Events and Activities in Chicago Winter
Winter brings a whole new world to Chicago. As the snow gently builds up on the buildings and muffles the sounds of the El, of the cars, of the city’s voices … as the storefronts lining State Street start letting holiday tunes drift out of their speakers … as the great Christmas tree rises in Daley Plaza … as ice-skaters take to the rink in Millennium Park … it becomes a winter wonderland, the skies dark and the ground white, the soft beauty bringing a long-lost romance to the city.
Sure, the cold is fierce, but it doesn’t keep this great city down. When looking for Chicago condos or new homes, winter can be the perfect time to find yourself in Chicago. The list of things to do is endless. Here’s a list of local favorites.
ICE SKATING AT MILLENNIUM PARK
A classic staple of winter, ice-skating, is given a home in Millennium Park. Right in front of the park, where you could be sitting and enjoying the cityscape in the world-famous “bean” statue, a beautiful ice rink is set up. It’s free for anyone to twirl around on the ice, and a mere seven dollars to rent a pair of skates for hours of wintry fun.
Hours are as follows:
Regular Hours:
Mondays—Thursdays: 12 pm — 8 pm
Fridays: 12 pm — 10 pm
Saturdays (through Jan. 2): 10 am — 10 pm
Saturdays (beginning Jan. 9): 10 am — 9 pm
Sundays: 10 am — 9 pm
Holiday Hours:
Thursday, November 26 (Thanksgiving): 10 am — 4 pm
Thursday, December 24: 10 am — 6 pm
Friday, December 25: 10 am — 4 pm
Thursday, December 31: 10 am — 8 pm
Friday, January 1: 12 pm —10 pm
Check here for more information.
WINDOW SHOPPING ON STATE STREET
A classic Chicago tradition: the joy of the holidays can be truly felt as you amble down the famous State Street in the Loop.
Anchored by some of the largest retailers around and adorned with holiday decorations—this year with a Nutcracker theme—the stroll can be romantic, joyful and fun, all while remaining free.
Hours are as follows:
Whenever your heart desires!
Though it is best to go once the sun goes down and before the stores close to get the full wintery effect of it all.
Check here for a map and a list of stores on State Street. Macy’s display is highly recommended.
DALEY PLAZA, CHRISTMAS HEADQUARTERS
Home to the awe-inspiring Christmas tree every year, Daley Plaza also offers a unique take on the traditional holiday: Christkindlmarket Chicago. A classic, old-fashioned German craft market set up on Daley Plaza. Open until Christmas, this Chicago institution offers German shopping, German food and drinks (think hot, spiced cider) and a whole lot of browsing.
Featured Events are as follows:
Nov 25: 11 am – 8 pm: First “sneak peek” of the Market
4 pm – 4:30 pm: Chicago’s 96th Annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony
Nov 26: 11 am – 4 pm Second “sneak peek” of the Market
Nov 27: 4 pm Official Grand Opening, regular Market hours begin
Dec 4: 4:30 pm Children’s Lantern Parade
Dec 12: 11 am – 2 pm Fifth Annual Consumer Travel Show
Hours are as follows:
Regular Market hours:
Sundays—Thursdays: 11 am — 8 pm
Fridays—Saturdays: 11 am — 9 pm
Check here for more information.
JOHN HANCOCK OBSERVATORY
Take your view of the city to new heights. How does 1,000 feet sound? From the John Hancock Observatory’s breathtaking view ninety-four stories up, the snow covering this breathtaking city will look like a blanket as the city lays itself down for the evening.
Hours are as follows:
Regular Observatory hours:
Everyday: 9 am — 11 pm
Prices are as follows:
Regular Observatory prices:
Adults (12+): $15
Youth (3 — 11): $10
Children (under 3): Free
Check here for more information.
NAVY PIER
Of course, there is always the famous Winter Wonderfest at the classic Navy Pier. For a small fee, the world of Winter Wonderfest is yours. Full of activities and events like ice-skating, Create-a-Cookie Cottage and the Winter Wonderstage as well as rides like the Ferris Wheel, Kringle Carousel and Winter Wind Glider. Great fun for the whole family with a holiday twist, seeing Navy Pier in this special state is a must.
Hours are as follows:
Wonderfest hours (Dec 4 – Jan 3)
Sundays—Thursdays: 10 am — 5 pm
Fridays—Saturdays: 10 am — 10 pm
Wonderfest hours (Dec 20 – Jan 3)
Sundays—Thursdays: 10 am — 8 pm
Fridays—Saturdays: 10 am — 10 pm
Special Holiday Hours:
Christmas Eve: 10 am — 5 pm
Christmas Day: Closed
New Years Eve: 10 am — 8 pm
Prices are as follows:
Regular Observatory prices:
Regular Wristband (Ice Skating not included): $16
Premium Wristband (Ice Skating included): $19
Check here for more information.
THEATRE
If getting off the chilly streets and into a warm theatre, Chicago has a multitude of venues to explore. From the comedy offerings of the famous Second City to the smaller shows such as Silent Nightmare – A Christmas Dirge at the Annoyance Theatre. And yes, that show is exactly what it sounds like. Then there are more tradiational theatre productions, such as the Nutcracker at Joffrey Ballet.
Check here for an exhaustive list of winter theatre productions around Chicago.
Mix in the many museums, parks, restaurants, shows, movie theatres, bars, coffee shops, stores and the countless streets to explore, winter in Chicago is an experience that can be matched no where else. So come enjoy the quaint winter of a small town in a large city. Own your very own piece of Chicago real estate, and have the winter at your disposal.
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