Well known as the Windy City, Winter in Chicago is one of most incredible time of the year. This is when the city experiences extra sparkles from the snow. You get to either embark on an outdoor adventure and embrace the flakes from snowshoeing, sledding to ice skating, Or, head indoors to warm up at the theatre enjoying a show, museum or dine at a restaurant with loved ones. There are always lots of activities and ways to love Chi-Town during the winter.
Here is hubub’s top things to do in Chicago this Winter most especially in the months of January and February.
1.Go Ice Skating at Millennium Park
There is usually nothing more satisfying than making your way downtown Chicago briskly in a snowy winter day and admiring the extravaganza Chicago architecture while skating along the holiday melodies.
Ice skating at the McCormick Tribune Ice Rink at the Millennium Park is one of the very best winter past times found in the city. The only cost you’ll need to worry of is the rental of skates which is between $13-$15 unless you own a pair, other than that, admissions are free! So, grab this opportunity while it last and take a free ice-skating lesson on any selected morning of your choice or even jam to a live DJ on either the first or third Thursday nights of the month. On the edge of the city and right underneath Cloud Gate makes this spot a perfect one. You can also warm up with either some hot tea, coffee or chocolate served next to the rink. McCormick Tribune Ice Rink is currently open until March 8, weather permitting.
2.Visit the Art Institute of Chicago
The Art Institute of Chicago which was founded in 1879 and located in Chicago’s Grant Park, is one of the world’s oldest, largest and best art museums. It is home to the greatest Impressionist collections outside Paris including, art works by Van Gogh, Renoir, Monet and Seurat. Making it a point to visit at any time of the year happens to be a once in a lifetime experience, but, calling on during winter is much more striking! As the always say, ‘No trip to Chicago is complete without a visit to the Art Institute’ so what are you waiting for? The Art Institute is opened daily from 10.30am to 8pm but closes at 5pm on Weekends. Also, you can purchase tickets online or even take advantage of CityPASS for a discount up to 55% off combined admissions to top attractions in the Windy City. On a budget? Visit Thursday nights from 5pm-8pm for a free admission. (This is only applicable to Illinois residents). You
can also visit other museums such as Field Museum, Museum of Contemporary Art, Museum of Science and Industry and more to learn about art and history of the city.
3. Go to A Sporting Event
Watching sports games or events on TV isn’t usually the same as seeing one live. So, if you’re a sports enthusiast and either in Chicago city or visiting during this winter season, this will be the best opportunity to get to witness live in action one of Chicago’s most beloved teams. You shouldn’t encounter issues fitting into your itineraries with games running several times weekly. Some of the upcoming sports events include Wrigleyville Wonderland, which is taking place on 16th January at Wrigleyville, Chicago Bulls Game taking place on the 18th January at the United Center, Chicago Wolves vs Milmaukee Admirals on the 18th January at Allstate Arena, Chicago Blackhawks Game on the 19th January at United Center among many others. Tickets can be purchased online for any of these games either on ticketmaster.com or vividseats.com. You’re not a true Chicago sports fan until you have roughed through the cold to cheer on your favourite sports team so don’t get left out this winter.
4. Attend A Concert
Now that the new decade has arrived and its winter, January/Feruaury are perfect months to stay indoors and enjoy during the cold evenings a concert. January in the Windy city is the best time of the year for large scale of concerts happening back to back, boasting yearly events such as the multi-venue music festival ‘Tomorrow Never Knows’ which introduces rising acts to venues like Sleeping Village, Lincoln Hall and Schubas. Buddy Guy’s residency at his South Loop blues club is also one of the top line up concerts in Chicago this January. The legendary bluesman gets his polka-dot guitar ready and performs throughout the entire January with different supporting act every Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday night. You’ll also be able to see in January the local premiere of New Work by Makaya McCraven, the jazz bandleader, witness legendary musician John Cale’s performance at the Art Institute of Chicago and also get to see Ben Gibbard headline three nights at Thalia Hall as he brings his solo tour ‘Death Cab for Cutie’ to Chicago from the 24th to 26th Janaury,2020. You can’t afford to miss out on any of these so make sure to fill your calendar with some of the best January/February concerts in Chicago.
