Fun Things To Do In Chicago In The Winter

Chicago is a vibrant and bustling city all year round, with plenty of activities and attractions to enjoy no matter the season. While famous for its summer attractions like Navy Pier, the Windy City is just as appealing in the winter. With many outdoor and indoor activities, winter in Chicago is an exciting time to explore the city.

A Brief History of Chicago

Chicago is the largest city in Illinois, and the third most populous in the United States. Founded in 1837, Chicago quickly rose to prominence as a major hub for transportation and commerce. By the time of the World’s Fair in 1893, Chicago was home to the world’s first skyscraper and had become a major industrial center in the Midwest.

Today, Chicago is still a major center for finance, technology, commerce, and culture. It has one of the largest economies in the world and is home to some of the world’s most famous attractions like Millennium Park, The Magnificent Mile, and Navy Pier.

Winter in Chicago

Winter in Chicago is a magical time. With snow-covered trees and the famous skyline glistening over the frozen Lake Michigan, there’s plenty to explore. From ice skating to winter festivals, here are some of the best things to do in Chicago in winter.

Ice Skating

One of the most popular winter activities in Chicago is ice skating. Although there are plenty of rinks all over the city, some of the best spots to skate include Millennium Park, Maggie Daley Park, and the McCormick Tribune Ice Rink at Navy Pier.

Millennium Park’s McCormick Tribune Ice Rink is one of the most popular spots for ice skating in Chicago. This outdoor rink is open from mid-November to mid-March and offers a variety of special events throughout the season. Visitors can also enjoy live music, concessions, and ice sculptures at this beautiful rink.

For those looking for a more unique experience, Maggie Daley Park’s Skating Ribbon offers a unique twist on traditional ice skating. This winding ice path allows visitors to skate around a picturesque landscape of trees and foliage. The Skating Ribbon is open from mid-November to mid-March and is sure to make your winter adventure in Chicago even more special.

Winter Festivals

Winter in Chicago also brings a variety of winter festivals that are sure to delight visitors of all ages. From Christmas markets to outdoor concerts, there’s something for everyone.

One of the most popular festivals during winter in Chicago is German Christmas Market. Taking place at Daley Plaza each December, this market offers visitors a chance to experience traditional German music, food, and festivities. Visitors can also find unique gifts and souvenirs from the market’s many vendors.

The Magnificent Mile Lights Festival is another popular winter event in Chicago. This event features live music, stunning visuals, and a parade featuring illuminated floats from around the world. The festival culminates with a spectacular fireworks display over the Chicago River that’s sure to leave you in awe.

Exploring Museums

Chicago is home to some of the most famous museums in the world, including The Art Institute of Chicago, The Field Museum of Natural History, and The Museum of Science and Industry. These museums are open year-round and offer visitors a chance to explore art, history, and science without having to step outside into the cold winter weather.

The Art Institute of Chicago is one of the most famous art museums in the world and features some of the world’s most renowned masterpieces from Monet, Van Gogh, and more. Visitors can also explore the museum’s many galleries dedicated to photography, contemporary art, and architecture.

For those interested in science and technology, The Museum of Science and Industry is a great option for a winter visit to Chicago. This museum offers visitors a chance to explore interactive exhibits on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics as well as participate in demonstrations and experiments.

Book an Architecture Tour with Viator

Chicago is home to some of the most iconic architecture in the world. From historic landmarks like Willis Tower to modern marvels like Aqua Tower, explore Chicago’s unique architecture on an architecture tour with Viator. On this tour, experienced guides will provide an insight into the history of Chicago’s architecture while showing you some of the city’s most famous landmarks. See how this city has evolved over time with this informative tour that is sure to teach you something new about this fascinating city. Book an architecture tour for your next visit to Chicago!

Book a Comedy Tour with GetYourGuide

Chicago is known for its vibrant comedy scene which has produced some of the greatest comedians in history like John Belushi and John Candy. For a truly unique experience in Chicago, book a comedy tour with GetYourGuide! On this tour, experienced guides will take you on a journey through some of the most iconic comedy venues in the city while providing an insight into its storied comedy history. Learn about how Chicago helped shape modern comedy as you visit venues like Second City, Zanies Comedy Club, and improvOlympic. Book a comedy tour for your next visit to Chicago!

Conclusion

Winter in Chicago is a great time to explore all that this amazing city has to offer. From ice skating at Millennium Park to exploring some of the world’s most famous museums like The Art Institute of Chicago, there’s something for everyone! Don’t forget to book one of the many tours available such as an architecture tour with Viator or a comedy tour with GetYourGuide for an even more unique experience!