Is December a Good Time?
Especially during the lead-up to Christmas Eve, the number of people in the city grows, as the month progresses. In the early days of the month, both the volume of people and the prices of accommodations are lower. The city experiences cold weather, occasionally accompanied by snow, and offers a wide range of exciting activities. December is an excellent period to explore Chicago, with enjoyable festive occasions to participate in.
Weather
December is still a great month to enjoy outdoor activities, as the weather is generally drier compared to other months, although there is a chance of snow. In Chicago, the average high temperature in December is 37°F (3°C), making it the colder side of the weather in December.
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The apparent temperature is influenced by the wind-chill factor when the wind originates from Lake Michigan. The winds from the lake in combination with an extremely cold December day might leave you astonished.
Towards the end of December, the morning temperatures start to drop into the mid-20s. As we begin December, the temperatures hover around the mid-30s and remain fairly stable throughout the days of December.
In extreme circumstances, a taxi is always a viable option. Alternatively, you can seek refuge in various stores to stay warm if you find yourself becoming too cold despite wearing thick clothing.
The average maximum temperatures in December:
Average temperature changes throughout the day in September:
Every day, the highest temperatures can be observed from 12 pm to 4 pm. The temperature will appear more pleasant as the sun makes outdoor activities most enjoyable during this period. Layers and heavy jackets will be necessary for evening activities.
Daylight
In December, Chicago has the lowest average amount of sunshine. The average sunlight duration is 11 minutes and 9 seconds per day. The shortest days occur between December 18 and 24.
The sunset usually happens around 4:20 PM, while the sunrise occurs around 7:10 AM. Keep in mind to plan any outdoor photography when there is a shorter amount of sunlight available.
Snowfall
In this particular month, there are typically around 2-3 instances of snowfall. Towards the conclusion of the month, the mean amount of snowfall rises from 1 inch to 2.7 inches. The probability of snowfall rises as the temperature decreases.
While visiting, there remains a possibility for a white Christmas in December. Normally, there is only snowfall for a few days in December, but there will generally be some snow at some stage throughout the month. Most days in December do not experience any snowfall.
Snow clearing: Even if there is an increased amount of snow in December, they typically remove it promptly afterwards.
Typically, January and February experience the highest levels of snowfall in Chicago, rather than December.
What to Wear
When you visit this month, it is recommended to wear extra clothing such as thermal underwear, tights, long-sleeved tops, and insulated boots. It is advisable to have a thicker jacket or coat as the temperatures in Chicago during December are colder. Don’t forget to bring a cozy hat and gloves for the chilly mornings and evenings.
Indoors can often be too warm due to wearing multiple layers of suitable clothing. It’s a good idea to wear thin socks underneath to keep your feet warm. In December, everyone in Chicago needs to bring a winter coat, sweaters, gloves, a hat, and a scarf.
It is extremely convenient that you can also check your shopping bags in stores. Most large stores have coat check, so you don’t have to carry around your winter jacket while shopping.
Morning/Evening
Wear Long Johns or leggings/tights, gloves, and a hat under jeans, along with additional layers, as the temperature begins to increase around 9 am while the early mornings remain cold.
If you’re planning to be out for the whole day and evening, make sure to bring or wear layers above to ensure that you’re prepared for the absence of the sun, which can make the evenings feel chillier but not necessarily cold temperatures.
Closed-toed shoes or boots are a wonderful choice as they will keep you warm and protect your skin from direct contact with the wind, while also covering your ankles.
Daytime
During the daytime, you’ll find the warmest temperatures. On warmer days, you can wear fewer layers. In the beginning of December, you can skip wearing gloves, hat, and leggings during daytime excursions.
If it is a particularly windy day, consider wearing gloves and a hat to make the temperature feel colder. As the day goes on, if you are in Long Johns, consider wearing layers underneath and wanting to wear snow boots towards the end of December.
What to Wear List / Packing List
Crowds and Hotel Rates
At the end of the month, as the holidays approach, the crowds are lowest in December. As the month progresses, the crowds significantly increase and it becomes busier. During this time, more people visit their families in the city. Tourists are also traveling to see the holiday lights and more people are visiting their families in the city.
To avoid higher prices, book your tickets in advance if you plan on traveling during the holiday season, as rates tend to increase towards the end of the month. Additionally, flight and hotel rates are also lower at the beginning of the month due to fewer crowds.
Our December hotel recommendations include some of the finest destinations, allowing you to conveniently stroll to the most captivating spots.
Fairmont Chicago Millennium Park
It takes 20 minutes to stroll to Michigan Lake beach, which is conveniently located near many popular attractions such as Navy Pier and Millennium Park. This location is perfect for a December visit, and everything was impeccably clean. Our beds were extremely comfortable, and the staff was exceptionally friendly.
Trump International Hotel & Tower
You require everything with, roomy and lavish are accommodations. There are numerous other attractions and various restaurants within walking distance, making it very convenient to join a hop-on/off bus tour or take a stroll to Navy Pier or along the river. In December, it is simply the best location to visit. The city’s skyline and the view of the Chicago River or the magnificent Lake Michigan can be seen from every room in this hotel, which offers spectacular views.
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When we stayed, it is possible to cook your own meals in the room. The Navy Pier, downtown, and the Chicago Loop are all within a 15-minute distance. The Magnificent Mile.’s (Mag Mile), which is situated in Chicago’s River North district, is just a short walk away from shops and restaurants. It is a great hotel with a superb location, especially for December. This is our preferred affordable hotel in Chicago.
