Shannon Shreibak

As Chicago's blazing summer yields to cool climes and autumnal coziness, it's time to head back to your favorite Chicago museums. Illinois Free Days are back, offering free admission to the city's world-class exhibitions—from the Art Institute of Chicago to the Shedd Aquarium—for state residents on select days. (Word to the wise: Don’t forget your proof of residence.) Plus, Chicago Public Library cardholders can score various museum passes and other benefits. While perks abound for Illinoisans, there are still options for out-of-towners to enjoy free admission year-round. Take a look at our roundup below, and pencil in your next Chicago adventure. RECOMMENDED: Discover more of the best things to do in Chicago

Chicago might be known as the Second City, but our attractions are first-class. Need evidence of that fact? Look no further than the many Chicago museums, where you'll find everything from the best-preserved T. rex skeleton ever found to paintings by Van Gogh and Picasso. Or take a stroll through our gorgeous parks and gardens, home to some of the best public art in Chicago (say hello to "The Bean"). You can also laugh it up at a comedy club, see a show at a jazz club once frequented by Al Capone or have a Michelin-starred meal at one of the best Chicago restaurants ... the list goes on. From first-time visitors to lifelong Chicagoans: we’ve handpicked the city’s must-see spots so you can experience the very best of Chicago. RECOMMENDED: The best things to do in Chicago right nowRECOMMENDED: The best cheap things to do in ChicagoRECOMMENDED: The best hotels in ChicagoRECOMMENDED: The best boutique hotels in Chicago This article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, click here.

Last updated January 5, 2026: Some of the world's most famous collections and exhibits can be found in Chicago. Want to see premier pieces from famous artists? Book your tickets for The Art Institute or Museum of Contemporary Art. Obsessed with the deep unknown of the sea or space? Take a trip to the Shedd Aquarium or Adler Planetarium, which just so happen to be two of the city's best children's museums. Whether you enjoy art, science, history or architecture, Chicago's many museums are some of the top Chicago attractions and provide a great way to spend an afternoon.  RECOMMENDED: Discover the best things to do in Chicago

Last updated January 5, 2026: Whether you're hitting a cross-town music festival (Tomorrow Never Knows kicks off this week!) or catching the final days of holiday pop-up bars and skating rinks, winter in Chicago is just getting started. Even if you’re sticking to a budget, the city offers a wealth of free seasonal activities to keep your spirits high. Read on for our curated guide to the best events happening around town this week. RECOMMENDED: Discover the best things to do in Chicago in January 2026

Chicago is a literary city—though often overlooked—defined by a long-standing, vibrant bookish culture championed by its independent bookstores. Across the Windy City, residents prioritize shopping local, supporting Black-owned businesses and indie shops that offer more than just books; they provide vital spaces for representation and identity. From Spanish-language children's stories and contemporary BIPOC novels to deep dives into LGBTQ history, these shops cater to every niche. Whether you prefer the charm of a dog-eared used paperback or the crisp weight of a new hardcover, you’re bound to discover your next great read at these premier Chicago bookstores. RECOMMENDED: Free things you can get with a Chicago Public Library card

We’re probably not alone in saying that the weekend is always on our minds here at Time Out Chicago HQ. Like you (probably), we spend the workweek daydreaming about the next restaurant to obsess over and obsessively updating our concert calendars. Whether you’re museum-hopping, plotting a day trip to escape the city, or ready to ghost your original plans for something spontaneous, you’ll find plenty of ways to make the most of your weekend in Chicago. Last updated December 29, 2025: Looking for the best things to do in Chicago this weekend? Whether you’re the designated group chat planner or just looking for last-minute inspiration, we’ve got you covered. This weekend’s highlights include New Year’s Eve celebrations at Time Out Market and The Salt Shed, an interactive Yoko Ono retrospective and the final days of the Garfield Park Conservatory Winter Flower Show. On a budget? We’ve rounded up some of the best free events in Chicago, too. Scroll down to discover the best events across the city! RECOMMENDED: The best things to do in Chicago today RECOMMENDED: The best free things to do in Chicago this month RECOMMENDED: The best cheap eats in Chicago RECOMMENDED: Discover the 50 best things to do in Chicago right now

