Winter in Chicago may be cold (and filled with snow and slush), but Christmas in Chicago makes it worth the extra layers you might have to wear. The period between Thanksgiving and the New Year’s Eve is filled with heartfelt traditions, from tree-lighting ceremonies to wreathing and department store window displays. It’s the only time of year when you can sip a mug of steaming spiced wine beneath the Picasso statue, visit the Walnut Room tree at Macy’s and sing carols in front of the Bean. There’s something undeniably special about Christmas in Chicago.

Things to do in Chicago during the holidays:

1.  Christkindlmarket

2.  ZooLights

3. Ice Skating in Millennium Park

4. The Nutcracker

5. Caroling at Cloud Gate

6. Ice Skating at Maggie Daley Park