United States, North America
Chicago in November
The Magnificent Mile Lights Festival and Christkindlmarket open. Thanksgiving week is quiet.
The straight answer
November is a quiet, good-value month to visit Chicago. The Magnificent Mile Lights Festival and Christkindlmarket open. Thanksgiving week is quiet.
- Weather
- Cold and gray, highs near 48F (9C)
- Crowds
- 2 of 5
- Prices
- 3 of 5
What November is like in Chicago
November is cold and gray. Highs are near 48F (9C), the trees are bare, and the wind picks up off the lake. River tours pause for winter and the beaches are empty. Crowds and prices drop, then the holiday season starts with the Magnificent Mile Lights Festival and the Christkindlmarket opening in Daley Plaza.
This month suits holiday lovers, shoppers, and budget travelers happy to stay mostly indoors. Thanksgiving week is quiet in the city. It is not the month for lakefront time; for that, go in September or early October.
Make the most of November
What is especially good about Chicago this month.
Magnificent Mile Lights Festival
The start of the holiday season on Michigan Avenue brings a parade and a big lighting ceremony. It is a fun evening with kids.
Christkindlmarket opens
The German-style Christmas market in Daley Plaza opens in mid November. Hot mulled drinks and sausages help with the cold.
A calm Thanksgiving week
The city is quiet over Thanksgiving, which is the fourth Thursday of November. Museums are easy, and many restaurants run holiday menus.
What to pack for November
- A warm coat and a sweater
- Gloves and a hat for evening events
- Waterproof shoes for cold rain
- A scarf for windy corners downtown
Our timing tip
Visit the Christkindlmarket on a weekday afternoon, when it is least crowded, and check the Lights Festival date if you want the parade.
Book Chicago for November.
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- Hotels for November
Hotels. Expedia
Hotels in ChicagoOpens a hotel search for Chicago in November, dates filled in. Book early for the best months: the good rooms go first.
- Rentals on Vrbo
Vacation rentals. Vrbo
Vacation rentals in ChicagoWhole homes, condos and villas. Usually the better deal for families and groups, with a kitchen and room to spread out.
- Tours and tickets
Tours and tickets. Expedia
Tours and tickets in ChicagoTimed-entry tickets, day trips and guided tours in Chicago for November. Popular slots sell out in the best months.
What's on in November
Christkindlmarket
Mid November through late December
A German-style Christmas market in Daley Plaza. Weekday afternoons are least crowded.
Things to do in Chicago
Chicago Architecture Center river cruise
Runs roughly spring through fall. The first and last departures of the day are the most comfortable in summer.
Art Institute of Chicago
One of the great museums anywhere. Go at opening and head straight to the Impressionists before the crowds.
Millennium Park
Cloud Gate (the Bean), Crown Fountain, and free summer concerts at the Pritzker Pavilion. Early morning for photos.
Field Museum
Home of SUE, one of the most complete T. rex skeletons ever found. Plan at least half a day.
Museum of Science and Industry
A real U-boat, a coal mine, and a huge model railroad. Best on weekdays outside school field trip season.
Wrigley Field
A Cubs day game in summer is the classic Chicago afternoon. Tour days run when the team is away.
Beat the crowds
- Check the convention calendar at McCormick Place. Big shows can double hotel rates for a week.
- Buy museum tickets online and arrive at opening. The Field, Shedd, and MSI fill fast on summer weekends and during school breaks.
- Stay in a neighborhood like Lincoln Park, Wicker Park, or the West Loop and ride the L downtown. Rates are often better than the Loop and River North.
- September gives you summer weather with far fewer visitors. It is the best-value warm month.
Know before you go
- Architecture boat tours and many river cruises run roughly spring through fall and pause in winter.
- Beaches are officially open with lifeguards from about Memorial Day to Labor Day. Outside that window, swimming is not supervised.
- Winter never shuts the city down. Museums, theater, and restaurants run full schedules, and the L keeps moving in all but the worst storms.
- Wrigley Field and Sox park tours depend on the baseball schedule; check game days before you plan.
Chicago in November, quick answers
Is November a good time to visit Chicago?
November is a quiet, good-value month to visit Chicago. The Magnificent Mile Lights Festival and Christkindlmarket open. Thanksgiving week is quiet.
What is the weather like in Chicago in November?
Cold and gray, highs near 48F (9C).
Is Chicago crowded in November?
November is one of the quieter months in Chicago; most sights can be done without long waits.
What is happening in Chicago in November?
Christkindlmarket (mid november through late december).
Keep planning Chicago.
The months either side, and the best one if this is not it.
Also at their best in November
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