The holidays are a magical time in Chicago, full of festive decorations and exciting things to do. If you’re lucky, the snow will fall at the perfect time and make you feel like you’ve stepped into a winter wonderland. With the perfect atmosphere to get you in the holiday spirit, there are so many things you can do to celebrate. Here is our list of the best Chicago holiday activities in the City.

Watch a festive show

Chicago is home to a thriving theater industry, from Broadway shows to amateur productions. This December, there are many traditions and shows that the whole family can enjoy, including A Christmas Carol which has already received raving reviews from critics due to its outstanding cast.The Nutcracker is another holiday favorite, available to watch both as a play and as a ballet in the city. Lastly, Merry, Merry Chicago features the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and the Chicago Symphony Chorus performing fan-favorite carols. Elevate your Christmas music experience this year and add a breathtaking show to your yearly traditions.

Visit family-friendly Winterland

Winterland at Gallagher Way is a family-friendly program with interactive experiences. From November 18th to January 8th, holiday activities and programs are available for all ages. This year, many of the activities are free and take place at the iconic Wrigley Field.With visits to Santa’s workshop, carousel rides, sweet treats, and ice skating, you can come back for multiple weekends of fun. Whether your family is excited to sled or to sip hot cocoa by a warm fire, there is something for everyone. They even offer packages to rent the space out for parties, so that you can save yourself the hassle and focus on enjoying the company of your friends and family in this great venue.

Go ice skating

Ice skating is more fun when you have a beautiful scene surrounding you. Luckily, Chicago offers several opportunities to get on the ice outdoors. The most popular spot sits just below the iconic Cloud Gate sculpture, affectionately known as “the Bean.” During the holidays, there is even a huge Christmas tree overlooking the rink. Another option includes ice skating through Maggie Daley Park, which is nearby. There’s no better way to enjoy the scenery of the city on a winter day than by strapping on a pair of ice skates with your loved ones.

Check out holiday lights

Many people's favorite part of the season is the twinkling of bright, festive lights. Throughout the city, there are several different venues that offer opportunities for a magical experience. ZooLights is hosted by Lincoln Park Zoo and features special events such as shows and a New Years Eve party.If you want to stay warm, there is a drive through a light show at Wintrust Field in Schaumburg that features over 1 million synchronized lights. Light up the Lake at Parkway Bank is an entirely different experience, with interactive light displays and more activities nearby. With so many options, you can enjoy a different light show every weekend in December.

Shop until you drop

Chicago has a vibrant shopping scene, whether that be popular commercial shops on Magnificent Mile or small businesses who put individual care into each of their items. The most popular holiday store is Macys, with their Christmas window displays customized with a new theme each year. People travel from far and wide to see the store windows they’ve put together.Randolph Street Market features over 125 vendors sure to help you find something special. Similarly, Christkindlemarket is a holiday market, where vendors gather to provide an authentic experience. No matter what you’re searching for, you can find unique gifts for everyone on your list.

Plan your holiday fun

As the holidays draw near, you can make a plan for a month full of exciting activities. Whether you’re looking for date locations, family activities, or a night out with friends, you’ll be able to find the perfect attraction for you. Let the cold winter city warm your heart this season while you visit Chicago during the holidays.Need a place to stay when visiting Chicago? Book your reservation here.