Are you planning to spend the holidays in Chicago? If so, you might want to know what you can do to make the season extra special as you take in the city.
On a normal day, there’s lots to see in Chicago already. But when you visit during Christmas, you’re in for some city-wide celebrations and festivities!
So, here are a few things to do for Christmas in Chicago that can make your stay even better.
Enjoy Light Displays
One of the best things about Christmas in Chicago is being able to enjoy a plethora of light displays. Almost every park you pass by is likely to have its own setup, making the city feel extra festive day and night.
What’s interesting about them is that they usually come in different themes. For example, the Brookfield Zoo offers a 600-foot-long tunnel of lights, while the Lincoln Park Zoo keeps them grooving to the music.
Check Out the Christmas Market
If you’ve never been to a Christmas market before, this is the perfect chance! You can think of it like the typical night market, where you can buy all sorts of goodies and food. The main difference is that it’s all holiday-themed.
The one you can find in Chicago specifically gives you an authentic German experience. You can come across lots of handmade crafts, from ornaments to knitted wear, and get a taste of traditional German treats and souvenirs.
Go Ice Skating
What better way to spend the winter than to go ice skating? Luckily, the holidays are the perfect season to enjoy this activity in Chicago, especially with all the parks that open their rinks.
You can stroll along different icy paths around the city, from public to private spaces. As for the skates, rentals are usually available but you can also bring your own!
Visit Museums
Even Chicago museums find a way to make the holidays better for everyone. When you visit them, you will be welcomed with large displays decorated in lots of ways.
One of the ones is the Griffin Museum of Science and Industry’s trees representing different holiday traditions around the world. Other museums also showcase their holiday spirit by adding ornaments and such across museum exhibits.
Catch Special Live Shows
Art is one of Chicago’s best assets – and that includes performance art! During the holidays, they host several life shows, from musicals to ballets and more.
You can take your time to go around the city and check out different theaters to see what they have in store for the day. It’s a fun way to go around the city while making sure you get a surprise at each stop.
Hop on the Holiday Train
A must-see when you visit Chicago on Christmas is the holiday train. This six-car train is adorned with lights and holiday scenes from the outside. Once you step inside, you get to meet elves who might even be handing out candy!
Not only is it a fun way to get festive, but it’s also a great way to see the city while keeping comfortable.
