It's November in Chicago

BEST DATE NEWS

Nov. 6, 2025: Best Date News Volume #151

Welcome to Best Date News, your favorite Chicago weekly newsletter! In this week’s edition, you’ll read about Chicago’s changing weather, the arrival of Chicago’s Christmas Tree, an iconic Chicago gender reveal opportunity, the new Starbucks holiday menu, weekend plans and more!

Nov. 6: National Holidays

• National Nachos Day

• National Men Make Dinner Day

• National Basketball Day

• National Saxophone Day

• International Stout Day

Sponsored by our friends at Minnie Bird

Minnie Bird Oak Brook Now Open!

• Minnie Bird: Exciting news fried chicken fans! Minnie Bird just opened a new location in Oak Brook at 1715 W. 22nd Street. For those unfamiliar with Minnie Bird, it’s a fast-casual restaurant specializing in three things: tasty fried chicken, dirty sodas and free ice cream.

• Their fried chicken comes in four styles: Nashville (varying heat levels), Minnie Style (honey glazed with Minnie sauce and pickles), Pimiento Honey Heat (with pimiento cheese and sweet jalapeños) and Southern Charm (mayo and lettuce). You can get each of these options as sandwiches, tenders or wraps.

• If you haven’t tried a dirty soda yet, this is the place to do it! They use different sodas as a base like Mr. Pibb, Orange Fanta, Root Beer, Sprite and Coke, and then add various flavorings and creams. There are 50+ dirty soda combinations, a build-your-own option and seasonal rotating flavors.

• Last but not least, you can’t leave without getting the free ice cream. Yes, it’s completely free with your meal! They always have vanilla soft serve and a monthly rotating flavor. November’s is Maple Butter Pecan. Watch our video to see what all the hype is about!

Chicago News

• First Snow: Chicago’s stretch of mild fall weather is about to come to an end... for a couple days at least. The coldest air of the season so far is expected to move in by Sunday and linger into early next week, with daytime highs likely in the 30s. There’s also a good chance we see our first snow of the season this weekend, with both Sunday and Monday in the mix. See the forecast.

• Chicago Christmas Tree: Chicago’s official Christmas tree was delivered to Millennium Park yesterday, and we watched it get set up! This year’s tree is a 68-foot Norway spruce, one of the largest in Chicago’s history. It will be decorated over the next few weeks in anticipation of the tree lighting ceremony on Friday, Nov. 21 for the 112th Annual City of Chicago Christmas Tree in Millennium Park at the intersection of Michigan Ave and Washington St.

• Skyline Gender Reveal: Chicago is offering one couple the chance to light up the skyline for an unforgettable gender reveal. The city’s iconic Willis Tower, or Sears Tower for some, will glow blue or pink in celebration of their big news, creating a one-of-a-kind moment to share with family and friends. Entries are open through Nov. 24 at 11:59 p.m. CST, and the winner will be announced on Nov. 25.

• Levain Bakery: Tomorrow, Friday, Nov. 7 is the grand opening of the new Levain Bakery at 849 W. Armitage Ave in Lincoln Park. The shop opens at 8 a.m. with a fun-filled day of ribbon cutting, face painting, Lincoln Park exclusive treats, free swag bags for the first 100 people in line and more. All opening day proceeds will be donated to the local organization Care For Friends.

• Morgan Wallen: Country music star Morgan Wallen is bringing his “Still the Problem Tour” to Chicago next summer with two shows at Soldier Field on June 19 and 20. You can register for early access to tickets and they will send you a presale code and link to buy them (June 19 and June 20).

Just For Fun

• Starbucks Holiday Menu: Starbucks kicked off the holiday season today with the return of its festive drinks, treats and cups. Favorites like the Peppermint Mocha, Caramel Brulée Latte and Iced Sugar Cookie Latte are back, along with new bakery items like the Polar Bear Cake Pop and Cinnamon Pull-Apart. The new glass “Bearista” cup shaped like a teddy bear in a green beanie has already gone viral. Red Cup Day is next Thursday, Nov. 13, with customers receiving a free reusable red cup with any handcrafted holiday drink while supplies last.

