Things to Do in Chicago in the Winter
Whether you are planning on visiting Chicago in winter, or you’re a local looking for some fun things to do in Chicago in the winter, the Windy City has plenty of special winter activities to keep your mind off the temperatures! In fact, some things are even better during the winters in Chicago. Take a minute to read about our top choices for Chicago winter activities, including winter festivals, holiday markets selling goods from around the world, ice rinks, and more! And once you’re done reading, be sure to check out the family-friendly event options at the Willis Tower Skydeck!
Address: 50 W Washington St., Chicago, IL 60602
MAGGIE DALEY PARK SKATING RIBBON
For a skating experience that’s outside the rink, how about the Maggie Daley Skating Ribbon? The skating experience at Maggie Daley is dramatically different from the usual ice rink, with the surrounding scenery changing constantly as you wind through a landscape that offers picture perfect views of winter in Chicago. Best of all, admission is free, and skates are available to rent for just $16 Mon – Thurs if you purchase tickets online ($18 for walk-ins), or $20 Fri – Sun and holidays if you purchase online ($22 for walk-ins).
Address: 337 E Randolph St., Chicago, IL 60601
LINCOLN PARK ZOOLIGHTS FESTIVAL
This one-of-a-kind festive holiday experience is a kid favorite. Experience Chicago in winter in full glory at Lincoln Park Zoo with hundreds of luminous displays and seasonal activities. General admission is free, with optional tickets available to purchase for events, including the Holiday Market, Adults’ Night Holidaze, and BrewLights Presented by Louis Glunz Beer, and Zoo Years’ Eve.
Address: 2001 N Clark St., Chicago, IL
Curling at the Gwen
Head to the fifth-floor of the Gwen hotel and enjoy cocktails on its heated, open-air lounge, which features multiple fire pits, incredible views of winter in Chicago, and a curling rink! For those of you coming to visit from out of town, curling is the quintessential Midwestern winter sport. You may have seen a curling match in the Winter Olympics. It’s that sport where opposing teams slide a stone disc down lanes of an ice-rink!
Address: 521 N. Rush St., Chicago, IL
CHICAGO WINTER WONDERFEST AT NAVY PIER
This annual event is one of best-known fun things to do in Chicago in the winter. Each year, a 170,000 square feet exhibition hall at Navy Pier is packed with giant slides, inflatable rides, a festive carousel, holiday-themed activities, indoor ice skating, and much more. Buy tickets early to save on admission!
Address: 600 E Grand Ave., Chicago, IL
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE BEST CHICAGO WINTER ACTIVITIES
Don’t hesitate to contact us if you have further questions about Chicago winter events. For spectacular views of snowbound Chicago in winter, try the 109th floor of the Willis Tower. Then, after taking in the best view of winter in Chicago, drop down to the 66th and 67th floors to try The Metropolitan — one of the best places to eat in and around Willis Tower. Skydeck Chicago is available for small or large groups, as well as private events. Check out ticket options to plan your trip today!