Searching for what there is to do in Chicago this winter? Below are the best things to do in Chicago during the winter from a local – whether looking for fun outdoor winter activities or the best Chicago indoor attractions.
I suggest bookmarking this blog post as will be updating it regularly with new events and activities.
Chicago in the Winter (2024/2025)
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Is it Worth Visiting Chicago During the Winter?
For out of town visitors, Chicago has a bad reputation for being cold, snowy and windy in the winter but that is not always true. Some years winters can be mild and even on a colder winter season many days can randomly be mild or warm. You might get lucky and get pleasant temperatures especially if you are visiting in the beginning or end of winter.
Winter weather can start as early as November and end as late as March or early April. However, the months that typically have the worst weather (cold and snow) are January and February.
If you can brave the potentially bad weather, Chicago is a great place to visit in the winter. In the beginning of winter, you can enjoy the many holiday events and activities that take place in Chicago until the first week in January. The rest of winter is considered low season for tourism in Chicago, which means lower hotel prices and fewer crowds at popular attractions. There is no shortage of indoors things to do in Chicago from museums, great restaurants, tall buildings, shopping, theater, comedy clubs and more!
If you end up loving Chicago (most people do), you can always return when the weather is warmer for Chicago outdoor activities (such as the river cruises) you can enjoy year round.
What to Pack for Chicago in the Winter
Layers are key because the temperature can vary greatly (from below freezing to more than 60 Fahrenheit). Here are some things to pack if you are visiting Chicago in the winter for the first time:
• Winter coat – I recommend a longer coat with a hood to keep you warm
• Warm Hat
• Warm Scarf
• Gloves – Thin touchscreen gloves are best so you can use your smartphone without having to take them off
• Boots – Boots are a must if it snows to keep your feet warm and dry. Some locals like to wear them even if there is no snow because they are warmer. Make sure your boots are water resistant with good traction. Buy a half size larger than you usually wear so you can also wear thick wool socks.
• Reusable water bottle
• External battery for your phone – To recharge your phone’s battery when you are outdoors
Where to Stay in Chicago During the Winter
If you are visiting Chicago in the winter, it is even more important to stay somewhere centrally located so you don’t have to walk very far while sightseeing or spend money on ride sharing. I recommend these Chicago hotels for winter – they are not only centrally located but many also offer winter attractions and activities like heated rooftops and even curling.
The Peninsula Chicago. The Peninsula Chicago is a 5 star hotel with a central and convenient location right off the Magnificent Mile, close to shopping and less than a block from the Water Tower and 360 Chicago. This is the only hotel in Chicago with a seasonal skating rink. Other hotel amenities include a world renown spa and a half-Olympic length swimming pool. Click here to see the latest prices and click here to read reviews.
Gwen Hotel Chicago. The Gwen Hotel Chicago is conveniently located off the Magnificent Mile and is connected to The Shops at North Bridge, which provides guests with enclosed access to shopping. The hotel was ranked #1 in Chicago and #8 in the world according to Condé Nast The Best Hotels in the World: 2021 Readers’ Choice Awards. It has an outdoor winter rooftop with fire pits and heaters as well as outdoor curling and igloos. Click here to see the latest prices and click here to read reviews.
LondonHouse Chicago, Curio Collection by Hilton. LondonHouse Chicago, Curio Collection by Hilton is located on the iconic Chicago River, on the corner of Wacker Drive and Michigan Avenue, just minutes away from Millennium Park and the city’s theater and business districts. Many of their rooms as well as their tri-level rooftop bar have amazing views of the Chicago River. Click here to see the latest prices and click here to read reviews.
Chicago Athletic Association Hotel. Chicago Athletic Association Hotel is a unique boutique hotel conveniently located right across The Bean and Millennium Park. It is a short walking distance to two ice skating rinks as well as The Art Institute of Chicago. The hotel has several bars & restaurants including Cindy’s, the popular rooftop restaurant and bar which offers panoramic instagram worthy views of Millennium Park and Lake Michigan. Families will enjoy spending time in their Game room where you can play billiards, shuffleboard, foosball, and other games for free. Click here to see the latest prices and click here to read reviews.
Things to Do in Chicago in the Winter
Below are the top things to do in Chicago this winter. You will find something for both adults and families with kids to do in December, January, February and early March in the city and suburbs.
Go Outdoor Ice Skating
There are several places to go outdoor ice skating in Chicago during the winter. Outdoor skating rinks in Chicago are usually open from mid-November through early March (weather permitting).
One of the best and picture perfect spots to go ice skating is at the McCormick Tribune Ice Rink in Millennium Park right in front of The Bean, which is open November 15, 2024—February 2, 2025. Admission is free, but online ticketed reservations are required. Reservations will open two weeks ahead of session.
Another ice skating rink with great skyline views is the skating ribbon at Maggie Daley Park located next to Millennium Park. The skating ribbon has a path twice the length of a lap around a traditional skating rink. The skating ribbon is open November 15, 2024—March 9, 2025 and tickets are released on a rolling basis at noon every 2 weeks. Reservations are required. See the official website for hours and prices.
