3-Day Romantic Christmas Holiday Itinerary in Chicago

Chicago, Illinois

3 days

Chicago downtown cityscape and Riverwalk
Ice skating at Millennium park ice rink
Chicago River During Christmas
N Michigan Ave at night. Downtown Chicago during Christmas
Chicago skyline at night during Christmas from Adler Planetarium

About Chicago, Illinois

Experience the vibrant city of Chicago, Illinois, a bustling metropolis known for its stunning architecture, rich history, and diverse culture. Marvel at the city's skyline from the Skydeck of Willis Tower, or stroll along the Magnificent Mile for a shopping spree. Explore the world-class museums like the Art Institute of Chicago and the Field Museum. Enjoy the city's culinary scene, from deep-dish pizza to fine dining. Visit Navy Pier for entertainment and Lake Michigan for a scenic view. Sports enthusiasts can catch a game at Wrigley Field, while music lovers can enjoy a show at the Chicago Theatre. Don't forget to visit Millennium Park and see the iconic Cloud Gate, also known as "The Bean". Chicago offers a unique blend of urban exploration and Midwestern hospitality that leaves every visitor captivated.

3-Day Itinerary

Day 1

Exploring Millennium Park and the Magnificent Mile

Morning

Start your day at the Millennium Park, where you can admire the famous Cloud Gate sculpture, also known as 'The Bean'. Enjoy the winter wonderland atmosphere and take a spin on the McCormick Tribune Ice Rink, a popular winter activity in Chicago.

Lunch

Enjoy a hearty lunch at a local restaurant in the Loop area, known for its diverse culinary scene.

Afternoon

Visit the Art Institute of Chicago, home to one of the best and largest collections of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist art in the world.

Dinner

Have dinner at a cozy restaurant in the Magnificent Mile area, known for its upscale dining options.

Evening

Experience the Christmas spirit at the Magnificent Mile Lights Festival, where you can see the city's famous avenue illuminated with more than one million lights.

Morning

Begin your day at the Navy Pier, where you can enjoy the Winter WonderFest, an indoor winter carnival with rides, giant slides, and holiday-themed activities.

Lunch

Have lunch at a restaurant in the Streeterville neighborhood, known for its vibrant food scene.

Afternoon

Visit the Museum of Science and Industry, where you can explore fascinating exhibits like the Christmas Around the World and Holidays of Light.

Dinner

Enjoy a romantic dinner at a restaurant in the Hyde Park area, known for its eclectic dining scene.

Evening

Experience the Lincoln Park ZooLights, a beloved holiday tradition featuring millions of twinkling lights, ice sculptures, and festive activities.

Morning

Start your day at the Chicago Botanic Garden, where you can enjoy the Wonderland Express, a miniature train that winds through a landscape of Chicago landmarks made of natural materials.

Lunch

Have lunch at a restaurant in the Glencoe area, known for its variety of dining options.

Afternoon

Visit the Field Museum, home to one of the largest and most respected collections of natural history in the world.

Dinner

Enjoy dinner at a restaurant in the South Loop area, known for its diverse culinary offerings.

Evening

End your trip with a visit to the Christkindlmarket, a German-inspired Christmas market where you can shop for unique gifts, savor traditional German food, and enjoy festive music.

Attractions in Itinerary (13)

Millennium Park

1
Millennium Park

Known for its iconic Cloud Gate sculpture, this 24.5-acre park also features the Crown Fountain and Pritzker Pavilion.

Parks
Attractions
Cultural Experiences
Cloud Gate

2
Cloud Gate

Also known as 'The Bean', Cloud Gate is a public sculpture in Millennium Park that has become one of Chicago's most recognizable landmarks.

Attractions
Landmarks
Artifacts
McCormick Tribune Ice Rink

3
McCormick Tribune Ice Rink

The McCormick Tribune Ice Rink is a seasonal attraction in Chicago's Millennium Park. It offers an opportunity for visitors to enjoy ice skating amidst the city's stunning skyline.

Attractions
Sports
Entertainment
Art Institute of Chicago

4
Art Institute of Chicago

One of the oldest and largest art museums in the United States, the Art Institute of Chicago is home to a collection that spans 5,000 years.

Museums
Cultural Experiences
Magnificent Mile Lights Festival

5
Magnificent Mile Lights Festival

The Magnificent Mile Lights Festival is an annual event that marks the official start of the holiday season in Chicago, featuring a grand illumination parade, fireworks, and live music.

