Chicago –As the holiday season continues, the Office of Emergency Management and Communications (OEMC) is advising residents and visitors to be aware of street closures, additional crowds, and increased traffic with the weekend and holiday events around the city.  The 46^th Annual Chicagoland Toys for Tots Motorcycle Parade on Sunday, the Santa Hustle 5K at the new location of Navy Pier, Mariah Carey holiday concert at United Center and the many ongoing holiday events such as the Christkindlmarkets at Daley Plaza and Gallagher Way.  Also, keep in mind the Overnight Winter Parking Ban begins today on main streets and remains in effect throughout the winter season.    

The OEMC will monitor weekend events and weather conditions citywide from the Operations Center and will coordinate public safety resources with critical stakeholders as needed. Traffic Control Aides (TCAs) will be on hand at select events citywide to direct flow and impacts from increased traffic.   

Report Suspicious Activity:  See Something, Say Something^® The city reminds the public to be aware of their surroundings and to report suspicious activity to 9-1-1. If you notice something suspicious, notify onsite security or call 9-1-1. If You See Something, Say Something™ is a national anti-terrorism public awareness campaign that emphasizes the importance of reporting suspicious activity to law enforcement authorities.  If You See Something, Say Something® | Homeland Security (dhs.gov)  

Chicago OEMC App – Know Before You Go   

For safety and preparedness at your fingertips, residents and festival goers are encouraged to download the Chicago OEMC App. The public safety tool provides safety information, preparedness tips, emergency alerts, weather information and more in the palm of your hand. Users will also have access to current forecasts, radar, and other weather-related information as well. The app is available through the Apple App and Google Play stores or visit the website, Chicago.gov/OEMC.   

Winter Overnight Parking Ban – December 1 – April 1 

As a reminder, the city’s overnight winter parking ban is now in effect between 3 a.m. and 7 a.m. from December 1, 2023, through April 1, 2024, on 107 miles of the city’s main streets, whether it’s snowing or not.  The City's Winter Overnight Parking Ban helps ensure public safety each winter by allowing emergency vehicles and public transportation to move freely, and reducing hazardous ondition for motorists, pedestrians and other travelers.  City of Chicago :: Winter Snow Parking Restrictions 

Filming Notice – Friday, December 1 

Motorists and pedestrians in the area of North Avenue Beach on Friday evening from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. should be aware of filming taking place.  While no traffic impacts are expected to DuSable Lake Shore Drive or the North Avenue Ramp, there will be an emergency response scene and a vehicle scene in the park.   

Santa Hustle 5K – Saturday, December 2 

The Santa Hustle on Saturday is at a new location this year (previously at Soldier Field) with the course starting and finishing at Navy Pier with the route proceeding through the lakefront paths. The 5K begins at 9 a.m. and the Kid’s Dash is at 8:30 a.m. on the Pier.  

SH_23_CHICAGOCOURSE (santahustle.com) 

46^th Annual Chicagoland Toys for Tots Motorcycle Parade – Sunday, December 3 

The world’s largest motorcycle parade assembles at 6 a.m. at Dan Ryan Woods, 8300 S. Western, and departs in waves at 8:30 a.m. moving northbound on Western Avenue to Roscoe Street to Campbell Avenue (DePaul College Prep parking lot), 8700 South to 3600 North.  Motorists should be aware of the traffic impacts on Western Avenue.  The waves will allow east/west traffic to flow between waves along Western.  Chicagoland Toys For Tots Motorcycle Parade Org (chicagolandtft.org) 

Mariah Carey – Merry Christmas One and All! – Sunday, December 3 

Mariah Carey’s holiday concert at United Center is at 7:30 p.m. and gates open at 6 p.m.  Parking lots and Uber lot is open to the public two and a half hours prior to event time  

Mariah Carey - December 3, 2023 | United Center 

Public Transportation: For all large events, public transportation is encouraged. Public transit is the most affordable, convenient, and environmentally friendly way to get to and from events.   Note: The CTA Yellow Line continues to be temporarily suspended following an incident at Howard. 

OEMC issues alerts and notifications needed to keep residents and attendees up to date on weather conditions and emergencies.    

1. Sign up for NotifyChicago alerts at NotifyChicago.org   
2. CHILAKE: For lakefront notices, TEXT “CHILAKE” to 7-8-0-1-5   
3. CHIBIZ: For alerts affecting businesses, TEXT “CHIBIZ” to 6-7-2-8-3   

Grant Park and Lakefront Poles Markers/Location Identifiers: For public safety on the lakefront, residents and visitors are reminded to be aware of the numbers attached to the light poles throughout the Grant Park area and along the lakefront. The green signs with white letters and numbers are also located from 5700 N. DuSable Lake Shore Drive to 6600 S. DuSable Lake Shore Drive, and on the lakefront from Oak Street to Fullerton and Montrose to Foster Avenue to help residents reference their location within the park to friends, family and first responders if there is an emergency and you need to call 9-1-1.   

For additional information on emergency preparedness information, visit the OEMC website at Chicago.gov/OEMC. Follow the Office of Emergency Management and Communications on Facebook (@coemc), Twitter (@ChicagoOEMC) and Instagram (chicago_oemc_911).