Last updated December 29, 2025: As it turns out, some of the best things in life—or at least, some of the best things to do in Chicago—are free. There are plenty of free ways to spend your time over the next few weeks, including ice skating and a visiting some of the city's world-class museums. Plus, don't miss out on gallery shows, concerts and other recurring events that won't cost you a dime. Ready to save some money without sacrificing any fun? Check out more of the best free things to do in Chicago this month. RECOMMENDED: The best cheap eats in Chicago

In Chicago, the best gyms offer more than just a workout—they offer a community. Local fitness clubs are transforming into wellness centers that prioritize both intensity and recovery, blending high-energy classes with amenities like cold tubs and social spaces. Whether you prefer training solo, joining a running club or finding a “swolemate” to keep you accountable, the city’s diverse gyms provide the perfect environment to start or continue your wellness journey. RECOMMENDED: The best spas in Chicago

It may be the shortest month of the year, but you'll find that February is still jam-packed with stuff to do in Chicago—especially because some of the city's most beloved annual events will be taking place. Grab discounted tickets to acclaimed shows during Chicago Theatre Week or check out the latest and greatest vehicles at the Chicago Auto Show. You can also woo your significant other on Valentine's Day in Chicago or celebrate the Lunar New Year with parades and festive dinners. Looking for even more stuff to do? Get ready to make the most out of the month of love with our February 2026 events guide. RECOMMENDED: Events calendar for Chicago in 2026

We’ll be honest: January is not exactly Chicago’s finest month. But before you start to dwell on the prospect of snow, cold and seemingly endless winter, allow us to point out some of the best ways to kick off the first few weeks of 2026. Start by catching the final days of Christmas lights in Chicago (they offer a nice excuse to take a walk outside, even when the holidays have passed) and get some fresh winter air when you take a spin around the best ice skating rinks the city has to offer. Prefer to stay inside? Tour new exhibits at Chicago museums—many of which offer free days over the next few months—or check out some of the best things to do indoors, including rock climbing, bowling and soul-warming spa days. Make a resolution to start the year on the right foot with the help of our guide to the best things to do in Chicago this January. RECOMMENDED: Events calendar for Chicago in 2026

New Year's Eve is coming up and if you haven't made plans yet, it's not too late. Whether you're looking to end the year with an extravagant dinner or a blowout party, there are countless options for an exciting time. And when the clock strikes midnight on December 31, a dazzling display of fireworks will light up the sky above Lake Michigan and along the Chicago River. If you want to see the action up close, the following places and events will offer unparalleled views alongside open bars, live entertainment and much more. From bashes at Navy Pier to rooftops set atop skyscrapers, these are the best spots to watch New Year's Eve fireworks in Chicago. RECOMMENDED: Our complete guide to New Year's Eve in Chicago

The return of winter (and seasonal depression!) already has us daydreaming about vacation. But before the temperatures really warm up, you can squeeze in some much-needed rest and relaxation closer to home with our updated spa list. Our latest selection highlights the sheer variety of Chicago’s spa scene—including luxury hotel spas, tried-and-true massage therapy and TikTok-approved scalp care—and prioritizes options for every budget. Go on, treat yourself!    The stresses of day-to-day life pile up fast. Luckily, Chicago is home to a selection of world-class spas designed to loosen your tightened muscles, invigorate your senses and whisk your worries away (if only for a few blissful hours). Choose your own relaxation adventure: Our favorite Chicago spas run the gamut from a luxury hotel spot outfitted with private napping nooks and splurge-y massage offerings to affordable bathhouses where you can spend the day sauna-hopping and unwinding on a budget. Whether you’re looking for romantic things to do in Chicago, planning an upcoming bachelorette party or craving a bit of solo serenity, explore Chicago’s best spas and prepare for some much-needed R&R.  RECOMMENDED: Discover the best things to do in Chicago right now

Wanna relive the thrill of punishing a captive audience like you did during grade school show-and-tell? Then Show & Tell for Grownups is the place for you! Once a month, comedians, storytellers and everyday passionate folks gather to share their quirky, heartfelt or downright fascinating interests. Each presenter gets five minutes on the clock to wax philosophical about their obsession, then it’s the audience’s turn with a quick Q&A. Think of it like falling down a Reddit rabbit hole—only live, and way more fun. Feeling especially brave? Sign up for your five-minute show-and-tell slot here.