Attractions
Entertainment
Navy Pier

A 3,300-foot-long pier on the Chicago shoreline of Lake Michigan, Navy Pier is home to a variety of attractions including a Ferris wheel, theater, and children's museum.

Attractions
Entertainment
Food and Drink

7
Winter WonderFest

Winter WonderFest is a seasonal indoor carnival held at Navy Pier in Chicago. It features a variety of rides, games, and holiday-themed decorations, making it a popular destination for families during the holiday season.

Attractions
Entertainment
Cultural Experiences
Museum of Science and Industry

8
Museum of Science and Industry

One of the largest science museums in the world, featuring a full-size replica coal mine, a German submarine captured during World War II, a 3,500-square-foot model railroad, and the Apollo 8 spacecraft.

Attractions
Museums
Cultural Experiences
Lincoln Park ZooLights

9
Lincoln Park ZooLights

Lincoln Park ZooLights is a holiday tradition in Chicago, featuring a spectacular display of lights throughout the zoo. It's a festive and family-friendly event that attracts visitors from all over the city and beyond.

Attractions
Entertainment
Cultural Experiences
Chicago Botanic Garden

10
Chicago Botanic Garden

A 385-acre living plant museum situated on nine islands, Chicago Botanic Garden features 27 display gardens and four natural areas.

Attractions
Parks
Gardens

11
Wonderland Express

The Wonderland Express is a holiday-themed miniature train exhibit at the Chicago Botanic Garden. It features model trains that wind through a miniature Chicago landscape, complete with iconic landmarks.

Attractions
Entertainment
Cultural Experiences
Field Museum

12
Field Museum

One of the largest natural history museums in the world, the Field Museum offers a wide range of exhibits from dinosaur skeletons to ancient artifacts.

Museums
Cultural Experiences
Architecture
Christkindlmarket

13
Christkindlmarket

The Christkindlmarket is a unique shopping experience, offering traditional German products like nutcrackers, cuckoo clocks, and beer steins, as well as international holiday gifts, ornaments, jewelry, and high-quality arts and crafts.

Cultural Experiences
Food and Drink
Shopping

Local Food and Drinks (12)

Deep-Dish Pizza

Deep-Dish Pizza

A Chicago classic, deep-dish pizza is a must-try. It's characterized by its thick, buttery crust, chunky tomato sauce, and generous layers of cheese. It's a staple in Chicago's culinary scene.

Italian Beef Sandwich

Italian Beef Sandwich

This sandwich is a Chicago original, featuring thinly sliced roast beef soaked in juices and served on an Italian-style roll. It can be ordered 'wet' (extra gravy) or 'dry'.

Chicago-Style Hot Dog

Chicago-Style Hot Dog

A Chicago-style hot dog is a steamed or boiled all-beef frankfurter on a poppy seed bun, topped with mustard, fresh tomatoes, onions, sport peppers, bright green relish, dill pickles, and a dash of celery salt.

Garrett Popcorn

Garrett Popcorn

A beloved snack in Chicago, Garrett Popcorn is known for its 'Garrett Mix', a blend of sweet caramel crisp and savory cheese popcorn.

Jibarito

Jibarito

A sandwich that originated in Chicago's Puerto Rican community, the Jibarito is made with flattened, fried green plantains instead of bread, and filled with meat, cheese, lettuce, and tomato.

Pierogi

Pierogi

A popular dish in Chicago's Polish community, Pierogi are dumplings filled with a variety of ingredients, such as potato, cheese, or sauerkraut.

Gyros

Gyros

A popular fast food in Chicago, Gyros are Greek sandwiches made with slices of rotisserie-cooked lamb, beef, or chicken, served on pita bread with tzatziki sauce.

Shrimp DeJonghe

Shrimp DeJonghe

A Chicago original, Shrimp DeJonghe is a casserole dish that features whole peeled shrimp blanketed in soft, garlicky, sherry-laced bread crumbs.

Paczki

Paczki

A traditional Polish pastry, Paczki are deep-fried pieces of dough filled with sweet filling and covered with powdered sugar or icing. They are especially popular in Chicago on Fat Tuesday.

Malört

Malört

A bitter liquor, Malört is a Chicago original. It's known for its strong, unique flavor that's often described as tasting like grapefruit and gasoline.

Chicago-Style Popcorn

Chicago-Style Popcorn

Another popular snack in Chicago, this popcorn is a mix of sweet caramel and savory cheese flavors, offering a unique and addictive taste experience.

Craft Beer

Craft Beer

Chicago has a thriving craft beer scene, with many local breweries producing a wide variety of unique and flavorful beers.

