Helping kids one LEGO brick at a time: LEGO is bringing its holiday truck tour to Chicago. This year’s campaign aims to bring some cheer and some LEGOs to 1.5 million children in need. Brand ambassadors are on hand to gift unique LEGO sets via the special holiday brick dispenser, answer questions about builds, and to offer photo and contest opportunities. “Legos: Build to Give” with stops Nov. 20 at Navy Pier and Washington Square Park, then Nov. 21 at the Museum of Science and Industry and Northbrook Court; full event information and live truck updates at lego.com
Lights and wildlife: One of Chicago’s beloved holiday experiences is back and kicks off this weekend bigger than ever. Along with the hundreds of LED displays and seasonal experiences, guests can visit the new Pepper Family Wildlife Center, see the transformed holiday lights experience on the main mall, and light show on the south lawn. Sensory-friendly visits have been added and dates can be found online. ZooLights from 4-10 p.m. Nov. 20-21 at Lincoln Park Zoo, 2200 N. Cannon Drive; tickets $5 at lpzoo.org
A million lights along the Magnificent Mile: Back after a 2020 pandemic hiatus, this 30-year-old tradition kicks off the holiday season with the largest nighttime parade in the country. During the day guests can enjoy vendor booths, family activities, and photos with Santa Claus. Then witness the tree lighting with Grand Marshals Mickey and Minnie Mouse followed by a parade featuring more than an hour of floats, giant helium balloons, marching bands, celebrities, musical performances and Santa Claus. Magnificent Mile Lights Festival beginning at 11 a.m. Nov. 20 in Pioneer Court, 401 N. Michigan Ave., parade at 5:30 p.m.; free, more at themagnificentmile.com
Turkey Trot for Thanksgiving: Olympian Jewel Loyd joins Mayor Jesal Patel to celebrate the 45th anniversary of this time-honored tradition. This CARA certified, chip-timed 5K/10K race and 5K fitness walk takes you through scenic Lincolnwood, featuring a flat, fast course perfect for novice as well as experienced runners and walkers. Grab a cup of coffee or cocoa from a local cafe and cheer on the runners supporting the Parks and Recreation scholarship fund of Lincolnwood. Lincolnwood Turkey Trot beginning at 11 a.m. Nov. 21, with the starting line at 6915 Kostner Ave., Lincolnwood; registration $42, more at lincolnwoodil.org
Holiday shopping in Millennium Park: Local artisans bring their wares to the North Promenade in support of shopping small this holiday season. Items include jewelry, pottery and art. Student artists from Marwen and After School Matters are also featured along with a cafe, pop-up programming, and a special visit from Dreezy Claus. The Chicago Christmas Tree is lit at the corner of Michigan Avenue and Washington Street Nov. 19. Millennium Park Art Market runs from 3-8 p.m. Nov. 19, 12-8 p.m. Nov. 20, and 12-5 p.m. Nov. 21 in Millennium Park, 201 E. Randolph St.; free, more at chicago.gov
Let the Christkindlmarket festivities begin: This weekend marks the return of the famous Christkindlmarket in downtown in Daley Plaza as well as in Wrigleyville, where as part of Winterland at Gallagher Way, there will be ice skating on an 8,000-square-foot ice rink, curling, skating lessons, Santa’s Workshop, wreath making classes, holiday movie screenings and special programming at Hotel Zachary. Now open in Daley Plaza, 50 W. Washington St. Also at Gallagher Way, 3635 N. Clark St. Free, full event information at www.christkindlmarket.com and gallagherway.com
The new (ab)normal: For one night only, Trevor Noah of “The Daily Show” heads to Chicago as part of his “Back to Abnormal” tour. He’s written, produced, and starred in 11 comedy specials, including his most recent, “Trevor Noah: Son of Patricia,” on Netflix. 7:30 p.m. Nov. 20 at United Center, 1901 W. Madison St.; tickets $45+ at trevornoah.com
Four hip hop legends under one roof: Snoop Dogg, Ice Cube, Too Short, and E-40 join together to perform in one of the most memorable hip hop and rap tours to date. Mount Westmore Tour at 8 p.m. Nov. 19 at Credit 1 Arena, 525 S. Racine Ave.; $80+. Tickets are available at creditunion1arena.com
Big screen or home stream, takeout or dine-in, Tribune writers are here to steer you toward your next great experience. Sign up for your free weekly Eat. Watch. Do. newsletter here.
