While the bitter cold of Midwest winters keeps most people locked away inside, Illinois offers a variety of fun activities that are sure to catch someone’s eye. Whether it’s going to the mall or viewing an array of light displays, there is an activity for everyone to enjoy, no matter what you celebrate this holiday season.
Starting with a trip to Brookfield Zoo, animals can spread holiday cheer too. While the zoo’s furry friends are definitely a sight to see, they aren’t the only thing that can be seen during the holiday season at Brookfield Zoo. The zoo has a famously acclaimed light display that shines bright, illuminating the area for both the animals and people who visit.
Senior Gianna Perna spreads the holiday cheer with her family, appreciating the effort that goes into creating intricate displays.
“At Brookfield Zoo, it’s kind of a nice thing, all the different lights. My sister, for Girl Scouts, decorated the Brookfield Zoo, so it’s kind of nice seeing the creativity that people have when coming up with Christmas trees,” Perna said.
Starting with a trip to Chicago, ice skating is a fan favorite activity in the heart of the Windy City. This activity takes place in Maggie Daley park at their signature ribbon-shaped ice skating rink. Sophomore Vraj Shah enjoys being on the ice, and seeing the sights in the city.
“We go to Chicago by the bean to the big ice skating rink, that’s really fun to go to. They make an ice rink in the wintertime, and that’s fun to go with your friends,” Shah said.
Walking just a few blocks over, more animals and even more lights can be seen at the Lincoln Park Zoo. Math teacher Christopher Klaeren enjoys the immersive experience of the twinkling lights.
The next stop is a hidden gem in a bit of an unusual place and truly sparkles when the world is dark.
“Passing on on I55, this crane company hangs a big Christmas tree in the air. When it’s dark, the tree lights up and it looks really cool because it’s like a floating Christmas tree,” Perna said.
The next stop on this map is Christkindlmarket in both Aurora and Chicago. Both locations have an assortment of foods from different countries and vendors who sell homemade goods. It features the viral toasted raclette cheese sandwich, which has people flocking to this whimsical holiday wonderland.
Senior Gianna Perna enjoys visiting with her family and thinks it fosters a sense of community and cheer.
“It’s really cool because different people come from all around the world to celebrate and they have lots of interesting things at the market,” Perna said
A little closer to home, our next stop is the Woodridge Winterfest. Shah enjoyed the fest when he was younger, and feels nostalgic reminiscing about it. It is a must-visit activity for a quick weekend outing.
“It’s in the Village, they host this winterfest. They have this giant 20 foot Christmas tree that’s lit up, and there’s holiday music, there’s crafts children can do, you can also meet with Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus. It’s pretty cool, we all did it when we were younger,” Shah said.
There are plenty of activities to enjoy throughout Illinois and ways to spread festive holiday cheer. There is something on this list for everyone to enjoy this season, so be sure to stop by one or more of these destinations as the weather gets chillier and the snow starts to fall.