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Thanksgiving in Chicago: Luxury Hotels, Dining & Holiday Experiences
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hanksgiving in Chicago offers an extraordinary blend of cosmopolitan energy, world-class dining and holiday tradition. The city sparkles in late November with festive lights along the Magnificent Mile, exclusive shopping experiences and a vibrant cultural calendar. For luxury travelers, the holiday becomes more than a getaway — it transforms into a curated celebration where every detail is refined and every experience feels private. Your travel advisor can ensure every element of this holiday is seamlessly arranged — from securing coveted Michelin-starred dining reservations to arranging private architectural tours and exclusive access to the city’s most elegant events.

How to Spend Thanksgiving in Chicago

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How to Spend Thanksgiving in Chicago

Where to Stay

Chicago’s finest hotels create a luxurious backdrop for the holiday season, blending impeccable service with warm, festive touches. When booked through your travel advisor, each stay comes with exclusive amenities and thoughtful upgrades that make the experience feel seamless.

  • The Peninsula Chicago – A landmark on the Magnificent Mile, The Peninsula is an elegant retreat where guests can relax in the award-winning spa, sip cocktails in the rooftop lounge, or take in sweeping views of the glittering city from their suite.
  • Four Seasons Hotel Chicago – Overlooking Lake Michigan, this hotel pairs contemporary sophistication with curated art and design. Guests enjoy serene accommodations and the chance to swim beneath soaring windows that frame the lake and skyline.
  • Waldorf Astoria Chicago – In the Gold Coast, the Waldorf Astoria exudes Parisian-inspired glamour, complete with cozy fireplaces, a serene spa, and intimate dining that makes the holiday feel effortlessly refined.
  • Park Hyatt Chicago – Steps from Millennium Park and the Art Institute, the Park Hyatt blends sleek, modern design with a prime location for both culture and shopping. It’s the perfect base for exploring Chicago before retreating each night to understated luxury.

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Where to Dine

In Chicago, Thanksgiving transcends the traditional turkey dinner. The city’s world-renowned restaurants reimagine the holiday with creativity, sophistication and a touch of theater. Each experience is designed to be more than a meal — it’s a celebration of artistry, flavor and atmosphere.

  • Alinea – Regularly ranked among the best restaurants in the world, Alinea transforms Thanksgiving into an avant-garde journey. Expect multi-sensory presentations, unexpected interpretations of seasonal flavors and a dining experience that feels like performance art.
  • Ever – At this two-Michelin-starred gem, Chef Curtis Duffy crafts a tasting menu that captures the essence of autumn. Every dish is plated with elegance, highlighting ingredients at their seasonal peak, and paired with wine selections that bring out the richness of the holiday.
  • Oriole – With just a handful of tables, Oriole delivers an intimate, two-star Michelin experience where Thanksgiving is celebrated through meticulous courses that balance innovation and comfort. The service is as warm and attentive as the cuisine is refined, making it feel like a private celebration.
  • NoMI at Park Hyatt – Overlooking Michigan Avenue, NoMI offers contemporary holiday dining that pairs festive flavors with breathtaking city views. Imagine raising a glass of champagne as the skyline twinkles below, enjoying a Thanksgiving menu that blends global inspiration with local character.
  • The Lobby at The Peninsula – For a timeless holiday tradition, The Lobby’s opulent Thanksgiving brunch is unmatched. Beneath crystal chandeliers and accompanied by live music, guests indulge in lavish spreads of roasted meats, seasonal delicacies and decadent desserts.
How to Spend Thanksgiving in Chicago

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How to Spend Thanksgiving in Chicago

What to Experience

A Thanksgiving in Chicago wouldn’t be complete without immersing yourself in the city’s seasonal magic. With your travel advisor’s planning, you can enjoy insider access and curated experiences that turn the holiday into something truly extraordinary.

  • Premium seating at the Chicago Thanksgiving Parade, with colorful floats and lively performances marching down State Street
  • A private architecture river tour, gliding along the Chicago River aboard a yacht as an expert guide reveals the city’s legendary skyline
  • VIP ice skating at Millennium Park, surrounded by dazzling skyscrapers and the mirrored curves of Cloud Gate
  • Behind-the-scenes access at the Magnificent Mile Lights Festival, where Chicago officially kicks off the holiday season in dazzling style
  • Premium seats at the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, enjoying one of the world’s most acclaimed ensembles during the festive season
  • A curator-led private tour of the Art Institute of Chicago, offering an exclusive look at the museum’s most iconic works
  • Elevated holiday shopping on the Magnificent Mile, including VIP styling sessions and private appointments at luxury houses like Gucci, Louis Vuitton and Neiman Marcus

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Insider Note: Chicago is one of the most sought-after destinations for Thanksgiving, and the city’s best hotels and dining rooms fill quickly. Booking through your travel advisor ensures every element — from suite upgrades to the hardest-to-get dinner reservations — is arranged in advance. With the details taken care of, you’re free to simply enjoy a holiday that feels indulgent, effortless and unforgettable.

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