The List Of 22 Epic Things To Do In Chicago During Winter

Searching for super cool winter activities in Chicago? Visit The Gwen Hotel and try the Curling and Cocktails! This fun walk on the rooftop and curling rink could be a fun way to enjoy wintertime with friends.

A curling rink is certainly not an ice-going rink; a standard rink that is used to hold ice events. Instead, it's a synthetic playing surface. It can hold a group of up to 12 people and you can book the rink for an hour.

It will cost $40 an individual and you get to watch the curling plus enjoy the cocktails and scrumptious desserts.

These Chicago winter activities are held from the last week of November till the first week of January. Prepare for a snow globe, the Polar Express train, and beautiful lights.

It is a 30-45-minute all-inclusive journey through enchanting snowy scenery. Parents and children will enjoy activities such as making a Christmas card and leaving a letter to Santa.

The special children's soft play area is also not to be missed, making everyone happy. Ticket price varies between $12.50 and $22.50 and you may purchase your ticket on the website to avoid disappointment.

Free skating can be done within the area of the city center from November 15th up to February 2nd. But do not forget to check in online before the particular date.

This McCormick Tribune Ice Rink is located close to the Bean and the shining holiday lights add beauty to this city. Also, if you are a beginner, you can attend free practice sessions on the weekend!

Check hours, admission, and additional details from the Millennium Park Foundation website.

This hill is found at 4500 North Lakeshore Drive, Montrose Beach, and is quite a steep hill with beautiful sight of Lake Michigan. It is not officially meant for sledding but is one of the favorites of people in that area.

It has high inclines and covers vistas of Lake Michigan and is guaranteed that when you are on it, you will have fun racing downhill. Hold on to your sled keep yourself warm and close your eyes to get the feel of flying down the slope and the beauty of snow around you.

It is undoubtedly one of those legendary winter stuff to do in Chicago that makes for such a wonderful time. It is recommended to clarify the weather and snow cover before visiting.

This rooftop bar is on the fourth floor of the Godfrey Hotel within the River North art district. The best part? It has a roof that can be pulled up and down to give a feel of outdoor football even in cold climates.

In winter, it transforms into a winter wonderland. You'll be able to enjoy heated igloos great for a cocktail party with friends and loved ones. It can easily accommodate up to eight people per igloo and is very eye-pleasing in terms of lighting.

It is recommended to order the batch of Lavender Lemonade which is known for its properties to change color. This is a fun drink that involves blending lemon granita with lavender syrup and vodka.

Located in John Hancock Centre on the 94th floor this offers good command over the city and the Lake Michigan view. Those views can be best described as romantic when the snowy blanket has covered the city.

Do not leave without visiting TILT at the NBC Tower, which gives you a dizzying view of the city and is, in fact, Chicago's highest thrill ride. Stop at the Architect's Corner Cafe and Bar when you come.

They offer beverages such as coffee, some pastries, and cocktails perfect for a warm-up after your trip. The observation deck is open between 9 AM to 9 PM so ensure that you get to the site early to witness the beautiful sundown.

See a holiday performance at the Chicago Theatre this winter. It is one of the best things to do in Chicago in the winter that helps to feel the atmosphere of the holiday in the city.

The Chicago Theatre is best characterized by the beautiful exterior lighting and the historic background. Tickets are often bought online, so do not forget to get them as early as possible to have a place at the show. The environment is located in the loop, so it is possible to get to it using public transport easily.

Get there a little early and take some photos of that well-known marquee in the area! The mood is informal, and there will always be company throughout the year in the form of fellow holiday lovers.

The game is loudly charged up at United Center. People gather to supporters of a team. It's also an ideal way to avoid the cold. The Bulls have so many games, thus, the options are endless.

Tickets are of different prices and may range from $20 for a basic ticket. Why not get a group of friends or a family and turn it into a night out? You must also check out some traditional stadium foods such as popcorn and nachos.

Get to the venue on time especially for formal games to get an opportunity to watch the pre-events. In addition, you might be lucky enough to see some famous personas from Chicago.

Seeking a bit of entertainment during Chicago's winter months? Why not take a cooking class? It is a great way to get warmed up and find out something new. The local cooking school has some classes that are set especially for seasonal meals and holiday meals.

Sur La Table and The Chopping Block are locations where customers can engage in some types of learning. You are assured of preparing fresh foods and tasty meals with the help of qualified cooks and chefs.

Meals may range from sharpening the knives to perfecting the manner on how to make pasta. Besides, you'll have gained knowledge to woo your friends or family with a delicious homemade dish.

The concerts include and embrace works of classical music to modern compositions. The excitement is palpable and the sound quality provided is more than the best.

Tickets can be bought from the website and don't forget to ask for a student or senior discount; they are usually available! Be sure to get there on time to walk around at the Symphony Center and maybe grab a cup of coffee.

Dress well; the place might be cold before the band begins to play. Get wrapped up and come experience one of the winter stuff to do in Chicago.

The zoo is open every day with no charge to see any of the animals. It is also beneficial to visit the zoo in winter since few people are visiting the park. It is also fine to walk around and be mesmerized by nature's calmness.

Polar bears or snow monkeys, are inhabitants of the cold. They feed especially during winter when it snows, hence this is the best time to see them in action. If it gets too cold, then there are heated indoor exhibits to retreat to.