Best time to visit

The best time to visit Chicago, Illinois is from April through October. During these months, the city offers pleasant weather, making it perfect for sightseeing, outdoor activities, and festivals. However, if you're interested in less crowded attractions and cheaper accommodations, the shoulder seasons, which are April to June and September to October, would be ideal. The summer months, July and August, are the peak tourist season with numerous events and festivals taking place.

National holidays

Here you can find the national calendar of all public holidays for the year. These dates are subject to change as official changes are announced, so check back regularly for updates.

DateDayHoliday Name

January 1

Mon

New Year's Day

January 15

Mon

Martin Luther King Jr. Day

February 19

Mon

Presidents' Day

May 27

Mon

Memorial Day

June 19

Wed

Juneteenth

July 4

Thu

Independence Day

September 2

Mon

Labor Day

October 14

Mon

Columbus Day

November 11

Mon

Veterans Day

November 28

Thu

Thanksgiving Day

December 25

Wed

Christmas Day

Please note that during national and public holidays, opening hours for establishments, museums, etc. may vary. Don't forget to check in advance!

How to get around

The CTA operates the nation's second largest public transportation system. It includes a network of buses and trains that cover the city and 35 surrounding suburbs. The 'L' train system has eight rapid transit routes and consists of 145 stations.

Metra is a commuter rail system that serves the city of Chicago and its surrounding suburbs. It operates 11 lines and 242 stations, making it an efficient way to travel to and from the city's outskirts.

Pace provides bus services throughout the Chicago suburbs and complements the service provided by CTA and Metra. It operates 241 routes, including express, local, and feeder bus services.

Divvy is Chicago's bike sharing system with thousands of bikes available at hundreds of stations across the city. It's a fun, affordable and convenient way to get around, especially when the weather is nice.

Ridesharing services like Uber and Lyft are widely available in Chicago. These services provide convenient, on-demand transportation throughout the city and suburbs. They can be accessed through smartphone apps.

Taxis are plentiful in Chicago, especially in the downtown area. They can be hailed on the street, at taxi stands, or booked via phone or app.

Chicago's Water Taxi operates on the Chicago River and provides a unique mode of transportation. It's a great way to see the city's architecture and avoid traffic during rush hour.

While driving can be convenient, it can also be challenging due to traffic and expensive due to parking costs. There are numerous parking garages and metered parking spots throughout the city, but be aware of restrictions.

Chicago is a very walkable city, especially in the downtown area where attractions are close together. The city's grid system makes it easy to navigate.

Chicago is a bike-friendly city with many bike lanes and paths, including the 18.5-mile Lakefront Trail. You can bring your own bike or rent one from a bike-sharing service like Divvy.

Several companies offer shuttle services to and from Chicago's two major airports: O'Hare and Midway. These shuttles can be a cost-effective option for travelers.

While we strive for accuracy in our "How to get around" section, the information may not always be up-to-date or 100% accurate; we highly recommend cross-checking with local resources before your travel.

Important information

Currency$ USD

Time zoneUTC-5

Driving sideRight

Emergency phone911

Drinking waterYes

Power sockets

Power socket type APower socket type B

Voltage120 V

Things to know about Chicago, Illinois as a first time visitor

1

Chicago is located in the Central Time Zone.

2

The city is known for its unpredictable weather. Always check the forecast before your trip.

3

Chicago is a very walkable city, but it also has a comprehensive public transportation system, including buses and the 'L' train.

4

Tipping is customary in Chicago. It's standard to tip 15-20% at restaurants and for services.

5

The city is known for its food. Don't miss out on trying a Chicago-style hot dog or deep-dish pizza.

6

Sales tax in Chicago is 10.25%, one of the highest in the U.S.

7

Chicago is a city of neighborhoods, each with its own unique character and charm.

8

The city is located on Lake Michigan, which can make it feel colder due to the 'lake effect'.

9

Chicago is a sports-loving city, home to the Cubs, White Sox, Bulls, Bears, and Blackhawks.

10

The city is very bike-friendly, with numerous bike lanes and bike-sharing programs.

11

Chicago is known for its music scene, particularly blues and jazz.

12

The city has strict smoking laws. Smoking is banned in all indoor public places and within 15 feet of any entrance.

13

Chicago's O'Hare International Airport is one of the busiest airports in the world.

14

The city is known for its architecture. Consider taking an architectural tour.

15

Chicago has a high sales tax on bottled water, so consider bringing a reusable water bottle.

16

The city can get very cold in the winter, with temperatures often dropping below freezing (32°F/0°C).

