#Downtown chicago weather free

In the winter, the Chicago Pedway becomes its own destination, including shops and restaurants. It connects several businesses, including Macy’s, the Thompson Center, multiple CTA and Metra stations, and the Chicago Cultural Center. Downtown Chicago has this amazing underground tunnel system called the Pedway. Not only will it keep you from getting the cold (or something worse) from that person next to you in line for gluhwein, masks also warm your face. If you’re going somewhere fancy, either valet or change shoes when you get to your destination. They do a good job of keeping both clear, especially downtown, but you don’t want to take a chance by wearing those oh-so-cute shoes that have no tread. Snow and ice mean slickery sidewalks and streets. Pick footwear that you can easily clean or you don’t care about getting dirty. Snow and ice means salt, and salt does a number on shoes. Wear a scarf, a hat, and gloves.Ĭomfy boots that you don’t mind getting dirty. Did I mention layers? Cold weather is easy to handle, as long as you dress for it, and if you’re touring Chicago in winter, layers are key.Ĭover everything. Here are some top tips for visiting Chicago in winter. With an average temperature of 26.4 degrees and the dreaded wind chill making it feel even colder, visiting Chicago in winter requires a little more preparation, and lots and lots of layers. The winter months may be magical in Chicago, but that doesn’t mean you can simply show up like you can during the summer. Everybody wins! Tips for Visiting Chicago in Winter It’s at no extra cost to you and helps keep TLT free. There may be affiliate links in this post, which means we may get a small commission. Get your Garden Fix at Garfield Park Conservatory.Visit Chicago’s World Class Museums in Winter.Celebrate the Holiday Spirit with Scrooge and Co.Get festive at Navy Pier Light up the Lake.Commune with Nature at Chicago Botanic Garden.

Find your inner German at Christkindlmarket Chicago.

Celebrate the Magnificent Mile Lights Festival.

Watch the Chicago Holiday Tree Lighting.

#Downtown chicago weather free

There’s even a real, live holiday evergreen tree culled from a local’s land that towers over Michigan Avenue.įrom an authentic German market to an indoor winter wonderland, to free days at the city’s world class museums, Chicago’s a cold-weather destination that will warm your heart.īundle up and see why you’ll want to explore Chicago in winter. The city unfurls all its finery, with decorated storefronts, streets draped with thousands and millions of lights, ice skating, and festivals. That wind can be brutal, stinging your face like an acupuncturist gone haywire.Ĭhicago winters are a magical time of the year. We’ll get a foot of snow in a day, and then when we think winter’s gone, she’ll come back for one last hurrah. We’ll go stretches of days, and sometimes weeks, without sight of the sun. Honestly? I think they doth protest too much.Īs a Chicago area resident since 2001, thirteen of those years in the Windy City itself, I can verify that the winter season in northern Illinois can be a bit testy. With frigid wind and freezing temps, locals frequently wonder why they live in a place where it hurts to breathe.