Free Chicago Places to Visit in December

Chicago is a wonderful city to visit any time of the year, but especially in December, when the city is decked out in festive lights and decorations. There are plenty of free activities and attractions to enjoy, whether you are looking for culture, nature, or entertainment. Here are some of the best free Chicago places to visit in December. 

Millennium Park

One of the most iconic landmarks in Chicago, Millennium Park is a must-see destination for visitors and locals alike. In December, you can admire the giant Christmas tree, skate on the ice rink, or take a selfie with the famous Cloud Gate sculpture, also known as "The Bean". You can also catch free concerts and performances at the Jay Pritzker Pavilion, or explore the art and architecture of the park.

Christkindlmarket

If you want to experience a traditional European Christmas market, head to the Christkindlmarket in Daley Plaza. This annual event features vendors from Germany and other countries, selling handmade crafts, ornaments, toys, and food. You can browse the stalls and enjoy the festive atmosphere. The market is open from November 19 to December 24, and admission is free.

Lincoln Park Zoo Lights

One of the oldest and largest zoos in the country, Lincoln Park Zoo is also one of the few that is free to enter. In December, the zoo transforms into a winter wonderland, with more than two million lights, ice sculptures, musical light shows, and live entertainment. You can also see the animals, visit Santa, or ride the carousel. The zoo lights are on from November 26 to January 2, from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Magnificent Mile

The Magnificent Mile is Chicago's premier shopping and dining district, stretching along Michigan Avenue from the Chicago River to Oak Street. In December, the mile is illuminated by more than a million lights, creating a dazzling display. You can window-shop, admire the decorations, or join the crowds for the Magnificent Mile Lights Festival, which features a parade, fireworks, and live music. The festival is on November 20, and the lights are on until January 9.

Navy Pier

Navy Pier is a popular attraction that offers entertainment, dining, shopping, and sightseeing. In December, you can enjoy the Light Up the Lake event, which features a 50-foot-tall Christmas tree, a lighted Ferris wheel, and a fireworks show every Saturday night. You can also visit the Winter Wonderfest, which is an indoor winter playground with rides, slides, ice skating, and more. The Light Up the Lake event is free, but the Winter Wonderfest requires a ticket.

Polar Express

If you have kids, or you are a kid at heart, you might want to hop on the Polar Express, a train ride inspired by the classic book and movie. The train departs from Union Station and takes you on a one-hour journey to the "North Pole", where you can meet Santa and his elves. Along the way, you can enjoy hot chocolate, cookies, and a reading of the story. The train runs from November 27 to December 30, and tickets are required.

Chicago Cultural Center

The Chicago Cultural Center is a historic landmark that hosts hundreds of free programs year-round. In December, you can take a free building tour to see the world's largest glass Tiffany dome, check out the schedule of free events and exhibits, or catch one of the weekly classical music concerts. You can also see the annual Holiday Garland, which features more than 100,000 lights and ornaments. The center is open from Monday to Friday, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., and on weekends, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

These are just some of the free Chicago places to visit in December, but there are many more to discover and explore. Whether you are looking for culture, nature, or entertainment, you will find something to suit your taste and budget in the Windy City. Happy holidays!

Best Museums in NYC: A Guide for Art and History Lovers

New York City is a cultural hub that offers a variety of museums for every taste and interest. Whether you are into art, history, science, or something more quirky, you will find a museum that suits your curiosity. In this article, we will introduce you to some of the best museums in NYC and what to see at each one.

The Metropolitan Museum of Art (The Met)

The Met is one of the largest and most famous museums in the world, with a collection that spans 5,000 years of art history. You can explore artworks from ancient Egypt, Greece, Rome, China, India, Japan, Europe, America, and more. Some of the highlights include the Temple of Dendur, the Impressionist paintings, the Medieval armor, and the Costume Institute. The Met also has a rooftop garden that offers stunning views of Central Park and the city skyline. 

The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA)

MoMA is the place to go if you are interested in modern and contemporary art. The museum showcases works by influential artists such as Picasso, Van Gogh, Matisse, Warhol, Pollock, and Koons. You can also see exhibitions of photography, film, design, and architecture. MoMA recently underwent a major renovation and expansion that increased its gallery space and added new features such as a studio for live performances and a creativity lab for visitors. 

The American Museum of Natural History

The American Museum of Natural History is a must-see for anyone who loves nature and science. The museum has over 45 exhibition halls that display fossils, animals, plants, minerals, meteorites, and human cultures. You can marvel at the dinosaur skeletons, the blue whale model, the butterfly conservatory, and the Rose Center for Earth and Space. The museum also has a planetarium, an IMAX theater, and a library. 

The Frick Collection

The Frick Collection is a hidden gem that houses the personal collection of Henry Clay Frick, a wealthy industrialist and art patron. The museum is located in his former mansion on Fifth Avenue, which is a masterpiece of architecture and interior design. The collection features paintings by European masters such as Rembrandt, Vermeer, Goya, and Turner, as well as sculptures, furniture, porcelain, and clocks. The museum also has a tranquil garden and a concert hall. 

The Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum

The Guggenheim Museum is not only a museum but also a work of art itself. The building, designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, is a spiral-shaped structure that contrasts with the rectangular skyscrapers of Manhattan. The museum focuses on modern art, especially abstract expressionism, and has works by Kandinsky, Mondrian, Rothko, and Pollock. The museum also hosts temporary exhibitions of contemporary artists from around the world. 

These are just some of the best museums in NYC that you can visit and enjoy. There are many more museums that cater to different interests and preferences, such as the Whitney Museum of American Art, the 9/11 Memorial & Museum, the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum, and the Museum of Sex. Whatever your passion, you will find a museum that will inspire and educate you in NYC.