10 Things to Do in Chicago in Winter

When thinking about things to do in Chicago, there are plenty of options throughout the year. Winter in this city is quite spectacular, with frequent snowfall and a couple of celebrations that are held in style thanks to the festive nature of its inhabitants.

Below, I have compiled a list of all the activities I have gathered so that you can enjoy every second of your trip to the Windy City during the winter months.

The North American Hockey League season and the NBA regular season run throughout the winter months. Chicago's United Centre is home to the Chicago Blackhawks and the Chicago Bulls, two of the most important teams in their respective industries, so I can assure you that attending a game of either of these two teams can be an extremely enjoyable experience. What's more, both sports are easy to follow, even for those who are not fans.

It's also an entertaining way to escape the low winter temperatures that characterise this time of year. Attending a venue as modern and large as the United Centre is also a once-in-a-lifetime experience for many people because of all the food you can enjoy while drinking a beer, a very American tradition.

On 14 February 1929, on a cold winter's day, one of the most significant massacres in the history of the American mafia took place. It was motivated by clashes between Al Capone's group and some members of the North Side Gang.

Many historians attribute it as one of the triggers that led to the persecution of Al Capone as the biggest leader of the local mafia. Its historical significance makes a visit to this corner of the city where the crime took place an excellent plan for those who have followed the history of this mafia figure.

It is worth checking whether Chicago tourist passes offer any discounts for the Mafia Museum on Valentine's Day. Simply because this historical event is closely associated with the city's tourism industry. There is also a mafia and crime tour of Chicago to learn more about the influence these underground organisations had on the city.

There are plenty of ways to celebrate the arrival of the new year in Chicago if you are in the city during those dates. Hotels often offer themed dinners, and of course, the more commercial restaurants also have special menus for such an important moment in the winter season.

However, there are certain traditions that locals follow to give a much more personal touch to welcoming the New Year without having to adapt to the conditions of a luxurious dinner or an overly expensive event.

Navy Pier and the Riverwalk are two spots in the city that fill up with people waiting for the fireworks that go off at midnight over Chicago Bay on Lake Michigan. Therefore, I recommend you visit these areas if you are looking for an experience similar to that of Times Square in New York.

Ring in the new year flying over Chicago in a helicopter

On the other hand, if you're really interested in doing something unique and budget constraints aren't an issue for you, then you can choose to celebrate the first of January with one of the best helicopter tours in Chicago. This idea is perfect for welcoming in the new year in style, enjoying panoramic views of such a large and modern city.

Almost every city in the world has a space that has shaped its urban landscape and is, in a way, an iconic landmark for that community. In Chicago, it is Lake Michigan, and during the winter, all of its shores freeze over, offering its inhabitants a rather unique landscape that is worthy of admiration by any tourist who knows how to appreciate the beauty of their surroundings.

Several spots in the city are ideal for taking a walk that allows you to enjoy the winter scenery while getting to know an important tourist area of Chicago. Concrete Beach, Navy Pier, and the entire Museum Campus area. It is worth noting that the Museum Campus is also home to the Field Museum of Natural History and the Adler Planetarium, two spaces dedicated to culture and history that are well worth a visit.

On the other hand, Chinatown and Greektown are two immigrant neighbourhoods that are relatively close to this area of public parks. Therefore, it is also a good idea to take part in one of the food tours of Chinatown that focus on this type of food if you find yourself hungry after walking several kilometres along the coast.

The winter season ends with one of the city's most iconic events, St Patrick's Day. This date is very important because it is linked to Irish immigrants, who are one of the cultural pillars of the city.

At the same time, the fact that green dye is added to the waters of the River Chicago every year makes it a very popular activity for tourists.

Many cruises in Chicago will be sailing some of the stretches of the river on this day with special offers, providing passengers with Irish cuisine and a wide variety of craft beers. However, if you go as a spectator from the banks, you can also have fun watching the parade along the Magnificent Mile or visiting some of the Irish bars in the area.

The winter season is a very active time for theatre and music in Chicago, as it's an ideal way to escape the cold that characterises these first months of the year. The Chicago Theatre usually has at least two shows scheduled for the entire season and the occasional special concert on weekends.

The Chicago Symphony Orchestra'swinter concerts are another cultural event of the winter season that you should not miss, at least if you enjoy this type of music on a regular basis.

Another ideal theatre option is to enjoy Shakespeare in Chicago at The Lounge, located in Chicago's Loop district, one of the most renowned in the city.

Holidays are not common in the United States, and when there is one , they agree to make it fall specifically on a Monday, just like Presidents Day. This way, you can enjoy a long weekend full of parties and fun.

Wicker Park, Old Town, and River North are some of the neighbourhoods where the nightlife is most interesting during this weekend leading up to the third Monday in February.

If you're looking for a good way to get around the city comfortably during this holiday, don't hesitate to book the Chicago tourist bus. It's an ideal day, as there is hardly any traffic because many families have left the city to enjoy this mini-break.

North of the city, in Lincoln Park, there is a zoo that is open 365 days a year to anyone interested in learning about the lives of many of the most important animals on our planet. It is one of the largest animal conservation spaces in the country, so it is not surprising that inside you will find everything from black rhinos to bears, gorillas and chimpanzees.

However, the real attraction of visiting this zoo during the winter season is the fact that all the animals you will see originally live in the North and South Poles and come out to enjoy the low temperatures of the season, as they are similar to those they would have in their polar habitats.

So when you visit Lincoln Park Zoo during the winter, you'll have the opportunity to see polar bears, seals and penguins enjoying the snowfall live and in person. Without a doubt, this is one of the best things to see or do in Chicago with children.

Traditionally, Millennium Park is a city space that you cannot miss if you visit Chicago at any time of the year. However, winter is an even more special time to visit this place full of modernist sculptures and so close to the city's tallest skyscrapers. From early November to mid-March, an ice rink is open that stands out for its curious circular shape, like a ring.

It is best to go after sunset because you are more likely to encounter one of those beautiful snowfalls that characterise winter in Chicago and also to enjoy panoramic views of the illuminated skyscrapers.

In fact, this is one of the best things to do in Chicago at night during the winter season, because it combines physical activity that will keep you warm with the opportunity to be outdoors without having to settle for an enclosed, artificially heated venue. Please note that in order to access the rink, you must make an online reservation indicating the day, time, and number of people who wish to enjoy this fun ice skating experience at the same time.

Lincoln Park is another of Chicago's most important landmarks and a favourite place to enjoy the snow in some of the parks near the outskirts of Downtown.

As you can imagine, going to this park to play in the snow or enjoy the views of Lake Michigan is also one of those excellent plans to see and do in Chicago during Christmas because of the financial savings.

It is an urbanised hiking trail that is ideal for sports and is located very close to several neighbourhoods with a vibrant cultural and gastronomic offering that can easily fill the rest of your day.

Chicago is a fairly cold city, so you can expect temperatures around 0°C for most of your winter trip. For example, the usual maximum temperature for February is 4 or 5 degrees, while at the end of March everything starts to become more moderate with temperatures closer to 10 degrees Celsius.

Even so, that shouldn't limit you when it comes to enjoying all the things to see and do in Chicago.

With the exception of Christmas and St Patrick's Day weekend, tourism in Chicago is not usually overwhelming or unbearable. However, you must bear in mind that it is the third largest city in the United States and tourist numbers are always significant throughout the year.

Clearly, it is essential that you pack plenty of winter clothing if you want to visit Chicago comfortably during the winter months.

Don't ignore this recommendation, as this is a city where snowfall often lasts for several days and snow will be a reality for most of your trip.