10 reasons to travel to Chicago this holiday season

Chicago is magical during the holiday season. There is no shortage of things to do and see. All you need is a nice warm coat, some hot chocolate and friends to enjoy this list.

1. Ice skating Nov – March

Chicago has no shortage of ice skating rinks during the winter months. You can ice skate by the famous Bean, at Lincoln Park Zoo, on the roof of the Peninsula and down the ribbon at Maggie Daley Park.

Great first skating season at the MDP Ribbon! See you next year! #chicago #MaggieDaleyPark #GrantParkConservancy #GrantPark #SkatingRibbon #mychicagopix #chicagoisbeautiful @choosechicago

A photo posted by Grant Park Conservancy (@grantparkconservancy) on Mar 8, 2015 at 4:05pm PDT

2. CTA Holiday Train Nov – Dec

What better way to bring holiday cheer to the CTA train then with a fully decked out Santa train?

Santa!! I know him!!

A video posted by Korri (@korriography) on Dec 6, 2013 at 2:26pm PST

3. Christmas Around the World Nov 19 – Jan 3

The Museum of Science and Industry highlights various cultural traditions from around the world through the decorating of 50 trees.

#tbt to last thanksgiving break with some of my favorites! Can’t wait to see them in a few weeks 💕

A photo posted by Hannah Rose Dominiak (@hannahwrotethis) on Oct 29, 2015 at 6:27am PDT

4. Christkindlemarket Nov 20 – Dec 24

Enjoy food, music and holiday fun at Christkindlemarket.

100 days until Christmas Eve! #christkindlmarket

A photo posted by Christkindlmarket (@christmaschi) on Sep 16, 2014 at 2:01pm PDT

5. Magnificent Mile Light Festival Nov 21

Bring the entire family for this full day of activities. From a tree-lighting parade to a rockin concert there is something everyone will enjoy.

#MagMileLightsFestival #Chicago

A photo posted by david_hurtadoc (@david_hurtadoc) on Nov 22, 2014 at 4:07pm PST

6. Tree Lighting Nov 24

The tree lightening ceremony is moving to Millennium Park this year and is sure to be beautiful with Chicago’s skyline as a backdrop.

Back to the market we go! #chriskindlmarket #Chicago #ChicagoTree #Christmaslights #Christmasspirit

A photo posted by Julia Samolczyk 😘 (@thechicagoplanner) on Dec 19, 2014 at 4:45pm PST

7. ZooLights Nov 27- Jan 3

The only way to make an already awesome zoo cooler is to decorate the entire thing with holiday lights.

Puff the magic dragon || #Chicago #LincolnPark #Zoo #LPZoo #LPZooLights #ChristmasLights #Reflection #OutdoorPhotography #PuffTheMagicDragon

A photo posted by @cshfoto on Dec 26, 2014 at 5:21pm PST

8. Winter WonderFest Dec 4- Jan 10

Chicago’s biggest indoor playground with 170,000 square feet of rides, ice skating and fun.

#GiantSnowman ⛄️

A photo posted by Julie Lovins (@julieklovins) on Jan 7, 2014 at 7:01pm PST

9. Chi-town Rising Dec 31

Celebrate NYE with a countdown, a star rising into the sky, epic fireworks, live music and so much more.

It’s happening, #Chicago! Get ready to ring in 2016 with the most #epic celebration this city has ever seen. #chitownrising 🎉

A photo posted by @chitownrising on Sep 17, 2015 at 3:12pm PDT

10. Don’t forget the great hotel deals.

Chicago hotels are known to have great hotel deals during the winter season. Take advantage of them and enjoy Chicago this holiday season.

And soon #chicago will be a #winterwonderland full of #christmaslights 🎄 and soft #snow 🌨❄️ This will be such a magical time for me as I’ll be experiencing winter through the eyes of my little nugget 👶🏻 😍 #chicagowinter #babysfirstchristmas

A photo posted by #Olga (@chnui) on Oct 28, 2015 at 11:39am PDT