When praising Chicago, “waterfront destination” may not be the first phrase to roll off the tongue. Most of us reserve that for places where the water doesn’t freeze into an ominous sheet of ice by mid-December. Yet, against all odds, Chicago has landed itself among the nation’s top Christmas boating destinations. According to Boat Booker, an online platform for coordinating aquatic tours and trips, Chicago ranks among the nation's 10 best locales for a holiday excursion, making it the only Midwest city to seize the crown.
Miami, unsurprisingly, received glowing praise thanks to its tropical spin on festive decor—think light-studded palm trees and massive metallic ornaments artfully arranged in fountains. Rounding out the ranking is New York City, Seattle, Santa Barbara and New Orleans.
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“Winter turns Chicago into a sparkling holiday destination,” reads the Chicago section of Boat Booker’s ranking. “As the city embraces the season, its waterways provide the perfect backdrop for festive adventures, blending urban charm with holiday magic.”
Among the myriad qualities that helped Chicago clinch its high ranking are the Riverwalk’s dazzling holiday lights, the skyscrapers shimmering off the water like they’re trying to out-glitter the season itself and, of course, Lake Michigan, loyally framing the whole dreamy scene.
Feeling inspired to chart your own cold-weather, sea-adjacent adventure? You can dive into the full ranking of festive waterfront destinations here.