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It’s understandable why summer gets all the attention here in Chicago with the rooftop get-togethers and music-and-food festivals. But, there’s no reason why we can’t have as much fun during the colder weather months.
While cruises in Chicago aren’t in season, there’s still so much you can do to turn this season into #WinterTimeCHI. Here’s a helpful list of things Chicago has to offer this winter.
Chicago is more than Michigan Avenue, Willis Tower, and the Buckingham Fountain. The city has a rich and illustrious history in the art world, a world-class museum campus, and Chicago architecture is well known as one of the most beautiful cities to see in person.
All throughout the winter months, the city puts on spectacular events that span every age group, every interest, and highlight every neighborhood.
From our Thanksgiving parade to our Magnificent Mile Lights Festival in November to C2E2 and Christkindlmarket, as well as the famed Ten Bars of Xmas Christmas Bar Crawl, Chicago provides entertainment for everyone.
Chicago’s foodie scene has grown tenfold over the past few years. No longer known for its hot dog alone, Chicago has struck a chord with BBQ and pizza fiends from all over the globe.
We may not yet rival Texas or Memphis in the BBQ scene, but we’re on their tails. With iconic spots such as Lem’s Bar-B-Q and Earl’s, and other modern hotspots like Smoque, Smoke Daddy, Lillie Q’s, and Green Street Smoked Meats, you can spend all winter getting heated up by some tantalizing, tasty grills.
If BBQ isn’t your style, you can stick with a longtime Chicago favorite: pizza. With longstanding favorites like Gino’s East, Lou Malnati’s, Pequod’s, and Burt’s Place, new pie-centric joints are opening up all around the city making a quick name for themselves.
Go on a pizza tour this winter, and check out places like Piece, Pizza Lobo, PB&J, Pazza Pizza, and Ruth’s Panmade Pizza. The pizza revolution in Chicago is in full swing.
You’ve probably seen all the views of the Chicago skyline, spent multiple weekends walking the Magnificent Mile, so why not take some time to visit the rest of Chicago.
Our beautiful city has 77 neighborhoods, all with their own story, background, and cultures. Chicago is made up of such diversity that you could spend the rest of your life learning about each and every one of these neighborhoods and still not see and learn it all.
From Norwood Park on the Far North Side to Hegewisch on the Far South Side, Humboldt Park to Portage Park, every neighborhood has its own sites and history to reveal, just waiting for you to discover it.
There’s so much to do in Chicago during the winter months. Go listen to some live music at City Winery or the Green Mill or laugh at some jokes at Second City or Zanie’s. Walk hand-in-hand, bundled together along the Chicago Riverwalk with a loved one, or take a heated turn on Navy Pier’s Centennial Wheel.
Whatever you choose to do this winter, just remember when the weather starts to turn warm again, we can’t wait to take you on one of our famous Chicago Lake Michigan boat rides and river tours here at Mercury Cruises.
Until then, stay warm and zip up for a chilly but cool #WinterTimeCHI.