The holidays might be over, but things are still merry and bright at these winter rooftops. These seasonal spaces are the perfect place to cure your cabin fever with a healthy dose of the outdoors. Sip seasonal cocktails, roast marshmallows over the fire, or even work up a sweat with a curling match. Just make sure to get a reservation before the weather warms up.
Winter wonderland at I/O Godfrey
I|O Godfrey, the year-round rooftop bar atop The Godfrey, has launched its annual Winter Wonderland. The seasonal space features their popular heated igloos, where guests can warm up with a table service experience while enjoying sweeping city views. Outside the domes, guests can roast s’mores over the firepits, order from a menu of wintery craft cocktails, and get cozy with plush blankets and robes. Seasonal drink options include the Snowflake Sangria and hot drinks like the Godfrey Toddy. The wonderland will be open through the end of February. Reserve an igloo online.
Curling at The Gwen
The Gwen has unveiled a new winter terrace on their fifth-floor rooftop, featuring an iceless curling rink and curling cabin. The outdoor space has been transformed into a wintery getaway, complete with a wood-paneled cabin featuring a porch with Adirondack chairs and swing seat for two. Inside, guests can get cozy in the cabin’s rustic living room with an electric fireplace. Outside, iceless curling lanes are ready to play. Curlers can order from an Alpine-inspired menu or try one of the large-format hot cocktails. Reservations for the curling rink are available via OpenTable.
The sky rink at The Peninsula Chicago
Glide across the ice four stories above Michigan Avenue at The Peninsula Chicago’s Sky Rink. The 2,100-square-foot rink, set up next to the hotel’s Shanghai Terrace restaurant, features views of the Magnificent Mile and surrounding cityscape. The Sky Rink’s outdoor menu features a selection of hot drinks and snacks including hot spiced cider, hot chocolate, and other treats. Suggested donation for the rink is $20 for adults, $10 for children and includes skate rentals. All proceeds will be donated to two Chicago children’s charities. The rink is open daily through the first week of March 2019, call ahead for availability: (312) 337-2888.
Curling at Whiskey Business
Bundle up and get your game on with the winter rooftop at Whiskey Business. The Wicker Park bar has decked out their 3,000-square-foot rooftop with three curling lanes, heated igloos, and a DIY hot chocolate bar. Curling lanes are available to rent by the hour for groups of two to eight; the igloos are also available hourly for groups of two to six. Reservations are available through March 2019.