Attend a Candlelight Concert
Chicago’s Candlelight Concerts is a series of special classical music concerts that take place in beautiful indoor venues bathed in candlelight. Some of the concerts taking place this winter include:
Best of Bridgerton on Strings
A Tribute to Queen and More
From Bach to The Beatles
Featuring Mozart, Bach, and Timeless Composers
The Best of Hans Zimmer
Featuring Vivaldi’s Four Seasons & More
You can find the full list of candlelight concerts in Chicago here.
Join a Food Tour
Winter is a great time try some of the food that Chicago is known for. If your time in Chicago is short or you want to try a variety of dishes, consider a food tour like this Chicago favorites tasting tour. If you have a sweet tooth, you might like this underground donut tour.
ZooLights at Lincoln Park Zoo
ZooLights Presented by ComEd and Invesco QQQ at Lincoln Park Zoo is a cheerful, family-friendly holiday event in the heart of the city. Zoolights features hundreds of luminous LED displays and seasonal experiences, all under the glow of millions of lights.
When: November 15, 2024–January 5, 2025
Where: Lincoln Park Zoo, 2400 N. Cannon Drive.
Cost: $7–$10 (free admission on select Mondays)
Float Down the River in a Hot Tub Boat
Looking for a unique winter activity? Float down the Chicago River in a cozy, steaming hot tub, sip your BYO beverage as you leisurely float down the River while enjoying the city’s iconic views. The Hot Tub Boats were introduced by Chicago Boat Company last winter and are back for a second winter due to popular demand.
You can rent a Hot Tub Boat during the winter (from November – March) as long as the river is not frozen.
Visit an Authentic German-Style Christmas Market
Christkindlmarket is an authentic German-style outdoor market. Visitors can shop for Christmas ornaments and products from around the world and try various German food and drinks such as roasted nuts, fresh pretzels, bratwurst, and hot spiced wine. You can purchase a limited edition souvenir mug to remember your visit.
When: November 22 – December 24, 2024
Hours: Hours vary see the website for more details
Where: Daley Plaza (50 W Washington Street)
Cost: Admission is FREE.
See the City of Chicago Christmas Tree
The City of Chicago Christmas tree can be seen at Millennium Park during the Christmas holiday season in Chicago.
Make sure to stop by The Bean – a must on any Chicago bucket list. The Bean is located a few feet away from the tree and can even take photos of The Bean with the Christmas tree in the background.
When: November 22, 2024—January 8, 2025
Where: Millennium Park, near the intersection of Michigan Ave. and Washington St.
Winterland: An Immersive Holiday Experience
Winterland: An Immersive Holiday Experience is a whimsical holiday wonderland filled with festive delights and sparkling lights. This immersive 45 minute journey takes place indoors at Navy Pier.
When: November 22, 2024–January 5, 2025.
Where: Navy Pier, 600 E Grand Ave, Chicago, IL 60611
Cost: $15.00 for adults and $12.50 for children 12 and under. Click here to purchase tickets in advance.
Light Up the Lake at Navy Pier
Light Up the Lake at Navy Pier features free outdoor holiday lights and other fun activities and attractions such as axe throwing and a new ice slide.
Where: Navy Pier, 600 E Grand Ave, Chicago, IL 60611
When: November 29, 2024–January 5, 2025
Cost: Includes both free and ticketed activities. Single and pre-bundled tickets are available.
Titanic: The Exhibition
Titanic: The Exhibition is only in the Chicago area for a limited time. This interactive experience allows you to step inside recreations of the Titanic’s interior. Immerse yourself in the stories of its passengers, see hundreds of artifacts, and discover the tale of the design, creation, launch, maiden voyage, and tragedy of the historic ship.
Where: 4963 Old Orchard Shopping Center, Skokie, IL 60077 (about 17 miles from downtown Chicago)
Cost: Price varies. Click here for full prices and to purchase tickets in advance.
Admire Famous Works at The Art Institute of Chicago
The Art Institute of Chicago is one of the oldest and largest art museums in the United States and is frequently found on lists of the top museums in the world. (Click here to buy a skip the line ticket if you want to avoid long lines).
When: Hours are Monday and Friday–Sunday from 11 a.m.– 5 p.m. & Thursday 11 a.m.– 8 p.m. Closed on Tuesdays & Wednesdays.
Where: 111 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60603
See the Winter Flower Show at the Garfield Park Conservatory
The Garfield Park Conservatory is one of the largest and most stunning botanical conservatories in the US. Often referred to as “landscape art under glass,” the Garfield Park Conservatory showcases thousands of plant species from around the world throughout eight indoor display gardens.
Through January 5, 2025, see the Winter Flower Show “Snowflakes” exhibit which celebrates the beauty of snow with more than 25 macro images of snow crystals hanging above the annual display of poinsettias and lighted conifer trees.
