Winter in Chicago’s northwest suburbs offers a delightful array of cozy events and activities perfect for embracing the season’s charm. Whether you’re seeking outdoor adventures or indoor comforts, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Here’s a curated list to help you make the most of the winter months:
1. Ice Skating Adventures
Glide into winter at several ice-skating rinks across the northwest suburbs:
Elk Grove Village: Olmstead Park provides separate rinks for free skating and hockey enthusiasts. For those focusing on hockey skills, Mead Park is an excellent choice.
Itasca: The Itasca Park District maintains an ice rink at the Itasca Softball Complex. Stay updated on ice conditions and hours through their notifications.
Schaumburg: Timbercrest Park features a man-made rink, offering nighttime skating and spectator bleachers. Check for ice conditions before heading out.
2. Sledding Hills for Family Fun
Experience the thrill of sledding at these popular spots:
Arlington Heights: Heritage Park, Green Slopes, and Sunset Meadows parks offer lighted sledding hills, perfect for evening adventures. Nickol Knoll also has designated sledding areas.
Rolling Meadows: North Salk Park is ideal for families with young children seeking gentle slopes.
Schaumburg: Meineke Park has a nostalgic sledding hill that’s a local favorite after a fresh snowfall.
3. Winter Festivals and Events
Celebrate the season with these festive gatherings:
Frosty Fest (Gurnee): Held at Viking Park, this event features outdoor sleigh rides, crafts, games, and bumper cars, providing fun for all ages.
Winterfest (Vernon Hills): Taking place at Century Park Arboretum, families can enjoy s’mores by the fire, sled dog demonstrations, and other winter activities.
Ice Festival (Downers Grove): This event showcases nearly 60 pre-carved ice sculptures lining the streets, along with live carving demonstrations and special deals from local businesses. (Downtown Downers Grove)
4. Indoor Escapes
When the cold becomes too brisk, consider these indoor activities:
Golf Simulators: Practice your swing at venues like the Schaumburg Golf Club, which offers state-of-the-art simulators featuring courses from around the country.
Bar Curling in Itasca: Fox & Turtle offers bar curling, combining the fun of curling with a cozy dining experience. Reservations are recommended.
5. Holiday Light Displays
Brighten your evenings with these spectacular light shows:
Lightscape at Chicago Botanic Garden (Glencoe): An illuminated trail featuring favorites like the Winter Cathedral and new installations, running through January 5, 2025. (Chicago Botanic Garden)
ZooLights at Lincoln Park Zoo (Chicago): Experience a winter wonderland with over 3 million lights, festive activities, and more, available through January 5, 2025. (Lincoln Park Zoo)
6. Winter Hikes and Nature Walks
Explore the serene beauty of winter landscapes:
Lake Arlington (Arlington Heights): Enjoy a brisk walk along the pier, offering snowy views of the lake and an outdoor gym to warm up your muscles. (Lake Arlington)
Mississippi Palisades State Park (Savanna, IL): For those willing to venture a bit further, this park offers about 15 miles of trails with varying difficulty levels, perfect for winter hiking and birdwatching. (Mississippi Palisades)
7. Spa Days for Relaxation
Treat yourself to a bit of winter pampering with a spa day. Whether you need a massage, facial, or just a calming environment to de-stress, these local spas have you covered:
King Spa & Sauna (Niles): One of my personal favorites, King Spa offers a truly unique experience with Korean-style saunas, therapeutic pools, and heated rooms designed to help you relax and recharge. (King Spa)
Arista Spa & Salon (Schaumburg): A luxurious retreat offering everything from hot stone massages to soothing body treatments. (Arista Spa)
LifeSpa (Hoffman Estates): Located within the Life Time fitness center, this spa provides top-tier services to leave you feeling refreshed and rejuvenated. (LifeSpa)
The Salt Escape (Arlington Heights): Relax in a salt therapy room, perfect for improving respiratory health and unwinding during the colder months. (The Salt Escape)
8. Bookstores and Libraries for a Cozy Escape
For those who find joy in curling up with a good book, the northwest suburbs boast wonderful bookstores and libraries:
Barbara’s Bookstore (Vernon Hills): A charming, independently owned bookstore where you can browse for hours. Don’t forget to pick up a cup of coffee from their café! (Barbara’s Bookstore)
Arlington Heights Memorial Library: This state-of-the-art library offers more than just books—think cozy reading nooks, special events, and even a fireplace to enjoy on frosty days. (AHML)
9. Theater and Live Performances
Winter is the perfect time to catch a show and support local arts:
Metropolis Performing Arts Centre (Arlington Heights): From comedy nights to musical performances, this local gem offers a variety of entertainment in an intimate setting. (Metropolis Arts)
Prairie Center for the Arts (Schaumburg): Offering performances ranging from family-friendly theater to classical music, it’s a wonderful place to escape the winter chill. (Prairie Center for the Arts)
Second City at North Shore Center for the Performing Arts (Skokie): Enjoy world-class improv comedy without heading into the city. (Second City)
Wrapping Up Your Winter Fun
Whether you’re bundling up for outdoor adventures or keeping warm with indoor comforts, the northwest suburbs of Chicago offer an abundance of cozy activities and events to brighten up your winter. From sipping hot cocoa at a local café to skating under twinkling lights, you’re sure to create memories that will keep you warm all season long.
Do you have a favorite winter activity in the northwest suburbs? Share it in the comments or reach out to me—I’d love to hear your recommendations!
About Mari Van Meter
Mari Van Meter is an award-winning Realtor with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices American Heritage, leading the Fly Home Dragonfly team. Specializing in digital and traditional marketing, Mari focuses on NW Suburban Chicago, especially Arlington Heights. She offers exclusive off-market properties and guarantees satisfaction for buyers and sellers.
Active in her community and at Countryside Church Unitarian Universalist in Palatine, Mari supports local businesses and champions diversity, equity, and inclusion.
For expert real estate guidance, contact Mari at 630-267-1808 or schedule a discovery call at calendly.com/marivanmeter/discovery-call.
