If you're wondering where to go and what to do in November, look no further than this carefully curated list of Chicago Star's TOP event picks! Everything from pups in tux to meeting the Christkind at the Christkindlmarket to a festive holiday Nutcracker production, we have it ALL right here! Enjoy!
Nov. 3
Taste of Hope at Navy Pier
Featuring a cornucopia of amazing Chicagoland restaurants, Taste of Hope calls on American Cancer Society supporters to celebrate their progress while continuing the fight against one of the world’s most formidable diseases. The annual event brings award-winning chefs and Chicago foodies together behind the American Cancer Society’s mission of eliminating cancer as a major health problem. Nov. 3, tickets start at $175, Aon Grand Ballroom, Navy Pier, 600 E. Grand Avenue, (312) 943-7200,chicagotasteofhope.org
Nov. 5
Smashing Pumpkins Spirits On Fire Tour at the United Center
Alternative rock band Smashing Pumpkins is bringing their iconic brand of rock and songcraft to the United Center. Spinning together rock, pop, metal, goth, psychedelia, and electronic, the groundbreaking act has sold over 30 million albums worldwide. Special guests include Jane’s Addiction and Poppy. Nov. 5, tickets start at $39, United Center, 1901 W. Madison St., (312) 455-4500, unitedcenter.com
Billy Corgan and his Smashing Pumpkins set to play the United Center.
True Blue event at the Hyatt Regency
The Chicago Police Foundation will host its annual True Blue event at the Hyatt Regency Chicago. The event will raise funds to help improve the city of Chicago’s public safety programs and supplement resources and equipment available to the Chicago Police Department. The evening will include dinner, dancing and a live auction and guests are encouraged to don True Blue Cocktail Chic attire (navy and silver). Nov. 5, tickets start at $500, Hyatt Regency Chicago 151 E. Wacker Drive, (312) 664-7076, chicagopolicefoundation.org
True Blue Event will help the Chicago Police Foundation support the CPD on November 5.
Nov. 11
PAWS Chicago Fur Ball at the Drake
PAWS Chicago will host its 21st annual Chicago Fur Ball to raise funds for its “no kill rescue,” one of the largest in the Midwest. Guests will delight in the silent and live auctions with one-of-a-kind items, raffle, dancing and dinner buffets. Lucky dogs in attendance will be treated to an evening of indulgences – including a divine dinner served in crystal goblets at the special dog buffet, and can enjoy pawdicures, massages, and delightful pet-friendly spritzes in the Dog Spa. Nov. 11, ticket prices vary, Drake Hotel, 140 East Walton Place, (773) 475-3307, pawschicago.org
The PAWS Chicago Fur Ball will take place at the Drake Hotel on November 11.
Chicago Lighthouse 36th annual House & Garden Walk
Tour homes from around the country from virtually anywhere, watch as many times as you want, anytime you want (over the 3-day event). The Chicago Lighthouse Associate Board invites you to tour its virtual House and Garden Walk featuring stunning homes located across the country while supporting The Chicago Lighthouse serving the blind, visually impaired, disabled, and Veteran communities. Nov. 11—3, tickets $75, event is “virtual,” (847) 510-2060, chicagolighthouse.org
Lightscape, Chicago Botanic Garden
Celebrate the season with the return of “Lightscape,” Chicago Botanic Garden’s acclaimed holiday event. This year, experience a new path and new light-filled installations created just for the Chicago Botanic Garden. Explore the whimsy of nature in winter through music, light, fire, and color. Featured artistic works will include favorites such as the luminous Winter Cathedral and a reimagined fire garden. Nov. 11—Jan. 8, $30–$32 adults, $14–$16 children, children under 2 free, Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake-Cook Rd. Glencoe, (847) 835-6801, hicagobotanic.org
Nov. 18
Sparkle Light Festival debut in Rosemont
This holiday season, Rosemont’s Impact Field will shine a little brighter with the debut of its Sparkle Light Festival. Visitors will enjoy a breathtaking immersive display of millions of holiday lights amongst outdoor holiday activities including train rides, winter tubing and themed mazes. Experience five illuminated villages, custom 3D holiday features, an ice tube slide and mouth-watering food and drinks. Group and individual tickets available. Nov. 18—Jan. 1, adults, $25, children $20, Impact Field in Rosemont, 9850 Balmoral Ave., (847) 636-5450, sparklerosemont.com
The Sparkle Light Festival will take place in Rosemont's Impact Field from November 23 to January 1.
