We all know the Windy City is known for its freezing winters and lots of snow, but if you are willing to embrace the cold and leave your home, below are some exciting winter activities to explore. The city has so much to offer even during those seemingly never-ending winter months. So grab your hat and gloves and get out there!
Christkindlmarket
Go visit the annual Christkindlemarket located in downtown Chicago, the Park at Wrigley (new location this year, yay!) or in Naperville. This annual tradition was inspired by the Christkindlesmarkt in Nuremberg, Germany which began in 1545. And instead of venturing to Germany, you can come to Chicago to experience the German and European tradition. This market is also known as Chicago’s largest open-air Christmas Festival. You can shop at the vendors, try traditional German food and drinks, go ice skating (at the Wrigley location), and purchase the well-known souvenir mugs that the market produces each year! Plus, admission is FREE.
Zoo Lights
Located at the Lincoln Park Zoo, this is another fun and free activity for all ages. While seeing a variety of animals, you will also witness various beautiful light displays throughout the zoo. The zoo also has fun holiday season activities throughout the grounds such as watching ice sculpting and let me tell you, those people are talented! For those 21+ years of age and who love adult beverages, the zoo also has BrewLights (this event is not free and you can purchase tickets here). This event allows you to try craft, seasonal, and international beers while enjoying the lights and animals at the zoo. I’d be “lion” if I said you wouldn’t have a fabulous time here!
Millennium Park
This is another must see during a Chicago winter. You can take pictures in the “bean” (here’s some Chicago trivia for ya: the bean’s real name is the Cloud Gate); go look at the giant Christmas tree which is beautiful both during the day and at night; or go ice skating at Chicago’s most well-known skating rink. This skating rink gets very busy, so I recommend going early or on week days if you can.
Macy’s
Did you know the Macy’s State Street is considered a National Historic Landmark? So that means you must go see it! It is the perfect place to find your loved ones’ gifts this holiday season while exploring the historic building. After you’re done shopping head to the 7th floor to The Walnut Room for some delicious cuisine. The Walnut Room is the first restaurant in a department store and is the longest continuously running restaurant in America. If you don’t want to eat there, at least go to that floor to view the famous 45-foot Great Tree. It won’t let you down. On the 5th floor you can take your kids to go see Santa (they even started a texting system for when there is a long wait so you can continue to shop or grab some food). And if you aren’t a shopper or a foodie, you must at least go see the famous Macy’s animated window display. This year the windows are titled “Reasons to Believe”.
Maggie Daley Park
Located in the heart of downtown, Maggie Daley Park has a skating ribbon for people of all ages to try out this sport! The skating ribbon is unique as it allows you to skate twice the length of a traditional skating rink, plus, you can’t beat skating while staring at the skyline backdrop behind you. You can also warm up with some hot chocolate after skating. You can bring your own skates or they also provide rentals for $12-14 dollars depending on the day. Fun fact: the skating ribbon surrounds a climbing wall for those more interested in summer activities.
River Domes
If you are looking for a romantic date night or a fun group dinner idea, then City Winery’s ‘dome-away-from-home’ experience is for you! Located on Chicago’s Riverwalk in the West Loop, you can enjoy drinks and dinner in a climate controlled igloo-like dome while overlooking the river. You can make reservations through OpenTable. You pay a $25 non-refundable rental fee per person and a $60 food and beverage minimum per person for 2.5 hours in the dome. Go eat, drink, and be merry! You basically get to extend patio season in to winter while staying warm!
Navy Pier
This place has 50 acres of fun activities and experiences that you could spend one whole day here and still have more to do and see! Navy Pier has a variety of restaurants to eat at; an IMAX theater; live entertainment; a beer garden; boat cruises and bus tours of the city; the Chicago Children’s Museum; shopping; a ferris wheel; and more! During winter they also have the Fifth Third Bank Winter Wonderfest which features carnival rides, holiday-themed activities, slides, and an indoor ice skating rink. The views from Navy Pier are spectacular as you get great views of Lake Michigan and the city. Check out Navy Pier’s website to buy tickets for events.
Butch McGuire’s
If you’re in the mood for a festive meal, head over to Butch McGuire’s for some food and drinks. The whole place is decked out in lights and decorations everywhere you look. I felt like I was in a Hallmark Christmas movie. The service and food are great, plus you get a small town feel in the big city.
Another great thing about Chicago is that it is easy to get to all of these locations via walking (I always prefer walking as you get to experience even more), biking (if there is no snow or ice), trains, and buses. The CTA system is easy to figure out and cheaper than parking or ordering an uber/lyft. Click here for the CTA maps/schedules.
Chicago is a great travel destination during the winter months as there are just as many attractions and events as there are in the summer months. There is so much to do and see that you will never get bored. If you are planning a trip to Chicago this winter or already live close by add these items to your Chicago bucket list!
