5 Post Turkey Day Things To Do

The turkey has been carved and the pie has been sliced — now what? After spending so much time planning for (and preparing) your family’s Thanksgiving meal, you haven’t thought much about what else to do during this long holiday weekend with loved ones. That’s where we come in. Here are the can’t-miss post-Thanksgiving activities that will help you make lasting memories — and walk off all that turkey. 

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Watch a World Premiere
After a busy holiday week, you might want to simply relax. Instead of sitting on your couch in front of the TV, though, head out to Northlight Theatre (9501 Skokie Blvd., Skokie) for the world premiere of "The Wickhams: Christmas at Pemberley," which runs Nov. 7 to Dec. 15. This play features some of your favorite Jane Austen characters — the Bennets and Darcys — but the focus of the show will be on the servants, who are "in the midst of a holiday scandal." Start or end your evening at Jameson's Charhouse (9525 N. Skokie Blvd., Skokie) and indulge in some Baked French Onion Soup, Shrimp De Jonghe or Bone in New York Steak to name just a few of the delicous options on the extensive menu.  

The Wickhams: Christmas at Pemberley, Northlight Theatre, Skokie, Photo Credit: Chuck Osgood

Say Hi to Santa
Get in the holiday spirit at Glenview's Holiday in the Park & Parade on Nov. 30. The parade begins at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church and makes its way down Glenview Road toward Jackman Park (1930 Prairie St., Glenview). There you'll meet Santa, enjoy hayrides and kiddie train rides, listen to carolers, munch on cookies, and warm up with hot chocolate.

Start Your Holiday Shopping
If you're looking for a way to entertain out-of-town guests, turn to the Evanston Art Center (1717 Central St., Evanston). The center will host the 2019 Winter Art & Crafts Expo Nov. 16 through Dec. 21 with jewelry, ceramics, paintings, photography, and more from 140-plus artists. And save the date for shopping events like Jewelry Fest (Dec. 7), Sip n' Shop (Dec. 12), and Men's Shopping Day (Dec. 14). When you're done, make your way to Ten Mile House (1700 Central St., Evanston), because let's be honest, you could use a break from cooking after that big Thanksgiving meal. Here you'll find sandwiches like House Smoked Brisket and Buttermilk Fried Chicken or entrees like Smoked St. Louis Ribs and Vegetarian Chili Rellenos. Or if you're looking for a post-art show treat (or breakfast), DB3 Donuts (1704 Central St., Evanston) serves up delicious doughnuts, coffee, and tea. Flavors rotate every month, but doughnuts you might find include Chocolate Ganache, Vanilla Sprinkles, and Fruity Pebbles.

2019 Winter Art & Crafts Expo, Evanston Art Center, Evanston

Explore a Festive Chicago Botanic Garden
Walk off all that turkey by exploring Chicago Botanic Garden (1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe), which this year will be illuminated with bright lights during Lightscape (select days Nov. 22 to Jan. 5). Walk through a tunnel of twinkle lights, listen to singing trees, toast marshmallows, and more during this event that is making its United States debut after showing in the United Kingdom last year.

Lightscape, Chicago Botanic Garden, Glencoe, Photo Credit: Chicago Botanic Garden

See Glencoe Glow
Be there when Glencoe lights its tree for the season during Light the Lights on Nov. 29. The evening will also include a Wine and Beer Stroll, shopping deals, live music, trackless train rides, live reindeer, and photos with Santa. After the tree is lit, walk to Guildhall (694 Vernon Ave., Glencoe) for dinner. The menu here changes seasonally, but current offerings include Yellow Lentil Soup and Polenta Croquettes to start and entrees like Roasted Squash Ravioli, Braised Short Ribs, Steak Frites, and Walnut Crusted Pork Chop.

 

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