Your Guide to Winter in Chicago: Embrace the Cold and the Holidays in Chicago This Season
Chicago is a fantastic city any time of year, but it’s especially magical in winter. Today, we’re sharing a press release from our friends over at Fathom Communications to ensure that you can make the most of Chicago this holiday season. Chicago winters are cold, yes, but they’re also a lot of fun.
I first visited Chicago a few years ago, and I instantly fell in love with the city. Being from Toronto, I noticed how Chicago, a city of similar size, had really been more careful with their urban planning in some regard. For one, they did a much better of job of developing their waterfront area into something special. That led me to write my guide on how to spend two days in Chicago, an article that has done well on my site for quite sometime.
I love the city, and I love to encourage people to visit, which is why I’m sharing this press release from my friends over at Fathom Co. to ensure that you can make the most of this coming winter in Chicago, as well as noting the array of holidays activities planned in Chicago this year.
What’s on the Docket This Winter in Chicago?
Embrace the season and set off on a wintery adventure, from ice skating in the shadow of The Bean to sledding and snowshoeing within view of the snowy lakefront.
You’ll find there are lots of reasons to love winter in Chicago.
Christkindlemarket
The Christkindlmarket unites cherished German and European tradition with international flair and local charm.
Inspired by the 16th century Christkindlesmarkt in Nuremberg, Germany, one of the first outdoor markets of its kind, the Christkindlmarket is well known for its vendors’ high quality gifts and food, holiday cheer, and for being the ideal place for families to make unique memories.
Holiday Shopping on the Magnificent Mile
The Magnificent Mile boasts more than 450 retailers, including flagship experiences; major department stores; international designers and boutiques; innovative technology and timeless jewelry; home goods and travel necessities; and three vertical shopping centers, each with incentives and premier savings. The Magnificent Mile is anchored by three major shopping centers, each with their own distinct appeal and diverse customer base.
Explore a blend of luxury brands and local boutiques inside 900 North Michigan Shops (900 N. Michigan Avenue). Located just one block away, Water Tower Place (835 N. Michigan Avenue) was the nation's first mixed-use, indoor shopping center and is constantly bustling. The Shops at North Bridge (520 N. Michigan Avenue) boasts a collection of upscale stores and restaurants that has expanded to encompass a six-block district.
You can see exactly what shopping is in store for you right here.
Go Skating in Millennium Park
The iconic ice rink in Millennium Park is a bucket list spot to take a spin on your skates. You’ll be surrounded with breathtaking winter views of Chicago, including bustling Michigan Avenue, the downtown skyline, and a snow-dusted Cloud Gate aka “The Bean.” – the perfect spot for a snowy selfie.
Nearby, strap on a pair of skates and glide through a winter wonderland along the curvy Skating Ribbon that meanders through scenic Maggie Daley Park. The winding path, which is twice the length of a lap around a traditional skating rink, passes by pine trees and a rock climbing wall (open during warm weather). Skates are available for rental. These rinks are open from November through early March, weather permitting.
Or, lace up your skates and zip around The Peninsula Sky Rink (the only hotel skating rink in Chicago) followed by a traditional Holiday Afternoon Tea in The Lobby beneath the 20 foot Christmas tree.
Check Out the Festive Lights!
Marvel at the thousands of twinkling lights on display at ZooLights and Illumination at The Morton Arboretum or the dozens of festively decorated trees at the MSI’s Christmas Around the World display.
Then head over to Navy Pier’s new "Light Up the Lake", an indoor, temperature controlled experience featuring large-scale light-sculpture displays, a regulation-size Alpine ice rink, authentic holiday beer garden, kiddie train rides, Santa’s Village and gift market and other family-friendly events.
Winterland at Gallagher Way will extend its festivities beyond the holiday season with ice bumper cars, skating lessons and curling lessons running through January/February 2022 and the popular Maggie Daley Ice Skating Ribbon will return with a fun new collaboration with the blockbuster art experience Immersive Van Gogh, projecting visuals of sunflowers and starry night brush strokes onto the ice.
Anyone Up for Curling?
Curling anyone? Head upstairs to the charming curling rink on the rooftop of The Gwen Chicago. The fifth-floor rooftop features an iceless curling rink, where guests can play this classic winter sport while enjoying a signature curling cocktail. The rooftop terrace is also decked out with fire pits, where diners can cozy up and enjoy the full food and drink menu.
Get Some Perspective from a Rooftop or Two!
Stay warm (while enjoying Chicago’s acclaimed bar and restaurant scene) with cozy fire pits, personal greenhouses, and more heated outdoor dining options this winter. Some of the most unique experiences include a rooftop ice skating rink, a winter wonderland themed pop-up, and personal igloos that make you feel like you’re in an enchanted snow globe. Grab a reservation at these all-seasons rooftops.
Warm Up Indoors (And with Hot Chocolate)
Chicago has plenty of spots to indulge in a cup of cocoa. Head to Katherine Anne Confections to try their decadent drinking chocolate or try a mug of Mexican hot chocolate from Kristoffers Cafe & Bakery in Pilsen or XOCO in River North. And don’t miss the over-the-top, Instagram-worthy cups at BomboBar, a popular walk-up window with locations in the West Loop and River North.
Make Time for the Chicago Theatre Scene
Indoors, the stages of Chicago’s theatres are once again lighting up after more than a year of darkness with a slew of new performances that capture Chicago's creative spirit, including the Broadway-bound Paradise Square, the North American tours of Disney's Frozen, Pretty Woman: The Musical, Moulin Rouge! The Musical and more.
The Steppenwolf Theatre Company, which recently reopened with a new USD $54 million arts and education centre (including a theatre-in-the-round) will welcome the world-premiere of King James, an intimate exploration of the place that sports and athletes (like “King” LeBron James) occupy in our emotional lives and relationships while Chicago Shakespeare Theatre on Navy Pier will premiere the Broadway-bound musical The Notebook, based on the best-selling novel by Nicholas Sparks.
Chicago Theatre Week will return from February 17-27.
Treat Yourself to the St. Regis
This spring (or very late this winter) is the long-awaited opening of the St. Regis Chicago.
It’s opening in Chicago’s newest skyscraper, the third-tallest building in Chicago designed by renowned architect Jeanne Gang, with signature restaurants concept by the award-winning Alinea Group. It may not be open just yet for your trip, but keep your eyes open when its opening!
It’s Time to Celebrate the Holidays in Chicago!
Honestly, having shared this list of things to do in Chicago during the holidays, I’m inclined to want to go visit myself! This is a city that is really trying to provide a variety of events and activities to make this winter in Chicago a special one. If you do end up heading that way, I hope this list helps you on your way, and I wish you a great trip to one of my favourite cities in America!
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