December is a wonderful time to visit Chicago, offering a unique blend of festive charm and cultural attractions. Here are some key aspects to consider:
Weather:
- Cold: December is one of the coldest months in Chicago, with average temperatures ranging from 25°F to 37°F (-3°C to 3°C).
- Snowfall: The city experiences an average of 6.2 inches (16 cm) of snowfall in December, creating a picturesque winter wonderland.
- Bundling Up: Be prepared for frigid temperatures by packing warm clothing, including a heavy coat, gloves, a hat, and scarves.
Holiday Festivities:
- Christkindlmarket: The famous Christkindlmarket sets up in Daley Plaza and Gallagher Way, offering a unique holiday shopping experience with handcrafted gifts, ornaments, and traditional German food and drink.
- Magnificent Mile Lights Festival: The city’s iconic shopping street, Michigan Avenue, transforms into a winter wonderland with twinkling lights and festive decorations.
- New Year’s Eve Fireworks: Chicago rings in the new year with a spectacular fireworks display over Lake Michigan, best viewed from Navy Pier or Millennium Park.
Cultural Attractions:
- World-Class Museums: Take advantage of Chicago’s renowned museums, such as the Art Institute of Chicago, the Field Museum, and the Shedd Aquarium, which offer special holiday exhibits and events.
- Theater and Music: December is an excellent time to catch a Broadway show at the historic theaters in the Loop or attend a concert at one of the many music venues throughout the city.
- Winter Activities: Enjoy ice skating rinks at Millennium Park, Maggie Daley Park, and other locations, as well as festive holiday-themed events and activities.
Unique Experiences:
- Holiday Window Displays: Marvel at the elaborate holiday window displays created by the city’s department stores, particularly along State Street and Michigan Avenue.
- ZooLights: Lincoln Park Zoo transforms into a winter wonderland with festive light displays, ice sculptures, and animal encounters.
- Christkindlesmarkt Carousel: Located in Daley Plaza, this charming carousel offers a fun and festive way to experience the holiday spirit.
Tips for Visiting Chicago in December:
- Plan Your Itinerary: With so much to see and do, it’s essential to plan your itinerary in advance, especially if you’re visiting during the busy holiday season.
- Embrace the Cold: Don’t let the cold weather deter you from exploring the city. Dress appropriately and take breaks indoors to warm up when needed.
- Transportation: Chicago has an efficient public transportation system, making it easy to get around the city. Consider purchasing a Chicago CityPASS for discounted admission to top attractions.
Overall, December is a magical time to visit Chicago, offering a blend of holiday cheer, cultural attractions, and unique winter experiences. Just be prepared for chilly weather and plan accordingly to make the most of your visit.
Weather In Chicago During December
Sure, here is the weather in Chicago, United States during December:
Temperature
- Average high: 34°F (1°C)
- Average low: 21°F (-6°C)
- Record high: 64°F (18°C)
- Record low: -27°F (-33°C)
Precipitation
- Average rainfall: 2.6 inches (6.6 cm)
- Average snowfall: 9.3 inches (23.6 cm)
Other weather conditions
- Wind speed: Average 10 mph (16 km/h)
- Humidity: Average 73%
- Cloud cover: Average 60%
What to expect
- December is a cold month in Chicago, with average temperatures below freezing.
- Snowfall is common, with an average of 9.3 inches falling during the month.
- The days are short, with an average of 8 hours of sunlight per day.
- The nights are long and dark, with an average of 16 hours of darkness per day.
- The wind can be strong and gusty, making it feel even colder.
- The air is dry, with an average humidity of 73%.
What to wear
- Dress in layers, with a warm coat, hat, scarf, and gloves.
- Wear boots or other waterproof shoes.
- Consider wearing a face mask to protect your face from the cold wind.
Things to do
- Visit the Christkindlmarkt, a traditional German Christmas market held in Daley Plaza.
- Ice skate at Millennium Park or Maggie Daley Park.
- See the holiday lights on Michigan Avenue.
- Visit the Field Museum or the Shedd Aquarium.
- Take a walk or bike ride along the lakefront.
