Chicago weekend guide: Millennium Park Tree Lighting, Hyde Park Artisan Bazaar and Bulls at United Center
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Mickey and Minnie Mouse. Photo by Timothy Hiatt/Getty Images
This weekend, attend the Mag Mile Lights parade, cheer on the Bulls and shop at the Logan Square Autumn Vintage and Artisan Fest.
🎅 Wintrust Magnificent Mile Lights Festival
It's the most magical time of the year, and you'll feel it on the Mag Mile Saturday.
The vibe: Macy's Day Parade meets Chicago Christmas.
What to expect: Floats with Mickey and Minnie, Buzz Lightyear, Elsa and Anna, Muppets, all on a parade route from Oak to Wacker to Columbus, illuminated by 1 million lights.
Plus, music by members of Chic and Cameo. Good Times!
If you go: Lights Festival Lane is 11am-4pm at Pioneer Court, 401 N. Michigan Ave. The parade starts at Oak and Michigan at 5:30pm and fireworks are at 7pm at Michigan and the river.
Cost: Free
More things to do this weekend in Chicago
🎄Annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony
- Snap photos in front of the majestic beauty until Jan. 8.
- Ceremony Friday at 6pm at Millennium Park
- Cheer on the Chicago Bulls vs. the Atlanta Hawks on the first night of this year's Emirates NBA Cup court.
- Friday at 7pm at the United Center on Near West Side
Cost: Tickets start at $35
🛍️ Logan Square Autumn Vintage & Artisan Fest
- Hop on your holiday shopping with vintage finds from more than 70 vendors. Bring your pooch — pets are welcome!
- Saturday and Sunday from noon-6pm at the Logan Square Auditorium
Cost: Free. RSVP here.
🪀 It's All Fun and Games: Historic Toys of Evanston Exhibition
- Explore this toy exhibit that will spotlight the contributions made by residents of this north Chicago suburb, including the origin story of Rudolph, the most famous reindeer of all.
- Thursday-Sunday, 1-4pm until Jan. 5 at the Evanston History Center
Cost: Tickets start at $10; Kids 12 and under are free.
- Put on your pink dress (or paint yourself green) to enjoy this show paying homage to the much anticipated opening of the movie version of "Wicked."
- Saturday at 1pm at Splash Chicago in Northalsted
Cost: $50 includes drinks and food
🎶 Hyde Park Handmade Artisan Bazaar
- Shop local and celebrate the city's South Side fashion, music, food and culture at this monthly showcase.
- Sunday 10am-3pm at The Promontory
Cost: Free
🎭 Ruth Page's "The Nutcracker"
- Watch this live recreation of this holiday classic, featuring local dance students from the south suburbs.
- Saturday 2pm and 7:30pm and Sunday 2pm at Governor's State University in University Park
Cost: Tickets start at $20
🍸 Moyo's Move: The Godfrey Hotel Chicago Winter Wonderland
Chicago winter is already here, but that doesn't rule out evenings outside!
On Saturday, I'll be checking out I|O Godfrey Hotel's Winter Wonderland rooftop for some festive fun. I'm excited to immerse myself in a luxury, cozy getaway from the city's hustle and bustle.
The vibe: Enjoy live entertainment such as fire dancers, food, s'mores and winter-themed cocktails inside the heated igloos that can hold up to 10 people.
If you go: You can reserve an igloo now through February.
Cost: Prices vary