Things to do in Chicago this winter when you're not hibernating

Get off the couch, bundle up and take advantage of these fantastic things to do in Chicago this winter

By Grace Perry Posted: Monday December 4 2017

Winter isn’t typically the most beloved season in Chicago, but we think it gets a bad rap. We may be a city of urban hermits in sub-zero temperatures; Chicago, personified, is a city snuggled in for a Netflix binge with a bottle of wine. But there are dozens of things to do in winter in Chicago, including cozying up at a bar with a fireplace, ice skating beneath the skyline and treating yourself to a spa day. If get off your couch and face the cold temperatures head-on, we promise you can make this winter in Chicago your best one yet.

Get outside this winter

Things to do

Indoor and outdoor ice skating rinks

Reserve time to hit the ice with your family and friends this winter

Kids

Top sledding hills

From big-kid sledding hills to moderate slopes, there are snowy thrills to be found in Chicago and the suburbs this winter

Sports and fitness

Fun ways to work out in the winter

Consider these workout alternatives to keep you in peak beach-season condition—while having a blast

Sports and fitness

Snowboarding and skiing near Chicago

Thanks to our central location in the Midwest, you can hit the road to hit the slopes

How to stay warm this winter

Restaurants

44 Chicago restaurants and bars with fireplaces

Ranging from rooftop bars with fire pits to some of the city's top cocktail bars

Things to do

Explore the Loop with these great Pedway excursions

Chicago's underground navigation system, the Pedway, makes surviving winter relatively easy to travel between buildings

News

Where to spend an afternoon in Chicago when it's freezing outside

There are always a few days where you really just can't bear to go outside

Bars

How to survive winter: Beeline to the bar

Whether it's a great beer bar or cocktail bar, each offers the perfect escape from blustery weather, with terrific drinks to boot

Bars

Hot cocktails to drink this winter

Mexican Christmas punch, uniquely spiced hot toddies and tequila drinks with warm milk

Restaurants

Best spots for high tea in Chicago

When you want to impress a new significant other, gossip with friends, spoil your mom or just treat yourself

Restaurants

The 20 best Chicago restaurants for delivery tonight

Perfect for when there's no way in hell you're leaving your apartment but can't stop craving your favorite Thai dish

Restaurants

How to survive winter: Order in (like a king)

Order some of the city's best ramen, barbecue and more from Chicago restaurants to your living room in no time

Restaurants

The best dessert delivery in Chicago

Whether you want some delicious macarons or doughnuts, these Chicago sweet spots have you covered

Health and beauty

The 10 best spas in Chicago

Steal away for a day of warmth and relaxation

Movies

Cozy up at the movies

Tuck in at one of these great theaters, some of which even serve full meals

Things to do

Free museum days at the best Chicago museums

No better way to kill a frigid Chicago afternoon

Best winter concerts and events

Things to do

December events calendar

Things to do

January events calendar

Things to do

February events calendar

Things to do

March events calendar

Music

December's top concerts

Music

January's top concerts

Music

February's top concerts

Music

March's top concerts

Winter holidays and festivals

Things to do

Christmas events in Chicago

These yuletide events will keep you cheery even when you're digging out your car

Things to do

New Year's Eve events in Chicago

Ring in 2018 with a bang at these great parties and events

Music

Tomorrow Never Knows music festival

Everything you need to know about TNK, including the lineup, the best gigs and more

Things to do

Valentine's Day in Chicago

Make this manufactured holiday one of your favorite things about winter in Chicago

Things to do

Chinese New Year parades and celebrations in Chicago

Usher in the Year of the Dog at these celebrations citywide

Things to do

St. Patrick's Day in Chicago

Chicago neighborhoods have their fair share of goings-on at Irish pubs, Chicago restaurants and other institutions, too

Chicago Blackhawks guide

Bars

Best bars to cheer on the Chicago Blackhawks

There's no better place to watch a Blackhawks game than the United Center, but with ticket prices through the roof, these spots are your next best bet