• November Events: November in Chicago is always one of the busiest months of the year. The city comes alive with holiday activities, festive celebrations and so much more. We rounded up five free November events you won’t want to miss. And speaking of free, don’t forget to check out the November free museum days.

• Chicago Astronomer: The Chicago Park District is hosting a family-friendly Chicago Astronomer event at Northerly Island tomorrow, Friday, Nov. 7, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Guests can explore the night sky through educational talks and guided stargazing sessions using professional-grade telescopes.

• BOGO Lizzano: The Italian sandwich shop Lizzano is hosting a customer appreciation event on Nov. 12 and 13 with a buy one get one free deal on their new flavors, though it’s unclear how many there are. The offer is valid at both their River North and Loop locations. While we haven’t been yet, it’s said to be great but a little pricey, making this the perfect time to give it a try.

• DJ Diesel: In honor of National Basketball Day, here’s a fun one for any Millennials who grew up watching Shaquille O’Neal dominate on the court. DJ Diesel, aka Shaq, is bringing Shaq’s Bass All-Stars to the Salt Shed on Saturday, Dec. 20 at 9 p.m. for a holiday DJ set. Tickets are on sale now.

Weekend Plans

• Comedy Weekend: If you like comedy, Chicago has a packed lineup this weekend. The 312 Comedy Festival is currently happening from Nov. 4–9. Jo Koy performs Friday at the United Center, followed by Druski’s Coulda Fest Tour on Saturday. Over at The Chicago Theatre, Ralph Barbosa takes the stage Friday, while both Smosh Reads Reddit Stories Live and Fortune Feimster perform Saturday. Hasan Minhaj and Ronny Chieng round things out with shows both nights at the Auditorium Theatre.

• Griffin MSI Tree Lighting: The Museum of Science and Industry kicks off the holiday season this Saturday, Nov. 8, with its annual tree lighting celebration from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The event marks the start of the 83rd annual Christmas Around the World and Holidays of Light exhibit, featuring more than 50 trees decorated by community volunteers. The Grand Tree will be lit at 11 a.m., with special guests, performances and treats from Stan’s Donuts.

• LEGO Holiday Lane: This weekend, Nov. 7–9, Water Tower Place transforms into LEGO Holiday Lane. Walk through a life-sized LEGO village filled with festive storefronts, twinkling Christmas trees and interactive activities for all ages. Highlights include a Make & Take Station where you can build your own LEGO ornament and a towering LEGO Christmas tree in Central Park.

• Autumn Restaurant Week: Andersonville is hosting its first-ever Autumn Restaurant Week from Nov. 1–9, featuring cozy fall flavors and specialty prix fixe menus from local chefs. Similar to Chicago Restaurant Week, 17 restaurants are participating with multi-course brunch, lunch and dinner options ranging from $35 to $60.

• Granny Get Down: Tin Roof, 3519 N. Clark St in Wrigleyville, is hosting a “Granny Get Down” this Saturday, Nov. 8 at 8 p.m. They encourage guests to “throw on your favorite pearls, curlers and orthopedic shoes for a night of grannies gone wild.” There will also be a costume contest at 11 p.m.

Poll Question of the Week

Last Newsletter's Poll Results

Poll Results: Last week we asked if you planned on dressing up in a costume for Halloween and 57% of you said no. We hope you had a fun Halloween either way! Readers mentioned some of there Halloween costumes included a cowboy, party animal and a Hulk family costume!

Sunrise & Sunset in Chicago

Here is today’s outlook in Chicago (compared to last week):

• Sunrise: 6:29 a.m. (51 minutes earlier)

• Sunset: 4:38 p.m. (1 hour and 8 minutes earlier)

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