Chicago sparkles in winter, full of amazing attractions and things to do.
The city's beloved attractions take on fresh charm as snow dusts the streets and holiday lights twinkle against the night sky. Indoor spaces beckon with warmth and culture, and outdoor spots invite you to embrace the crisp winter air. From cozy rooftop igloos to steamy tropical conservatories, Chicago knows how to make the most of the season. Here's your guide to exploring the city when temperatures drop.
Chicago's Can't-Miss Winter Activities
Millennium Park
A fresh blanket of snow transforms Millennium Park into a winter playground. The iconic Cloud Gate sculpture—aka The Bean—reflects the crisp winter sky, you can skate across the seasonal ice rink from November through March. Stop by Park Grill to warm up with hearty American dishes and watch the winter scene unfold through floor-to-ceiling windows.
The Ledge
The city's observation decks offer breathtaking perspectives of Chicago's snow-covered streets. The Ledge at Willis Tower lets you step into glass boxes floating high above the streets, with clear days revealing views of four neighboring states.
Skydeck Chicago - The Ledge
Navy Pier
Winter brings magic to this lakefront destination. 'Light Up The Lake' fills indoor spaces with twinkling lights and festive cheer, and the heated indoor spaces offer cozy spots to take in Lake Michigan's dramatic winter views.
Navy Pier
Skating Ribbon at Maggie Daley Park
Think outside the rink when it comes to ice skating. This winding quarter-mile track offers gentle curves and rises, along with views of snow-dusted skyscrapers. There are places to rent skates and enjoy a cup of hot chocolate, too.
Maggie Daley ParkIgloo & Winter Dining Experiences in Chicago
Chicago's innovative chefs and restaurateurs transform the city's dining scene when snow starts to fall. Rooftop bars become cozy havens, patios turn into fireside lounges, and unexpected spaces host memorable winter meals.
Winter Wonderland at the Godfrey Hotel
The rooftop bar at I|O Godfrey Hotel takes on a magical glow with heated igloos for cozy winter dining. Each private igloo creates an intimate spot for up to eight friends to share cocktails and seasonal dishes while taking in city views through crystal-clear walls.
Cindy's Rooftop
The glass atrium on the Chicago Athletic Association Hotel's 13th floor takes on a snow-globe feel in winter. Enjoy seasonal cocktails on the terrace, warmed by outdoor firepits, while you take in the views of frost-touched Lake Michigan and Millennium Park. On New Year's Eve, this spot offers prime viewing of Chicago's fireworks display.
Park & Field
This Logan Square gem shines in winter. The vintage-styled space features crackling fires, farm-to-fork comfort food, and carefully selected craft beers. On sunny winter afternoons, gather around the patio's outdoor fire pits to roast s'mores—a sweet way to embrace (or defy) the cold.
Curling & Cocktails
Warm drinks and fire pits are all part of the fun at The Gwen Hotel in winter, where they add a playful twist to the long nights with 'curling and cocktails.' You can try your hand at this winter sport with 11 friends, and after you've shown your skills, settle in by the fire with a warming drink.
Zoos & Conservatories
Step from snowy Chicago streets into steamy Victorian greenhouses, or watch how winter brings out the playful side of cold-climate creatures. These living museums offer two distinct ways to spend a winter day: warming up among exotic plants, or watching arctic animals in their element.
Lincoln Park Zoo
Winter reveals a different side of this free urban zoo. The polar bears splash with extra energy in their chilly pool, and red pandas and Japanese macaques (aka snow monkeys) frolic in the snow. The city skyline creates a stunning backdrop for these cold-weather creatures.
Lincoln Park Conservatory
Step from winter into a Victorian-era tropical escape. This historic glass house shelters soaring palms, ancient ferns, and delicate orchids. The contrast between the snowy exterior and the warm, humid interior gives you a unique and magical winter experience.
Garfield Park Conservatory
Spread across 12 acres, this glass-enclosed wonderland ranks as the world's third-largest garden under glass, and offers a perfect retreat from winter's chill. Wander past tropical plants and flowering exhibits while snow falls silently outside. It's like a snow-globe in reverse.
Chicago Museums to Escape the Cold
When winter winds whip around the city's corners, Chicago's museums beckon with rich collections and climate-controlled galleries. Each visit reveals a different world—and keeps you toasty while exploring it.
National Museum of Mexican Art
Escape the cold among 8,500 artworks spanning three millennia of Mexican culture. This Pilsen gem—the only Latinx museum with American Alliance of Museums accreditation—shares stories from both sides of the border through vibrant exhibitions, right in the heart of the city's Mexican community.
The Art Institute of Chicago
Step in from the snow to discover medieval armor, Impressionist masterpieces, and striking photography. The museum's galleries provide hours of heated indoor exploration to let you soak in the art-filled atmosphere.
Art Institute of Chicago
Shedd Aquarium
Escape to warm waters at this lakefront treasure, or watch the polar adventures safely behind glass. Caribbean reef fish dart through sun-dappled tanks, sea otters glide past snowy windows, and penguins waddle in their chilly habitat.
Shedd Aquarium
Chicago Cultural Center
Winter light streaming through the 30,000-piece Tiffany glass dome creates spectacular effects in this 1897 architectural treasure. Duck in from the cold for free concerts, art exhibits, and building tours.
Chicago Cultural Center
Money Museum at the Fed
Warm up in Chicago's financial district with an unusual photo op: a million dollars in cash. This free museum traces the story of American currency and teaches you to spot counterfeit bills— lots of great material for your holiday small-talk!
Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago Visitor Center
Institute for the Study of Ancient Cultures, University of Chicago
Cold winter days provide the perfect backdrop for exploring warmer climes. Marvel at towering statues of King Tut, examine delicate Qur'an fragments, and discover a child's pull toy from 2350 BC—all in a climate-controlled space.
Institute for the Study of Ancient Cultures
Clarke House Museum
Chicago's oldest home takes on a special charm in winter. This 1836 Greek Revival building shows how families weathered Chicago winters before central heating in ingenious ways—from wool-stuffed quilts to clever fireplace designs.
Clarke House Museum
Illinois' Must-Do Winter & Holiday Events
During the chilliest months of the year, Illinois hosts exciting events that are well worth the winter trip. Hear and taste all the state has to offer this season.