Entertainment

5 Things To Do during Winter Break in Chicago

Kiara Harris, Staff Reporter • December 19, 2024

A lot of people go to downtown Chicago during Christmas because of It’s very pretty scenery!

There is always a lot to do in the city of Chicago, but the wintertime is an especially bustling time of year. A lot of families like to go downtown to see the tree lighting and walk around downtown while stopping to partake in some festive holiday activities. There’s a lot of tourists who come around the month of December because of the versatile holiday activities going on in Chicago. So if you’re someone who likes Christmas time, here are 5 things you can do with family and friends this Winter Break in Chicago!

1. Go ice skating

There are a lot of people who like to ice skate during the winter months. You could be one of them!

The first thing you can do is go to Millennium Park’s ice rink to skate. It’s very fun and a lot of people go. Ice skating is something that you can do with family and friends. If you would like to go ice skating this year but don’t know how to, the rink offers a “Learn To Skate” lesson on Saturdays and Sundays from 9 am to 10 am, which is free. The rink offers hot chocolate, vanilla and mocha cappuccinos, soda, snacks, and candy! They are open from Nov 15 2024 – Feb 2, 2025. Admission is free but reservations are required. So if you’re planning on going, don’t forget to make a reservation and to take your winter coat; it’s cold outside!

2. See the Zoo Lights

This is the 30th anniversary of Lincoln Park Zoo Lights, a great way to celebrate the Christmas season!

Lincoln Park Zoo puts together a light show each year. A lot of kids love to see the lights and the animals that zookeepers are able to keep out in the cold. I go to see the Zoo Lights each year and it’s always so beautiful. Some other things people can look forward to at Lincoln Park Zoo are the ice sculptures, child-friendly activities, a 60-foot Ferris wheel, and more, all while enjoying a cup of hot chocolate. The Zoo also offers a sensory-friendly night for people who might not be able to handle all of the flashing lights so the blinking/moving lights are turned off and the music is turned down. They have the Zoo Lights from Nov 15, 2024 -Jan 5, 2025 and tickets cost $7-10 depending on the day you go. This is something fun you can do over the weekend with your friends or younger siblings.

3. See the Nutcracker

The Nutcracker is a very beautiful play. Seeing the Nutcracker is a favorite holiday tradition for many.

If you’re someone who likes plays/musicals, The Nutcracker is definitely something you should see. If you didn’t already know, The Nutcracker is about a girl named Marie and her mother that partake in a festive celebration. There, they encounter a surprise visit from the mysterious Great Impresario. You can see this lovely play this Christmas season at the Lyric Opera House. The first show is Dec 6 – 28. The play is 2 hours long and tickets range from $40 – $214 depending on where you would like to sit.

4. See Chicago’s famous Christmas tree

Christmas tree lighting at Millennium Park. Hundreds of people go downtown to see the lighting each year.

The Christmas tree lighting in downtown Chicago is a very big tradition. A lot of people go downtown to see the tree light up. This is completely free, and it’s so fun and magical to see. The tree was lit on Friday, Nov 22 at 6 p.m., and it will stay illuminated until Jan 8, 2025. The ceremony includes live music and fireworks. While you’re there, you can go ice skating or have hot chocolate! If this is something you’re interested in, it’s definitely worth going downtown to see!

5. Ride the Holiday Train

This is the CTA Holiday Train. It’s something a lot of people come to see each year.

The Holiday Train is Chicago’s most unique and beloved holiday tradition. This is the 33rd year anniversary of the Holiday Train running. The Train began on the Blue Line in 1992 when a “Season’s Greetings from the CTA” sign was placed on the front of an out-of-service train used to deliver food to various charities. The Train opened Nov 29th, and the last day for the Train is Dec 23, 2024. Admission is $5 but for children under 7 it is free. You can also take pictures and meet Santa!

Conclusion

Although Christmas is still a week away, we can kick off the holiday season early with these 5 different things to do in Downtown Chicago. I personally think these are the best, most festive things to do during the winter season. If you like one of these five options, you could even make it a holiday tradition with family and/or friends for years to come.

Works Cited

Donate to The Tiger

Your donation will support the student journalists of Elmwood Park High School. Your contribution will allow us to purchase equipment and cover our annual website hosting costs.

About the Contributor

Kiara Harris, Staff Reporter

Hi! My name is Kiara Harris. I am a freshman at Elmwood Park High School. Outside of school, I love to play volleyball and spend time with my family and friends. My goals for the future are to excel academically in school and go to college to be a licensed professional clinical counselor.