Multimedia artist Yoonshin Park challenges conventional ideas of what books are—and what they can be. Prompt and Prompted presents new and ongoing works that reimagine artist books as spatial, symbolic and participatory sites, engaging ideas of memory, marginality, translation and transformation.

As the Driehaus Museum’s first artist-in-residence, Brendan Fernandes will transform the Murphy Auditorium into a dynamic site for sculpture, movement and sound. Inspired by the Judson Dance Theater, Fernandes’ Scores for the Murphy Auditorium will unfold as an episodic residency throughout 2026, with performances and public programs announced over time.

This first-of-its-kind exhibition at the Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago explores the visual, political and spiritual histories of dancehall and reggaetón through contemporary art. Once grassroots scenes, both genres have become globally influential movements tied closely to sexual and political liberation. The show features works by more than 35 artists, including Jean-Michel Basquiat, Edra Soto, supakid and Lee “Scratch” Perry.

Whether you’re parenting a pint-sized Pokémon devotee or a nostalgic millennial still clinging to a holographic Charizard card for its “possible resale value” (guilty), the Pokémon Fossil Museum is designed to surprise and delight. Making its U.S. debut at the Field Museum in spring 2026, the international exhibition invites visitors to compare Fossil Pokémon like Tyrantrum and Archeops with real-world fossils—including SUE the T. rex. Expect Pokémon models, real fossil excavation tools and immersive soundscapes throughout.

How are some of the most iconic costumes of the past century made? Costume designer Paul Tazewell pulls back the curtain in this behind-the-scenes exhibition. Highlights include costumes from Wicked, Janelle Monáe’s MET Gala looks and Steven Spielberg’s West Side Story. Sketches, videos and narration reveal how imagination becomes wearable art.

This family-friendly exhibition explores six habitats—Desert, Ocean, Rainforest, Sky, Woods and City—through the eyes of modernist artist Charley Harper. Designed to foster appreciation for biodiversity and interdependence, the exhibit includes interactive games, a DIY soundscape station and multisensory interpretations of Harper’s beloved work.

Thanks to a landmark donation from the family of Lee Kun-Hee, the late chairman of Samsung Group, Chicagoans will be able to view extraordinary Korean artworks once held in private collections. Spanning painting, ceramics and Buddhist sculpture, the exhibition includes 140 works that trace two millennia of artistic legacy—22 of which are officially designated National Treasures or Treasures by the Korean government.

This exhibition poses a devastatingly powerful question: What if Emmett Till had not been brutally lynched in Mississippi in 1955? Through photography, the exhibition imagines an alternate history in which Till lived—moving from images inspired by the last meal his mother packed before his trip south to meditations on the life he might have experienced, from the rise of the Chicago Bulls to the ongoing fight for civil rights.

The Museum of Contemporary Photography celebrates its 50th anniversary with a sweeping look at its collection. Each of the museum's five galleries will represent a decade of collecting, beginning with its most recent acquisitions (2016-2026) in the first gallery, then rewinding through time. The retrospective features rarely exhibited and newly acquired works by influential photographers including Dorothea Lange, Harry Callahan and Robert Frank.

Drag Race: The Experience has sashayed into Chicago for a one-month stint. But does it bring the requisite charisma, uniqueness, nerve and talent? Well… yes and no. Produced by World of Wonder—the company behind Drag Race and the global DragCon conventions—the attraction casts visitors as the main character inside some of the show’s most iconic spaces. You can strut the Main Stage, snap a selfie in the Werk Room, film a confessional and flip through racks of costumes pulled straight from the runway. There’s never-before-seen footage playing across a glowing wall of retro TV screens, an abundance of photo ops and QR-guided prompts that politely boss you from room to room. Guests are given a unique QR code to use with the scanner in each room, enabling them to collect photos throughout their visit. The layout isn’t especially intuitive, but if you approach it as one giant, glittering selfie machine, the whole thing snaps into relative focus. There are costumes, clips and even a full Snatch Game set, ready for you and your friends to butcher celebrity impressions with enthusiasm if not accuracy. The experience ends in an atrium where you can retrieve your photos, sip a drink at the Gold Bar, shop exclusive merch (yes, including a “shantay” fan) and attempt a Best Friend Race-style scavenger hunt. During its run, Drag Race: The Experience will host screenings and premiere parties across the Drag Race universe. The space is also rentable for private events, which may be when it t

