Saturday, November 22, 2008 - Free & Open to the Public For more than 40 years, the trees along North Michigan Avenue have been illuminated to signal the official start of the holiday season in Chicago . The festive lighting of more than one million lights along North Michigan Avenue is followed by a spectacular fireworks show over the Chicago River. Enjoy a host of holiday experiences and shopping along Chicago 's Magnificent Mile throughout the holiday season. Chicagoland's largest and most complete fall home improvement show open to the public comes at the perfect time for planning home projects. With over 200 booths offering everything from elegant stone countertops to spas, carpet & flooring, windows, awnings, doors, and HVAC. In addition, you and your family will be treated to exciting entertainment including face painting, balloon twisting, magicians, stilt walkers, jugglers, clowns and more.
Chicago Thanksgiving Day Parade Overview: For more than 70 years, State Street has indeed been that Chicago great street during the Thanksgiving Day parade. Enjoy giant tethered helium balloons, local celebrities, marching bands, and much more. Then, go home and eat turkey.
By the way, this parade was created to help people feel better during the Great Depression. Try not to think about how that parallels our current economic situation. Just enjoy yourself and remember: there is still much to be thankful for.
Parade Date: Thursday, November 27, 2008 Chicago Thanksgiving Day Parade Start Time and Location : The parade starts at 8 a.m. and ends at 11 a.m. (CST)
Parade Starting Point: State and Congress
Parade Ending Point: State and Randolph
TOYS FOR TOTS PARADE
On November 16th, the McHenry Downtown Business Association invites you to their Downtown Christmas Walk, 10 am to 4 pm. Stroll the quaint downtown areas located on Riverside Dr, Green, Park, Court, Rte 120, & Main Street and visit the many unique shops.
Refreshments, Music, Special Sales, Wagon Rides, Frosty, Santa's Elves, Trolley Rides, Charles Dickens Carolers and a day of fun things for the whole family to welcome the holiday season.
The Jaycee's Toys for Tots Christmas Parade with a number of fun floats and over 300 motorcycles bringing toys for many needy families in our community. After the parade, have your picture taken with Santa Claus in the gazebo at Veterans Memorial Park.
The day concludes with the Tree Lighting Ceremony in Veteran’s Memorial Park.
Holiday ParadeFriday, November 28, 7PM
Join us for Santa’s arrival from the North Pole. Decorated floats, marchers, and music make this an evening of enchantment.
This is the only nighttime parade in Crystal Lake.
Santa House VisitsNovember 28 - December 23
Children whisper their wishes during their visit with Santa in the comfort of his new house in Brink Street Market
Breakfast with SantaSaturday, December 13, 9AM
Children enjoy a buffet breakfast with Santa and Mrs. Claus at Old Towne Hall. Music, games, gifts and photo for each child included in ticket price.
Tickets go on sale to the public November 17. Available at Heisler’s Bootery & Gymboree.
Sunday, December 7, 1 - 4 p.m.
Parade at 1 p.m. down West Main Street. Downtown activities including horese-drawn sleigh rides, children's train ride, pony rides, Holiday wagon rides, photos with Santa, entertainment, food, shopping and more. Events free courtesy of Village of Cary, Cary Grove Chamber and many local business sponsors.
The magic of the holiday season comes alive in Long Grove from mid-November until January 1 with a full schedule of family-friendly activities, including horse-drawn carriage rides, visits with Santa, live reindeer, live entertainment, and more. Click on the link above to visit their BEAUTIFUL holiday event website.