Welcome, fellow thrill-seekers and adventure hounds, to Things To Do in Chicago—your daily passport to fun, oddball, and downright dazzling events across the Windy City! It’s Thursday, November 20, 2025, and if Chicago could strut, it’d be doing the Charleston this morning. We’ve got that crisp autumn air, leaves twirling down the river walk, and a city absolutely buzzing with pre-holiday energy.

Today’s weather? Classic November in Chicago—jacket highly recommended! It’s brisk, but with those blue skies and golden hour sunlight giving downtown a little extra glimmer. Folks are already snapping selfies at Millennium Park, bundled up but grinning ear to ear.

Let’s dive right into the action, because Chicago’s serving variety today hotter than a deep-dish straight out the oven. Kicking things off: catch free live music and exclusive food and drink specials at Epiphany Center for the Arts from 5 to 8 PM, a perfect warm-up for the mind and tastebuds. Stick around for “D2G’s 10 Year Reflection” featuring Ife Senoj at 7 PM in the Sanctuary—think beats, stories, and a creative energy that’ll recharge your soul faster than a double espresso.

If family adventure’s your thing, Millennium Park is lighting up with the first holiday celebrations of the season. Mommy Poppins reports that tree lighting events are booming citywide, and the festive spirit is coming on strong—use this as an excuse to introduce your kids to hot chocolate art, aka the fine art of sipping cocoa until you get a marshmallow mustache.

For those craving world culture with a dash of samba, Carnivale Chicago’s Rumba Lounge has Samba Night starting at 7 PM. Picture glittering costumes, spicy bites, and a rhythm section that just won’t quit! For the nightlife warriors, Chicago Comedy Club at House of Blues promises laughter so infectious you’ll forget the forecast outside—doors open at 6 PM, so prepare for stand-up and sit-down funny business according to Ticketmaster.

Sports fans, slap on your lucky jersey—tonight’s a big night! The Chicago Blackhawks face off against the Seattle Kraken at the United Center at 7 PM. Gates open at 5:30, so get your scarf game on point and maybe catch some pre-game eats nearby.

On the artsy front, if you feel like catching a Broadway-worthy spectacle, Hell’s Kitchen is running at the James M. Nederlander Theatre through November. Or, join the excitement at Christkindlmarket’s ‘Twas the Night Before event for a preview of Chicago’s legendary German Christmas market—steins, strudel, and carolers await at Daley Plaza.

Now, don’t miss the scoop on what’s new around town! Chicago’s public transit is rallying extra trains for event nights, making it a breeze to zip between venues—no sleigh required. And word on the street is that a new plant-based burger spot just opened in River North, promising foodies even more reasons to taste test their way through the city.

Feeling like something off the beaten path? Swing by the Chicago Gaelic Park in Oak Forest for an Irish Singing Class at 6:30 PM, then grab a pint and learn a traditional tune. Or, keep your eyes peeled for spontaneous pop-up art performances around the Loop—November’s known for surprise violinists breaking into classical battles in the middle of the L platforms.

Quick tip from your globetrotting pal: if you want the real local flavor, ride the CTA’s Pink Line out to Pilsen and stroll down 18th Street. You’ll find murals that’ll stop you in your tracks and bakeries with conchas big enough to qualify as Olympic sport equipment.

Before I dash off to research tomorrow’s wildest happenings, here’s a teaser: this weekend the Magnificent Mile Lights Parade will blitz Michigan Avenue with floats, fireworks, and enough twinkle to power an entire Christmas village. Trust me, you won’t want to miss it—so tune in for another episode packed with the city’s quirkiest, coolest, and most...