Millennium Ice Skating

Looking for Chicago's best wintertime activities? The famous ice rink in Millennium Park is a must-visit location to skate. You'll be surrounded by beautiful scenery of Chicago during the winter, including the snow-dusted Bean and the city's busy Michigan Avenue.

Put on some skates and head over to the nearby Maggie Daley Park, where the Skating Ribbon meanders through a stunning winter wonderland. The scenic route circles a rock climbing wall and pine woods while being twice as long as a typical skating rink lap. Rental skates are offered. Weather permitting, these rinks are open from November through early March.

 

Winter Wonderland (Navy Pier)

You may enjoy the excitement from November 25 to January 7 with interactive light shows, a fantastical skating rink, excursions through the Winter Wonderfest Forest, encounters with Santa, and more. Plan your trip to Navy Pier's Festival Hall and start a new Christmas tradition by attending Light Up the Lake.

 

Go Sledding (Soldier Field)

The Soldier Field Sledding Hill is a must-go-to for thrill-seeking sledders and is situated in the parkland around the historic Soldier Field (home of the Chicago Bears football team). Additionally, nothing beats the 360-degree panorama of Lake Michigan from the top.

 

Go snowshoeing on Northerly Island, a man-made peninsula that protrudes into Lake Michigan and is situated immediately east of Soldier Field. Whoosh down meandering nature pathways where you may see the breathtaking Chicago cityscape and wintertime birds. Don't miss the free Polar Adventure Days, when guests may interact with Siberian huskies, wolves, and raptor birds while creating winter crafts inspired by nature.

 

Go To The Zoo (Lincoln Park Zoo)

The free Lincoln Park Zoo in Chicago is open every day of the year. Admire gorgeous polar bears, penguins, and snow monkeys as they roam outside in the winter months. Warm yourself inside the animal habitats where you may observe birds, gorillas, and other creatures since many animals move indoors during the winter.

 

Indoor Garden (Lincoln Park Conservatory)

Visit one of Chicago's free indoor botanical gardens or conservatories to stay warm. The historic Lincoln Park is home to the Lincoln Park Conservatory, a free attraction with several rooms devoted to exotic plants and flowers. And with two acres of lush greenhouse area, the Garfield Park Conservatory is one of the biggest conservatories in the country.

 

Lincoln Zoo Lights

One of the nicest light displays in Chicago is the one at Lincoln Park Zoo. Visit the zoo during these festive times with your friends and family to see it lit up. Tickets are free every Monday through the end of the year. So hurry along and visit Lincoln Park Zoo Lights to enjoy these holidays.

 

Hot Cocoa 

There are many places to have a cup of cocoa in Chicago. Try the delicious sipping chocolate at Katherine Anne Confections, or grab a cup of Mexican hot chocolate at XOCO in River North or Kristoffer's Café & Bakery in Pilsen. Also, don't miss BomboBar, a well-known walk-up window in the West Loop, for its extravagant, Instagram-worthy cups.

 

The Frozen Lake

What is one of the nicest aspects of the cold weather? When Lake Michigan freezes over, the scenery is breathtaking. Visit the Lakefront Trail for a close-up view and the ideal perspective of the skyline. In addition, you may quickly warm up before continuing your winter adventure by visiting some of the city's top shopping areas, such as The Magnificent Mile, and interesting museums, such as the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum, the Adler Planetarium, or the Museum of Science and Industry.

 

North Branch Trail

Visit the north branch trail during these fun-filled exciting moments. Although it can get chilly in Chicago, it's never too chilly to go for a walk along the route. Allow your anxieties and everything else to fade away as you hike and enjoy yourself.