When a friend of mine came to visit Chicago in the middle of Winter, I originally was a little worried we might find ourselves stuck indoors with little to do - but I was wrong! Despite her arriving in Chicago during a time that I have dubbed "the Winter Apocalypse", we managed to explore the winter wonderland that Chicago really is!
So rug up, and give Chicago winter your best effort, because it'll be a fairly packed itinerary!
Architectural marvels: Take a bundled-up walk along the scenic lakefront and river walk, admiring the city's stunning architecture from a new perspective. Unfortunately during our time the Architecture Boat tours were not running, but ordinarily I would encourage anyone to do this as an informative and fun activity for anytime of the day. I have tried both Wandella and Shoreline and they are both great - it just depends on where in the city you are leaving from, so check the docking locations. I'd recommend the 45min version, as the extended tour spends a lot of time transitioning through the lock out to the lake, which is nice only if the weather is nice and you want a great view of the city form the lake - but that's about it!
Museum marathon: Escape the chill and explore world-class museums like the Art Institute, the Field Museum, and the Chicago History Museum. The Art Institute regularly exhibits world renowned artists, such as Picasso whose works were in town when we visited in January. There is also a whole wing of modern art, not to mention the largest collection of Monet pieces outside of France. The Chicago history museum also gives a great insight to the city - do this on a raining day, or simply opt for the Architectural Boat Ride which will give you a decent history fix!
Cheer on the Bulls, the Bears and the Blackhawks: Winter sports are abundant, so there is likely to be a game of ice hockey, basketball or football to spend an evening. Note: Football games are outdoors - you've been warned...
Glide through winter: Lace up your skates and twirl across scenic rinks like Maggie Daley Park's ribbon or the festive rink at Navy Pier.
Dazzle with holiday lights: Immerse yourself in twinkling wonderlands like the Christkindlmarket's charming European flair or Lincoln Park ZooLights' sparkling animal sculptures. If you're in Chicago in December, all of the bars will decorate their premises with many, many, MANY Christmas lights. It's a lot, but very festive and fun, so go for a drink and admire the time and effort for this light spectacle. Butch McGuire's is a frontrunner.
Catch a show: From Broadway hits to local productions, Chicago's theater scene offers something for every taste. Note: The start of January is break time - shows commence again towards the end of the month. Don't miss iconic venues like The Second City for comic relief from the cold.
Take in the views of the city, from the inside! At the Ledge, you can float above Chicago's city skyline, and stand on a secure glass balcony at Willis Tower, 103 floors up. Breathtaking 360° views let you explore the city and beyond, without being exposed to the cold! Tip: Go at dusk for incredible sunsets.
Get yourself a Pie: Deep dish pizza is not to be missed in Chicago - and this is certainly an activity that takes a bit of (indoor) time. The pizza is made to order and takes about 45mins to prepare, no matter where you decide to try it. Some favourites include Pequod's (the original), Lou Malnati's, and Pizzanos. Bonus: Grab yourself a quintessential Chicago hot dog or Italian beef, because you won't regret it!
Eat and drink really well! Chicago has a plethora of fantastic restaurants. There is good food to be found in all neighborhoods, but some of my favourites include Aba and Au Cheval in West Loop, Topo Gigio in Old Town, Bavette's in River North, and Denucci's in Lincoln Park. To drink, The Allis in Soho House is a great cocktail bar, Marge's Still is a great neighborhood bar (with delicious food too!) and Lone Wolf is a classic pub in the middle of a great foodie district (a great place to wait for your table before heading to Au Cheval).
Botanic escape: A stroll through the park may not be what you desire in freezing temps, but seek refuge in the vibrant greenery of indoor havens like Lincoln Park Conservatory for a nature fix without the frost.
Remember: This is just a glimpse into the plethora of possibilities. Check out local event calendars, explore diverse neighborhoods, and embrace the unique winter charm that Chicago has to offer.
I hope this blog post inspires you to out of hibernation to explore and enjoy all that Chicago has to offer this winter!
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