In Peter Shaffer’s Amadeus, genius is not just a blessing: It’s a declaration of war. Composer Antonio Salieri sees himself as one of its principal casualties. Once the darling of the 18th-century Viennese court, he watches in mounting horror as “the creature”—his term for the rising musical prodigy Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart—launches an artistic takeover that endangers not just Salieri’s career but his very conception of himself. The scaffolding of his principles collapses beneath his suspicion that God has chosen someone else above him, and his devotion rots into destruction. Amadeus | Photograph: Courtesy Michael Brosilow Salieri never leaves the stage. Recounting his venomous rivalry from the safety of his deathbed, he is both Amadeus’s antagonist and its narrator, and his voice is the lens that refracts the entire story. Once he had offered his life in monastic devotion to music and to God; now he confesses how swiftly he turned away from both when Mozart revealed what true genius sounds like. In a lesser actor’s hands the role might wear thin, but Ian Barford, seasoned in Steppenwolf cynics since 2017’s Linda Vista, is magnetic. Salieri insists on being the omniscient puppeteer behind Mozart’s downfall, yet the audience can’t quite believe him. His envy is so vast it becomes its own orbiting body, circling a sun named Mozart. That sun is played by David Darrow, whose Mozart radiates an irresistible, maddening charm. Darrow leans into the character’s impish, sophomoric hum

At Time Out, we constantly refresh our rankings to ensure we’re championing the very best that Chicago has to offer—not just clinging to outdated favorites. This month, we revisited our guide to the city’s top 30 bookstores and felt compelled to shake things up. Along with adding some new bookstores that are keeping the literary scene alive and well, we also reshuffled the rankings to reflect some recent developments and the simple fact that cities, like reading habits, are constantly changing. As a result of our latest reporting, Pilsen Community Books has officially claimed the number one spot as the best bookstore in Chicago. RECOMMENDED: The best literary and poetry readings in Chicago Photograph: Jaclyn RivasPilsen Community Books As Chicago’s first employee-owned bookstore, Pilsen Community Books welcomes visitors with floor-to-ceiling shelves spanning every genre imaginable. True to its name, the shop prioritizes community through its dual subscription programs, regular events and “Pilsen Reads”—a local youth literacy initiative. And while the store is an ideal sanctuary for in-person browsing, its expertly curated website brings that same sense of discovery into your home. In determining our rankings, we weighed selection and ambiance against a more elusive metric: “community impact.” To put it simply, this is a place that stays with you long after you leave. Pilsen Community Books embodies the true Chicago spirit—earnest without being precious, opinionated without

As the ornaments come down and pine needles make their annual bid for independence, Chicagoans face the ultimate post-holiday question: What should I do with this tree? Whether you’re a pro-recycler or a first-timer, the city has a plan. While you could leave your tree in the alley for the garbage crew to find eventually, there’s a much more environmentally friendly way to bid farewell to the holiday season. The city has announced details of its 2026 Christmas tree recycling program, which collects trees for composting from January 3–17, 2026, in parks across the city. Before you lug your tree to a recycling site, you'll need to ensure that it's stripped of any ornaments, tinsel, lights or other decorations—only bare trees are accepted for recycling. You'll be able to drop off your tree whenever participating parks are open to the public (check the Chicago Park District website for hours). RECOMMENDED: The most festive holiday restaurants in America Once collected, the trees are converted into mulch, which Chicagoans can pick up for free on a first come, first served basis. Residents can snag a bag at six specific locations: North Park Village, Warren Park, Margate Park, Lincoln Park, Mt. Greenwood Park and the Forestry Site. Below is the full list of parks where you can drop off your Christmas tree. Last year, Chicagoans recycled more than 22,000 trees—here’s to breaking that record this season! City of Chicago holiday tree recycling locations (alphabetical order):  Bess

