What To Do When It Snows in Chicago

Let’s face it—Chicago’s winters can be pretty snowy. Yet the snow can actually be both beautiful to watch from inside and to play outdoors in, especially during the holiday season. That means, you should take full advantage of Chicago’s greatest snow-day activities and make some fond memories.

If you’re traveling to Chicago and it happens to snow, check these enjoyable activities off your list. You won’t regret those hours!

Grab a Hot Drink

Chicago has some delicious, toasty drinks that are festive for wintertime. Some lattes even have snowflake designs in the cup! There are plenty of hidden gem coffee shops, as well as more reputable chains that boast reliable, pristine coffee roasts and specialty beverages, all around Chicago. You can try Dark Matter Coffee, Intelligentsia, or La Colombe.

And if you’re looking for lunch or breakfast to pair, you can try the Albert, which offers delectable, warm beverages and a stocked menu. You will find the perfect winter menu with items like the roast chicken, great sides like pimento cheese with giardiniera and fresh sourdough and dessert offerings such as fresh cookies from the oven, and a big ole cinnamon roll. (Take note, menu items do change seasonally.)

Go Shopping

Let’s say the snow isn’t exactly light and fluffy, but more so wet or heavy. If so, an indoor activity is probably your go to. Yet don’t worry—that just means there’s a great opportunity to go shopping, especially if you’re still looking for holiday gifts.

Chicago has great boutiques in various neighborhoods, as well as department stores along State Street and the Magnificent Mile. A tip? If you’re looking for luxury items for a splurge, head to the Mag Mile on Michigan Avenue for designer retail.

Make Some Outdoor Memories

The snow is cooperating? Great! Get outdoors and stay active in the beautiful snow. You can take pictures in Millennium Park, such as a selfie with the Bean, or you can lace up your ice skates and go ice-skating. It’s a great wintertime activity that’s fun and burns some calories. (That means you definitely deserve some deep-dish pizza afterwards.)

You can also go to the Lincoln Park Zoo to see some animals on exhibit, like polar bears, and enjoy some wintertime treats and warm beverages. If you’re with kids, they’ll especially love this one.

Go to a Museum or Show

Chicago is known for its rich artistic culture, where there are great performances in theater, dance, and comedy, as well as museum exhibits featuring painting and photography. You can go to Broadway in Chicago or a small theater for a musical or play, and you can always book tickets to Second City for a comedy act.

If you’re looking to learn more about history and science, or take a deep dive into artwork, head to the Art Institute of Chicago, the Field Museum, or the Museum of Science and Industry. All three boast tremendous exhibits so check the calendar to see what’s currently available. You can also just go in for a tour to browse and see if something unexpected catches your eye.

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