Things to do in Chicago in December?

[gothamhunter]

removing comment

 

[Uppsala9496]

The museums are fantastic.

What do you find interesting? Lots of good restaurants, bars, pubs.
The sky ledge in Willis Tower is worth it in my opinion.
You can go to the top of the Hancock building and skip the observation deck and go to the restaurant one floor lower and get a beer. A bit cheaper and less crowded.
Michigan Ave shopping/sightseeing is a good time kill.

 

[Rakehellion]

Things to do in Chicago in December?

Freeze.

 

[smackababy]

Well, the best thing to do is: be fucking cold, because it will be cold. =(

There are some pretty good food places if you're into that. Kuma' Corner is pretty good as well as the Purple Pig. Both require you to get there early or face a huge wait though.

I'd try the pizza, but honestly, deep dish isn't good. If you're from the NYC area, prepare to not be wowed.

If you don't mind dropping some cash, the nightclubs are okay. Most require at least one bottle to get a table (and no wait in line), but it is generally worth it.

The museums are good, the Shedd Aquarium is nice, and the free zoo is okay.


Oh, and buy an unlimited CTA pass if you want to use public transit and save money. Parking is either extremely expensive or non existent in most places. The bus and subway system is extensive enough to get around with ease, and for the price of a single parking lot, you get 7 days of everything. http://www.transitchicago.com/travel_information/fares/unlimitedridecards.aspx has more information.

 

[Atomic Playboy]

Freezing to death has always been a popular choice.

 

[Markbnj]

Freezing to death has always been a popular choice.

This, but as an alternative you can huddle in a sheltered alcove.

 

[xeemzor]

As the title states, I'll be going to Chicago near the beginning of December and staying somewhere near the Millennium Park. Can any locals or other Chicago travelers give me some thoughts on things to do there?

Thanks in advance

Get out of the touristy areas and visit the neighborhoods where people actually live. Places like Second City, Green Mill, and Violet Hour are awesome.

Chicago is a huge place. Don't ask "What is there to do?" but instead ask "What do I want to do?"

 

[Fritzo]

Ha! We're going to be staying at the same place around the same time! Maybe I'll see you there

We go to shop down Michigan Ave. The city is especially Christmas-y that time of year, and they have a lot of unique stores and shops to browse around.

If course, I'm going to put a Giordano's pizza in m'belly too.

 

[manimal]

isnt that an andy garcia movie?



So much to check out in Chicago.

A late night drive listening to BTO on lakeshore drive into the underground offramp so you can wave to all the homeless people near the heater exits.



if your with a a lady take her to old town and eat outside!

 

[Blackjack200]

Who the hell goes to Chicago in December.

Oh wait, that's my niece's birthday :wub: I'll probably be there too...

...freezing my ass off

 

[blackdogdeek]

Bears vs Cowboys, Thursday 4 Dec at Soldier Field.

 

[xeemzor]

Ha! We're going to be staying at the same place around the same time! Maybe I'll see you there

We go to shop down Michigan Ave. The city is especially Christmas-y that time of year, and they have a lot of unique stores and shops to browse around.

If course, I'm going to put a Giordano's pizza in m'belly too.

Pequods is waaay better than Giordano's.

 

[smackababy]

Bears vs Cowboys, Thursday 4 Dec at Soldier Field.

Mad expensive, yo. At least, for nice tickets on the Cowboys side. =)

 

[blackdogdeek]

Mad expensive, yo. At least, for nice tickets on the Cowboys side. =)

Probably also ridiculously freezing but still an experience (assuming at least a slight interest in handegg).

 

[manimal]

Mad expensive, yo. At least, for nice tickets on the Cowboys side. =)

Im supposed to go but I am reconsidering it.

 

[Uppsala9496]

Keep an eye on stubhub. Season ticket holders should start listing them at break even pricing and then potentially lower if they don't feel like watching the mess that is da bears.

A Blackhawks game is always fun, but that is super expensive.

 

[Fritzo]

Pequods is waaay better than Giordano's.

Challenge accepted

(I could never live in Chicago. I would just go from restaurant to restaurant and eat 24/7. Some of the best food in the world there!)

 

[xeemzor]

Challenge accepted

(I could never live in Chicago. I would just go from restaurant to restaurant and eat 24/7. Some of the best food in the world there!)

I spent 4 months in Perrysburg/Toldeo for work and the restaurants there don't even come close. The selection is Chicago awesome AND cheap.

 

[manimal]

Challenge accepted

(I could never live in Chicago. I would just go from restaurant to restaurant and eat 24/7. Some of the best food in the world there!)

I thought that till I lived in Manhattan

 

[xeemzor]

I thought that till I lived in Manhattan

Manhattan is waaaaaay more expensive than Chicago.

 

[Bearmann]

Is the David Bowie exhibit still there? It was fun.

 

[unokitty]

As the title states, I'll be going to Chicago near the beginning of December and staying somewhere near the Millennium Park. Can any locals or other Chicago travelers give me some thoughts on things to do there?

Thanks in advance

You'll be near the Art Institute. Largest collection of Impressionist panting outside the Louvre. World Class museum -- if you're into that sort of thing.

You'll also be close to the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. Understand that they have some nice holiday programs if it fits into your schedule.

Also close will be two vertical shopping malls 900 North and Water Tower Place as well as NikeTown...

A little further away, but not far.
If you enjoy science or museums, you can't go wrong with the Planetarium or the Field Museum. Planetarium used to put on a special holiday sky show. Don't know if they do that anymore.

Oh, be sure to be prepared for the cold and the wind.

Best of luck,
Uno

 

[gothamhunter]

removing comment

 

[gothamhunter]

removing comment

 

[unokitty]

Thanks for all the responses so far.

We'll be at the Thompson, for exact location ideas. Will definitely be checking out the eatery around there. I heard Giordano's pizza from a few people so I might have to put that on the list.

The Willis Tower and the Signature Room 95th Floor Lounge are a couple things on my radar. Will be checking out the nightlife for sure; I heard rumors of some sort of underground bar tour thing?

There's also the museums nearby, as well as the Christmas lights at the zoo (are these any good?)

What about a vehicle? I have the option to either drive there, or I can take a greyhound to the airport and just cab everywhere. Or as smack said get the city pass.

Its up to you. But I generally take the L from the Airport.

But if you do get a car, be sure to check with your hotel about what parking will cost.

Uno