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BEST Things to Do in Chicago in the Winter 2024 (From a Local!)

Wondering 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 I plan to update it regularly with new events and activities.

Chicago in the Winter (2024)

bean in winter best season to visit Chicago

Disclosure: This article contains affiliate links. I may make a small commission if you make a booking using my links at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

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

Outdoor Ice Skating in Chicago in the winter

There are several places to go outdoor ice skating in Chicago during the winter. Outdoor skating rinks in Chicago are usually until early to mid 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. McCormick Tribune Ice Rink is open through March 3, 2024 (weather permitting). Admission is free, but online ticketed reservations are required. Tickets are available for purchase 14 days in advance.

Skating ribbon at Maggie Daley Park in Chicago

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. Reservations are strongly encouraged. The skating ribbon will be open through March 10, 2024. Tickets will be released on a rolling basis at noon every 2 weeks. See the official website for hours and prices.

Disney100: The Exhibition

The Disney100: The Exhibition is only in Chicago for a few months this winter. The Walt Disney Archives opens its vault of historical and special treasures, works of art, artifacts, costumes, and memorabilia with the launch of Disney100: The Exhibition. This exhibition celebrates the magic of Disney, which is capturing the hearts of audiences of all ages around the globe. Wonder at more than 250 artifacts and props, see costumes from some of your favorite Disney classics, and explore enchanting galleries that bring the magic of Disney to life. Featuring the latest members of the Disney family (Pixar, Star Wars, and MARVEL) along with renowned classics like Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs and recent releases such as Encanto.

Where: Exhibition Hub Art Center Chicago, 2367 W Logan Blvd, Chicago, IL 60647

Cost: Price varies. Click here for full prices and to purchase tickets in advance.

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.

Attend a Candlelight Concert

Chicago’s Candlelight Concerts is a series of special classical music concerts that take place in beautiful venues bathed in candlelight. Some of the concerts taking place this winter include:

Candlelight: A Tribute to Taylor Swift
Candlelight: A Tribute to Rihanna
Candlelight: Romantic Jazz featuring Billie Holiday, Frank Sinatra, & Ella Fitzgerald
Candlelight: Neo-Soul and Hip-Hop Favorites

You can find the full list of candlelight concerts in Chicago here.

Admire Famous Works at The Art Institute of Chicago

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

Cost:  Price varies. Admission is free for Illinois residents on Mondays, Thursdays, and Fridays from January 8–March 26, 2024.

Steve McCurry: ICONS: An Extraordinary Photography Exhibition

The Steve McCurry. ICONS: An Extraordinary Photography Exhibition is in Chicago only for a limited time after touring Sydney, Lisbon, Madrid and Mexico City. ICONS is an international photography exhibition showcasing the work of Steve McCurry, one of the greatest travel photographers. Discover over 80 large-format photographs, such as the iconic “Afghan Girl,” who captivated the world on the cover of 1985’s National Geographic magazine. Access audio descriptions from 42 selected photographs to hear the story behind the photo, in Steve McCurry’s own words.

Where: Loyola University Museum of Art (LUMA), 820 North Michigan Avenue, Chicago, IL 60611

Cost: Price varies. Click here for full prices and to purchase tickets in advance.

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 7, 2024, you can also see their annual Winter Flower Show: Celebrating Silver exhibit which puts the spotlight on Garfield Park Conservatory Alliance’s 25th anniversary featuring beautiful silver foliage, lush poinsettias in pink and white hues, and other winter flowers and plants. Entry is included with your reservation.

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.

Cost: FREE (suggested donation)

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 7, 2024, you can also immerse yourself in “Wintergreen,” the 2023 Winter Flower Show at the Lincoln Park Conservatory featuring a giant green tree silhouette lit by thousands of bright, green LEDs as well as unique poinsettia colors of gold, green and orange accompanied by salvias, violas and flowing lime ipomea with silver dichondra.

Hours: Wednesday through Sunday from 10:00 am – 3:00 pm (last entry at 2:00 pm). Timed entry reservation is required.

Where: 2391 N. Stockton Drive, Chicago, IL 60614

Cost: Admission is free, but registrations are required.

Titanic: The Exhibition

Titanic: The Exhibition is coming to the Chicago area in February for a limited time run. 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.

When: Opens February 16, 2024

Where: 4963 Old Orchard Shopping Center, Skokie, IL 60077

Cost: Price varies. Click here for full prices and to purchase tickets in advance.


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

Visit the Shedd Aquarium

Visit the Shedd Aquarium, one of the world’s largest indoor aquariums, for unforgettable encounters with aquatic animals including belugas and bluegills, stingrays, sturgeons and more.

Where: 1200 S. Lake Shore Drive, Chicago, IL 60605 (detailed directions and parking information is available here)

Hours: Open 9 am – 5 pm. Advance purchase of timed tickets is required.

Cost: Price varies depending on day. Admission is free for Illinois residents on select dates this winter (must be reserved online in advance).

Museum of Science and Industry

The 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.

Where: 5700 S Lake Shore Drive, Chicago, IL

Cost: Click here to purchase a skip the line ticket.

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 Museum of Ice Cream

Museum of Ice Cream is one of Chicago’s newest attractions. Step into an ice cream wonderland that is bound to ignite your senses through a theatrical experience with unlimited ice cream treats as you journey through 14 installations. Ride on the pink Sprink-L line, put your golf skills to the test on the Putt-Putt course, or take a dip in a pool filled with millions of sprinkles.

Through January 15, 2024, the MOIC is celebrating Pinkmas with festive holiday treats, games, activities and a life-sized snow globe.

Where: Tribune Tower, 435 North Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60611

Cost: You can see full prices and purchase tickets in advance here.

Visit the Color Factory

Color Factory is a new 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.

Hours: Hours vary, advance tickets are required.

Where: Willis Tower, 320 W Jackson Blvd, Chicago, IL 60606

Cost: Tickets start at $28 per person.

READ: Best Indoor Things to Do in Chicago for more indoor Chicago attractions.

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

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:

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 Events

In addition to the activities mentioned above, other Chicago events taking place this winter include: Chicago Cubs Convention (January 12-14, 2024), Chicago Polar Plunge (January 27, 2024), Architecture and Design Film Fest (January 31-February 4, 2024), Chicago Theatre Week (February 8-18, 2024), Chicago Auto Show (February 10-19, 2024), Valentine Fireworks at Navy Pier (new!) (February 10, 2024), Galentine’s Just Wanna Have Fun at Teatro ZinZanni (February 13, 2024), Polar Adventure Day at Big Marsh (February 17, 2024), Chicago Winter Tequila Tasting Festival (February 17, 2024), Argyle Lunar New Year Celebration (February 17, 2024), Chinese New Year Parade in Chinatown (February 18, 2024), Chicago International Puppet Theater Festival (January 18-28, 2024), Chicago Black Restaurant Week (February 11-25, 2024) and Chicago Restaurant Week (January 19 – February 4, 2024).

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:



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Things to do in Chicago in the winter

savvyglobetrotter

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