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Things to do in Chicago this winter

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

By Grace Perry Posted: Thursday December 8 2016

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 with a Netflix binge and a bottle of wine. But there are dozens of things to do in winter in Chicago, from cozying up at a bar with a fireplace to ice skating to treating yourself to a spa day. If get off your couch and face this winter head-on, we promise you can make this winter in Chicago your best one yet.

Things to do this winter

Restaurants

Chicago restaurants and bars with fireplaces

Our long winters have one big upside—getting to cozy up next to a fireplace while eating and drinking at some of the best Chicago restaurants and bars

Things to do

The best things to do on Valentine's Day

Whether you’re single, taken, or somewhere in-between, making plans on Valentine’s Day is a total pain

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

Kids

Family winter vacation ideas

The best family-friendly spots to steal away to in the colder months

Things to do

January 2017 events calendar for Chicago

A new year means a fresh start, a chance to be the best version of you possible

Things to do

February 2017 events calendar for Chicago

We’ve got dozens of ways make the shortest month of the year the sweetest.

Bars

Hot cocktails to drink this winter

Hot buttered tequila, apple cider spiked with chartreuse and hot chai with rum, designed to keep you warm all winter long

Things to do

Indoor and outdoor ice skating rinks

Lace up and try your hand at skating at these citywide rinks this winter

Sports and fitness

Fun ways to work out in the winter

Before you abandon your fitness routine for three months of Netflix , consider these workout alternatives to keep you in shape

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

The best dessert delivery in Chicago

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

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

Best winter concerts and events

Music

December's top concerts

Things to do

December events calendar

Music

January's top concerts

Things to do

January events calendar

Music

February's top concerts

Things to do

February events calendar

Music

March's top concerts

Things to do

March events calendar

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