Lincoln Park Zoo

• This is the largest free zoo in the country, and people of all ages enjoy the animals year-round. Come winter, the zoo's beautiful landscape is decorated with white lights; you can catch it during the first week of January. Not all the exhibits are indoors though, so make sure to bundle up as you walk from one building to another. For family trips or dates, the Lincoln Park Zoo is great way to spend a few hours in Chicago.
  
  www.lpzoo.org
  2001 N. Clark St.
  Chicago, IL 60614
  (312) 742-2000
  
  

Ice Skating

• One of Chicago's newer parks, Millennium Park is considered one of the loveliest in the city. Large sculptures are all over the park, and just on the edge of Michigan Avenue is an ice-skating rink that rents skates. It's one of the few outdoor activities that can only take place during the winter in Chicago.
  
  www.millenniumpark.org
  201 E. Randolph St.
  Chicago, IL 60601
  (312) 742-1168
  
  

Magnificent Mile

• During the winter months, the already stunning strip of downtown Michigan Avenue is adorned with a massive Christmas light display. Remember to bundle up as you walk down the avenue and walk in and out of the stores. Head to the Water Tower at Michigan and Chicago Avenues for the most impressive view of the lights.
  
  www.themagnificentmile.com