17

Chicago's summers can be hot and humid, with temperatures often reaching into the 80s and 90s Fahrenheit (27-32°C).

18

The city is known for its vibrant arts scene, including theater, visual arts, and music.

19

Chicago is a diverse city with a rich history of immigration, which is reflected in its food, neighborhoods, and festivals.

20

The city has a reputation for being windy, hence its nickname 'The Windy City', but this is more due to its political history than its actual weather.

Packing List

  • Clothing

  • Underwear

  • Socks

  • T-shirts

  • Pants or jeans

  • Comfortable walking shoes

  • Sweater or jacket

  • Pajamas

  • Swimsuit (if planning to swim)

  • Hat and sunglasses

  • Scarf, gloves and warm hat (if winter)

  • Toiletries

  • Toothbrush and toothpaste

  • Shampoo and conditioner

  • Body wash or soap

  • Deodorant

  • Razor and shaving cream

  • Makeup and makeup remover

  • Hairbrush or comb

  • Prescription medications

  • First aid kit

  • Sunscreen (if summer)

  • Travel documents and essentials

  • Passport or ID

  • Boarding passes or e-tickets

  • Hotel reservation details

  • Travel insurance documents

  • Credit and debit cards

  • Cash

  • City map or guidebook

  • Electronics and gadgets

  • Phone and charger

  • Laptop and charger (if necessary)

  • Headphones

  • Camera and charger

  • Power bank

  • Adapters (if coming from a different country)

  • Miscellaneous items

  • Snacks for the journey

  • Travel pillow and blanket

  • Books or e-reader for entertainment

  • Reusable water bottle

  • Umbrella

  • Laundry bag

  • Ziplock bags for toiletries

Weather Conditions

Chicago, often referred to as the "Windy City", experiences a wide range of weather conditions throughout the year, so it's important to plan your visit accordingly. Spring (March to May) in Chicago can be unpredictable, with temperatures ranging from 40°F to 70°F (4°C to 21°C). It's a good idea to pack layers and a waterproof jacket as rain showers are common during this season. Summer (June to August) is typically warm and humid, with temperatures often reaching up to 85°F (29°C). However, it can occasionally get hotter, so don't forget your sunscreen, hats, and light clothing. Also, be aware that Chicago can experience severe thunderstorms during the summer months. Fall (September to November) is a beautiful time to visit Chicago as the leaves change color. Temperatures can vary greatly, from 70°F in September (21°C) to 40°F in November (4°C). A light jacket and umbrella are recommended as rain can be frequent. Winter (December to February) in Chicago can be quite harsh, with temperatures often dropping below freezing, sometimes as low as 20°F (-6°C). Snowfall is common and can be heavy, so pack warm clothing, including a winter coat, gloves, and a hat. Regardless of when you visit, keep in mind that Chicago's weather can change quickly. It's always a good idea to check the forecast before your trip and pack accordingly. Also, remember that the wind can make it feel colder than the actual temperature, especially near the lakefront. Finally, don't let the weather deter you from enjoying all that Chicago has to offer. There are plenty of indoor attractions like museums, art galleries, and restaurants to enjoy if the weather isn't cooperating.

MonthHi / Lo (°C)Weather Overview

January

1° / -9°

January is the coldest month in Chicago, with snow and freezing temperatures, so pack warm clothes.

February

3° / -7°

February is still quite cold with a chance of snow, but temperatures start to rise slightly.

March

9° / -3°

March sees the beginning of spring, with temperatures rising, but still expect some chilly days.

April

16° / 3°

April is a transitional month with temperatures ranging from chilly to mild, and occasional rain showers.

May

21° / 8°

May is the start of the warm season, with pleasant temperatures and more sunny days.

June

26° / 13°

June is a great month to visit Chicago, with warm temperatures and plenty of sunshine.

July

29° / 16°

July is the hottest month in Chicago, with high humidity and plenty of sunshine.

August

28° / 15°

August is still quite hot, but temperatures start to cool down towards the end of the month.

September

23° / 11°

September is a pleasant month with mild temperatures, perfect for outdoor activities.

October

17° / 5°

October sees the arrival of fall, with cooler temperatures and beautiful fall foliage.

November

10° / -1°

November is a transitional month with temperatures dropping and the first signs of winter.

December

4° / -6°

December is a cold month with a high chance of snow, so pack warm clothes if you plan to visit.

Did you know?

Did you know that Chicago is known as 'The Windy City' not because of its weather, but because of its long history of politicians who were full of hot air?

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