Family Friendly Things to Do in Chicago During December
There'south a lot more to do this winter than lounging on your living room couch and catching up on reruns of Police and Gild SVU. And before yous commence on a total-on bread-baking breakdown, we have some other suggestions. Autonomously from the freezing temps, Chicago is truly magical in the winter months, offering many outdoor activities from ice skating, sledding, and Christmas markets to indoor options like bowling, speakeasies, and hockey games, all here to help y'all stifle that urge to book a flying to the Florida Keys. Mask upwardly, vax upward, and grab your buddies, because different final year, it'south time to conquer the cold together. Here's everything fun yous can do in Chicago this winter.
Become your strudel and bratwurst fix at Christkindlmarket
Dorsum this twelvemonth in total swing, the 25th almanac Christkindlemarket is slinging steins, hawking sausages, and selling handmade items from all around the world at Daley Plaza in the Loop and Gallagher Way in Wrigleyville. Along with some yummy authentic German food and bev, the 82 local, national, and international vendors will take you loading up on one-of-a-kind gifts similar delicately carved chocolates, colorful glass figurines, hand woven outerwear, gorgeous painted ornaments, and other surprising goodies.
Striking the water ice and test out your skate skills
Whether it's your first time strapping on some wintertime blades or not, you lot're in luck—the skating rinks in Chicago cater to both pros and kickoff-timers alike. Downtown, Maggie Daley Park sports a quarter-mile ice ribbon that winds skaters down a complex path, while nearby, McCormick Tribune Skating Rink provides cute skyline views near Chicago's famous Christmas tree—not to mention an onsite Momentum Coffee serving apres-skate snacks and hot drinks. Meanwhile, Light Up The Lake in Navy Pier hosts skating nether twinkling lights inside their indoor Alpine rink, aslope other vacation festivities similar an indoor light garden, craft beer and cocktails from Alpine Pub, and a vacation market where guests can buy festive momentos. Out by O'Hare International inside Rosemonts Parkway Bank Park, Chicago Wolves Water ice Rink is an NHL regulation-sized facility open to the public, while over in Hyde Park, Midway Plaisance Park offers an expansive rink consummate with bargain-priced rentals.
Take hold of a sled, innertube, or toboggan and set off to the races
Us real Midwesterners know that once the snow starts to stick, the erstwhile-fashioned (and totally price-free) wintertime fun truly begins. Literally any incline is a potential sledding loma, and from bunny hills to propper slopes, at that place are plenty of spots for a dainty intentional tumble in the snow. A few favorites? The approachable, four-sided Cricket Hill almost Montrose Beach, the well-kept slope in Soldiers Field's s parking lot, Evanston's 65-foot boring-covered former trash mount (dubbed Mount Trashmore, of form) inside James Park, and, final but not to the lowest degree, the quaint bunny hill in Humboldt Park near the lagoon with its an army of snowmen obstacles. If you're looking for something finely groomed and well-lit, Cook County Forest Preserve hires staff vii days a week (weather condition permitting) to budget hills in the Dan Ryan Woods, Caldwell Woods, Swallow Cliff Woods North, and Westchester Woods.
Embrace all things frosty with Winterland Gahalger Way
This twelvemonth at Gallagher Way in Wrigleyville, a plethora of holiday themed events are bound to delight the grinch in all of u.s.a.. Through February 20th, Winterland will host a number of holiday programs including ice skating, wreath making, curling lessons, holiday motion picture screenings, ice bumper cars, and some other events hosted at Hotel Zachary. And, equally a bonus, Gallagher Fashion too will be hosting a Christkindlemakert where High german delicatessies are among the many alurs.
Sip on a wintery cocktail on a warm cozy rooftop
Considering drinking is always better with a view. Luxury outpost Gwen Hotel not only boasts a heated roof deck complete with fire pits where guests tin enjoy succulent signature cocktails, but also offers a more peculiar attraction: a real-deal curling rink (brand sure to book your reservation ahead of time). This year, the Godfrey is inviting guests to reimagine what a wintery rooftop might look similar, providing heated igloos for guests to reserve as role of their annual Winter Wonderland. Grab a cocktail and step out of your igloo to continue warm beside a decked-out burn down pit—marshmallows for s'mores are just inches away. Cindy's Rooftop atop the Chicago Athletic Association is always a great place to enjoy the sips and sights, with tasty food and drinks plus spectacular panoramas of Millennium Park's wintery snow globe beneath.
