Know Before You Go: Visiting Chicago in Winter

When bad weather strikes Chicago, O'Hare International Airport seems to feel the effects more than Midway. As the smaller of the two airports, Midway generally doesn't experience the same level of delays and cancellations when a snowstorm or other inclement weather strikes. Along the same lines, pay attention to the weather forecasts in the days leading up to your trip in case you need to make a last-minute change.

You know the saying: "There's no such thing as bad weather, only inappropriate clothing." This definitely applies to Chicago in winter. Bring warm, waterproof boots to navigate snowy or slushy sidewalks; a long down or wool jacket to protect you from the wind; and a hat, scarf, and gloves or mittens to keep the rest of you nice and warm. Dressing in layers is recommended as well—it may be cold outside but when the heat is cranked up inside the restaurant or museum you’re visiting, you'll want to shed a layer or two.

Many of the best things about Chicago in the winter involve spending some time outdoors. Visit the Christkindlmarket in Daley Plaza, check out the Zoo Lights at the Lincoln Park Zoo, lace up your skates to go ice skating in Millennium Park, or watch the river being dyed green on St. Patrick’s Day (yes, March is still winter in Chicago). You'll have the most fun if you decide to simply embrace the cold rather than fight it.

Related: 8 St. Patrick's Day Traditions That are Actually Irish

For those who don't want to deal with public transport (or brave the cold) while seeing the city, hop-on hop-off tours are a great option. With narration that helps you learn about the city while traveling between major attractions in a warm bus, there are even options geared toward specific interests such as Chicago blues history, famous movie film sites, or Chicago's seedy mobster past.

Luckily for winter travelers, Chicago has a number of world-class indoor attractions. Check out the theater scene, whether it's a Broadway production downtown or a more intimate show at the Apollo Theater in Lincoln Park. Or, enjoy slightly shorter winter lines at the SkyDeck at Willis Tower. Meanwhile, sports fans should head to the United Center to catch the Chicago Bulls or Blackhawks in action, while museum buffs can linger for hours inside the Art Institute of Chicago, the Field Museum, or the Museum of Science and Industry. And at the end of a long day of sightseeing, be sure to relax with a hot drink in front of a fireplace at a local watering hole.