Looking for unique things to do when visiting Chicago in December? These are some of the most recommended places to visit and things to do in the iconic windy city.
Planning a trip to Chicago anytime of year is super exciting! If you’re anything like me, you’re here because you love to research and plan your trip ahead of time. As a midwest native who frequents Chicago, I am giving you life-changing things to do when visiting this beautiful city in December.
You are going to learn about things to do like fun winter activities such as ice skating and hockey, holiday shows and events, where to shop for holiday gifts, and where to eat while staying cozy and warm. After learning about these places, you are going to be ready for your next Chicago travel adventure!
This post is my 21 Life-Changing Things to Do When Visiting Chicago in December.
Winter Activities
Ice Skating
Ice skating is one of the most iconic winter activities. What’s better to bring in the winter season than going ice skating in December? Chicago has several beautiful ice skating rinks to choose from.
Maggie Daley Park’s Ice Skating Ribbon is right next to Millenium Park. It offers a beautiful view of Millenium Park and the surrounding buildings. I love that it is a long trail rather than a wide open skating rink. Reservations must be made in advance online.
Next to Maggie Daley Park is the McCormick Tribune Ice Rink. What makes this skating rink special is they offer free skating lessons every weekend! If you are a newbie when it comes to ice skating, this is the perfect place to visit as it is directly in front of The Bean, landmark sculpture.
If you’re looking for a unique place to ice skate, check out the Sky Rink at the Peninsula Chicago. It is the only hotel skating rink in Chicago, and it’s on the hotel terrace. Skates can be rented for $20 for adults and $10 for children. It’s a beautiful location for skating as it’s surrounded by tall skyscrapers and twinkle snowflake lighting.
Watch a Hockey Game
If you’re a big hockey fan, going to a hockey game when visiting Chicago in December is a must! Of course, there’s the well known NHL Chicago Blackhawks. One of the most popular NHL teams, it is definitely worth it to go to a game while visiting the windy city.
Another option is the AHL Chicago Wolves. This team plays at the Allstate Arena located just outside of the O’Hare Airport. If you are flying into the city and staying near the airport, this would be a great nearby winter activity!
Lights
Christmas lights and twinkle lights are such an important part of the holiday and winter seasons! I love that in December everything in the city becomes bright and colorful. Check out these fun light shows:
The Navy Pier offers their Light up the Lake lights attraction. What makes this venue special is that everything is indoors! If you don’t want to be out in the cold to admire holiday lights, this is the perfect place for you. They have several different lights exhibits inside. The Navy Pier has ice skating too!
One of the most popular lights exhibits in Chicago is the Lincoln Park Zoo Lights. This event sells out quickly so I recommend purchasing tickets in advance. Walk through the zoo and admire the magical lights while also checking out the fun animals.
To kick off the holiday season, the Magnificent Mile Lights Festival puts on a great show. Although the first day event is in November, the lights will stay up throughout December to enjoy.
What to Eat and Drink
Being that Chicago is one of the largest cities in the United States, there are an infinite amount of restaurants, bars, and coffee shops to choose from. I’m sharing some of my personal favorites for the winter months and especially during December and the holiday season.
A must visit is the Starbucks Reserve on Michigan Avenue. This is one of the largest Starbucks Reserves in the U.S. Take a break from the December weather and enjoy a cup of hot coffee or a special cocktail. This place offers so many cool activities that involve coffee. They offer tours, classes, specialty drinks, and more. Check out their website for details.
For a cozy coffee shop, consider visiting Ralph’s Coffee. Located within the Ralph Lauren flagship store, this coffee shop exudes all things classy, warm, and inviting. With only a few locations in the U.S. it’s an exclusive coffee shop worth visiting.
What’s better than having a cinnamon roll in December in Chicago? Ann Sather breakfast is iconic, and their cinnamon rolls are incredible. I highly recommend starting out your day with a warm, delicious breakfast from this cute and cozy restaurant.
Located in the West Loop, Trivoli Tavern screams winter vibes. The interior of the restaurant is like something you might find in a winter lodge. The truffle bucatini pasta is to die for! Settle in for the evening away from the wind and snow with a nice meal and cocktail at this warm restaurant.
If you’re looking for something unique to celebrate the winter season, a visit to IIO Godfrey Winter Wonderland rooftop is a must! They have several heated igloos (small and large) that can be rented out in advance. This fun bar would be great day or night when visiting Chicago in December.
Where to Celebrate: Holiday Events
Some of the most popular year round attractions in Chicago offer fun events for the holiday season.
The Chicago Symphony Orchestra offers holiday themed shows like Home Alone, and Merry, Merry, Chicago! Check out their website for schedule updates and a list of shows available this December.
Cirque Du Soleil offers a Christmas show inspired by the classic book Twas the Night Before Christmas. Known for their jaw dropping aerial skills, Cirque Du Soleil is pure entertainment. Adding a Christmas theme to their performance is the cherry on top.
The Joffrey Ballet has several shows throughout the year, but the most famous is definitely The Nutcracker. The Nutcracker is one of the most famous ballets and for many it is a Christmas tradition to attend it. The Joffrey Ballet is one of the most prestigious ballet companies in the country, so if you are planning to visit Chicago in December, I highly recommend going to a show.
The Museum of Science and Industry offers each year a Christmas Around the World and Holidays of Light exhibit. This is a fun family-friendly activity where you’ll learn more about holiday traditions from around the world while also getting to see the permanent exhibits in the museum.
Winterland at Gallagher Way is a fun winter festival where the Gallagher Way park baseball park is transformed. There are several activities including shopping, ice skating, food vendors, and more.
Where to Shop For Holiday Gifts
Chicago has several holiday markets each year in December. These markets are great places to purchase unique gifts for your friends and family.
Every year, the Christkindl Market is held mid-November through December. This fun outdoor market makes you feel like you’ve stepped into a German city. Within the market you’ll find several artists and vendors as well as hot chocolate, bratwurst, and pretzels to snack on.
One of a Kind Show and Sale is located inside the MART. With over 500 makers, designers, and artists, you’ll be sure to find a gift for even the most difficult to shop for.
The Renegade holds their annual Craft Fair each December. They typically have over 170 curated artists to sell their unique creations. I’m sure you’ll find something for even the most difficult person to shop for as the arts and crafts sold here are one of a kind.
Chicago is such a fun city to visit anytime of year, but I find that there’s something so special about this place in the winter and holiday seasons. If you are visiting Chicago in December, I hope this list gives you some ideas of what to do as you plan your itinerary.
This post is my 21 Life-Changing Things to Do When Visiting Chicago in December.
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