Get ready to bundle up and dive into the frosty fun that Chicago has to offer for families. Don’t let the chilly temps stop you from creating unforgettable memories with your loved ones.
Grab your mittens and let’s check out the coolest things to do in Chicago this winter! 🧤🎉
Visit Christkindlmarket
🎄 Get ready to step into a winter wonderland, German-style, right here in the heart of the Windy City.
We’re talking about the Christkindlmarket, a festive extravaganza that pops up every winter in Chicago, Wrigleyville, and Aurora. And guess what? It’s absolutely free to enter! 🎅
Make sure you come hungry, there are so many tasty snacks to choose from. From roasting nuts, freshly baked pretzels, sizzling bratwust, spicy mulled wine, there is something to satisfy every member of the family. Our favorite is the Raclette Sandwich – not only is it delicious, but so fun to watch them assemble! 🥨🍷
After enjoying the treats, you have to check out the cool shops from the vendors around the world. The artisan Christmas ornaments and Alpaka sweaters make for great holiday gifts.
Explore the City’s Architecture
No matter the temps, it is hard to argue that Chicago has one of the best skyline’s in the world!
If you bundle up for the weather, you won’t regret hopping on an architecture river tour to see the true magic of Chicago.
Pro tip: Try to look for a tour around 4:00 pm or later. Evening tours are so magical this time of year. The buildings light up for the holidays and create an experience you won’t want to miss. Make sure to grab a hot chocolate on board.
If you are looking for something a little more casual, head to Navy Pier for a Hot Chocolate Cruise. This tour is only 30 minutes long, the perfect amount of time enjoy the epic views of the Chicago skyline from Lake Michigan. Each ticket comes with a hot chocolate, with a bar on board to purchase additional drinks!
Indoor Activities
Once you are ready to warm up, you’ll have plenty of cozy indoor options to choose from.
Some of the top Museums in Chicago are right downtown, The Shedd Aquarium, Adler Planetarium, Art Institute, and the Field Museum. You can’t go wrong exploring any or all of those options!
If you are visiting during the holidays you cannot miss the Museum of Science and Industry. Their Christmas Around the World and Holidays of Light exhibit is a must-do favorite of many! Enjoy a picture perfect four-story Grand Tree surrounded by a forest of over 50 trees, each one representing holiday traditions from around the globe.
If you’re feeling a bit daring, why not take a trip up to one of the city’s observation decks? Skydeck Chicago at the Willis Tower offers an amazing view of snow-covered Chicago. And for the thrill-seekers, step out onto The Ledge, a glass balcony that extends 4.3 feet from the building over the city. It’s a heart-stopping, unforgettable experience.
So, bundle up, grab your CityPASS, and embark on a fun-filled indoor adventure in Chicago! 🎟️🏙️🎄
Light Up The Lake
Make sure to add Light Up The Lake at Navy Pier to your holiday bucket-list. There are a ton of photo-ops especially at night as the whole pier begins to light up. At the very end of the pier, there are fire pits which make for great spots to cozy up and roast smores with the family.
There is an ice skating rink at the end of the pier as well! It is free to skate as long as you bring your own skates. Don’t have your own skates? They have affordable skate rentals online.
Inside the pier, you’ll find a lot of artisan shops and holiday workshops for the kids to enjoy.
There have also been quite a few Santa sightings along the pier this season. He’s been spotted at Santa’s Southern Workshop in the afternoons and hosting breakfast at Harry Carays.
Outdoor Adventures (Ice Skating and Sledding)
Chicago offers a variety of outdoor winter activities that are perfect for families.
Millennium Park and Maggie Daley Park are both great options of Ice Skating in the middle of the city.
The Ice Rink at Millennium Park is open through March – weather permitting. Its a really neat experience to ice skate right on Michigan Avenue.
The Maggie Daley Park Ice Skating Ribbon is a unique, winding ice skating course that’s open from November 17 to March 10, 2024.
In addition to ice skating, families can also enjoy sledding at various parks and outdoor spaces throughout the city. One of the coolest spots to sled in Chicago is by Solider Field. Once the temps start staying below freezing (usually around mid January, Soldier field adds some extra snow to the 35 foot hill right next door. Its a free place to sled, and a great spot to check out the skyline!
Don’t let the chilly weather stop you from having a blast with the family!
As you can see, there’s a whole winter wonderland of fun waiting for you in the Windy City. From gliding around on ice skates to discovering cozy indoor play spots, there’s a flurry of family fun to be had. So, grab your scarves, pull on those mittens, and get ready to embrace the season in this vibrant city. Trust me, it’s going to be snow much fun!
