Things to Do in Chicago in Winter
· Updated · BootsnAll
Chicago’s main tourist season takes place from May to October with significantly less visitors coming to the city during the cold winter months. The city’s location along the shores of Lake Michigan means it experiences “lake effect” weather; the cold air off the lake and the high winds in the city can make a day of 20 degrees feel more like 2…or even less. It’s not uncommon to experience days that dip into the negative digits with the wind-chill factor, which can take the temperature down another 10-15 degrees. It’s easy to see why there are far fewer tourists in Chicago during the winter months than summer, but that doesn’t mean you should avoid Chicago from December to March. In fact, for some people, this can be one of the better times to visit as you’ll find fewer crowds and lower off-season prices. You’ll also see that there is still plenty to do, see, eat and experience in Chicago in the winter.
Museums
You don’t have to worry about the cold when you are spending time in one of Chicago’s many great museums. And, in the months of January and February, many of them are even free for Illinois residents. Museums like the Shedd Aquarium, Field Museum, Art Institute and Griffin Museum of Science and Industry offer resident free days, and our free museum days page explains how each one works.
Free Ice-skating in Millennium Park
The McCormick Tribune ice rink at Millennium Park offers free ice-skating (rentals cost extra if you don’t have your own) from mid-November into early February, and you need to reserve a time online. If you’re here later in the winter, the Skating Ribbon in Maggie Daley Park next door stays open into early March. Spend some time on the ice to warm up and then take a stroll through Millennium Park, stopping to get the typical funny-face photos in the Bean sculpture.
Restaurant Week
For those who want to experience the best of Chicago’s restaurants without spending a fortune, late January and early February are a great time to visit. The city’s annual Restaurant Week runs for 17 days from late January into early February. Hundreds of restaurants around the city offer set-price menus, recently $30 for brunch or lunch and $45 or $60 for dinner, allowing guests to sample a variety of the establishment’s best offerings on a smaller budget. It’s the perfect time to splurge on a place you might otherwise not be able to afford, or to try a new spot with little risk.
Sightseeing tours
Many of Chicago’s sightseeing tours operate year round, including the hop-on/hop-off buses. The hop on/hop off buses will quickly transport you to destinations around the city, and on a cold day you can skip the open top deck and ride on the enclosed lower level.
>> more on sightseeing tours in Chicago
Zoo Lights
The Lincoln Park Zoo, one of the few free zoos in the US, is open year round, and from late November to early January, hosts ZooLights, a festival of light and color. On select evenings the zoo stays open late and is decorated with millions of lights. ZooLights is ticketed now, and tickets bought ahead for a set date cost less.
Theatre and shows
Who cares what the temperatures are outside when you’re immersed in the plot of a play inside? Winter visits are perfect for taking in Chicago’s vibrant theatre scene. Whether you prefer musicals, the classics, independent productions, stand-up comedy, improv, ballet, opera, you’ll find a show for your tastes.
Photos by corydalus, Conlawprof, keith011764