Winter in Chicago is one of my favorite times of year, but I tend to run out of ideas of what to do in the city. If you’re staying in town this winter break and find yourself stuck inside, wondering where the fun is hiding, I’ve discovered that there are many great activities all around the city.

Good Eats:

Hot chocolate is a must this time of year, and Mindy’s Hot Chocolate is a city favorite for a reason. With 11 different hot chocolate options (all $8, including decadent, house-made marshmallows), you can’t go wrong with anything on the menu. My brunch favorite is the seasonal quiche ($14), and for dinner I would recommend the mac & cheese ($12). When you walk in, the smell of baked goods wafts over you. The urban rustic Wicker Park restaurant is perfect for cozying up when it gets cold. Mindy’s is a very popular brunch location, so definitely plan on coming early or making a reservation. If you have to wait, it’s located at 1747 N Damen Avenue, where there are many shops to look around in while you wait for your table.

When you walk into Bang Bang Pie, piles of cookies and pies greet you from behind the counter. It’s the perfect place to go for a slice of pie and a cup of coffee for around $8, though you can also order a full meal or pre-order a holiday pie to take home, ranging from $25 to 30 depending on the filling. There are two locations, one in Logan Square at 2051 N California Avenue, and a second in Ravenswood at 4947 N Damen Avenue.

The Chicago Classics:

Nothing rings in the season for me quite as much as the Thorne Rooms at the Art Institute. The bottom floor of the museum houses miniature replicas of homes from around the world at different time periods. From now through the 8th of January, 11 of the rooms have been ornately decorated for the winter holidays. The rooms may be tiny, but the joy they bring is enormous. Visiting the museum is free for students up to 17 years old, and $14 for Chicago residents.

Do you know what’s better than walking in a winter wonderland? Skating in one! The Rink at the Park is a brand new rink right outside of Wrigley Field, which will be open through the end of February. Entry to the rink is $5, and skate rentals are $10. While you’re there, be sure to check out Wrigleyville Christkindlmarket, the perfect place to find those last minute gifts.  It will really transport you into the Winter Wonderland of your dreams.

Just because this is a break from school doesn’t mean you should take a break from learning something new. Head over to the Museum of Science and Industry (MSI) for their 75th annual “Christmas Around the World and Holidays of Light” display with over 50 internationally decorated trees, and special events held on the weekends which give visitors an even bigger taste of international holiday traditions. This indoor Christmas and holiday forest is a family favorite, and while you’re at the MSI, be sure to check out some of their other fantastic exhibitions. Tickets start at $30 and increase depending on if you’d like to visit other exhibits (you can save some money when you plan your visit online).

Fun for Free:

Put on your coat, grab something warm to drink, and head downtown to see the 50th annual Macy’s holiday windows on display through January 8. This year’s theme is “Reasons to Believe,” and visiting these iconic windows is a great way to get yourself into the holiday spirit. The windows each have a different theme, like “Love,” or “Giving,” with magical animatronics really making the displays come to life.

Located across the street from Parker at the Lincoln Park Zoo, Zoolights is the quintessential Chicago holiday event, perfect for all ages. This is ideal for a night time outing with a group of friends and will make for a great photo op. The first 1,000 people who come to the zoo each night receive holiday glasses that create patterns when you look at the lights, but everyone can enjoy nightly live ice sculpture carving displays, as well as treats from the classic snack vendors and a special winter hot chocolate bar.

When the snow starts falling, there’s nothing more fun than going sledding. Chicago might not be known for its hills, but there are several locations around the city perfect for this winter activity. Cricket Hill is located at 601 W Montrose Dr. just west of Montrose Harbor and east of Lake Shore Drive in Lincoln Park. This hill is big and steep, with lots of parking. Another big city hill can be found at 6601 N Western Avenue, and this one promises high-speed fun. For late night fun, there is a hill at 87th Street and Western Avenue that is lit up until 9:00pm.