By Angelina Anderson, biology major and honors student
As the fall semester comes to a close and the holiday season is upon us, there is a lot to do in and around the Chicagoland area, especially if you are staying in town for winter break. Whether you’re from Chicago or not, you can definitely find something new and interesting to do in the coming winter months.
I recently ventured out to the Christkindlmarket in Daley Plaza for some hot chocolate. Even though I am a Chicagoland native, this was my first time visiting this famous spot and I was fascinated to see all of the booths with different ornaments, decorations, and handmade items.
Other attractions in Chicago are the outdoor ice skating rinks located throughout the city and suburbs. Just two of my favorite rinks are the one in Maggie Daley Park on the ribbon walk way and the rink at McCormick Plaza. Whether you know how to skate or not, outdoor ice skating can be a blast. You can rent skates at many of these locations, too.
Another fantastic sight this time of year is Chicago’s Christmas tree lit up and decorated in Millennium Park. Each year a tree is picked to decorate Millennium Park and this year’s tree hails from Elgin, just west of Roosevelt’s Schaumburg Campus. And the Brookfield Zoo, Lincoln Park Zoo, and the Morton Arboretum are also known for their holiday decorations and fun.
Does the holiday season make you want to sing? Join in the fun at Caroling at Cloud Gate in Millennium Park. And finally, you can finish up the holiday festivities at Navy Pier’s Winter Wonder Market.
If you will be in the Chicagoland area for winter break, be sure to bundle up and try out some of Chicago’s winter holiday traditions and events!
For more information about winter events in and around Chicago, consult TimeOutChicago. (All photos courtesy of TimeOut Chicago.)