Things to Do in Chicago This Winter

As soon as that first snowfall hits the ground, Chicagoans everywhere will be making plans to check their favorite seasonal activities off their Chicago winter bucket list. Well, as we always hope to do, we’ve compiled a list of things to do in Chicago this winter. Get ready to occupy your snowy days and nights with wreath-making workshops, group dance lessons, ice curling competitions, and more on our ultimate Chicago winter bucket list.

After all, ’tis the season.

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Brew with Chicago experts at Dusek’s Board & Beer

Dusek's
Photo Credit: Dusek’s

1227 W 18th Street

This four-week experiential beer course is an excellent thing to do in Chicago this winter with friends. This event brings the expert brewers at Goose Island Beer Co. (January 13th), Dovetail Brewery (January 20th), Marz Brewing (January 27th), and Scorched Earth (February 3rd) together to teach you their skilled ways. Tickets for this series are $79 and include all beer tastings and all four weekly sessions!

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Compete in curling at Kaiser Tiger

Kaiser Tiger Chicago
Photo Credit: Kaiser Tiger Chicago Instagram

1415 West Randolph Street

As winter rolls in, the bocce courts and corn hole boards at the West Loop’s Kaiser Tiger are switched out for a curling rink. Grab your friends, put your game face on, and give this winter sport a try for the sake of our Chicago winter bucket list.

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Go ice skating with your sweetheart in Millennium Park

Millennium Park
Photo Credit: Millennium Park Instagram

Michigan Avenue

Even though it might be the most traditional thing to do in Chicago during winter, it never gets old. Now through March 7, grab your loved one and step on the rink that overlooks one of the city’s best views. Admission to the rink is free, but skate rentals are $13 Monday through Thursday and $15 Friday through Sunday and on holidays.

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Treat that dry, winter skin at Scratch Goods’ Mask Bar

chicago winter bucket list
Photo Credit: Scratchgoods Instagram

1046 West Fulton Market

It’s no news to anyone that Chicago’s blistery cold and wind takes a toll on our skin; but no fear, we’ve got just the trick! Snag a seat at Scratch Goods’ Mask Bar and pamper your skin to its best self. Scratch Goods is a gem in Fulton Market and a brand known for their quality skincare and beauty products.

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Warm up your body with yoga at GOAT Yoga

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REPOST @foodguruchicago – I am obsessed with @goatclimbandcryo, a premier fitness and recovery studio in my hood of River North! Goat Climb and Cryo offers #cryotherapy, #cryoskin, #VersaClimber, infrared #sauna, NormaTec, IVs, and #goatyoga. 🐐 I’ve experienced a series of firsts at this studio, trying several things I’ve always wanted to do. This morning I enjoyed goat #yoga; goats are said to be therapeutic spirit animals. Research suggests petting these gentle, playful creatures and having them around you during a workout improves overall mood and health. Such a neat experience. Definitely more goat cuddling than working out. 😊 I loved how transformative my body felt after my cryotherapy session. Cryotherapy aides in pain relief, muscle healing, and metabolism. It’s estimated to burn 500-800 calories in three minutes using extremely low temperatures (-210 to -230 degrees Fahrenheit). It may sound intimidating, but time flies by with friendly staff keeping you distracted while you go through the process. While it takes multiple sessions to feel longer term impact, my body definitely felt intrigued even after one session. You also get the cutest fuzzy slippers to wear. 🐻 VersaClimber is a 30 minute total body workout that’s low impact and great for full body toning. The instructors are high energy and play upbeat tunes to keep you motivated. I definitely felt strong after my class. 💪 Goat Climb and Cryo is one of the most relaxing and welcoming studios I’ve been to. I love the open layout and urban vibes. I definitely recommend checking out all it has to offer! #GoatClimbAndCryo #FoodGuruChicago

A post shared by GOAT Climb & Cryo (@goatclimbandcryo) on

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300 W Ontario Street

Offering a range of yoga classes that bring real-life goats into the studio to practice along with you, GOAT Climb & Cryo is an entertaining and healthy thing to do in Chicago this winter season. They have a Goat Yoga class on January 25 at both 10 am and 11 am, so make sure to register online ASAP.

On top of these soothing classes, you can also indulge in cryotherapy (which is said to 500 – 800 calories in 3 minutes), their infrared sauna for detox and recovery, and other healing methods. Get yourself right this winter and head to GOAT Climb & Cryo.

Find your signature scent at Aroma Workshop

Aroma Workshop
Photo credit: Aroma Workshop Facebook

2050 North Halsted Street

Being outdoors in the winter is great and all, but at a certain point in this city especially, you have to head indoors. This space is perfect for doing just that, so grab your girls, a bottle of wine, and enjoy creating your own, affordable fragrance tailored exactly to your taste. Not to mention, this makes for an awesome gift.

Make a DIY wreath for your home at Flowers for Dreams

chicago winter bucket list
Photo Credit: Flowersfordream Instagram

1812 West Hubbard Street

Not only does Flowers for Dreams offer gorgeous, seasonal arrangements, they are also leading philanthropists and, in our opinion, role models for other local business owners. This winter, join them for a wreath-making workshop and head to their Insta account for an overload of floral beauty (and adorable dogs).

Enroll in a pie baking class at Bang Bang Pie & Biscuits

chicago winter bucket list
Photo Credit: Bang Bang Pie & Biscuits Instagram

2051 North California Avenue

Get a group together and enjoy a Bang Bang Pie & Biscuits private class, where you’ll learn to bake fun goodies while indulging on provided snacks. Classes are held on various days during the week, from 6 – 9 pm, and for groups up to 12. BYOB.

Dance your winter blues away at Duet Dance Studio

chicago winter bucket list
Photo Credit: Duet Dance Studio via Instagram

2412 West North Avenue, #201

This studio, located in Wicker Park, offers a weekly variety of private and group dance classes. Since no prior experience is required, this is a fun thing to do in Chicago during the winter season. The Duet Dance Studio offers tango, line dancing, salsa, waltz, fox trot, and more!

 

Any other events happening this winter that you feel should be on our list? Let us know below!

 

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