Maureen’s Insider Picks
Three things to do with family. Where to order dinner. Where to sit down and let someone else cook.
I made this Chicago Thanksgiving 2026 guide for anyone hosting, anyone stuck on dessert duty, and anyone who would like a night off from the kitchen. Every name below links straight to where you order or reserve. Planning past Thanksgiving? See my November 2026 events in Lincoln Park, Lakeview, Wicker Park, Bucktown and the Gold Coast.
By Maureen Moran, REALTOR® with @properties Christie’s International Real Estate, Chicago. Updated November 11, 2026.
Quick answers
Order dinner to go: Summer House Santa Monica and Crosby’s Kitchen take orders through Friday, November 20, 2026 (Crosby’s closes orders at noon). Pickup is Wednesday, November 25.
Pies: Bang Bang Pie & Biscuits pickup is Tuesday and Wednesday, November 24 and 25. Preorder online.
Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, November 26: the Chicago Thanksgiving Parade runs 8 to 11 a.m. on State Street, and the Wrigleyville Christkindlmarket is open 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. ZooLights is closed.
Start here
Chicago Thanksgiving 2026: dates to circle
| Fri, Nov 20Order deadline | Last day to order dinner to go from Summer House Santa Monica and Crosby’s Kitchen (Crosby’s: by noon). ZooLights and the Wrigleyville Christkindlmarket open the same day. |
| Tue, Nov 24and Wed, Nov 25 | Pie pickup at Bang Bang Pie & Biscuits. Preorder online. Walk-in pies will be limited. |
| Wed, Nov 25Pickup day | Dinner pickup: Summer House noon to 4 p.m., Crosby’s Kitchen 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. |
| Thu, Nov 26Thanksgiving Day | Chicago Thanksgiving Parade on State Street, 8 to 11 a.m. The Wrigleyville Christkindlmarket is open 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. ZooLights is closed. |
| Fri, Nov 27to Sun, Nov 29 | The Sound of Music Sing-Along at the Music Box Theatre. |
Part one
Things to do in Chicago with family around Thanksgiving
The Sound of Music Sing-Along
The Music Box Theatre on Southport Avenue in Lakeview
The whole movie plays with the words on screen, so everyone sings. Before each show there are lyric videos, trivia and a costume contest. It has been a Music Box Thanksgiving tradition for years.
When Sat, Nov 21 and Sun, Nov 22 at 11 a.m.
Fri, Nov 27 and Sat, Nov 28 at 1 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.
Sun, Nov 29 at 11:30 a.m. and 5 p.m.
Get ticketsZooLights
The zoo’s holiday light show opens Friday, Nov 20 and runs through Sunday, Jan 3.
When Open 4:30 to 9 p.m. Closed on Thanksgiving Day.
Good to know Free Monday nights, Nov 23 and Nov 30, with a reservation. Advance tickets run $7 to $12, and $20 on the day.
Reserve ticketsWrigleyville Christkindlmarket
A German-style holiday market with food, hot drinks and gifts, right beside Wrigley Field. Admission is free.
When Nov 20 to Dec 31. Open on Thanksgiving Day from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
See market hoursThe Chicago Thanksgiving Parade runs 8 to 11 a.m. on State Street.
Part two
Order Thanksgiving dinner and pies to go in Chicago
Summer House Santa Monica
A full Thanksgiving dinner that serves four: turkey and the classic sides, ready to heat at home.
Price $149.95 plus tax. Each extra guest is $34.95.
Order by Fri, Nov 20, on Tock
Pickup Wed, Nov 25, noon to 4 p.m. Limited delivery is also listed for 5 to 6 p.m.
Order on TockCrosby’s Kitchen
Thanksgiving dinner catering, cooked for you.
Order by Fri, Nov 20, noon
Pickup Wed, Nov 25, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Order: Southport Order: NilesSmoke Daddy
Thanksgiving pickup from the same restaurant group as Crosby’s.
Pickup Wed, Nov 25 at both. Tue, Nov 24 at Wrigleyville only.
Order Email catering@4srg.com or see their site for the menu and deadline.
Smoke Daddy menuDessert duty
Bang Bang Pie & Biscuits, Logan Square
Bang Bang Pie & Biscuits
Sweet pies and savory pies, so you can bring dessert and a side. Preorder online. Pickup is Tue, Nov 24 and Wed, Nov 25. Walk-ins will be limited, so order ahead.
Preorder a pieGemini
A neighborhood favorite of mine. Gemini is taking preorders for Thanksgiving pies from Buck Russell’s.
Preorder piesPart three
Where to eat out on Thanksgiving Day in Chicago
Thursday, November 26, 2026. Book early, because tables go fast.
Carmine’s on Rush
Open on Thanksgiving Day starting at 11 a.m. The dinner menu runs 3 to 7 p.m.
Reserve on OpenTableGood to know
Chicago Thanksgiving 2026: common questions
What is open in Chicago on Thanksgiving Day 2026?
On Thursday, November 26, 2026, the Chicago Thanksgiving Parade runs from 8 to 11 a.m. on State Street, and the Wrigleyville Christkindlmarket is open from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Several restaurants also serve dinner, including Carmine’s on Rush in the Gold Coast, Mia Francesca in Lakeview and Upstairs at The Gwen on the Magnificent Mile. ZooLights is closed that day.
When do I need to order Thanksgiving dinner to go in Chicago?
Summer House Santa Monica in Lincoln Park and Crosby’s Kitchen both take to-go orders through Friday, November 20, 2026, and Crosby’s closes orders at noon that day. Pickup is Wednesday, November 25. Summer House’s dinner serves four for $149.95 plus tax, with extra guests at $34.95 each.
Where can I order Thanksgiving pies in Chicago?
Bang Bang Pie and Biscuits in Logan Square sells sweet and savory pies with pickup on Tuesday, November 24 and Wednesday, November 25. Preorder online, because walk-in pies will be limited. Gemini in Lincoln Park is also taking preorders for Thanksgiving pies from Buck Russell’s.
Is ZooLights open on Thanksgiving?
No. ZooLights at Lincoln Park Zoo is closed on Thanksgiving Day. It opens Friday, November 20, 2026 and runs through Sunday, January 3, from 4:30 to 9 p.m. Admission is free on Monday nights, November 23 and November 30, with a reservation.
What are some family things to do in Chicago around Thanksgiving?
The Sound of Music Sing-Along at the Music Box Theatre in Lakeview plays Saturday and Sunday, November 21 and 22 at 11 a.m., Friday and Saturday, November 27 and 28 at 1 p.m. and 6:30 p.m., and Sunday, November 29 at 11:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. The Wrigleyville Christkindlmarket at Gallagher Way is free to enter and open November 20 through December 31.
When you’re ready to talk
Thinking about a move after the holidays?
Bring your questions. Whether you’re thinking about selling or rightsizing, book 30 minutes with me and we’ll talk it through.
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Maureen Moran, REALTOR®
@properties Christie’s International Real Estate
312.953.7811 · maureen@chicagodreamhome.com
Details checked November 11, 2026. Dates, hours, prices and deadlines can change, so please confirm with the business before you go or order. Maureen Moran is not affiliated with any business listed here, and this post is not a recommendation about any property or neighborhood. Each business and event name is a trademark of its owner.
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