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Santa and young boy
Photo by Mike Arney from Unsplash
UIC | Life > Experiences

Winter Must-Dos in Chicago

Gaby Ward Student Contributor, University of Illinois - Chicago
This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at UIC chapter and does not reflect the views of Her Campus.

This weekend, the first snow hit Chicago. Whether you are ready or not, winter is coming. Despite my disdain for cold weather, I am excited to spend time in the cold exploring the winter wonderland that Chicago becomes. Here are my top bucket list experiences for this winter in the city

Tree lighting in Millennium Park 

Decorated Christmas tree
Elina Fairytale via Pexels

On November 21st, the City of Chicago is hosting its annual tree lighting ceremony. Festivities will begin at 5pm, and the actual ceremony will start at 6:25pm. The event will take place in Millennium Park, Near Michigan Ave. & Washington St. It is recommended to arrive early! 

Ice skating in Rosemont

My friend and I at the ice skating rink in Rosemont
Original photo by Gaby Ward

Last year, I went ice skating with my friend at the Rosemont outdoor rink. We went on a day that wasn’t ridiculously frigid.  Admission is free, but skate rentals are $8 if you don’t have your own. The rink fills up quickly, so I would recommend checking the hours and going earlier. 

There’s a good chance ice skating will make you ravenous. Luckily, Rosemont has a multitude of great options. The Sugar Factory is great for fun drinks, desserts, and full meals as well. The ambiance is super fun, and it’s very close to the rink. I would definitely recommend making a reservation in advance. 

 Small Cheval is another great food option. This burger joint channels the same famous burgers of the famous Chicago staple Au Cheval. If burgers and sweet treats aren’t your forte, the food scene is amazing in Rosemont, and I assure you that you will find something amazing without needing to do too much searching. 

The Music Box Theater

oscars ceremony academy awards
Photo by Christian Dionne from Wikipedia.org

For the 42nd year in a row, the Music Box Theater is hosting its Christmas double feature and sing-along. Santa greets the audience as they arrive to watch It’s a Wonderful Life and White Christmas. During the intermission, the audience sings Christmas carols. 

Zoo lights at Lincoln Park

The lights at Lincoln Park Zoo are another winter must-see. Purchasing tickets in advance is required, but range from $7 to $12. In comparison to some of the other light shows, this is a steal. On select nights, the zoo hosts cookie decorating, carolers, seasonal characters, and other events! There are plenty of food and treat options. 

With love,

Gaby Ward

Her Campus at UIC Editorial Team

Gaby Ward

UIC '27

Gaby Ward is a Junior psychology student at the University of Illinois-Chicago. Her passion for helping others inspired her study psychology. Gaby is a very active person. She played competitive softball in high school and for my first two years of college. Currently, she enjoys lifting weights and running. Outside of physical activities, you will find Gaby reading, spending time with loved ones, and exploring Chicago.