5. Chicago Restaurant Week
Enjoy every bit of the experience to dine with family and friends at the Chicago Restaurant Week. Known as the largest Restaurant week in Chicago, this is a 17-day celebration of the city’s award-winning culinary scene. The Chicago Restaurant Week kicks off on the 24th January this year at the Field Museum and ends on the 9th February, where you can try out variety of food and drinks from hundreds of the city’s top restaurants. During this period, Chicagoans get to spend on prix fixe menus ranging from $24 on brunch and lunch and $36 or $48 for dinner excluding beverages. Use this week as an excuse to enjoy a meal out with loved ones and also get to check out some of the best restaurants in Chicago.
6.Go to the Theatre
Escape the chilly temps this Winter and head indoors to see a play or show. Winter in Chicago is the best time to get a real taste of Chicago Theatre. Popularly known as the home for many Regional Theatres, Broadway Tour Houses and small black box spaces, there’s always something for everyone! A few of the many shows happening this January in Briar Street Theatre include Blue Man Group, a comic musical and artistic show runs continuously in January and it’s great for the family. Once on This Island, a one act musical show will also be running from the 21st January to 2nd February at the Chicago Cadillac Palace Theatre. Not forgetting Chicago Theatre Week from the 13th to the 23rd of February where you get to experience more than 100 performances at theatres throughout the city from dramas to musicals and beyond between $15 to $30. This is a great way to try the fabulous theatres in Chicago at discounted prices so grab the opportunity while it last!
7. Go Sledding and Snowshoeing
Take advantage of the snowy forests and parks this winter and go sledding and snowshoeing. Most Chicago winters normally experience a lot of snow which is anyhow enough for a couple of visits to the local sledding hill. A best place to consider sledding is the Soldier Field Sledding Hill which is located on the parkland surrounding historic soldier field. This field features a 33-foot slope which makes it a not to be missed emotive-seeking sledders. When there is a shortage of the real stuff, the Chicago Park District pumps out faux snow, making sure that the sledding hill is all time fluffy and white.
Not forgetting of snowshoeing, make out time to go snowshoeing on Northerly Island, located east of Soldier Field that pokes out into Lake Michigan waters. You can catch a glimpse of winter birds and also spectacular views of the Chicago Skyline, after which you can warm up inside the fieldhouse. Snowshoes can be rented for two hours on Saturdays from January till March. Also, try not to miss the free Polar Adventure Days on January 25 and February 29 for a nature inspired winter crafts made by visitors and come into contact with birds of prey, wolves and Siberian huskies. Make sure to enjoy a snow filled fun day this winter with the family.
8. Visit Lincoln Park Zoo
Don’t get left out in the snowy zoo fun if you’re in Chicagoland this winter. Visit the Lincoln Park Zoo anytime of the year most especially this winter and get to watch snow monkeys, penguins, gorillas, polar bears and more play. During the winter, most of the animals stay and play indoors so during your visit, you get to warm yourself up inside the animal houses and at the same time, get to wander over and discover the breath-taking ice skating rink snuggled right next to the big red barn adorned with string lights. Skate rentals are available, and the rink is open through February. Admission is free so get to enjoy every bit of your visit!
9.Go on A Chicago Brewery Tour
If you’re a beer lover and in Chicago this winter or plan on visiting Chicago this winter, there’s a lifetime experience awaiting you. A brewery tour can lead you to behind the scenes of Chicago’s coolest beer makers, where you get to witness and learn about the brewery process, sample the goods and have a great chat with the brewers. A lot of restaurants in downtown Chicago have enough space to brew their own beer but if you prefer Chicago Brews and would rather want to try that out instead, the bars are a great option! Some of the places to consider brewery tours include Goose Island, Revolution Brewery, Lagunitas Brewing Company and more. Click here for more Chicago Brewery Tours.
10.Visit the Cloud Gate Sculpture
Millennium Park’s popular Cloud Gate sculpture, also referred to by locals as ‘the Bean’ is a fun spot to visit in Chicago this winter. It’s a masterpiece which every tourist must plan on visiting. The beautiful cityscape in the background makes its artistic beauty really pops out and this even makes it a best spot to take memorable pictures because of the sculpture’s reflective nature. It’s also best to visit ‘the Bean’ early in the day if possible, to enjoy your visit and take fantastic photos without the crowds.
Whether you’re a tourist planning a getaway to Chicago this Winter, or you’re a local searching for fun activities to do this winter, you’re very likely to find great ideas on hubub’s guide to the Top Things to Do In Chicago This Winter, most precisely in the month of January and February.
What are your Top activities to do in Chicago this Winter? Feel free to give your own suggestions in the comment section below!
Enjoy Every Bit of the Winter hubub FAM and don’t let the cold bother you anyway!
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