Nov. 12
Wings To Cure Gala at the Hilton
The Hippocratic Cancer Research Foundation is hosting its annual Wings to Cure Gala at the Hilton Chicago. This year’s “A Hand to Hold '' event will be MC’d by Dina Bair of WGN, Hosea Sannders of ABC and Lou Canellis of FOX. The Hippocratic Cancer Research Foundation supports “out of the box” cancer research at the Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University. Nov. 12, tickets start at $1,000, Hilton Chicago, 720 S. Michigan Ave., (312) 503-8306, crfwingstocure.org
The Wings to Cure Gala will benefit the Hippocratic Cancer Research Foundation at the Hilton Chicago on November 12.
Chicago Humanities Festival Social Media Series
This year’s Chicago Humanities Festival theme is "Public,” and is focused on what it means to be part of a broader community of conversation. Among its range of programs, social experiences and performances, the group is hosting a three-part series on social media and its impact on mental health and social discourse. Nov. 12, tickets for general public, $20, discounts available for members, students and teachers, Steppenwolf Theatre, 1650 N. Halsted St., (312) 335-1650, chicagohumanities.org
Ukraine, My Love: Ukrainian Institute of Modern Art Fundraising Gala
Since February, the Institute has shifted focus to providing humanitarian aid through fundraising and education while still honoring its core mission. You can support UIMA's efforts by attending this year’s gala or making a donation. Attendees will enjoy cocktails and dinner and an online auction featuring archive pieces as well as an Ola Rondiak original. Nov. 12, tickets, $150, Ukrainian Institute of Modern Art, 2320 West Chicago Avenue, (773) 227-5522, uima-chicago.org
Nov. 17
Illuminate 900 returns to 900 North Michigan Shops
After three years, Illuminate 900, Chicago’s annual, arts-forward tree lighting ceremony, is back. With a 50 foot-tall tree holding center court, guests will revel in seasonal delights like sugar-cookie decorating and live holiday performances. Kids of all ages can take an “Elfie” with “The Real Elf,” and help countdown for Santa to pull the switch to shine the first holiday lights on The Magnificent Mile. Nov. 17, Silver passes (10 and under), free, Gold and Platinum passes, $15 and $20, 900 North Michigan Shops, 900 North Michigan Avenue, (312) 915-3916, shop900.com
Illuminate 900 returns to The 900 Shops on November 17!
Nov. 18
Christkindlmarket
The Christkindlmarket is the most authentic traditional holiday market of its kind outside of Europe. The iconic German-inspired holiday market offers a unique shopping experience, family-friendly events and intercultural activities. Nov. 18—Dec. 24, free admission, Daley Plaza, 50 W. Washington St., (312) 494-2175, christkindlmarket.com
The Christkindlmarket is taking place in 3 locations beginning November 18.
McCormick Tribune Ice Rink opening
A rite of passage for children and a cherished tradition for adults, McCormick Tribune Ice Rink is one of Chicago's largest outdoor ice-skating rinks drawing more than 100,000 skaters every year. The rink will be open from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily and the welcome center will be open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. or until the end of performances on event nights. Admission is free but online tickets are required. Nov. 18—March 5, free admission, Millennium Park, 201 E. Randolph St., (312) 742-1168, chicago.gov
Nov. 20
The Lion King roars back
Winner of six Tony Awards, including Best Musical, there is simply no other theater experience like The Lion King. Making a triumphant return to Chicago, this production brings together one of the most imaginative creative teams on Broadway including Tony Award-winning director, Julie Taymor, who brings to life a story filled with hope and adventure set against an amazing backdrop of stunning visuals. Nov. 17—Jan. 14, tickets start at $33, Cadillac Palace Theatre, 151 W. Randolph St., (800) 775-2000, broadwayinchicago.com
Nov. 26
A Christmas Carol
A must-see holiday tradition, A Christmas Carol tells the timeless tale that continues to enchant generations of theater goers year after year. Audience favorite, Larry Yando, returns for his 15th season as the miserly Scrooge leading an equally talented and colorful cast to transfix audiences with haunting performances and stagecraft. Experience the holiday tradition that has delighted nearly two million theatergoers over four decades. Nov. 19—Dec. 31, tickets start at $35, Goodman Theatre, 170 N. Dearborn Street, (312) 443-3800, goodmantheatre.org
Dec. 3
The Nutcracker at Joffrey Ballet
The Joffrey Ballet presents "The Nutcracker" at the Lyric Opera House December 3-27.
Celebrating the magic of the season and Chicago’s rich heritage, Joffrey’s Ballet’s production of the Nutcracker is a magical tradition that leaves audiences aglow and wanting more. At the stroke of midnight on a snowy Christmas Eve, young Marie sets out on an unforgettable journey through Chicago’s 1893 World’s Fair, a marvel of sights, sounds, and enchantment. Dec. 3—27, tickets start at $40, Lyric Opera House, 20 North Wacker Drive, (312) 386-8905, joffrey.org
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