Chicago's winters boast a well-deserved reputation for being brutal. It's true that the wind chill can make a snowman cry but that doesn't mean you can't still enjoy the frozen beauty of the city. When Chicago weather hits above 35, consider heading out into the icy … [Read more...] about Free Things To Do During the Chicago Winter
outdoor
Free Polar Adventure Days
Explore the natural beauty of the winter season during the annual Polar Adventure Days on January 20, and February 17, 2024. Bundle up and enjoy chilly fun on the 300 acres of Big Marsh Park in the South Deering neighborhood. Connect with nature during a day of winter adventures from noon to … [Read more...] about Free Polar Adventure Days
Skate in the Clouds at Peninsula Sky Rink
Ice skating is a beloved Chicago winter tradition with rinks all over the city but one of the most scenic skating experiences is at The Peninsula Chicago's Sky Rink, perched above the Magnificent Mile with sparkling lights and pine trees. The rink is open through January 28, 2024. Ride up to … [Read more...] about Skate in the Clouds at Peninsula Sky Rink
St. Lucia Festival of Lights
Celebrate the beautiful Swedish tradition of St. Lucia Day at the Swedish American Museum in the Andersonville neighborhood. The annual candlelit procession down Clark Street will take place on December 13, 2023. Starting at sunset around 4:45 pm, specially selected St. Lucia girls" wearing long … [Read more...] about St. Lucia Festival of Lights
Jack Frost Fulton Market
Stroll under 100,000 holiday lights and dive into seasonal fun including holiday pop-up shops, ice skating and bumper cars at the Jack Frost Holiday Pop-Up at Fulton Market through December 31, 2023. Journey into the ultimate holiday adventure with a … [Read more...] about Jack Frost Fulton Market
Earlybird Discount Tickets at Holidaze Lincoln Park Zoo
Stroll around Lincoln Park Zoo under the glow of millions of lights while enjoying a live DJ during the annual Adults Night Out event, Holidaze, on December 14, 2023. Feel jolly as you dive into the spirit of the season with live ice carvings, pop-up bars and food carts, free rides on the … [Read more...] about Earlybird Discount Tickets at Holidaze Lincoln Park Zoo
Winterland at Gallagher Way
Dive into a quintessential Chicago holiday experience by skating around the iconic Wrigley Field as well as enjoying live music, holiday decor, classic holiday movies and more at Winterland at Gallagher Way, November 21, 2023, through January 7, 2024. Head to the … [Read more...] about Winterland at Gallagher Way
Maggie Daley Park Skating Ribbon
Whirl around the twirling ice skating ribbon at Maggie Daley Park for the ultimate winter season experience. The Maggie Daley Park Ice Skating Ribbon is open every day from November 17, 2023, through March 10, 2024. Roll around the whimsical ice skating ribbon for a more … [Read more...] about Maggie Daley Park Skating Ribbon
Tsukimi Chicago Moon Viewing Festival
Celebrate the harvest moon during the traditional Tsukimi Moon Viewing Festival at the Garden of the Phoenix in Jackson Park, on September 29, 2023. Sit in the beauty of the moonlight and enjoy music, tea ceremonies and poetry that honors the moon. Japanese Tsukimi festivals gather people … [Read more...] about Tsukimi Chicago Moon Viewing Festival
West Town Art Walk
Enjoy visual art, music, and fashion while browsing restaurants and shops along Chicago Avenue during the annual West Town Art Walk on September 29-30, 2023. The West Town neighborhood bubbles with color, food and art in all forms during this popular free event. The West Town … [Read more...] about West Town Art Walk
Free Kids Lunchabuild Adventure
The beloved children's lunch time meal, Lunchables, has been transformed into an interactive pop up game,the Lunchabuild Adventure, which will take over Millennium Park on August 10 -13, 2023. Kids can weave through a life-sized Lunchable that stands 10 feet tall and 34 feet wide. The Lunchabuild … [Read more...] about Free Kids Lunchabuild Adventure
Free Chicago Shakespeare in the Parks
Grab a blanket or chair, pack a picnic and head to parks all over the city for the beloved annual Chicago Shakespeare in the Parks. This year's pop-up events will mix popular music and interdisciplinary art with scenes and speeches from Shakespeare's plays that explore how we can all be heroes … [Read more...] about Free Chicago Shakespeare in the Parks