Are you stuck on how to enjoy this year’s holiday season? Look no further – here are eight great options to help you have fun and get in the holiday spirit. With a city as amazing as Chicago, there is always something to do.

1. Opening of Maggie Daley Ice Rink

The Maggie Daley Ice skating Ribbon is open Nov 14th through late February. It’s a fun way to get outside despite the cold weather. Enjoy skating around the ribbon while taking in all the views downtown Chicago has to offer.

Admission: Free

Skates: $12

2. Christkindlmarket

The German market is held annually at Daley Plaza opened Nov 20th and goes through December 24th. Expand your horizons and explore the German culture.

Admission: Free

3. One of a Kind Show

From Dec 3rd to 6th you can find over 600 artists selling their ceramics, photography, home accessories and more. It’s located at Merchandise Mart and is the perfect place to find unique gifts for friends and family.

Admission: $12

4. Zoo Lights

Don’t miss this famous annual light festival at Lincoln Park Zoo! It goes from Nov 27th to Jan 3rd and features ice sculptures, carolers, a spectacular light and music show, and a few zoo animals if you’re lucky. Strolling through the zoo while sipping hot chocolate makes for a great date night or evening with friends.

Admission: Free

5. Winter Wonderfest

Rides, live entertainment, ice skating, food, fun photo ops and even more can be found at Navy Pier’s yearly winter festival. A mini Ferris wheel and a climbing wall are just a few of its 24 rides, not to mention that it’s all indoors, so you can enjoy winter in Chicago without suffering through the brutal cold. Rumor has it Santa Claus even stops by from the North Pole every year.

General Admission Ticket: $3.75-$5

Activity Ticket: $17-$25

6. Sledding

Think living in the city means you can’t go sledding? Think again! A bit of searching can reveal the many hills that provide ideal sledding conditions, especially once the snowstorms start coming, like the sledding hill located in Oz Park.

Prices Vary

7. Drawn Carriage Ride Downtown

This is a fun, classic way to get around downtown and simply sit back and enjoy the beautiful view. Reservations can be made online and there are always specials going on to help lower the price.

One Ride: $40

8. Museums

While Chicago has some of the best museums all year round, they are especially great during Christmas time. For example, The Art Institute’s famous lions are always dressed for the holidays and entrance is free to all Illinois residents on Thursdays from 5-8pm. The Museum of Science and Industry holds their “Christmas Around the World” exhibit from mid-November to early January which displays over 50 trees each hand decorated with their own ethnic design.

Prices Vary