Additional tips
- Be prepared for cold weather by dressing in layers and wearing a hat, scarf, and gloves.
- Drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated.
- Be aware of the wind chill factor, which can make it feel even colder than the actual temperature.
- If you are driving, be sure to check the road conditions before you go.
- Be aware of the signs and symptoms of hypothermia and frostbite.
I hope this information is helpful. Please let me know if you have any other questions.
Things To Do In Chicago In December
- Christkindlmarket Chicago:
- Taking place in Daley Plaza, this popular German-inspired Christmas market features over 50 vendors selling traditional German food and gifts, as well as live music and entertainment.
- Winter WonderFest:
- This indoor holiday festival at Gallagher Way features holiday-themed attractions, such as ice skating, a carousel, a Ferris wheel, and a 60-foot tall Christmas tree.
- ZooLights at Lincoln Park Zoo:
- This annual light show features over 2 million lights illuminating the zoo’s grounds, as well as live animal exhibits, holiday decorations, and festive music.
- The Magnificent Mile Lights Festival:
- This annual holiday celebration on Michigan Avenue features a tree-lighting ceremony, live entertainment, and a parade of holiday characters.
- Chicago Christmas at the Palmer House:
- This annual holiday display at the Palmer House Hilton features over 150 Christmas trees decorated by local businesses and organizations, as well as a giant gingerbread house.
- The Nutcracker at the Joffrey Ballet:
- This annual production of The Nutcracker by the Joffrey Ballet is a holiday classic that features elaborate sets, costumes, and choreography.
- Holiday Magic: A Cirque Dreams Christmas:
- This holiday-themed Cirque du Soleil show features acrobats, aerialists, and other performers.
- New Year’s Eve Fireworks at Navy Pier:
- This annual New Year’s Eve celebration features a spectacular fireworks display over Lake Michigan, as well as live music and entertainment.
Tourism In Chicago, United States During December
Tourism in Chicago during December
December is a magical time to visit Chicago. The city is transformed into a winter wonderland, with twinkling lights, festive decorations, and plenty of holiday cheer. There are also many special events and activities taking place throughout the month, making it a great time to experience all that Chicago has to offer.
Weather in Chicago in December
The weather in Chicago in December is typically cold, with average temperatures ranging from 25 to 35 degrees Fahrenheit (-4 to 2 degrees Celsius). However, it can also be mild, with temperatures reaching into the 40s or even 50s (4 to 10 degrees Celsius). It is also important to be prepared for snow, as the city averages about 9 inches (23 centimeters) of snowfall in December.
Things to Do in Chicago in December
There are plenty of things to do in Chicago in December, including:
- Visit the Christkindlmarket: This annual Christmas market is held in the Daley Plaza and features over 100 vendors selling unique gifts, ornaments, and food.
- Go ice skating at Millennium Park: The McCormick Tribune Ice Rink is a popular spot for ice skating in the city, and it offers stunning views of the skyline.
- See the Magnificent Mile Lights Festival: This annual festival features over 1 million lights and decorations along Michigan Avenue, one of Chicago’s most famous streets.
- Take a ride on the CTA Holiday Train: This special train is decorated with lights and holiday decorations and runs on select lines throughout the city.
- Attend a holiday show: There are many holiday shows taking place in Chicago in December, including “The Nutcracker” at the Joffrey Ballet and “A Christmas Carol” at the Goodman Theatre.
Tips for Visiting Chicago in December
- Dress warmly: The weather in Chicago in December can be cold, so be sure to dress in layers and wear a warm coat, hat, and gloves.
- Plan ahead: Many popular attractions and events in Chicago sell out in advance, so be sure to book your tickets and make reservations early.
- Be prepared for crowds: Chicago is a popular tourist destination, especially during the holiday season, so be prepared for crowds.
- Take advantage of the free activities: There are many free activities to enjoy in Chicago in December, including the Christkindlmarket, the Magnificent Mile Lights Festival, and the CTA Holiday Train.
Overall, December is a great time to visit Chicago. The city is full of holiday cheer and there are plenty of things to see and do. Just be sure to dress warmly and plan ahead to make the most of your trip.