December in Chicago



About Chicago


The City of Chicago covers an area of 60,000 hectares and sits 176 meters (578 feet) above sea level on the southwestern shore of Lake Michigan. At 190 km wide and 495 km long, its the 5th largest body of fresh water in the world. The city is traversed by the Chicago and Calumet rivers. Chicago's extensive parklands, including 3,000 hectares of city parks attract an estimated 86 million visitors annually.

As a multicultural city that thrives on the harmony and diversity of its neighborhoods, Chicago today embodies the values of America's heartland-integrity, hard work and community and reflects the ideals in the social fabric of its 77 distinct neighborhoods.

Chicago is a leader in reforming public schools, enhancing public safety and security initiatives, providing affordable housing in attractive and economically sound communities, ensuring accessibility for all and fostering, social, economic and environmental sustainability.

Winter is one of the most magical times of the year in Chicago, when snow gives the city an added sparkle. Embrace the season and set off on a wintery adventure, from ice skating in the shadow of The Bean to sledding and snowshoeing within view of the snowy lakefront



Bean



Weather


In the winter season, Chicago gets an average 28.1 inches of snowfall and has an average temperature of 26.4°F, but the wind from Lake Michigan can sometimes make it feel like it's colder than Siberia. However, with climate change, Chicago winters are – well – changing.


When you think of climate change in connection with changing winter seasons, your first thought may be one related to warming – and you’re spot on. According to Climate Central, winter is the fastest-warming season in the majority of the U.S., including Chicago. Since 1970, Chicago’s winters have warmed an average of 3.2°F.


Down below you can see the weather from the year 2021! In case you plan to visit Chicago in December you have an idea of what to expect.




  • Sunday
  • Monday
  • Tuesday
  • Wednesday
  • Thursday
  • Friday
  • Saturday
  • 29
  • 30
  • 31
  • 1
    48°
  • 2
    59°
  • 3
    51°
  • 4
    46°
  • 5
    43°
  • 6
    38°
  • 7
    25°
  • 8
    36°
  • 9
    47°
  • 10
    61°
  • 11
    59°
  • 12
    50°
  • 13
    50°
  • 14
    55°
  • 15
    66°
  • 16
    67°
  • 17
    42°
  • 18
    42°
  • 19
    40°
  • 20
    45°
  • 21
    44°
  • 22
    32°
  • 23
    47°!
  • 24
    58°
  • 25
    59°
  • 26
    44°
  • 27
    48°
  • 28
    39°
  • 29
    39°
  • 30
    39°
  • 31
    46°
  • 1
    New Year!






Must Do

tree

Chicago’s “official” Christmas tree in Millennium Park will shine brightly near the intersection of Michigan Ave. and Washington St. from November 18 through January 8.
The 109th City of Chicago Christmas Tree is a 55-foot Colorado Blue Spruce, donated by the Glisovic family of Morton Grove.

Skating

Maggie Daley Park Ice Skating Ribbon is a seasonal public ice skating surface in the Maggie Daley Park section of Grant Park in the Loop community area of Chicago, which is bounded by Columbus Drive, Randolph Street, Monroe Street and Lake Shore Drive.
Navy Pier

Inside the Festival Hall at Navy Pier are rides, games, and more ice skating. It's free to enter, where you can enjoy the carnival atmosphere and watch the crowds. But you'll need an activity wristband to take any of the rides. You can purchase a wristband for $19, which includes ice skating or $15, which does not includes ice skating
Christmas Market

Christkindlmarket is a Christmas market held annually at Daley Plaza in Chicago, Illinois, United States. The festival attracts more than 1 million visitors each year.
zoo

Enter a winter wonderland illuminated by the laughter of children and more than one million lights at Lincoln Park Zoo’s annual ZooLights..