Chicago’s art scene has never been accused of subtlety. One minute you’re contemplating Matisse’s cut-paper reveries, the next you’re comparing Pokémon fossils. It’s a city that believes more is more—and 2026 is shaping up to be no exception, with a slate of major exhibitions that span centuries, continents and emotional registers. Whether you’re a devoted art hound or someone who only remembers that museums exist when the weather turns particularly cruel, there’s something for nearly every aesthetic inclination in the year ahead. These are the 10 Chicago art exhibitions we’re already making plans to visit in 2026. RECOMMENDED: 11 things to look forward to in Chicago in 2026 Henri Matisse, Printed by Edmond Vairel, Published by Tériade for Éditions Verve. Horse, Rider, and Clown from Jazz, 1947. Simeon B. Williams Fund. © 2025 Succession H. Matisse / Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York. Matisse’s Jazz: Rhythms in ColorThe Art Institute of Chicago, Mar 7–Jun 1, 2026 Bedridden and unable to paint in the 1940s, famed French artist Henri Matisse turned to a new, more accessible medium: cut paper. Drawing from memories of circuses, world travel, folktales and Parisian music halls, he created a series of 20 maquettes that will be on view. In 1947, these vibrant compositions were reproduced using pochoir (stencil) techniques and paired with Matisse’s own writing to create the unbound book Jazz. This exhibition marks the first time Matisse’s Jazz will be shown in its entirety si

As 2025 winds down, it’s only natural to start peering into the future, preferably with a calendar in one hand and a mild sense of optimism in the other. Chicago, never a city to sit idle, has a full slate of big ideas queued up for the year ahead—from monumental civic projects to long-teased cultural openings that promise to give us something new to argue about, line up for or Instagram excessively. So don’t let the winter blues—or your group chat—convince you that nothing ever happens here. While delays can (and invariably do) happen, the next 12 months are shaping up to deliver plenty of bucket list–worthy moments. Without further ado, here are the things we’re most looking forward to in Chicago in 2026. RECOMMENDED: The best New Year’s Eve events and parties in Chicago to ring in 2026 Photograph: The Obama FoundationA rendering of the Obama Presidential Center. Celebrating the opening of the Obama Presidential Center Opening in June 2026, the Obama Presidential Center will redefine the concept of a presidential library. Rooted in President Obama’s history as a community organizer in Chicago, the Hyde Park campus is designed as a civic-minded hub focused on public engagement and future leadership. The sprawling complex will include a new Chicago Public Library branch, a community garden, a basketball court, a recording studio, classrooms and more. Reviving ancient Pokémon at the Field Museum Whether you’re parenting a pint-sized Pokémon devotee or a nostalgic millennial

Growing up in the northwest corner of Indiana—colloquially known as “The Region”—I learned early how to make the best of the Midwest’s frigid temperatures and blanketings of snow. One of the perks of a childhood spent in this sleepy pocket of the state was regular trips to Indiana Dunes National Park, which stretches across 15 miles of Lake Michigan shoreline. Known for its rolling sand knolls, expansive beaches and diverse flora, the park slips easily into winter wonderland mode by year’s end. Lucky for Chicagoans, the Indiana Dunes are remarkably easy to reach by car or train. It’s just a one-hour ride on the South Shore Line or a quick drive along I-90/94. With winter still firmly in residence, there’s no better time to climb snow-dusted dunes and snap photos of Chicago’s icy skyline from across a frozen Lake Michigan. RECOMMENDED: The 22 most epic Metra day trips from Chicago Photograph: Shannon Shreibak If you’re taking the South Shore Line, there are two prime ways to access the Indiana Dunes—one of which is the Miller Beach stop, stationed in a historic lakefront neighborhood in Gary, Indiana. The area offers plenty to explore, from the Japanese bridge at Patterson Island to the black oak-packed savannah of Miller Woods and a smattering of midcentury architecture. Literature lovers can hike the Nelson Algren & Simone de Beauvoir Trail, which begins just steps from the house where the two writers carried on their affair—and where Algren penned The Man with the Golden