Get into the Christmas spirit while window shopping
Every yr since the 1870s, Macy's has created elaborate window displays on State Street, bringing Christmas to life through interactive storytelling. This year's theme is the story of a blue reindeer named Tiptoe who, with the help from her friends, overcomes her fear of flying by believing in herself. Afterwards, caput inside to see the famed Macy'south decorated Christmas tree and perhaps even pick up a present or ii for someone topping your "Squeamish" listing.
Venture out among the twinkling lights
If your block hasn't stepped up its holiday decor game this yr, fret not. Through Jan two, the celebrated Lincoln Park Zoo Lights will deluge its lush landscape in a multicolored lite bathroom, Morton Arboretum's Illuminate features 50 acres of illuminated copse within their serene, snow-dusted paradise, the Botanic Garden's Lightscape guides guests through glittering trails, Astonish Light Festival Festival in Rosemont boasts a lively light show, and don't forget the royal Magnificent Mile, where yous can marvel at decorated glowing downtown Chicago.
Scream your (vaccinated) face off at a Blackhawks or Bulls game
Both the Bulls and the Blackhawks are welcoming guests back to the United Center to savour some puck- and/or rock-passing thrills. The hockey faithful can pick up a game day experience package including a backside-the-scenes locker room tour, pregame cafe, and the run a risk to skate on the rink similar the pros, while Bulls die-hards can book a private meet-and-greet with Benny the Balderdash, gorge on top-tier nutrient and beverage vendors, or simply celebrate the fact that hey, nosotros're finally—finally—expert this year.
Strike out with some buddies at a bowling alley
It's been awhile since the crew has been able to whorl up to the bowling alley, lace up some bowling shoes, and effort their luck at the lanes—pizza and beer in-paw, of course. Accept advantage of some indoor fun at Waveland Bowl on Western Avenue, serving Aisle Dogs with billiards as a bonus, or Diversey Basin in River North, with lanes strewn in LED and laser lighting (if that's your sort of thing). x Pin Bowling Lounge, also in River North, provides a full bar paired with elevated pub grub, while Kings Dining & Entertainment in New Urban center stocks cocktails and speciality menus to please more sophisticated bowlers.
Encounter the dandy outdoors at Northerly Island Polar Adventure Days
Northerly Island'southward 119-acre natural expanse sits only south of downtown and makes for an ideal outdoorsy getaway when you're itching to escape the dirty city snow. For some pre-planned entertainment, hit up Polar Adventure Days on January 22 and February 26 for wintery events like snowshoeing and wildlife experiences with Siberian Huskies.
Swoop headfirst into Chicago'south booming craft beer scene
Yeah, we know—every urban center claims to take a "great beer scene, bro." Chicago may be the Windy Urban center, but such claims effectually these parts are far from hot air. While we may not be on par with, say, Denver or Portland in terms of breweries per capita, Chicago's massive craft scene continues to expand its ever-growing beer belly with no signs of drying up. From up and coming breweries and brewpubs reinventing themselves to archetype beer bars and local scene staples, you won't have to wander as well far to cop a warming stout on a blustery winter day.
Hit upwardly some of the season's finest events
Event season certainly isn't as predictable as it once was, but at that place are still a few winter classics Chicagoans can count on. From the annual Millenium Park Vacation Sing Along in front of Deject Gate (vi pm every Friday until December 17th), the cosplay-drenched C2E2, and the drunkard-before-noon TBOX Christmas Bar Crawl Christmas bar crawl, there'south something for every kind of yuletide reveler.
Slather yourself in Chicago's BBQ scene
It ain't quite KC or Memphis, but Chicago's barbecue landscape has certainly come a long way, babe. From iconic haunts like Lem's and Earl'southward to more modern outposts similar Lillie's Q and Smoque, BBQ is enjoying something of a Renaissance, as newer spots like Babygold continue to push the envelope. Ease those winter blues while working on your hibernation-gear up extra layer past picking up a full spread from one of Chicago'south summit smoker specialists.
Lose yourself in a dive bar… or mayhap even a slashie?
