Chicago Holidays

Things to do in Chicago

Chicago is an ideal destination for families and outdoor enthusiasts, offering a vibrant mix of activities. Visitors can enjoy shopping, explore architectural tours, attend a Cubs game, and experience live music in various venues. The city also boasts numerous hotels and entertainment options, making it perfect for a city-themed holiday. With its rich culture and exciting attractions, Chicago promises a memorable experience for tourists.

Shopping

Experience shopping at Woodfield Mall, a vibrant shopping centre teeming with entertainment options. Visit Cabela's for outdoor gear and gifts. Don't miss Maxwell Street Market, a bustling public market where you can find unique souvenirs amidst the lively city atmosphere.

Recreation

Wrigley Field offers an energetic atmosphere, perfect for sports enthusiasts wanting to immerse themselves in the thrill of live games. For a vibrant evening, the House of Blues Chicago combines live music with delicious food, creating an entertaining and relaxing experience. Northbrook Sports Complex provides a peaceful setting for various recreational activities, ensuring a rejuvenating escape.

Adventure

Experience the thrills at Rainbow Falls Waterpark, where excitement and family fun await. For a scenic adventure, hike the Salt Creek Trail, immersing yourself in the beautiful outdoors. Don't miss the Great Wolf Lodge Water Park for exhilarating water slides and entertainment for the whole family.

Nightlife

Experience the vibrant nightlife in Chicago at the iconic Chicago Theatre, where culture and romance intertwine. For a more adventurous evening, visit Galloping Ghost arcadeAdventureZone, brimming with excitement. Alternatively, enjoy a classy night at the North Shore Center for the Performing Arts, perfect for family-friendly entertainment.

Find the best attractions in Chicago

Chicago is an excellent destination for family, outdoor, and city-themed holidays, offering a variety of attractions such as urban parks, beaches, and modern colleges. Visitors can immerse themselves in rich culture and family-friendly experiences around Central Chicago and enjoy stunning views from the Skydeck. With so much to explore, Chicago promises a memorable vacation for all types of travellers.

• Navy Pier: Experience the vibrant atmosphere of Navy Pier, a scenic jetty that offers stunning views of Lake Michigan. Enjoy leisurely strolls, diverse dining options, and family-friendly attractions, such as the iconic Ferris wheel and the Chicago Children's Museum, all while surrounded by friendly locals.
• Michigan Avenue: Walk along Michigan Avenue, known as the Magnificent Mile, where the city comes alive with its bustling shops, restaurants, and cultural landmarks. This iconic street captures the essence of Chicago's urban vibrancy, making it a must-visit for shopping and entertainment.
• McCormick Place: Discover McCormick Place, the largest convention centre in North America, where business meets innovation. Attend major trade shows and events in this state-of-the-art venue, designed to facilitate networking and collaboration in a dynamic environment.

Best time to go to Chicago

The best time to visit Chicago can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature in Chicago falls in July, when visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. The coolest average temperature in Chicago falls in January, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Occupancy	Pricing
January	25.7°F (-3.5°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Slightly Low	Slightly Low
February	27.0°F (-2.8°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Slightly Low	Slightly Low
March	37.0°F (2.8°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average
April	46.0°F (7.8°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly Low	Average
May	57.0°F (13.9°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
June	67.3°F (19.6°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly High	Slightly High
July	73.4°F (23.0°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly High	Average
August	73.0°F (22.8°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly High	Average
September	67.1°F (19.5°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly High
October	54.9°F (12.7°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly High
November	42.3°F (5.7°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
December	33.1°F (0.6°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Slightly Low

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Chicago

To save money on your trip to Chicago, consider visiting during the off-peak months of December to February when accommodation prices are lower. Take advantage of the city's free attractions like Navy Pier, Michigan Avenue, and Millennium Park. For transport, opt for walking or using public transport such as trains and buses, which are more economical than taxis. Booking your flights, accommodation, and activities as a package on platforms like Expedia can also yield significant savings. Remember, the cheapest day to stay is Wednesday, while Saturday tends to be the most expensive.

• The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay in Chicago are December to February, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to June and September to October, where prices are slightly higher.
• The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay in Chicago is Wednesday. The most expensive day to stay in Chicago is Saturday.
• Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilise Expedia’s search tool to tailor your options according to your budget, desired location, and preferred type of accommodation. To discover the most affordable prices and offers, simply arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
• Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel accommodation in Chicago with your flights and activities by booking a package through Expedia.