Chicago is a literary city—though it doesn’t always get credit for it—and its many independent, locally owned bookstores have long been the backbone of a thriving bookish culture. Across the city, readers prioritize supporting Chicago shops, Black-owned businesses and indie bookstores that offer not just books, but spaces for representation, discovery and community. And during the holidays, there are few better places to put your money. If you’re squeezing in some last-minute gift shopping while hoping to support small businesses, Chicago’s bookstores are an easy—and thoughtful—solution. Read on for holiday gift guides and the best books of the year, curated by some of the city’s finest booksellers. RECOMMENDED: The best bookstores in Chicago View this post on Instagram A post shared by Pilsen Community Books (@pilsencommunitybooks) Pilsen Community Books Chicago's first employee-owned and operated independent bookstore as of 2020, Pilsen Community Books welcomes readers with wall-to-wall shelves of books spanning every genre. This year, the staff—understandably reflecting on a year marred by loss—has opted against a traditional holiday gift guide. Instead, they gathered favorite titles across thoughtful categories, including books that inspired hope, works by Chicago-based community organizers and selections spanning different eras and civic movements. Shop PCB's holiday gift catalog online here. Top picks: Perfect Victims: And the Politics of Appeal by M

Can you catch a pop fly while doing a cartwheel? How about turning a triple play by tossing a ball between your legs? If so, you might have what it takes to join the Chicago Snowballs, the city’s new coed entertainment baseball team in the vein of the Savannah Bananas. Based in Chicago, the Snowballs will tour throughout the Midwest, blending baseball with high-energy stunts à la the Harlem Globetrotters or, yes, the Bananas themselves. Chicago is building on the momentum of the Savannah Bananas, the wildly popular barnstorming sportstainment team known for its offbeat mix of baseball and over-the-top physical antics. The Bananas sold out Rate Field last summer and are set to take over Wrigley Field for three nights in July 2026. However, it is important to note that the Chicago Snowballs have no affiliation with the MLB or the Banana Ball Championship League founded by the Savannah Bananas. Now, the Snowballs are looking to assemble their own roster. Billing themselves as “America’s Most Playful Ball Club,” the team is hosting open tryouts January 5 to 8 at the Rosemont Dome, with callbacks scheduled for January 9. There’s even a referral bonus: Recommend someone the team ends up hiring, and you could walk away with $100 and four tickets to the May opener. The Snowballs aren’t strictly seeking athletic talent: The team is welcoming players of all abilities. “We’re not looking for typical baseball players to try out—we want multi-talented athletes with other skills. The s

All eras—even Taylor Swift’s—must eventually come to an end. The viral “Swiftmas” Christmas House, located at 1228 Atlas Lane in Naperville, will make its final appearance this holiday season, closing out a three-year run that turned a quiet suburban street into something between a pilgrimage site and a very cheerful case study in suburban enthusiasm. Two years ago, Naperville resident Amy Scott conceived the Taylor Swift–themed display after watching Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour documentary with friends—a viewing that, for some people, inspires awe, and for others apparently inspires architectural ambition. Her family proved fully on board. Scott and her husband, Brian, co-own a printing business, which meant the household had both the requisite enthusiasm and the industrial capacity to produce bespoke signs, lyric installations, album art recreations and even a full-scale Lover house. What began as a festive experiment soon became an annual production. This year marks the third—and final—installment of Swiftmas. RECOMMENDED: The 17 best Christmas vacations in the U.S. for a festive getaway @tswifthouse Thanks for everyone who has come to see the lights! 💗💗 #christmaslights #taylorswift #swiftie #traviskelce #swifttok ♬ Bejeweled - Taylor Swift Over the past two holiday seasons, the Scotts have paid tribute to seven of Swift’s albums, including Speak Now, Red, 1989 and Evermore in 2023, followed by Folklore, Reputation and The Tortured Poets Department in 2024. Along t

