It's hard not to be in the holiday spirit in Chicago, where store windows are filled with yuletide scenes, the city's Christmas tree beckons and holiday shoppers gather. The Best Western River North lets you jump into the heart of Chicago's holiday splendor with our list of holiday things to do nearby our hotel. Lights on Michigan Ave. - Stroll up and down the famed 'Magnificent Mile' and enjoy millions of lights and decorations. 107th Christmas Tree Celebrate the holiday season at the official Chicago Christmas Tree Lighting. Millennium Park is a winter wonderland in the heart of downtown Chicago. The City of Chicago Christmas Tree, which stands at Michigan Avenue and Washington Street, will be lit on Nov. 20. To the joy of holiday revelers, the towering tree will be illuminated every night through early January. Ice Skating Maggie Daley Ice Skating Ribbon November 20-March In the heart of downtown Chicago, with the City's skyline as a backdrop, a ribbon of ice winds through a rolling landscape providing an ice skating experience unlike any other. The skating ribbon is dramatically different from typical civic ice rinks, creating a multi-sensory activity that is integrated into the landscape. Skaters can experience “alpine in the city” as they lace up their ice skates and follow a path twice the length of a lap around a traditional skating rink. Complementing the ribbon are places to enjoy a cup of hot chocolate and rent skates. DUE TO COVID 19: Reservations will be required to ice skate, whether you bring your own or rent skates. The upside about making a reservation, no lines, no waiting and no crowds. Limited spots are available this will allow skaters to safely skate and social distance! Masks required while skating and in the park at all times. Please be courteous of others and maintain social distancing while in the park. http://maggiedaleypark.com/things-to-do-see/skating-ribbon/ Zoo Lights at Lincoln Park Zoo November 21 – January 3 4-10PM The most wonderful time of the year deserves the most wonderful occasion of the year, so celebrate the holidays with us at ZooLights. Featuring hundreds of luminous displays and incredible seasonal activities plus reduced capacity admission to keep your family safe. Tickets will cost $5 per guest to support Lincoln Park Zoo's dedication to wildlife and conservation. All guests, including children and infants, must have a ticket to enter ZooLights, and groups cannot exceed 10 people. Please dress warmly, as animal buildings will be closed; however, animals may be visible in their outdoor habitats. Activities Include: -Socially distanced photos with Santa (through December 23 before he heads back to the North Pole) -Incredible 3D displays -Warm spiced wine, frosty beers, and festive specials -Delicious holiday snacks -Joyful gift shopping -Exciting ticketed experiences (including a one-of-a-kind light maze, holiday pop-up, and enchanted forest) -Hundreds of larger-than-life displays Art on The MartNovember 12, 2020 through December 30, 2020 In partnership with Chicago's Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events, Art on theMART will resume projections on Thursday, November 12 with an all-new program. The 30-minute program of projections will be shown nightly at 7:00 and 7:30 p.m. through December 30 and can be viewed for free from the jetty section of the Chicago Riverwalk on Wacker Drive between Wells Street and Franklin Street.