Where: 300 N. Central Park Ave., Chicago, IL 60624
Hours: Wednesday 10am-8pm; Thursday – Sunday 10am-5pm; Closed Monday and Tuesday. Visitors are encouraged to make a reservation online in advance.
See the Winter Flower Show at the Lincoln Park Conservatory
Lincoln Park Conservatory is a smaller conservatory but closer to other tourist attractions. It is always green and lush year round, offering visitors a tropical experience within its four display houses: Palm House, Fern Room, Orchid House and Show House.
Through January 5, 2025, visitors can also enjoy the annual Winter Flower Show exhibit “Champagne Toast” at the Lincoln Park Conservatory. The display features poinsettia varieties such as ‘Autumn Leaves’, ‘Jubilee Pink’, ‘Ice Crystal’, and ‘Maren’, all of which capture the theme in unique shades of apricot, gold and pink. Fresh cut fir trees adorn the room and hanging baskets of dichondra float like chandeliers.
Hours: Open Wednesdays through Sundays from 10am – 5pm. Timed entry reservation is required.
Where: 2391 N. Stockton Drive, Chicago, IL 60614
Cost: Admission is free, but registrations are required.
Visit the Field Museum
The Field Museum is one of the largest natural history museums in the world with more than 40 million specimens and artifacts. Inside the museum you will see Maximo, the Titanosaur, the largest dinosaur that ever lived. (Click here to purchase an Early Access VIP Tour if you want to avoid crowds and lines).
Hours: Open daily 9am to 5pm (last admission at 4pm)
Where: Chicago’s Museum Campus, 1400 S Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, IL 60605 (detailed directions and parking information is available here)
Enjoy the Views from 360 CHICAGO Observation Deck
360 CHICAGO, the observatory on the 94th floor of the former John Hancock Building, has one of the best views of the Chicago skyline and Lake Michigan (which might be frozen).
(Click here to buy a skip the line ticket).
Where: 875 North Michigan Avenue, 94th floor, Chicago, IL 60611
Griffin Museum of Science and Industry
Griffin Museum of Science and Industry is the largest science museum in the Western Hemisphere with 14 acres of hands-on exhibits including a 40-foot tornado, a World War II German submarine and a human-sized hamster wheel.
Click here to purchase a skip the line ticket.
Where: 5700 S Lake Shore Drive, Chicago, IL
Tip: If you are visiting a few museums and indoor attractions, consider purchasing a Chicago CityPASS or Go Chicago Card to save money on entrance fees.
Visit the Color Factory
Color Factory is an interactive art museum located on the lower level of Willis Tower. Named one of the 22 Best New Experiences in the World in 2022 by Time Out, the Color Factory is a sensory celebration of color, with interactive installations, immersive rooms and carefully curated moments inspired by the city of Chicago including its signature ball pit and confetti room.
Through January 13, 2025, there will also be a festive photo opportunity fit for the season. Use code HOLIDAY15 for 15% off tickets.
Hours: Hours vary, advance tickets are required.
Where: Willis Tower, 320 W Jackson Blvd, Chicago, IL 60606
Go Sledding
If there is snow on the ground (usually at least 3 inches), grab a sled and head to one of sledding hills found in parks and forest preserves in the Chicago area.
Where: Various. See Best Sledding Hills in Chicago.
Cost: FREE
Go Outdoor Curling
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Curling is a winter sport in which players slide stones on a sheet of ice or a lane towards a target. Below is a list of places offering outdoor curling (along with drinks) in the winter:
Gwen’s Winter Curl & Chill – Upstairs at The Gwen (521 North Rush Street)
Harry Caray’s Tavern – Navy Pier (700 E. Grand Ave)
Kaiser Tiger (1415 West Randolph St)
Eat and Drink in an Igloo
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Having dinner and drinks in an outdoor igloo has been trendy for a few years. Here are some of the best outdoor igloos in Chicago open this winter (advance reservations may be required).
Kennedy Rooftop (1551 W North Ave)
I|O at The Godfrey Hotel Chicago (127 West Huron Street)
Joy District (112 West Hubbard Street)
London House (85 E Wacker Dr 22nd Floor)
Chicago Winter 2024/2025 Events
In addition to the activities mentioned above, other Chicago events taking place this winter include: Chicago Cubs Convention (January 17-19, 2025), Chicago Polar Plunge (January 25, 2025), Chicago International Puppet Theater Festival (January 16-26, 2025), Chicago Restaurant Week (January 24-February 9, 2025), Argyle Lunar New Year Celebration (February 8, 2025), Chinese New Year Parade in Chinatown (February 9, 2025), Chicago Theatre Week (February 6-16, 2025), Chicago Auto Show (February 8-17, 2025), and Chicago Irish Film Festival (February 27-March 9, 2025).
As you can see there are many things to do in Chicago in the winter. Have you visited Chicago during the winter?
Planning a trip to Chicago? Check out my Chicago guides and itineraries:
