Events

Macy’s announced their annual holiday window theme Monday, along with details for the company’s seasonal plans.

Macy’s 53rd annual holiday window theme will honor first responders and essential workers during the coronavirus pandemic as a “thank you,” a press release said.

“This holiday season, Macy’s will celebrate the undeniable spirit of first responders, essential workers, marchers for equality and Chicagoans who showed their grit, good humor and hopeful spirit during a tumultuous year in a series of window displays taking the form of a thank you letter,” the company said.

Macy’s announced their holiday message this year is “Thank You, Gracias, Merci,” providing multilingual expressions of gratitude.

The window displays will begin Monday and continue through Jan. 3, 2021.

In addition to thanking first responders through window displays, Macy’s said the company will be delivering Thanksgiving meals to frontline workers throughout the city.

On Monday, workers will bring meals from the Walnut Room kitchen to the Chicago Police Department and Northwestern Medical Hospital’s COVID-19 Unit.

Macy’s Walnut Room has canceled all in-person reservations through Nov. 28, and is continuing to evaluate on a week-by-week basis. The company said should they have to cancel a reservation for COVID-19-related reasons, the account will be credited.

For the first time this year, the Walnut Room is offering family-style takeout meals that serve four to six people. Meals are available from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily from the Walnut Room Wine Bar or GrubHub for delivery.

Even without the Walnut Room, Macy’s Christmas tree will remain the centerpiece of the Chicago State Street storefront where customers can take pictures through Jan. 3, 2021.

“Under the overarching theme of Give, Love, Believe, this year’s holiday windows complement Macy’s Great Tree to amplify the powerful and vibrant spirit of Chicagoans as the season of joy begins,” Macy’s said.

ABC 7 Chicago showcases the magic of the holiday season with a re-imagined Lights Festival TV special on Sunday, November 22 at 6:00P (CT). ABC 7 Eyewitness News Anchors, Cheryl Burton and Alan Krashesky, will serve as hosts of this hour-long special, with Janet Davies contributing. 

A whimsical winter wonderland set, with the iconic Wrigley Building as the backdrop, sets the scene for dynamic musical performances:

Chicago native Jennifer Hudson, winner of Academy and Grammy Awards and star of the upcoming Aretha Franklin Biopic, Respect, will treat viewers to an unforgettable performance. Heather Headley, Tony and Grammy Award-winning actress who now hails from Wheaton, Illinois, will lend her incredible voice to the show. Headley is also starring in the upcoming biopic, Respect. 

Joining us from afar with remote performances: platinum and chart-topping country music stars, Rascal Flatts will contribute their special sound.  Other performances will include Disney’s amazing a cappella group DCapella; folk, soul, pop duo Johnnyswim; Disney Channel star, Kylie Cantrall; American Idol winner, Laine Hardy; international global pop group, Now United; and Caroline Bowman and Colby from Disney’s Broadway Musical FROZEN.

The BMO Harris Magnificent Mile Lights Festival will be streamed on the ABC 7 Chicago News app and will be availabe on-demand at abc7chicago.com. The TV special is syndicated to audiences nationwide and in Canada through the holiday season.

This year, people from all around the nations will be able to enjoy the beloved tradition from the comfort and safety of their homes through the first-ever virtual Christkindlmarket.
The authentic German-style experience features an onlinemarketplace, family-friendly events, and fun interactive activities. The event will be live Nov. 1st to Dec. 31st and special preorder events are available now.

Children will have the opportunity to participate in Kinder Club virtual activities. Download fun coloring pages, riddles, and the website scavenger hunt for those young and young at heart!