Illinois is brimming with festive activities and unique experiences, promising to be the go-to destination for an unforgettable winter experience. Lean into the holiday season in December, partake in outdoor winter activities and meet the Bald Eagles of Illinois in January, and indulge in Chicago’s theatre scene and automotive heritage in February.

DECEMBER

There’s a storybook magic to Chicago in the winter. The city transforms into a winter wonderland where you can experience ice skate surrounded by the city’s iconic skyline and shop along the famed Magnificent Mile filled with festive window displays.

Lace up your skates at Maggie Daley Park for a unique winter experience across this winding, ice-covered path, with the city skyline as a backdrop.
Make sure to try a Chicago-style deep dish pizza at Lou Malnati’s, then visit Millennium Park for ice skating and to snap a selfie with the City of Chicago Christmas Tree.
Go sledding and snowshoeing on the parkland surrounding historic Soldier Field, home to the Chicago Bears.
Travel outside Chicago to take advantage of the states top winter attractions.

Villa Olivia Country Club Ski Area offers a public snow area with seven runs, quad chair lift and rope tows for snow tubing, skiing, and snowboarding. With holiday lighting, you can extend mountain time until 10pm.
Chestnut Mountain Resort is conveniently located near historic Galena. Nestled neatly amongst the hills overlooking the Mississippi, the resort features over 220 rolling acres and is home to nineteen ski and snowboarding trails and a seven-acre terrain park.
Head to The Forge: Lemont Quarries to ice skate under the twinkling lights and then warm up in a climate-controlled Forgefire globe, a cozy spot to dine on bratwurst, short rib, or other offerings on the rotating menu.
JANUARY

January is a great time for outdoor winter activities and Lake County, located about a one-hour drive from Chicago, boasts winter pursuits, stunning nature trails, local wineries and boutique shopping.

Warm up inside with a visit to local craft distilleries along the Lake County Libation Trail, featuring beer, wine and whiskey makers.
With more wintering American Bald Eagles than any state outside Alaska, Illinois delivers some of the best eagle watching in the country. Make it a getaway by adding on nearby attractions.

Quad Cities Bald Eagle Days Environmental Fair and Wildlife Art Show takes place January 5th to 7th in Rock Island, and boats more than 200 informative programs and exhibits over three days. This event is billed as the largest Bald Eagle event in the Midwest. Enjoy eagle viewing, live bird of prey shows, and the wildlife art show.
Celebrate the beginning of the eagle-watching season on January 7th at a free family-friendly event at Alton-Audubon Eagle Ice Festival.
Witness six pairs of eagles and their offspring on the 44-thousand-acre refuge at Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge in Marion.
Chicago Restaurant Week offers dining deals across the city of Chicago and surrounding suburbs with hundreds of restaurants featuring special prix fixe menus from January 19th to February 3rd. This is the perfect opportunity to experience Chicago’s rich, culinary diversity.

FEBRUARY

In February, the winter fun continues in Chicago with something to suit all interests.

Chicago Theatre Week runs from February 8th to 18th. Now in its 12th year, this highly anticipated event allows visitors to sample the extraordinary range of theatrical offerings throughout the Chicago area, and see iconic theatre shows, for $15 - $30.
The Chicago Auto Show, the largest auto show in the North America, takes place in Chicago February 10th to 19th. First staged in 1901, 2024 will be the 116th edition, boasting hundreds of different vehicles and numerous automotive accessories and auto-related exhibits, competition vehicles, project cars, antique and collector vehicles, and interactive exhibits. An ideal starting point for those embarking on a road trip along the iconic Mother Road on Illinois Route 66.