It’s an incredible time to be a Chicago sports fan.

Temperatures may be dropping, but the city’s iconic sports teams are heating up, from the final stretch of football season to basketball and hockey in full swing.

Come cheer on the Chicago Bears, Chicago Bulls, and Chicago Blackhawks. Plus, check out unique sports experiences like stadium tours and an interactive sports museum.

If you’re looking to get in on the action this winter, check out this bucket list for sports fans in the country’s Best Big City.

Top sports events in Chicago this winter

  • Celebrate 100 years of the Chicago Blackhawks at the Centennial Game against one of their Original Six rivals, the Toronto Maple Leafs. (Nov. 17)
  • The Chicago Bulls face off against the reigning champs, the New York Knicks, in a nationally televised matchup at the United Center. (Dec. 1)
  • Spend Christmas Day at Soldier Field as the Chicago Bears host their longtime rivals, the Green Bay Packers. (Dec. 25)
  • Ring in the new year with a Blackhawks day game against the Boston Bruins. (Jan. 1)

Cheer on the Chicago Bears

Soldier Field from above with the Chicago skyline
Soldier Field

The Chicago Bears are bringing the energy to the lakefront this winter. After last year’s electric season, fans are eagerly anticipating every home game this season, including Christmas Day against the Green Bay Packers.

If you’re heading to Soldier Field, bundle up and make sure to get there early to tailgate outside the stadium — fans will be out there no matter the weather. It’s a longtime tradition for Chicago Bears fans and the perfect way to kick off game day.

When the Bears are away, sports fans can still experience Soldier Field through stadium tours that include the south courtyard, visitors’ locker room and interview room, the skyline suite, colonnades, and the field.

Get tickets to an upcoming home game or cheer on the team at official Chicago Bears bars — though every bar in Chicago feels like a Bears bar on game day.

Chicago Bears home schedule

Catch the Chicago Bulls at the United Center

Benny the Bull celebrates with a large crowd of sports fans during a Chicago Bulls game.
Photo courtesy Chicago Bulls

The United Center is one of the most iconic sports venues in the world, home to one of the city’s most legendary teams: the Chicago Bulls.

The Bulls have a packed winter home schedule. Highlights include a nationally televised matchup against the reigning champion New York Knicks on Dec. 1 and a visit from the Los Angeles Lakers on Jan. 2.

While you’re there, be sure to snap a photo with the gravity-defying Michael Jordan statue inside the arena’s atrium.

Chicago Bulls home schedule

Find more Chicago Bulls home games.

Celebrate 100 years of the Chicago Blackhawks

United Center, aerial shot
The United Center from above

Hockey season is in full swing at the United Center, and the Chicago Blackhawks are celebrating a century on the ice.

On Nov. 17, the team hosts the Toronto Maple Leafs for the Centennial Game, marking 100 years since the franchise’s first NHL game.

The fun continues all winter long, with the annual Black Friday game against the New York Rangers (Nov. 27), a New Year’s Day matinee against the Boston Bruins (Jan. 1), and a Connor Bedard bobblehead giveaway when the Minnesota Wild come to town (Feb. 20).

Check out the full lineup of giveaways and theme nights before you go.

Chicago Blackhawks home schedule

Find more Chicago Blackhawks home games.

Check out the Chicago Sports Museum

A man shoots a basketball into a hoop at an exhibit at the Chicago Sports Museum.
Chicago Sports Museum

The Chicago Sports Museum is an essential stop for any Chicago sports fan — and a great way to warm up on a chilly day. Located on The Magnificent Mile, this interactive space is filled with game-used items, immersive exhibits, and virtual-reality experiences.

Guests are invited to test their vertical leap against Michael Jordan, try on the largest Super Bowl ring ever made, and see the city’s largest collection of 2016 Cubs World Series memorabilia.

Chicago South Side & Obama Presidential Center Shuttle

Afterward, grab a bite to eat at Harry Caray’s 7th Inning Stretch, which is covered with photographs from Harry Caray’s private collection and authentic sports memorabilia.

Tour historic Wrigley Field

The iconic marquee outside Wrigley Field
The iconic marquee outside Wrigley Field; photo by Matt Dirksen/Chicago Cubs

While baseball season might be over, sports fans can still step inside iconic Wrigley Field.

The historic stadium, the second-oldest in Major League Baseball, offers behind-the-scenes tours all year long. And the off-season is the best time to get a closer look.

Get a close-up look at the seating bowl, bleachers, outfield ivy, press box, visiting clubhouse, dugout, and field. It’s a bucket-list experience for all baseball fans.