Events
In Millennium Park, one can explore the Chicago Christmas Tree, accompanied by festive melodies playing in the background. A beloved pastime is to wander through the Lincoln Park Zoo when it is adorned with Christmas lights. When visiting Chicago during December, there are numerous enjoyable holiday festivities to partake in, and a considerable number of them are free of charge.
If you’re seeking additional motivation, here are some of the foremost December occasions to explore.
Christkindlmarket
Christkindlmarket is one of our favorite events that takes place in Chicago. This German holiday market features everything from delicious German food to handmade ornaments. The market also offers warm hot chocolate, festive Christmas lights, and festive music.
It’s a fantastic spot to go shopping for holidays or explore artisan-crafted items.
Light Up the Lake at Navy Pier
Santa will visit a beer garden and ride a train for children, including Christmas music and an indoor ice-skating rink, at the Navy Pier’s Lakefront Light Up. This event at the Navy Pier provides a great alternative to outdoor activities when the temperatures are too low.
Admission tickets cover a ride on the temperature-regulated Centennial Wheel at Navy Pier.
Serenity: Winter Flower Show
The Flower Winter show is perfect and free for families who want to attend a unique winter event. This indoor display showcases blooming flowers with pleasant aromatics. If you need a break from the chilly weather and snow, make sure to head to the Flower Winter show.
NYE Fireworks at Navy Pier
It happens that the Navy Pier is well-known for its impressive fireworks displays, especially on New Year’s Eve.
You can watch fireworks from the rooftop restaurants at Navy Pier. These fireworks are also shown on NBC if the weather is too cold to brave.
More Things to Do
There are numerous fantastic things to do, especially in Chicago, during December. You have a few options to choose from for indoor activities on colder days.
Viewing Christmas Lights
You can find many locations, both outdoor and indoors, where you can find them. Many places are decorated with sparkling bulbs throughout November and December. You can experience the best displays of holiday lights in the city, and Chicago is truly wonderful in December for Christmas and lights.
Getting into the holiday mood: You and your loved ones should visit the most popular Christmas lights display in the city, which is the iconic ZooLights. It is a must-see at Lincoln Park Zoo.
Ice Skating in Maggie Daley Park
Prior to reaching the ice, the staff members who will lead you – make sure to verify the skating orientation. In the heart of Chicago, the ribbon is the newer of the two most well-liked spots for skating. Another fantastic activity for the whole family is ice skating in Maggie Daley Park.
Tickets can be purchased either online or in person. Tickets bought at the venue will be pricier compared to those purchased in advance. For more information, check out Magige Daley Park.
Science and Industry Museum.
The Science and Industry Museum. in Chicago is fun to explore science on a cooler day in March! This is a year-round science study paradise, but particularly during the Chicago winters! With so many interactive exhibits and unique experiences, exploring the museum might take more than one day. So, it will definitely keep you entertained and educated on one or more unpleasant March days.
Field Museum of Natural History
Explore the subterranean life underground in the exhibit of adventure. The Field Museum of Natural History holds over 35 renowned exhibitions from around the world. Visiting the museum is particularly worth it in March, but it is worth a visit year-round.
Finally, check out the visit to the Dinosaur Evolving Hall at the Planet Exhibit, where you can explore the temples of the Aztecs and the mammoth hunters of the Ice Age. Also, don’t miss the opportunity to experience one of the largest collections of Chinese jade in North America at the Hall of Jades, as well as the Hall of Gems, where you can encounter a wide variety of gemstones.
360 Observation Deck
One of the most impressive cities is Chicago, with its legendary 360 Avenue Michigan soaring over 1,000 feet. If you only have a few days to spend in Chicago in March, the 360 Observation Deck is a must-visit.
Fast-track tickets for quicker entry are available for the 360 Observation Deck – Bypass the Ticket Counter.
The Chicago Theatre Marquee Tour
The venue has showcased renowned artists such as Aretha Franklin and Duke Ellington. This cinema was constructed in the United States, originally known as a “movie palace”. Intricate design and opulent embellishments, situated in an iconic spot, are characteristic features of the Chicago Theatre Marquee.
Take a one-hour excursion to witness the magnificence of the theater and explore the hidden spaces such as the dressing chambers.
Tickets and additional details can be acquired at The Chicago Theatre Marquee Tour.
Navy Pier Centennial Wheel
The Centennial Wheel is one of the most iconic activities in Chicago. The 200-foot Ferris wheel offers incredible panoramic views of the Navy Pier, Lake Michigan, and the iconic skyline of Chicago. It is a fantastic experience, especially on a cold December afternoon, as each car is temperature-controlled.
If you have children under the age of 2, they can ride for free. During crowded periods, such as weekends, you can purchase express tickets to jump to the front of the line. The standard tickets are great for times when there are fewer crowds.
Tickets and additional details can be obtained at this location: Chicago: Navy Pier Centennial Wheel Regular & Express Ticket.
Art Institute Tour
The rendezvous spot for the excursion is also the outside, which is protected by the emerald tigers that acknowledge this renowned structure. We strongly suggest exploring this site primarily through a guided tour if you have never encountered the Art Institute in Chicago.
Inside the museum, you will be guided through sections that are filled with sculptures, paintings, and other mediums by artists such as Rembrandt and Picasso. Find additional details here for the Art Institute Tour and purchase tickets.
Walking by Lake Michigan
Getting away from the busy and noisy atmosphere of the city is a great way to stroll alongside the lake in the winter. Walking near Navy Pier on the shoreline provides breathtaking scenery; there are various paths to choose from. Particularly during evening walks, make sure to dress warmly to prevent feeling cold.