Chicago's Tourism Team Urges the City to "Turn Cold into a Wonderful Party"
As temperatures plummeted, Chicago's tourism team took to the streets to promote winter as a season of excitement and entertainment. According to Choose Chicago CEO Kristen Reynolds and Board Chair Guy Chipparoni, it's time for the city to shed its defensive attitude towards winter and instead focus on creating a festive atmosphere.
Reynolds, who recently spent the holidays in New York City, where she was overwhelmed by massive crowds during peak season, believes that Chicago can offer something unique. "It's not the same kind of customer that might want to come for our iconic summers," she said. "But it might be... local audiences and the regional drive market that want to come and see a great show, go to a great restaurant, and not have to fight the crowds."
The team identified several key experiences that can be leveraged to create a winter wonderland atmosphere: Christkindlmarket in Millennium Park, Navy Pier's festive lights, and ice skating on the Chicago River. "Why doesn't Saks Fifth Avenue have a light show every 30 minutes?" Chipparoni quipped.
To achieve this, Choose Chicago is urging the city to think big and bold during the winter season. "Ideally, you could take maybe the Christkindlmarket, move it to Millennium Park, and do an international or corporate Christmas tree contest," Chipparoni said. He also suggested creating a festive atmosphere on the shores of Lake Michigan, with ice skating and outdoor activities.
The team's efforts seem to be paying off, as recent events like the Bears' playoff games at Soldier Field showcased Chicago's ability to thrive in cold weather. TV ratings soared, and fans from around the country praised the city for its resilience and camaraderie.
Reynolds summed it up best: "There's something to be said about that... exuberation. That camaraderie of being together and kind of facing the elements." By embracing winter as a season of fun and excitement, Chicago can attract new visitors and reinforce its reputation as a world-class destination.
As for Chipparoni, he remains optimistic despite negative headlines and attacks from critics. "Yes, other cities are talking bad about us," he said. "But Chicago is worth a premium. We've got everything that other cities can't stack up to." With the right marketing and messaging, winter tourism in Chicago has the potential to become a major draw for visitors.
As temperatures plummeted, Chicago's tourism team took to the streets to promote winter as a season of excitement and entertainment. According to Choose Chicago CEO Kristen Reynolds and Board Chair Guy Chipparoni, it's time for the city to shed its defensive attitude towards winter and instead focus on creating a festive atmosphere.
Reynolds, who recently spent the holidays in New York City, where she was overwhelmed by massive crowds during peak season, believes that Chicago can offer something unique. "It's not the same kind of customer that might want to come for our iconic summers," she said. "But it might be... local audiences and the regional drive market that want to come and see a great show, go to a great restaurant, and not have to fight the crowds."
The team identified several key experiences that can be leveraged to create a winter wonderland atmosphere: Christkindlmarket in Millennium Park, Navy Pier's festive lights, and ice skating on the Chicago River. "Why doesn't Saks Fifth Avenue have a light show every 30 minutes?" Chipparoni quipped.
To achieve this, Choose Chicago is urging the city to think big and bold during the winter season. "Ideally, you could take maybe the Christkindlmarket, move it to Millennium Park, and do an international or corporate Christmas tree contest," Chipparoni said. He also suggested creating a festive atmosphere on the shores of Lake Michigan, with ice skating and outdoor activities.
The team's efforts seem to be paying off, as recent events like the Bears' playoff games at Soldier Field showcased Chicago's ability to thrive in cold weather. TV ratings soared, and fans from around the country praised the city for its resilience and camaraderie.
Reynolds summed it up best: "There's something to be said about that... exuberation. That camaraderie of being together and kind of facing the elements." By embracing winter as a season of fun and excitement, Chicago can attract new visitors and reinforce its reputation as a world-class destination.
As for Chipparoni, he remains optimistic despite negative headlines and attacks from critics. "Yes, other cities are talking bad about us," he said. "But Chicago is worth a premium. We've got everything that other cities can't stack up to." With the right marketing and messaging, winter tourism in Chicago has the potential to become a major draw for visitors.
come on chicago can't you just leave winter alone?! 
seriously though, ice skating on the river is kinda cool but who thought it was a good idea to make saks fifth avenue's light show every 30 minutes? 
that would definitely bring some money in. but honestly, what's wrong with the current crowds during peak season? are they really not doing enough to attract locals and regional visitors? 
also, why can't christkindlmarket just stay where it is? it's already a hit. no need to move it around like that. 
. I mean think about it, winters in Chicago aren't all bad - they're actually kinda cozy 
. And have you seen Christkindlmarket at night? It's like a whole different vibe 
. Let's be real though, who doesn't love ice skating on the river or sipping hot chocolate by the lake? 
It's time for Chicago to step up its winter game and show the world what it's all about 
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. And I love how the tourism team is thinking outside the box - moving Christkindlmarket to Millennium Park, anyone? 
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. Chicago is worth a premium, and with the right marketing, winter tourism can be a major draw 
. Bring it on, winter! 
. Like, who thought it was a good idea to voluntarily brave -20°C 
. Can't they just leave us alone during the holidays? 
Plus, why do they have to move it to Millennium Park? That's where all the tourists already go in the summer 
. I mean, can't we just enjoy our cozy winter days without all the fuss and fanfare? 
I'm so down with this idea! Who says winters gotta be all about bundling up & being cold? 
Not me! 
Let's get creative & turn that cold into a party vibe! 
chicago needs to capitalize on its winter vibes and make it a thing! 
️ theyre already doing some cool stuff with navy pier and christkindlmarket, just scale it up and add some more attractions to lake michigan shore and soldier field... its a shame the city has to deal with those negative headlines but at least theres a clear vision from choose chicago on how to turn winter into a party 
And let's be real, who doesn't love a good excuse to try out some festive lights and decorations? I mean, Saks Fifth Avenue having a light show every 30 minutes? That sounds amazing 
I'm not buying it. They're just trying to lure people in with some fancy lights and markets, but at the end of the day, it's still Chicago in winter. It's cold and grey... not exactly the most appealing thing. Can't we just stick to summer and leave the snow for someone else? 
It's already happening at other cities, why not here? I'm definitely going to be visiting Chicago more often now! 
. I'm sure the tourists are just thrilled to have their toes numb and their fingers frostbite-prone while trying to enjoy some holiday cheer.