There has always been this huge debate on summer being better than winter because, during the winter, you are stuck at home. But there are many activities you can do during the wintertime, especially during the holidays. Here are just some of the activities you can do during the winter season.
Go Sledding
Sledding is a very fun activity to partake in. There are three hills near Elmwood Park that I recommend. The first one is the Humboldt Park Sledding Hill. Sledding is free if you bring your own sleds. If you need to rent one from the park, it will come to about $10-$25 dollars for a day pass. The second location I recommend is Mt. Trashmore, which is located in Evanston. These hills are more family friendly and are a good place to bring kids or first time sledders. It is free, but you do have to bring your own sleds!
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Go Ice Skating
The next activity is ice skating. There are many beautiful rinks around the Chicagoland area that would be a great hangout for not only you and some friends but also family. One of the spots I recommend for ice skating is the Millennium Park ice rink, which opened to the public on November 21st! This park does require you to book a reservation two weeks in advance to make sure it is not too over crowded so that you’re able to have a better experience overall. To enter the actual park, it is free, and you are also welcome to bring your own skates! But, if you need skates, renting a pair will be around $20. Another option, the Maggie Daley Park, is also in the city. It has great views but also requires a reservation. However, here, you can go the same day that you make the reservation. There is a fee of about $21 dollars per person, but the cost is cheaper if you go earlier in the day! It has great views, but it is also a little more challenging for starting skating as the rink is in an “S” shape.
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Build a Gingerbread House
Another activity that can include many people is building gingerbread houses! It is not only fun for teenagers but also for younger children. The price can range from $10-$40, depending on what brand you buy, but it is a very affordable activity. You can even have a little competition and see who builds the best gingerbred house in under 15 minutes! This builds suspense and adds a little pressure to the activity! You can also be a little bit more creative and make different designs outside of a just house; for example, Target has stores and vehicles that you can make. If you want to get more creative, you can always make your own gingerbread house with a recipe of your choice! Here is a link to help you get started: https://sugarspunrun.com/gingerbread-house-recipe/ !
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Visit the Christkindlmarket
Another fun activity is going to the Christkindlmarket!
This is something fun to do with your friends and/or with your family. Here, you can enjoy a nice warm drink, like hot chocolate, in the cold weather. If you get hot chocolate from the Christkindlmarket, you can also get a collectible mug, which is anywhere from $10-$15. Some other popular items you can get include German food, sweets, handmade gifts, and holiday decor. At the Chirstkindlmarket on Sunday, December 14, the Haus of Krampus will take place. This is a one day event that will include an immersive celebration of folklore, festive flavors, and a touch of mischief! General admission is $35 per person, but you must be 18+ or go with a guardian to attend!
Thank you for reading, and I hope that you find some holiday joy in these activities over the winter break! See you next time!
Citations
https://sugarspunrun.com/gingerbread-house-recipe/
https://www,christkindlmarket.com
https://www.humboldtparkmilwaukee.org/park-amenities/
https://loopchicago.com/listings/mccormick-tribune-ice-rink-at-millennium-park
https://maggiedaleypark.com/things-to-do-see/skating-ribbon/
