CHICAGO: The City of Chicago’s holiday and winter season events ramp up in the city this weekend with gatherings and increased traffic and travel throughout the city.  The Office of Emergency Management and Communications (OEMC) is reminding motorists, residents and visitors to be aware of increased crowds in popular season areas and at holiday events and be cognizant and aware of surroundings.  Call 9-1-1 to report suspicious activity. 

OEMC will monitor events throughout the city and will coordinate resources as needed.  Motorists should plan extra time traveling with increased traffic for the holidays. Traffic Control Aides (TCAs) will be on hand to facilitate traffic at various events.

Report Suspicious Activity: If You See Something, Say Something™ OEMC reminds the public to be aware of their surroundings and to report suspicious activity – especially in large gatherings. 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. “lone offenders and small groups motivated by a range of ideological beliefs and personal grievances continue to pose a persistent threat to the United States.”

Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony – Friday, November 22 in Millennium Park

Chicago’s official Christmas Tree lighting in Millennium Park near the intersection of Michigan Avenue and Washington Street is on November 22 and displayed through January 8, 2025.  On Friday, November 22, the pre-show entertainment begins at 5 p.m. and the official ceremony begins at 6 p.m. concluding with the tree lighting ceremony and fireworks. Attendees can enter the Park through the south Promenade on Monroe Street, Madison Street (at Michigan Avenue) and Randolph Street.

Street closures begin at 10:00 a.m. on November 22 for the following streets:

• Washington from Wabash to Michigan
• Madison from Wabash to Michigan
• Michigan Avenue from Randolph to Monroe
• Garland Court from Randolph to Monroe

All streets will be reopened by midnight.  Expect intermittent street closures on Michigan Avenue, Washington Street and Garland Court based on crowd size.

The Chicago Cultural Center (78 E. Washington St.) and the Design Museum of Chicago (72 E. Randolph St.) will be closed to the public beginning at 3 p.m. on Friday, November 22.

Chicago.gov/DCASE

Christkindlmarket at Daley Plaza – Friday, November 22

The German-style outdoor market opens Friday, November 22 and runs through December 24 at Daley Plaza. Expect street closures around the market on Clark Street and Washington. Christkindlmarket is open Sunday – Thursday 11a.m.-8 p.m. and Fridays 11 a.m.-9 p.m. and special hours for Thanksgiving and Christmas Eve.  Christkindlmarket.com/daleyplaza

Wintrust Magnificent Mile Festival of Lights – Saturday, November 23

The 33^rd Wintrust Magnificent Mile Festival of Lights is Saturday, November 23 at 6 p.m. on Michigan Avenue from Oak Street to the Chicago River. Festive booths and family activities begin at 11 a.m.  TheMagnificentMile.com/lights-festival

• Assembly areas include:
  • Walton St, between State St and Clark St
  • Dearborn St, between Delaware Pl and Maple St
  • Delaware St, between Dearborn St and Clark St
  • Oak St, Between Dearborn St and State St
• DuSable Bridge at Michigan Avenue closes to pedestrian traffic at 3:30 p.m.
• North Michigan Avenue closes to vehicular traffic between Oak Street and Wacker Drive at 3:30 p.m.
• Grand Tree-Lighting Parade begins at 5:30 p.m.
• Fireworks over the Chicago River at North Michigan Avenue begin at 7 p.m.

Chicago Bears vs Minnesota Vikings – Sunday, November 24

The Chicago Bears are at Soldier Field this weekend on Sunday, November 24 at noon.  Parking lots open at 8 a.m. and gates open at 10 a.m. for the noon kick-off.  SoldierField.com

Maggie Daley Park Ice-Skating Ribbon & Millennium Park McCormick Tribune Ice Rink

Expect increased crowds at Maggie Daley Park and Millennium Park throughout the winter season seven days a week.  For hours and guidelines visit Maggie Daley Park or

Millennium Park Ice Skating | Millennium Park Foundation

Chicago OEMC App – Know Before You Go

For safety and preparedness at your fingertips, 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.

Weather and Public Safety: OEMC will monitor events through a collaboration with public safety partners. OEMC advises Chicagoans to be aware of weather conditions and to follow instructions and heed all warnings from public safety officials. For the most up-to-date information, please tune into local media or download the Chicago OEMC App or a weather app.

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

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

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).