The tropical animals that are in the park will make feel like you are in a warm area. Also, check the Kovler Seal Pool; seals actively swim there.

This fabulous event lasts from February 15 to March 16. It contains many bright and colorful orchids of stunning appearance arranged accordingly. You'll be transported directly into the tropical region even in the middle of winter!

The show includes different kinds and nice combinations that would be surprising to you. Tourists who want to find out more about these unique flowers can get a guided tour or even attend a workshop.

It is worth visiting the rest of the Botanical Garden's facilities: the staid, and greenhouses, where indoor plants are grown. There is no entry fee but the cost of parking has to be incurred.

This great place has been entertaining people with laughter since 1959. The Second City performs different shows every night with the sketches and improvised comedy being a plus of the performance.

The show is not predictable because people go on stage and suggest various things, and the performers take time to work on them. This setting is quite lively, so it's good for people who want to meet friends or have a date day.

Prices are moderate as to the tickets, and you are allowed to take food and beverages to the event. Be sure to look up on the website to ensure the availability of the shows on their schedule as well as events.

This pretty place is located near Chicago and provides 1700 acres of natural splendors. You can walk on quiet paths where trees and the natural environment predominate.

The cross-country ski and snowshoe rentals start from January 15 enabling you to prepare well for the day. All the trails are well-built hence whether you are a beginner or a pro you will have a great time.

It is also advisable to take spare socks, and some food items to keep you warm. Get your timed entry tickets in advance via the website of the destination before you visit.

One of the best things to do in Chicago during winter is go for a walk along the shore of Lake Michigan when the lake is covered in thick layers of ice. The lake changes its appearance to a snowy landscape during winter.

These are some of the wonderful features of the region including the pancake ice and ice balls. These kinds of shapes are sculpted by the wind and waves. Be sure to dress warm because the temperature can drop as well.

The best area to walk is the area surrounding the lake and the areas close to Navy Pier and Lincoln Park. Do not step directly on ice as it may occasionally become unstable.

Take a look at the Hot Tub Boats at the Chicago Electric Boat Company! These are small boats that can accommodate as many as six friends in an instant.

They're self-driving, so you are the one who gets to navigate while admiring the sceneries of cities. These hot tub boats can be hired for 90 minutes. It ranges from $350 for weekday bookings and up to $425 for the weekends.

Feel free to carry your drinks but no food is permitted! Bluetooth speakers are installed in the boats and you will find floating cup holders for your drinks. Traveling in a hot tub is an excellent idea to spend winter.

Some of the greatest cultural attractions offer free access on specific days. This is one of the Chicago free things to do for art, history, and scientific enthusiasts.

For example, the Art Institute of Chicago has free access every Monday, Thursday, and Friday starting January 6 to March 14. The only thing you need to do is book your ticket online beforehand.

Another place that has free entry on the same weekdays is the Field Museum which houses fantastic fossils such as Sue the T-Rex. For space lovers, there is the Adler Planetarium that opens free for the public from 4 PM to 10 PM each Wednesday.

When it is cold in Chicago there is no better way of warming up than by taking hot chocolate. The first stop is Bombobar where you can get their hotter chocolates topped with s'mores, cookie crumbs, and many more.

To get something special, go to Katherine Anne Confections. Their drinking chocolate is smooth and thick. They have flavors like salted caramel and Mexican hot chocolate.

For the rarer experience, go to Chocolat Uzma in Pilsen. They currently serve drinking chocolate with spices such as turmeric and cardamom.

During March, the city transforms into a pool of green. It starts with one of Chicago's traditions where the river is dyed green. Get a good position near Upper Wacker Drive to have a better view.

Then the next event is the Chicago St. Patrick's Day Parade which takes place at noon along Columbus Drive. Prepare for the appearance of boys in kilts, bagpipers, dancers, and floats.

It is considered one of the biggest parades in the USA. This is a family-oriented event that exhibits community pride and is hosted from 103rd to 115th Street on Western Avenue.

It is active, and the colors of the design make the feel of the place look like another world. A great place for good family time, for friends, or even when you want to have a different date night away from the cold.

You are guaranteed to get good entertainment plus every golfer will find the course challenging in the 9-holes you set. Don't be stressed if there is no result; it is a perfect opportunity for a creative killing time!

And each hole has its theme and this just makes the game more and more interesting. Also, it's for every age, meaning no one will be left behind as they get to play along.

It has become the right place for you to run around and enjoy yourself in great fun, all indoors. If you are a child or adult, you will enjoy hopping on the trampolines.

The park has lots of programs which include dodgeball and foam pits one which people can jump and play. They give you special socks for grip so that you don't fall when you are jumping.

This has proved one of the exciting things to do with kids in Chicago when it is cold. Their operation is daily with varying times throughout the week, thereby you should visit their website. They open at $18.99 per person for 1 hour of bouncing.

The weather becomes chilly as the city is covered in snow, which makes it the right season to have fun. Begin in Chicago at Millennium Park which hosts a giant tree lit for the occasion. Then go to Navy Pier where they have some beautiful lights installed for festivity.

Take a walk through the outdoor exhibits including the giant ornaments and lovely dancing snowflakes which could have been taken right from a Christmas card!

You should not also fail to go to Lincoln Park Zoo and see the ZooLights. If you fancy something different, Lightscape in Chicago Botanical Gardens is worth a visit.