John Hancock Observatory

WLIT FM Party
Nov 15-16 / 11am-1pm both days

Get amongst the fun with WLIT FM's elf team and Edison, the holiday reindeer. We've got loads of candy canes and prizes to give away, plus fun games to join in!

Cookies, Sprinkles & Santa
Nov 22-23 / 2-4pm both days

Get festive with your cookie decorations then gobble them all up. Yum!  We'll supply the sprinkles and the icing plus a chef to give you a few tips. You supply the cookies (available from us for a very small charge).

America's Next Top Elf
Nov 29-30 / 3pm & 4pm both days

Sashay down the runway in your best elf outfit and you could win your next birthday party at John Hancock Observatory. (Wow – imagine inviting up to 20 of your best friends for games and a piece of custom John Hancock Center cake (prize valued at $800).

Christmas Food Drive
Dec 6-7 / All day, both days

We want to make everyone's Christmas special. So we're partnering with Greater Chicago Food Depository all through the holiday season. This weekend only, get $1 off the price of adult admission for every non-perishable item you add to our food bin (maximum $5 off).

Meet Rudolph
Dec 13-14

Meet Rudolph (and maybe Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donner and Blitzen too!) Edison, WLIT FM’s holiday reindeer, will even be here on the Saturday, between 11am-1pm.

Breakfast with Santa
Dec 20-21 / 9-11am

Come tell Santa what you'd like for Christmas (how about things like love and goodwill to all mankind?). Mrs. Claus is going to be cooking up a storm in the new Café Espression. And space is limited, so please book early: Adults $25, Children (4-11) $15, Seatings at 9am, 10am and 11am.  Call Nicole Roberto 312-654-5019 or email nroberto@hancockobservatory.com

Crazy Coloring Competition
Nov 15-Dec 21

Choose your weapon – crayons or marker pens – then give our crazy coloring competition your best shot. You could win your next birthday party at John Hancock Observatory! (Wow – imagine inviting up to 20 of your best friends for games and a piece of custom John Hancock Center cake (prize valued at $800). (One entry per person only. Winner drawn at random.)

Hustle up the Hancock
February 22, 2009

This is the day over 4,000 climbers from throughout Chicago and around the United States participate in Chicago’s world-class stair climb, Hustle Up the Hancock. The hugely popular 94-floor climb at John Hancock Center is expected to raise more than $1 million to support Respiratory Health Association’s mission to promote healthy lungs and fight lung disease through research, advocacy and education. At the same time as the climb, participants and guests enjoy an expo and celebration at the nearby Hilton Suites Chicago, including exhibit booths and more. General registration begins November 3rd, 8am at www.lungchicago.org.

Chicago Marathon
October 12

The Bank of America Chicago Marathon is the pinnacle of achievement for elite athletes and everyday runners alike. On Sunday, October 12, 2008 runners from all 50 states and over 120 countries will set out to accomplish a personal dream. Location: Grant Park, Chicago Wheelchair Start: 7:55 a.m. (CST) Marathon Start: 8:00 a.m. (CST) You can check out the good viewing spots from the observatory by clicking here to download the course map.

Magnificent Mile Lights Festival
November 22

Join The Greater North Michigan Avenue Association as Chicago's Magnificent Mile is transformed into a winter wonderland for the 16th Annual Magnificent Mile Lights Festival presented by Harris, the nation's official kick-off to the holiday season. All weekend long the sights, sounds and tastes of The Magnificent Mile Lights Festival® presented by Harris will arouse your senses and kick-off your holiday season with special offers and entertainment for the entire family. Location: Michigan Avme. from Oak Street to Chicago River

New Year’s Eve Fireworks Display
December 31

Chicago's official New Year's fireworks celebration at the fountain. Location: Buckingham Fountain.