Things to do
Chicago in winter: Our ultimate guide
Bundle up and prepare to brave the cold weather while exploring some of Chicago's best winter offerings.
Things to Do
Discover the best things to do in Chicago, including popular events, festivals, attractions, tours and free activities
Museums
The best Chicago museums
Want to see premier pieces from famous artists? We've got you covered.
Things to do
Where to go ice skating
Show off those figure eights while sliding around the best ice skating rinks in the city.
Things to do
Cheap things to do in Chicago
Our top picks for enjoying the city without breaking the bank.
Things to do
The best things to do indoors
Don’t let the weather get in the way of having a great day.
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Things to do in Chicago every day
Celebrate the holidays in Chicago
Things to do
Our guide to celebrating the holidays
Celebrate Christmas in Chicago with light displays, holiday theater and more festive events.
Things to do
See twinkling Christmas lights
Few sights jumpstart feelings of holiday cheer quite like sparkling Christmas lights.
Bars
Visit a rooftop bar
Hot drinks, fireplaces, curling lanes and over-the-top holiday decorations make these bars worth a visit.
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Events at Time Out Market Chicago
Things to do
Industry Mondays
Enjoy delicious food while sipping specialty Cafeto cocktails; all hospitality workers will receive 20% off their bar tabs.
Things to do
Winesday
Join Time Out Market Chicago every Wednesday for a relaxing evening of wine specials. Unwind with a glass of vino, paired with food from some of the...
Things to do
Trivia with Whaddayaknow?
Come alone or bring a group for weekly trivia on Wednesdays at the Market! Hosted by Whaddayaknow?, the evening will test your knowledge on a variety of...
Bottomless Lunch at Time Out Market
Indulge in our Bottomless Lunch every weekend! For just $55, enjoy a $20 TOM Card to spend on your favorite meal from 15 of our delicious concessions, plus 3...
The latest things to do in Chicago
Things to do
A free pop-up rage room is opening in Chicago for one day only
Chicago gets a one-day-only chance to smash, shatter and “deck” the halls for free.
Things to do
This former quarry is the most stunning park to visit in Chicago this winter
Every winter, Bridgeport’s Palmisano Park transforms into a winter wonderland thanks to its massive sledding hill and snow-capped walking paths.
Things to do
The best things to do in Chicago this week
Find the very best things to do in Chicago this week, including cultural events, festivals and shows.
Things to do
Bruce Goff: Material Worlds
Known for his groundbreaking homes spanning across the United States and rejection of minimalist conventions, Bruce Goff—whose lifelong mentor was...
Things to do
Matisse’s Jazz: Rhythms in Color
Immerse yourself in a new perspective on legendary artist Henri Matisse at this exciting new exhibition at The Art Institute of Chicago. Bedridden and unable...
The latest Chicago news
Restaurants
These five Chicago restaurants were just ranked as some of the best in the world
La Liste’s new global ranking is out—and Chicago’s fine-dining favorites showed up in force.
Things to do
A free pop-up rage room is opening in Chicago for one day only
Chicago gets a one-day-only chance to smash, shatter and “deck” the halls for free.
Things to do
This former quarry is the most stunning park to visit in Chicago this winter
Every winter, Bridgeport’s Palmisano Park transforms into a winter wonderland thanks to its massive sledding hill and snow-capped walking paths.
The latest Chicago events
Things to do
Chicago Architecture Biennial
Every two years, Chicago becomes a global hub of architecture and design during the Chicago Architecture Biennial. This edition’s theme is SHIFT:...
Art
Día de Muertos: A Celebration of Remembrance
For 39 years and counting, the National Museum of Mexican Art has celebrated one of Mexico’s most extraordinary traditions with a multimedia...
Art
ART on THE MART
Displaying a 25-story-tall video installation on the side of THE MART, ART on THE MART is the largest permanent digital art projection in...
Things to do in Chicago neighborhoods
Things to do
Avondale
The traditionally Polish neighborhood is dotted with arts centers, small parks and interesting shops.
Shopping & Style
Shopping
The best boutiques and shopping in Logan Square, Chicago
Fill an afternoon browsing the neighborhood's shops.
Shopping
19 Chicago gift shops for unique presents
It’s been said that the best gifts in life are free, but no one’s really buying that, right?
Most popular things to do features
Things to do
Paid content
Simone Mitchell-Peterson is proving that joy doesn’t age
The Little Brothers – Friends of the Elderly CEO of 21 years has architected programs that provide friendship and companionship to older adults throughout...
Things to do
The best December 2025 events in Chicago
Find the best holiday activities in Chicago, including free things to do and picks from theater, music and pop-ups.
Things to do
Best of the City: The nine best things Time Out Chicago editors saw, ate and visited in 2025
Our picks for the year's best restaurants, exhibitions, festivals and more.
Things to do
The best things to do in Chicago this weekend
Find the best things to do in Chicago this weekend with our guide to concerts, exhibitions, festivals and more.
Things to do
The best things to do in Chicago today
Find the best things to do in Chicago today, including parties, concerts, screenings and other can't-miss events.
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Things to do
An all-you-can-eat Italian beef festival is taking over Chicagoland
It’s an aficionado’s dream: mix and match ingredients from some of the best Italian beef spots in the region.
Things to do
The best Christmas things to do during the holidays in Chicago
Experience the holidays in Chicago with beautiful lights, festive theater productions and bustling markets.
Things to do
The 12 best places to cut down a Christmas tree near Chicago
Want to cut down your own Christmas tree this year? Head to these seasonal farms located outside the city.
Things to do
The 50 best things to do in Chicago right now
Discover the best things to do in Chicago, from iconic venues and views to cultural musts and late-night shenanigans.
Things to do
The best January 2026 events in Chicago
Start the new year with events, festivals, concerts, theater shows and more great things to do in Chicago during January.
Time In - movies we love
Movies
'Eternity' review: Endless love gets messy in a likeable, if uneven, comedy
A delightful premise never fully comes to life in this sweet romcom, which is a real shame because it gets off to such a strong start.
At a party to celebrate...
Movies
The best new Christmas movies of 2025 to stream
It’s beginning to feel a lot like Christmas, especially on streaming services. Every year, a stuffed stocking’s worth of peppermint-sweet holiday...
Movies
'Zootropolis 2' review: Disney drops possibly the most adorable sequel ever
There have been better animated sequels and more epic ones, but has there ever been a fluffier follow-up than this bouncy, buoyant caper starring at least half...
Movies
'Pillion' review: A tender gay biker ‘dom-com’ that’s heavy with purpose
Sweet, shy Colin is having a shit time. His mother is terminally ill (but still trying to set him up with inappropriate men), his only hobby is barbershop...
Movies
'Hamnet' review: Jessie Buckley and Paul Mescal extraordinary in Tudor tearjerker
The jury’s out on popcorn and the case has been made against phone use (time to criminalise?), but where do we stand on big, ugly,...
Time In - songs we love
Music
The 50 best karaoke songs ever made
Whether you’ve got the voice of an angel or you’re totally tone deaf, karaoke unites us all.
Music
The 40 best party songs ever made
Party songs come in all shapes and sizes, but to be a party song, there are some rules.