Night
All proceeds from this event will support Autism Speaks’ “mission to promote solutions across the spectrum and throughout the life span for the needs of individuals with autism and their families.” Revel Fulton Market, 1215 W. Fulton Market, Chicago
Nov. 16: Watch What Crappens
This podcast is about all things Bravo, that deliciously salacious TV channel that features all of our favorite Housewives. Join the live podcast at City Winery and become one of the 1.3 million monthly listeners. 1200 W. Randolph St., Chicago
Nov. 16 to Dec. 21: 2019 Winter Arts & Crafts Expo
Find something for everyone on your holiday shopping list at this expo featuring works from more than 140 artisans. Evanston Art Center, 1717 Central St., Evanston
Nov. 22-23: Magnificent Mile Lights Festival
Don’t miss two full days of family fun in the run up to the tree-lighting festival on the Magnificent Mile. Enjoy concerts and special deals from businesses in the area, plus (of course) a meet and greet with Santa Claus. Michigan Avenue, Chicago
Opens Nov. 22: Lightscape
As if the Chicago Botanic Garden could get any prettier, Lightscape promises to be a stunning visual celebration of the holidays. Enjoy the beautifully lit paths, singing trees, ribbons of light, and a garden of fire. 1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe
Begins Nov. 23: The Polar Express Train Ride
All aboard The Polar Express! Show your golden ticket, enjoy hot chocolate and cookies, meet Santa and his elves, and more during this magical trip. Chicago Union Station, 500 W. Jackson Blvd., Chicago
Opens Nov. 23: Illumination: Tree Lights at The Morton Arboretum
The Morton Arboretum will glow with brilliant color during this interactive event, which returns for another season. Listen to seasonal music, sip warm drinks or roast marshmallows by the fire, or visit early on Nov. 22 for IllumiBrew. The Morton Arboretum, 4100 Illinois Route 53, Lisle
Opens Nov. 29: ZooLights
This festive Lincoln Park Zoo event is back for its 25th year with live ice-sculpture carving, carolers, shopping, snacks and drinks, and ticketed experiences like the Light Maze and Century Wheel. 2001 N. Clark St., Chicago
Opens Nov. 30: Holiday Magic
Now in its 38th year, Brookfield Zoo’s annual injection of holiday magic features more than a million twinkling lights, a 41-foot talking tree, ice skating, carolers, ice carving, zoo chats, a magician, and much more. 8400 31st St., Brookfield
Museums
Opens Nov. 14: Christmas Around the World and Holidays of Light
Learn about holiday traditions from around the world at this favorite annual exhibit. Museum of Science and Industry, 5700 S. Lake Shore Drive, Chicago
Nov. 21: Adler After Dark: Enchantment Under the Stars
Be one of the first to see Adler Planetarium’s new exhibit, Chicago’s Night Sky, while also enjoying activities with Bottle & Bottega and Poems While You Wait; trivia; and “Sphere,” a fulldome sky show. 1300 S. Lake Shore Drive, Chicago
Ongoing: Dinner and a Tour
Go on a guided private tour of the Museum of Contemporary Art before or after enjoying a seasonal prix fixe dinner at Marisol from Chef Jason Hammel. Or, visit for Happy Hour instead. 220 E. Chicago Ave., Chicago
Music
Through Nov. 22: Latino Music Festival
Don’t miss Chicago’s only Latin classical music festival. See performers from both Latin America and Spain, from the colonial period to the 21st century. Various
Nov. 27: Cher
An absolute legend, Cher will perform at the United Center on her “Here We Go Again” tour, her first across the U.S. in more than five years. Don’t miss songs from her recent album, “Dancing Queen,” a tribute to ABBA. But also, just don’t miss it because … well … Cher. 1901 W. Madison St., Chicago
Theater
Opens Nov. 3: Jackie Taylor’s “The Other Cinderella”
In this rendition of the classic fairy tale, “Cinderella is from the projects, the Stepmamma works at the post office […] and The Fairygodmama is from Jamaica.” Black Ensemble Theater, 4450 N. Clark St., Chicago
Nov. 16 to Dec. 29: “A Christmas Carol”
Even the biggest Scrooge in your life won’t be able to resist Goodman Theatre’s “A Christmas Carol,” Dickens’ heartwarming tale of goodwill and peace on earth (not to mention karma). With gorgeous sets and costumes, the company brings “A Christmas Carol” to the stage for yet another unmissable season. 170 N. Dearborn St., Chicago
Nov. 30 to Dec. 29: “The Nutcracker”
It wouldn’t be the holiday season without the magical strains of the “Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy.” Relive the magic of Christmas with the Joffrey’s classic interpretation of Tchaikovsky’s “The Nutcracker.” Auditorium Theatre, 50 E. Ida B. Wells Drive, Chicago
Media Sponsorships
Better is a proud media sponsor of these events:
Nov. 9: Keshet — Annual Concert
Don’t miss Philanthropy Award winner Keshet’s Annual Concert with Peter Frampton. North Shore Center for the Performing Arts, 9501 Skokie Blvd., Skokie
Nov. 16: Cradles to Crayons — Un-Gala
Help keep 20,000 kids warm this winter by sorting, inspecting, and packaging winter essentials. Afterward, enjoy seasonal treats and an impact presentation. The Giving Factory, 4141 W. George St., Chicago
Nov. 16: A Safe Haven — 25 Year Anniversary Gala
Celebrate the past 25 years and support the continued efforts of A Safe Haven to end homelessness at this year’s gala, “A Legacy of Excellence.” The Drake Hotel, 140 E. Walton Place, Chicago
Additional events Better is proud to support:
- Nov. 2: Metropolitan Family Services — Mpower the Night, Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel, 221 N. Columbus Drive, Chicago
- Nov. 8: ChildServ — 125th Anniversary Founder’s Day Gala, Hilton Chicago, 720 S. Michigan Ave., Chicago