Fancy new rooftop confined are cool and all, just once summer winds downwardly, it's time for Chicago'south rich civic treasure—AKA dive bars—to really polish (metaphorically, of course.) With cooler air bringing out the shut-ins, it's fourth dimension to mask upward and hole upward in your favorite old human bar and drink until summer rolls effectually (or 4 am, whichever comes kickoff). Quality options run rampant in this urban center, but no one's always regretted a late-night foray into Old Town Ale Firm. And if a "slashie" (half bar/half liquor store) is more your mode, may nosotros humbly propose Rite Liquors?
Visit a world-class cultural institution
With museums back in performance, y'all tin can over again go full Ferris Bueller ogling the Monets at the Fine art Institute or spend some time hanging out with Sue at the Field Museum, where over 300 artifacts including costumes, comics, and interactive displays should tide you over until C2E2 returns. For more than offbeat options, including the perennially creepy International Museum of Surgical Sciences, check out our full museum guide. Did someone say there's an entire museum dedicated to leather and bondage? Certain did.
Duck into a swank speakeasy—all the cool kids are doing information technology
In that location's a reason why the speakeasy never goes out of style. Sometimes you just need to hide out in a dark pigsty and drink cocktails like information technology'south illegal. Whether or not our own '20s plow out to mirror the Roaring ones of yore, Chicago all the same offers enough of options to unleash your inner Capone. Here's our full roundup of local speakeasies and secret bars, since you asked. Shh.
Gear upwardly for a thrilling winter road trip
While air travel has conspicuously returned to its pre-pandemic class (with merely a touch more rage), it's clear that the Great American Road Trip isn't going out of style anytime soon. Luckily, you lot don't have to venture too far to get in on some amazing winter destinations near Chicago, from exploring ice caves and cruising the slopes on a souped-up snowmobile to indulging in some winter R & R at a luxurious cabin or resort. Looking for a staycation? No problem. Demand an Airbnb? Nosotros've got yous covered.
Park it at a local bulldoze-in (or, gasp, come across a film in an actual theater)
One positive byproduct of this annoyingly resilient pandemic has been the re-emergence of the drive-in theater, with al fresco flicks screening on a regular basis at ChiTown Movies in Pilsen. And if you're masked and vaxxed, local picture emporiums like the historic Music Box Theatre should never exist disregarded. Ever.
Check out trippy paintings come to life at Immersive Van Gogh
The stateside premier of this international projection continues to wow crowds at Chicago's Germania Club Building with an immersive experience featuring moving images illustrating the works of Vincent Van Gogh. The 600,000-cubic-pes experience includes bright flashing lights set to soundtracks in a historic Golden Coast building. And, ahem, engagement night packages are bachelor to anyone looking to woo a special fine art-lover in their lives.
Stretch your legs in the great outdoors
The Chicago Lakefront Trail is always a popular choice, but information technology's not the only place to ingest some crisp winter air. Did y'all know the unabridged Chicago metro expanse is surrounded by a 210-mile nature trail complete with campsites and lakes? How about a 2.7-mile urban hiking trail along a former railway corridor? How about ane of America's newest national parks, perched just across the border in Indiana? And be sure to stop by Morton Arboretum to peep its jaw-dropping vacation light display. Desire more than? Right this way.
Support Chicago'due south Black Community
Whatever else you do this wintertime, be sure to continue to do your function in making the community we live in a amend place for all its residents. Help in the fight for racial justice and social equity taking identify across the city by supporting Chicago's Black community via everything from BIPOC-focused nonprofits and community organizations to Black-endemic restaurants and bookstores. Here's how to become started.
Bank check out some live music (perhaps in a mansion)
Music venues around town have reopened for alive events, with heavy hitters City Winery, Carol's, Martyrs', Rosa'southward, Reggie's, Green Mill, Montrose Saloon, Uncommon Ground, FitzGerald'due south, Kingston Mines, and Empty Bottle leading the charge. And then what the hell are you waiting for? If you're looking for something with a more than romantic vibe, check out the Fever's candlelight concert series to catch classical music in unique outposts similar Stan Mansion and Salve I. Pretty difficult to screw upwards that date night.
