Winter Activities in Chicago

After the holidays, the cold, gray winter days seem even duller than usual. But there are still plenty of winter activities going on in Chicago after the presents have been opened and the ball has dropped. Family activities, winter-themed sightseeing and mini-vacation packages are just a few of the seasonal events in Chicago that will help you to relax and have fun despite the cold temperatures.

Mayor Daley's Holiday Sports Festival

Taking place from December 28^th to December 30^th, the mayor's Holiday Sports Festival is an athletic playland for kids of all ages. The Festival is located at McCormick Place in Halls A and B from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. all three days. Kids can play and exercise at a number of different interactive zones: football, climbing, golf, martial arts, tennis, badminton and skateboarding are just some of the sports featured with an interactive zone. Open basketball and volleyball courts will be set up, and a tot zone provides even the littlest kids with a place to play.

Along with these areas, there will be lectures and a fitness instruction section. Personal trainers will be on hand to inform visitors about nutrition and developing a personal fitness plan. Classes in kickboxing, yoga, Pilates and even salsa aerobics will be available as well. This festival is a great opportunity to let kids burn off energy while learning about health and fitness. Adults can benefit from the classes and information too, and admission is free. So if you're looking for a winter activity that will keep you and your family warmed up, visit the Holiday Sports Festival.

Millennium Park Ice Skating Rink

In 2001 "Skate on State" moved to Millennium Park, and the public skating rink is as popular as ever. It will be open until March 16, 2007, weather permitting. Admission is free but skate rental is $7. The rink is located on Michigan Avenue between Washington Street and Madison Street, just along the lakefront. It is open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. every day except January 1, 2007, when it will close at 8 p.m., and January 18, when it will close at 8:30 p.m. Ice skating in the heart of downtown Chicago is the perfect winter activity to help you enjoy the season and the city!

Light Nights on the Magnificent Mile

Christmas isn't the only time for lights and decorations in Chicago. From January 13 to March 3, 2007, Michigan Avenue will be bright and colorful thanks to art and fireworks. Illuminated sculptures by local artists will adorn locations throughout the Magnificent Mile with displays featuring different themes. A beach theme at 717 North, Harlequins at Play at 701 North, Winter Topiaries at 540 North, and a baseball theme at Harry Carey's restaurant at 425 North are just a few of the exhibits that will add vivacity to Michigan Avenue.

While you're enjoying the unique artistic displays, you can take advantage of the world-class dining, shopping and culture as well. Locations up and down the Magnificent Mile are offering specials to coincide with this winter sightseeing activity. Devon Seafood Grill, which is just around the corner from Michigan Avenue at 39 E. Chicago Avenue, will take $20 off a meal for two, and the Signature Room on the 96^th floor of the John Hancock building is providing a complimentary dessert. The Museum of Contemporary Art, located at 220 E. Chicago Avenue, is offering 2-for-1 admission prices, and the Millennium Knickerbocker Hotel has special room rates starting at $119 per night for visitors enjoying Light Nights.

In addition to the art and special deals, Light Nights will feature fireworks displays each Saturday at 6:30 p.m. The shows will take place at 410 N. Michigan over the Chicago River. Each weekend the show will revolve around a different theme, and they all will have musical accompaniment. So even though it may be cold, Light Nights on the Magnificent Mile offers plenty of indoor and outdoor entertainment showing off the best of Chicago's culture and attractions. This winter activity is truly a Chicago original.

Chicago Winter Delights

During January and February, hotels throughout the city are offering weekend vacation packages with Chicago-related themes. These packages include meals, performances and outings as well as hotel stays. Three immersion weekend packages feature jazz, opera and blues. Each package includes world-class performances in each genre along with events and meals at locations related to the theme. For example, the jazz weekend includes a show at the famous jazz club The Green Mill; the opera package takes visitors to a performance of "Così Fan Tutte" by the Lyric Opera and a tour of the Auditorium Theatre. Guests of the jazz immersion weekend will stay at the Amalfi Hotel January 26th-28th, the opera weekend takes place February 9th-11th with guest staying at the Sofitel Chicago Water Tower, and guests of the blues package will lodge at the Hotel Allegro February 16th-18th.

The regular packages showcase many of the characteristics that make Chicago a world-renowned city. Visitors can go on architecture tours, enjoy the amazing views from Chicago's skyscrapers, receive all-access passes to Macy's State Street store, or get tickets to all the city's museums. Check the Winter Delights website for more details because the packages are available through multiple hotels throughout the city on weekends in January and February. For area residents and visitors alike, these packages are a wonderful way to learn more about Chicago's rich culture and lively entertainment while getting a much-needed vacation during the cold months.

In short, there are plenty of winter activities in Chicago in 2006-2007. Don't be intimidated by the chilly temperatures; fun and unique events will be taking place indoors as well as out. Look for more details about all these activities on the websites listed additionally, and enjoy winter in Chicago!