YOUR GUIDE TO FOOD, REST, & FUN | 11.22 - 11.28
Are you staying in Chicago for the fall break? We've got you covered. Columbia is hosting a variety of options and, of course, there’s... Chicago. From food-to-feast, rest-to-restoration, and skating–to-shopping, you will be happy you are here.
Interested in better understanding why many refer to the holiday as a National Day of Mourning, please visit the American Indian Center and look for ways you can come together as students for fundraising and supporting the organization.
FOOD-TO-FEAST
Friendsgiving season is upon us! Looking for turkey or great alternatives to Turkey during this season? We’ve got you!
Reserve your own meal through the Student Center Cafeteria to enjoy with friends or dine out in one of the city’s incredible neighborhoods. Explore Chinatown, Argyle Street, Greektown, Pilsen...and more for a memorable meal. Reserve your T-Day meal here!
Peking Duck is always a good idea! Explore Chinatown or Argyle Street for the tastiest Peking Duck feasts. Argyle Street, located in the north of Chicago is filled with Vietnamese and Chinese restaurants, bakeries and groceries! Both are located on the CTA red line (Cermak/Chinatown and Argyle stops).
Continuing north to Devon Avenue between Damen and California, you can find Indo-Pakistani specialties! Take the CTA red line north to Granville station and from there it is a quick Uber ride to find dozens of restaurants, grocery stores, and shops with your favorite Indian and Pakistani cuisine.
Greektown is a great source of the best Gyros in the city! Located in the near west of the city on Halsted Street between Van Buren and Madison streets you’ll find a variety of restaurants and shops.
Go a little further west and visit the Pilsen neighborhood for authentic Mexican specialties and, right after, visit La Michoacana for some paletas and ice cream!
Looking for some good Ethiopian Cuisine? Once again, travel to the North of Chicago for several options running from the 4300 to 6300 blocks of Broadway Street in the Uptown and Edgewater neighborhoods.
REST-TO-RESTORATION
Join Columbia students for on-campus activities to rest and restore. Learn more and RSVP in the Engage Portal.
BIPOC Talk | 11.22| 11 AM – 12 PM
Writers' Circle | 11.22| 1:30 PM – 3:30 PM
In My Feelings Group Therapy | 11.24 | 11 AM – 12 PM
Medieval Combat Practice | 11.27| 12 PM – 3 PM
SKATING-TO-SHOPPING
Use Fall Break to explore the city and some of Chicago’s best annual traditions.
Chicago Thanksgiving Parade
Chicago Thanksgiving Parade ÔÇ»is a family friendly annual parade that features huge helium-filled balloons, floats, marching bands, dance & equestrian groups, local sports teams and more.ÔÇ»
Where: ÔÇ»State Street from Ida B. Wells Dr. to Randolph. (Parade starts on the corner of State Street and Ida B. Wells Dr. and travels north on State Street to Randolph.)
When: ÔÇ»Thanksgiving Day (November 25, 2021) from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Central time
Cost: ÔÇ»Free.
City of Chicago Christmas Tree
The City of Chicago puts up a large Christmas tree annually at ÔÇ»Millennium Park.ÔÇ» While you are here visit Cloud Gate (also called The Bean). ThisÔÇ» bucket list attraction ÔÇ»is one of theÔÇ» most instagrammable spots in Chicago.
Where: ÔÇ»Millennium Park (near the intersection of Michigan Avenue & Washington Street).
When:ÔÇ» Millennium Park is open daily from 8am to 9pm.
Cost: Free.
Ice Skating
There are several places to goÔÇ» ice skating in Chicago. One of the best and picture-perfect ice-skating rinks is the ÔÇ»skating ribbon at Maggie Daley Park ÔÇ»located next to Millennium Park. The skating ribbon has a path twice the length of a lap around a traditional skating rink.
Where:ÔÇ» 337 E Randolph St., Chicago, IL 60601
When: ÔÇ»See theÔÇ» official websiteÔÇ» for hours and prices.
Outdoor German-Style Christmas Market
Christkindlmarket ÔÇ»is an authentic German-style outdoor market.ÔÇ» Visitors can shop for Christmas ornaments and products from around the world and try various German food and drinks such as roasted nuts, fresh pretzels, bratwurst, and spiced chai. You can purchase a limited-edition souvenir mug to remember your trip.
The market will be in 2 locations in Chicago in 2021: Daley Plaza in downtown Chicago and Gallagher Way in Wrigleyville.
Where:ÔÇ» 50 W Washington Street and 3635 N Clark St
When: ÔÇ»11am – 4pm on Thanksgiving; see theÔÇ» website ÔÇ»for hours on Thanksgiving weekend
Cost: ÔÇ»Admission is FREE.
Art on the MART
Art on the MART is the largest permanent digital art projection in the world, projecting contemporary artwork across the 2.5-acre river-façade of theMART.ÔÇ»
Where: ÔÇ»The Merchandise Mart, 222 W Merchandise Mart Plaza, Chicago, IL 60654. Spectators can watch the show from the jetty section of the Chicago Riverwalk on Wacker Drive between Wells Street and Franklin Street.
When:ÔÇ» 30-minute program of projections will be shown on 7:30 and 8:00 p.m.
Cost: ÔÇ»Free.
ZooLights at Lincoln Park Zoo
ZooLights is a cheerful, family-friendly holiday event in the heart of the city. Zoolights features hundreds of luminous LED displays and seasonal experiences, all under the glow of millions of lights.
Where:ÔÇ»Lincoln Park Zoo, 2400 N. Cannon Drive, Chicago, IL
When:ÔÇ»Closed on Thanksgiving Day but open rest of the weekend from 4–10 p.m. Reservations are required, and tickets will be available now.
Cost:ÔÇ»Monday and Tuesday nights are free and Wednesday-Sunday tickets are $5.
Walk the Illuminated Light Trail at Lightscape
Lightscape
Lightscape is an after dark, illuminated trail with thousands of twinkling lights at the Chicago Botanic Garden. This is technically not in Chicago, but it is in the suburbs and only a 30-minute drive from downtown or a Metra ride north (check Metra for schedule and times).
Tickets are on sale -book early to guarantee your preferred dates. Tickets sold out last year!
Where:ÔÇ»Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe, IL 60022 (24 miles north of downtown Chicago)
When: Closed on Thanksgiving Day but open the rest of the weekend. Hours are 4:30 – 11 p.m. (last entry at 9 p.m.)
Cost: ÔÇ»Price varies depending on date. Tickets for adults start at $24 and tickets for kids 3-12 start at $12. Children under 3 are free.ÔÇ» SeeÔÇ» https://www.chicagobotanic.org/lightscapeÔÇ» for prices and to purchase tickets.