Explore Chicago During Your Visit
Dates: December 15–17, 2025
Venue: Hancock Building (875 N. Michigan Avenue)
Here are suggestions for festive, cultural, and seasonal experiences for your downtime during the conference. Winter in Chicago can be cold, so plan for layering and allow for indoor options.
✅ Onsite & Very Near
360 CHICAGO Observation Deck / TILT
Right in your building, the 360 CHICAGO deck on the 94th floor offers sweeping panoramic views of the city and Lake Michigan. Go Chicago+2Choose Chicago+2
TILT is a thrilling experience where a section of the viewing windows tilt outward, giving a dramatic downward view. Go Chicago+2Loop Chicago+2
A visit here is very convenient, especially if you want a shorter option between sessions.
Walking along the Magnificent Mile / Michigan Avenue
Stroll Michigan Avenue, with its shops, lights, and holiday decorations. The Hancock building places you in the heart of this area, so exploring on foot is very doable.
❄️ Seasonal & Holiday Highlights
Christkindlmarket (Daley Plaza & Wrigleyville locations)
This German-style holiday market is a beloved Chicago tradition. Expect handcrafted gifts, holiday décor, glühwein (spiced wine), German food, and live entertainment. Christkindlmarket+4Christkindlmarket+4Everyday Wanderer+4
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The Daley Plaza location operates daily through December 24. Christkindlmarket+2Time Out Worldwide+2
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There’s also a Wrigleyville outpost open through the end of the year. Secret Chicago+3Time Out Worldwide+3Christkindlmarket+3
Ice Skating
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McCormick Tribune Ice Rink in Millennium Park is open mid‑November through mid‑March. Wikipedia+2Wikipedia+2
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Maggie Daley Park Skating Ribbon offers a winding skating path (rather than a traditional oval) and stays open through winter (weather permitting). Reservations are typically required. Time Out Worldwide+1
ZooLights at Lincoln Park Zoo
Each December, the Lincoln Park Zoo transforms into a light spectacle called ZooLights, featuring LED displays, light tunnels, and festive ambiance. Hellotickets+1
Morton Arboretum’s Illumination: Tree Lights
Head out to the Morton Arboretum (in the suburbs) for its winter light display—an approximately one-mile walking trail through illuminated trees and scenic landscapes. Secret Chicago
Holiday Exhibits & Museum Events
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Many Chicago museums host special seasonal exhibits, holiday-themed programming, and events in December. UrbanMatter
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The Chicago Botanic Garden often has Lightscape, a walk-through holiday light event. AP News
CTA Holiday Train
Ride the CTA “Holiday Train” on the El system, decorated festively with lights, garlands, and holiday decor. It runs during November–December. Wikipedia
🖼️ Cultural & Indoor Options
Iconic Museums
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The Art Institute of Chicago
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Museum of Science & Industry
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Field Museum
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Shedd Aquarium
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Adler Planetarium (often open late nights) Time Out Worldwide+1
Performing Arts
Check the schedules for the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Chicago Theatre, Goodman Theatre, or smaller venues. December often has holiday concerts, seasonal programming, or classical performances.
Historic & Architecture Tours
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Even in winter, architecture boat tours may run (weather permitting).
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Indoor architecture tours (walking or by bus) remain a good option.
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Consider the Chicago Architecture Center or guided walking tours of neighborhoods.
Local Cinema / Historic Theaters
Historic movie houses such as the Music Box Theatre screen classic films, repertory features, or holiday-themed showings. Wikipedia
Shopping & Local Markets
Explore boutiques and department stores along Michigan Avenue, State Street, and in neighborhoods like the Loop, River North, and Gold Coast. Combine shopping with festive window displays and holiday décor.
💡 Tips & Suggestions
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Dress warmly & in layers. December weather in Chicago can be frigid, windy, and snowy.
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Plan ahead for reservations. Ice skating sessions, museum events, and popular observatories may require booking in advance.
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Check event calendars. Some seasonal events are time-limited or have specific hours (especially holiday markets or lights).
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Allow for travel time. If venturing to suburbs (Morton Arboretum, Botanic Garden, etc.), account for transit or car travel time.
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Evening light displays are magical. The city takes on a special glow in the evening, so schedule time after dark to see holiday lights, window displays, and light exhibits.
