Chicago is known for its frigid winters with a lot of ice and snow. As that may be true, it is still a wonderful place to visit during the winter months. There is so much to do and see in the city, that a little cold shouldn’t stop you from experiencing what the city has to offer. Plus, Chicago is very festive around the holiday season and it is something you can’t miss out on!
Zoo Lights
Located at the Lincoln Park Zoo, this is a fun and cost free activity for all ages. While seeing a variety of animals, you will also witness various beautiful light displays throughout the zoo. For those 21+ years of age and who love adult beverages, the zoo also has BrewLights every year. This event allows you to taste 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!
Christkindlemarket
Go visit the annual Christkindlemarket located in downtown Chicago or in Wrigley. 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 this German 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.
Ice Skating
Ice skating is always a great option whether it be a romantic date idea or for some family fun! There are multiple locations to ice skate in the city. You can go to Gallagher Way in Wrigley and skate in front of the iconic Wrigley Field. Or you can skate in front of the “bean” at Millennium Park or venture to Maggie Daley Park for the Skating Ribbon which offers beautiful city views.
Chicago Symphony Orchestra
During the holiday season, the Chicago Symphony Orchestra will play a movie and then the orchestra will play the music that is in the film. I went for a viewing of Home Alone and it was an amazing performance as the orchestra was able to be completely in sync with the music in the movie! The musicians are extremely talented. This is a great thing to do with friends and family!
Chicago Botanic Garden
Visit the Chicago Botanic Garden to take a stroll along the mile-long path of wonder and light. As you walk along the path the night comes alive with a multitude of color and sound. Lightscape is originally from London and made its U.S. debut at the Chicago Botanic Garden. It is fun for all ages and a wonderful idea for the holiday season.
Dinner in an Igloo
Chicago is known for it’s rooftop season in the summer, but have no fear, you can still eat outside during the winter in an igloo! Chicago offers a unique experience to dine and hang out with friends in a heated igloo. Be sure to reserve an igloo in advance as they fill up quick! A few places to check out for this experience are the Godfrey and City Winery Chicago.
Holiday/Pop up Bars
Chicago does a fantastic job at turning it’s well-known bars in to fun holiday extravaganzas! Every year, there are pop up bars with different themes and bars decorate to the point that you feel like you are living in a holiday winter wonderland. Some fun places to check out are Elf’d Up, Butch McGuire’s, Happy Camper, or Frosty’s Christmas Bar. Just be aware that for some of the pop ups you will have to pay for and sometimes even reserve a time to go – so be sure to check the website to the bar beforehand!
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. 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. And if you aren’t a shopper or a foodie, you must at least go see the famous Macy’s animated window display that changes every year!
Museums
The winter time is the perfect time to visit all the wonderful museums that Chicago has! Most of them are also decorated for the holidays to make it even more festive! This is also the perfect thing to do when it is snowing or extremely cold outside. You could spend a whole day in just one museum as all Chicago’s museums have tons of exhibits to explore. Below is a short list of some of the popular museums in Chicago:
Chicago is a fantastic city with a plethora of things to do that even during the cold winter months you can’t be bored! Have fun exploring this wonderful city!
3 Comments
RESET PRIORITY · January 1, 2020 at 4:16 pm
Howdy! I’m at work browsing your blog from my new iphone!
Just wanted to say I love reading your blog and look forward to all your posts!
Carry on the great work!
A World Inverted · January 7, 2020 at 1:02 am
Thanks so much! I greatly appreciate it! 🙂
A World Inverted · January 17, 2020 at 11:37 pm
Museums are great!
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