Drag Race: The Experience has sashayed into Chicago for a three-month stint. But does it bring the requisite charisma, uniqueness, nerve and talent? Well… yes and no. The RuPaul's Drag Race-themed attraction opened in Logan Square—inside a massive warehouse off Logan Boulevard and Western Avenue—on November 30 to mixed reactions. Some fans were thrilled to fling themselves into the world of glamazons and queens; others eyed it the way one eyes a suspiciously expensive cocktail—pretty, yes, but why does it cost that much? As for me, a lapsed fan longing to relive the glory days of seasons five and six (the Alyssa-Coco feud! Laganja Estranja’s “let’s get sickening”!!), I landed squarely in the realm of lukewarm. Produced by World of Wonder—the company behind Drag Race and the global DragCon conventions—the attraction casts visitors as the main character inside some of the show’s most iconic spaces. You can strut the Main Stage, snap a selfie in the Werk Room, film a confessional and flip through racks of costumes pulled straight from the runway. There’s never-before-seen footage playing across a glowing wall of retro TV screens, an abundance of photo ops and QR-guided prompts that politely boss you from room to room. Photograph: Shannon Shreibak To my surprise, the press tour I attended was nearly empty, which took some of the sparkle out of things; drag-themed activations, like queens themselves, are best appreciated with an audience. I checked in at a magenta desk shellacke

Lodged in the heart of Bridgeport, Palmisano Park is a 26.6-acre green space offering scenic overlooks, bird-watching opportunities and a lush wetland habitat that feels worlds away from the surrounding neighborhood. It’s a hidden gem in every season, but winter is when Palmisano truly shines—glimmering like a star atop a Christmas tree. When fresh powder blankets Chicago, the park’s 33-foot Mount Bridgeport transforms into a Christmas Vacation–worthy sledding hill, its rare elevation a welcome novelty in the famously flat landscape. Families gather at the base, pulling sleds behind them, their laughter echoing off the icy slopes. The park’s winding walking paths become snow-capped trails that guide visitors through a serene winter wonderland, where cattails poke through frozen marshes and the quarries, glazed in ice, look like something lifted from a holiday postcard. Even on the coldest days, you’ll spot bundled-up birders scanning the stark branches for winter residents, adding to the quiet magic that makes Palmisano Park feel like Chicago’s own secret snow globe. RECOMMENDED: The very best parks in Chicago Photograph: Shannon ShreibakPalmisano Park boasts one of few prime sledding hills in Chicago's notoriously flat landscape. Palmisano Park stands as one of Chicago’s most impressive transformation projects. The site—once known as Stearns Quarry—was acquired by the Chicago Park District in 2013, but its history stretches far deeper. Long before it became a city quarry,

Wrigleyville will play host to a very sweet debut next week: Chicago’s first-ever cookie market. The event is brought to life by Cookies for Kids’ Cancer, a nonprofit that raises funds for pediatric cancer research, and promises a fusion of holiday cheer and philanthropy. It’s the kind of sweet combination that feels festive, heartwarming and only slightly threatening to your waistband. On Sunday, December 14, Cookies for Kids’ Cancer will host the Chicago Cookie Market at the Christmas Club (3460 N Clark St). The event gathers 40 of the city’s top pastry chefs for a festive day of giving, featuring talent from national icons like Gale Gand and Mindy’s Bakery to local darlings Cafe Yaya and Loba Pastry. Guests will be able to taste-test confections and select two dozen hand-picked cookies to take home. “After participating in fundraisers supporting Cookies for Kids Cancer in NYC, I knew I needed to help expand their reach to my hometown Chicago,” Jenny McCoy, pastry chair of the event said. “It's not only a wonderful charity doing such great work, but one that pulls together my favorite community: professional and home bakers.” Proceeds from the event will benefit Cookies for Kids’ Cancer, a national nonprofit that supports over 40 leading pediatric oncology programs. Locally, this support includes the Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago and the University of Chicago Comprehensive Cancer Center. Specifically, the funds raised will help cover the enrollment co

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. RECOMMENDED: These are the best spots to see dazzling holiday Christmas lights in Chicago right now “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 adv