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

Bundle up and prepare to brave the cold weather while exploring some of Chicago's best winter offerings

By Zach Long and Morgan Olsen Posted: Monday January 13 2020

Chicago winter
Photograph: Grace DuVal

Chicagoans love to complain about the inconveniences of winter, but we think that the months of cold and snow get a bad rap. There are plenty of amazingly unique things to do in Chicago in the winter, like cozying up at bars with roaring fireplaces or taking a lap around the best ice skating rinks in Chicago. Even after the holiday magic has faded, there's plenty to look forward to. If you're willing to take a break from your couch-bound Netflix binge, we can promise that you'll find things to do in Chicago that will leave you looking forward to winter.

RECOMMENDED: Discover more of the best things to do in Chicago

Get outside this winter

The 9 best ice skating rinks in Chicago
Things to do

The 9 best ice skating rinks in Chicago

Lace up and hit the ice this winter!

The 11 top sledding hills in Chicago
Kids

The 11 top sledding hills in Chicago

Bundle up, dig out your toboggan and get a running start.

Here’s what you’ll need to survive winter in Chicago
Shopping

Here’s what you’ll need to survive winter in Chicago

Ready or not, here we go! 

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10 reasons why Chicago is the ultimate city for fall and winter celebrations
Things to do

10 reasons why Chicago is the ultimate city for fall and winter celebrations

Make the most of the ice-cold forecast.

Stay warm this winter

The absolute coziest things to do in Chicago
Things to do

The absolute coziest things to do in Chicago

Beyond buying a decent parka, there are a lot of ways to warm up and have a good time while the icicles form outdoors.

30 Chicago bars and restaurants with fireplaces
Restaurants

30 Chicago bars and restaurants with fireplaces

Grab a table near the flames, order a round of drinks and cozy up for the night. 

15 legit deals for Chicago Restaurant Week 2020
Restaurants

15 legit deals for Chicago Restaurant Week 2020

It's the perfect excuse to give your favorite delivery app a rest, bust out of hibernation and hunt down an amazing meal.

What to see at Chicago Theater Week 2020
Theater

What to see at Chicago Theater Week 2020

Every year, in the coldest depths of the winter, Chicago Theatre Week gives us a great reason to venture outside.

10 Chicago attractions that are even better in the winter
Things to do

10 Chicago attractions that are even better in the winter

Beat the winter blues by visiting these Chicago attractions

The 13 best spas in Chicago
Health and beauty

The 13 best spas in Chicago

"Me" time is made exponentially better when it's spent at one of the best spas in Chicago.

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Rock out at winter concerts

Concerts in Chicago in January 2020
Music

Concerts in Chicago in January 2020

Concerts in Chicago in February 2020
Music

Concerts in Chicago in February 2020

Concerts in Chicago in March 2020
Music

Concerts in Chicago in March 2020

Concerts in Chicago in April 2020
Music

Concerts in Chicago in April 2020

The best events to attend this winter

Argyle Street Lunar New Year Celebration
Things to do

Argyle Street Lunar New Year Celebration

Chinatown Lunar New Year Parade
Things to do

Chinatown Lunar New Year Parade

Users say
4 out of 5 stars
Chicago Auto Show
Things to do Buy tickets

Chicago Auto Show

Users say
5 out of 5 stars
Buy
Cupid’s Undie Run
Things to do Buy tickets

Cupid’s Undie Run

Buy
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