Snow is falling, State Street and Michigan Avenue are bustling with shoppers, and the towering Christmas tree in Millennium Park is shining bright. The holiday season is here, and although the temperatures have not become bitterly cold, Chicagoans and Illinois natives flock to the city in search for the best deals and the most exciting activities. Besides the typical window shopping and ice skating, the Windy City is home to multiple winter festivals.

Winter Wonderfest at Navy Pier, which according to Navy Pier and Chi-Town Rising’s websites, features “170,000 square feet of Chicago Blackhawks’ ice skating and more than 24 rides including an indoor Ferris wheel, attractions and so much more.” Chi-Town Rising is as a quality option for those on a tight budget and looking for a family-friendly experience.

On Friday, December 4, German III and IV visited Christkindlmarkt, an annual German culture and food festival that is of no cost to the public. Both students and visitors alike are able to experience a piece of German culture, as well as refrain from traveling to the real festival that is hosted in Europe annually. Festivals aside, Chicago is home to an array of restaurants, department stores and extractions that are decorated and celebrate the upcoming season. The city offers celebration to all, no matter religion or culture, during the holidays.

Upcoming Events:

Christkindlmarkt (Now – Dec. 24)

Winter Wonderfest at Navy Pier (Dec. 5 – Jan. 10)

Chi-Town Rising (Dec. 31)

ZooLights (Now – Jan. 3)