Is Chicago really cold in winter?

Chicago winters can get cold — but it doesn’t stop us from enjoying all the amazing things to do this season. Winters in Chicago bring picturesque snow, magical light displays, outdoor adventures, and unique holiday traditions. The average annual snowfall is approximately 37 inches (949 mm). Average daily highs are around 30 – 38°F (-1°C – 3°C).

Top Winter Activities in Chicago

Winter is one of the most magical times of the year in Chicago, when snow gives the city an added sparkle. Embrace the season and set off on a snow-dusted adventure with these top winter things to do in Chicago, from ice skating in the shadow of Cloud Gate (aka “The Bean”) to sipping cocktails on a cozy rooftop bar. Even after the holiday season winds down, you’ll find lots of reasons to love winter in Chicago.

Things to do in Chicago in winter

Top Chicago winter activities

A snowy Bean in Millennium Park in winter — Millennium Park in winter

Ice skating in downtown Chicago

Looking for the ultimate winter experience in Chicago? The iconic ice rink in Millennium Park is a bucket-list spot to take a spin on the ice. You’ll be surrounded by breathtaking winter views of downtown, including bustling Michigan Avenue, the surrounding skyline, and The Bean dusted in snow.

Nearby, strap on a pair of skates and glide through a winter wonderland along the curvy Skating Ribbon in Maggie Daley Park. The winding path, which is twice the length of a lap around a traditional skating rink, passes through the whimsical park and is surrounded by skyline views.

Skates are available to rent at both rinks. The Millennium Park rink is open from November through early February, weather permitting. The Maggie Daley Park Skating Ribbon is open November through early March.

In Hyde Park, head to a favorite Chicago neighborhood spot: the Midway Plaisance Ice Rink on the gothic University of Chicago campus. Fun fact: The rink stands on the exact spot where the first-ever Ferris wheel was erected for the 1893 World’s Fair.

And don’t miss the Sky Rink at The Peninsula, the only rooftop ice skating rink in the city, perched high above the hustle and bustle of Michigan Avenue.

Explore more: Check out more winter ice rinks around Chicago.

Winter rooftops

Stay warm while enjoying Chicago’s acclaimed bar and restaurant scene with cozy fire pits, toasty igloos, and more heated outdoor dining options this winter.

Unique spots like the I|O Godfrey in River North, The Kennedy in Wicker Park, and LH Rooftop on the Chicago River host seasonal pop-ups with festive decor, twinkling lights, and personal igloos that make you feel like you’re in an enchanted snow globe. Grab a reservation at these cozy winter rooftops.

Tip: These romantic rooftop bars also make for a great Valentine’s Day date in Chicago.

Outdoor curling

Head upstairs to the charming rooftop curling rink at The Gwen in River North. The hotel’s outdoor terrace bar features an iceless curling rink, where you can play this classic winter sport while enjoying seasonal cocktails like boozy hot chocolate. The rooftop terrace is also decked out with fire pits so you can cozy up between rounds.

In the West Loop neighborhood, Kaiser Tiger is known for its bustling beer garden with bocce courts in the summer, which transforms into outdoor curling rinks in the winter. The cold-weather beer garden features infrared heaters to keep you warm as you play, plus a full bar and warm cocktails inside the restaurant.

Winter boat cruises

Winter brings fun new ways to explore Chicago’s stunning waterfronts. On the Chicago River, rent a hot tub boat from Chicago Boat Company. These one-of-a-kind BYOB vessels fit six people and are a unique way to admire the city’s skyscraper-lined Riverwalk in the colder months. The company also rents heated and covered duffy boats.

@choosechicago Who’s ready to ride a HOT TUB down the Chicago River?! 🤩 You can now hop into an open-air hot tub boat from @Chicago Electric Boat Company along the Riverwalk this winter. 💦 Boats fit up to 6 people (age 13 minimum) and are BYOB! Tip: If hot tubs aren’t your thing, the company also offers heated Duffy boats. #ChicaGOandKNOW ♬ My Plea – Jack Stauber

For an unforgettable evening, check out the many dinner cruises on the Chicago River and Lake Michigan. These luxurious vessels offer elegant plated meals, live music and dancing, and breathtaking views of the sparkling Chicago skyline. Choose from elegant yachts on the lakefront or a unique glass-enclosed boat on the Chicago River.

Sledding, snowshoeing, and winter walking

Located on parkland surrounding historic Soldier Field (home of Chicago Bears football), the Soldier Field sledding hill features a 220-foot slope that’s popular with thrill-seeking sledders. And the panoramic view of Lake Michigan from the top can’t be beat.

Just outside Chicago, the Morton Arboretum offers a peaceful place for winter walks. Guests are welcome to bring their own cross-country skis or snowshoes to better explore the snow-covered grounds. Rentals are also available on site from January through March, weather dependent.

One of the best things about the chilly weather? When Lake Michigan freezes over and makes for some epic views. Head to the Lakefront Trail, open to pedestrians year-round, for an up-close look and a picture-perfect angle of the skyline.

Explore more: Find more things to do in Chicago all year round.

Museums and galleries

There’s no shortage of acclaimed cultural institutions in Chicago — and all of them are a great place to warm up during a chilly winter day.

A good place to start is the lakefront Museum Campus, home to iconic spots like the Field Museum, Adler Planetarium, and the Shedd Aquarium.

Also downtown, you’ll find the Art Institute of Chicago — one of the country’s oldest and largest art museums.

Head to Museum Campus South to explore the interactive Griffin Museum of Science and Industry. Or head out into the city’s neighborhoods to discover a treasure trove of cultural heritage museums, art galleries, and other hidden gems.

Winter theatre and performances

The exterior of the Cadillac Palace Theatre at night — Cadillac Palace Theatre

Winter is a great time to discover the city’s diverse theatre scene.

Check out what’s playing from Broadway in Chicago, which brings touring productions, hit musicals, and pre-Broadway premieres to Chicago’s historic downtown theatre district.

Or see an original production staged at the city’s many Tony Award-winning theatre companies, like the Steppenwolf Theatre, the Goodman Theatre, Court Theatre, and more. If you’re looking for something one of a kind, you’ll love the city’s many neighborhood theatres, known for cutting-edge works and up-and-coming talent.

Live sports

It may be cold outside, but Chicago’s sports teams are always bringing the heat. In the winter, sports fans can head to the iconic (and indoor) United Center to catch two legendary teams — the Chicago Bulls (NBA) and the Chicago Blackhawks (NHL).

On the lakefront, bundle up and watch the Chicago Bears (NFL) score some touchdowns at historic Soldier Field. The weather never slows down Bears fans, who will be tailgating in the parking lot before each game.

A historic zoo

Chicago’s free Lincoln Park Zoo is open for exploration 365 days a year. In the colder months, admire majestic polar bears, penguins, and snow monkeys as they play outside. Many of the animals move indoors during the winter, so warm up inside the animal houses, where you can watch penguins, gorillas, colorful birds, and more.

Indoor gardens

Get inside and warm up at one of Chicago’s indoor botanic gardens and conservatories. The Lincoln Park Conservatory is a free experience in historic Lincoln Park, with multiple rooms dedicated to exotic flora and flowers.

And don’t miss the historic Garfield Park Conservatory, one of the largest conservatories in the nation, occupying two acres of lush greenhouse space. Find more indoor gardens to explore in and around Chicago.