Call up how to laugh again
If Netflix reruns of The Office aren't quite as funny every bit y'all call back, turn to the experts for your giggle fix. One-act clubs across the metropolis are doing their best to keep yous laughing through America's somehow-still-non-over pandemic, including live stand-up shows at Zanies and, of class, the world-famous improv-sters at Second City. In the meantime, head over to Lincoln Social club to enjoy in the oddball glory of the nation's longest running contained comedy showcase, recently back from hiatus. For fifty-fifty more than options, check out this handy rundown.
Swing from the trees at North America's largest aerial adventure form
From ice skating, water ice sculpting, and fatty tire racing to laser tag and escape rooms, The Forge: Lemont Quarries certainly isn't lacking when information technology comes to winter-centric entertainment. If that's non plenty, you can also fill up upward on cheffy postal service-adrenaline rush cuisine at Forgefire Adventure Dining. Suddenly, a trip to the 'burbs doesn't audio like such a terrible thought.
Cruise Chicago's Emerald Necklace
A scenic drive effectually the city is never a bad thought, especially now that winter in all its glittery snowfall celebrity is just around the corner. Yep, y'all could certainly parade down Lake Shore Drive—and by all means, you should. But for a lesser-known option that allows you to see the actual chirapsia heart of the city instead of a few stretches of concrete, head to Chicago's Emerald Necklace, a 26-mile network of interior city streets and wide boulevards. Linking together some of the city's most grandiose green spaces like Humboldt, Garfield, Washington, and Jackson Parks, this is the mode Chicago was meant to exist seen—with the added bonus of beingness excellent quarantine-era therapy.
Smoke some of Illinois' almost "essential" legal green
Who knew that just a few months after Illinois became the 11th state to legalize recreational marijuana, a total-diddled public wellness emergency would bring our society to its knees? And, furthermore, can you imagine dealing with the past yr-and-a-half without a piffling greenish? Nosotros don't even desire to think about information technology, and you don't have to either. Accounted essential businesses with more $i billion in sales in 2020, legal weed is clearly here to stay in Illinois. Check out our total dispensary guide for all the hairy details.
Melody into a local podcast
If the sheer number of choices between new streaming services has left you overwhelmed, it might exist time to take hold of up on that podcast you lot've been meaning to listen to. Luckily, Chicago is rife with an array of interesting city-centric options. Get your politics fill with David Alexrod's The Axe Files, nerd out on music with Greg Kot and Jim DeRogatis on Audio Opinions, learn about unique aspects of local life with WBEZ'due south Curious City, drink a virtual beer while exploring the brewing industry with Adept Beer Hunting, or give Hollywood a lesson or ii via Chicago-based Please Make This. And that's barely scratching the surface.
Take role in Chicago's ongoing pizza Renaissance
Chicago's world-renown pizza bonafides grew even stronger during the pandemic, with a wave of new pie-centric eateries opening up throughout this comfort food-crazed urban center. Recent-ish headliners include Pizza Friendly Pizza side by side to Empty Bottle, Pizza Lobo in Logan Square, Lead&J in the Westward Loop, Pizzeria Portofino from Lettuce Entertain You, Pazza Pizza for pizza past-the-slice in Former Town, Detroit-mode pies from V Squared, and new deep dish entry Ruth'south Panmade Pizza from the folks backside Roots Handmade Pizza, among others. Throw in offerings from Honey Butter and Hot Doug'due south at Piece and in that location'south never been a better time to carbo-load in Chicago.
Discover a new cool neighborhood
Don't make a rookie error and deport similar some bewildered out-of-towner by thinking all of Chicago can exist experienced downtown. Certain, the Loop is great and all but, as whatever self-respecting Chicagoan knows, the real heart of the city lies within its spectacularly diverse 77 neighborhoods. From the laid-back residential enclave of Norwood Park to the celebrated sights of Bronzeville, at that place'due south always something to discover. Parcel up, snag a mask, and become out there and pound the pavement.
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Elanor Bock is a contributor for Thrillist.
Jay Gentile is an award-winning freelance journalist specializing in travel, nutrient & drinkable, culture, events and entertainment stories. In improver to Thrillist, y'all tin detect his work in The Washington Post, The Guardian, CNN Travel, Chicago Tribune, Lone Planet, VICE, Exterior Magazine and more than. Follow @thejaygentile
Source: https://www.thrillist.com/entertainment/chicago/things-to-do-in-chicago
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