Downtown Chicago Guide to All Things Festive this Holiday Season

There is nothing quite as spectacular as Christmas time in downtown Chicago. This year's 'Holidays in the Loop' guide has been released.

From the Chicago Loop alliance, comes the guide to all things festive. Music, art, food, shopping, warm beverages, candy, skating, singing, dancing and more. Family events, parties for adults and 'kids only' fun throughout the holiday season.

Here are some 'Holidays in the Loop' highlights that caught my immediate attention while checking out the entire list of events planned for this year.

Chicago Thanksgiving Day Parade

When: 8-11 a.m. Nov. 28

Where: State Street in the Loop

106th Annual Chicago Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony

When: 6 p.m. on Nov. 22

Where: Millennium Park, Wrigley Square, Michigan Ave. & Randolph St.

Caroling at Cloud Gate

When: 6 p.m. on Nov. 29 and Dec. 6, 13 and 20

Where: Millennium Park, Cloud Gate, 201 E. Randolph St.

Dance-Along Nutcracker

When: Dance lessons at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m., performances at noon and 3 p.m. Dec. 8

Where: Chicago Cultural Center, 78 E. Washington St.