Top 12 Cool Winter Birthday Ideas to Celebrate in Chicago

Winter in Chicago might bring a chill to the air, but it certainly shouldn’t dampen the spirits when it comes to celebrating a birthday! If you’re gearing up to mark your special day during the colder months, fear not—the Windy City is brimming with options to warm your heart and your birthday celebrations!

Whether you’re an adult organizing the celebration for yourself or you’re a parent setting up a party for your kid, with a dash of creativity and a sprinkle of Chicago’s unique charm, you’re all set for an extraordinary birthday bash. So grab a warm hat, and let’s explore Chicago’s top winter birthday ideas!

Top Winter Birthday Party Ideas in Chicago

Discover the magic of winter in Chicago with our top birthday party ideas. Let the city’s snowy backdrop and vibrant culture inspire a memorable celebration!

1. A Hearty Meal

Winter is the perfect time to indulge in warming comfort foods like steaming bowls of soup, rich stews, and comforting roasted dishes! For your birthday celebration, gather your friends and family and head out to one of the city’s amazing restaurants for a hearty meal.

From deep-dish pizza to upscale dining experiences, Chicago’s culinary scene offers something for every palate. Enjoy a birthday feast featuring local favorites like Chicago-style pizza or a luxurious steak dinner. You can plan a few dinner table games to keep the conversation flowing and make your meal even more fun.

A comforting dining experience will nourish both the bodies and the souls of everyone celebrating! Check out our guide to the best restaurants in Chicago to celebrate your birthday for a list of exquisite birthday spots.

2. See a Show

Treat yourself to a memorable night out by attending a live show! The city is renowned for its vibrant performing arts scene, offering a wide range of theatrical productions, musicals, and comedy and magic shows. From Broadway touring productions to intimate local theater performances, whatever performances are your favorite, you can be sure they’re played somewhere in the city!

The city has numerous theaters, so you have plenty of options. If you’re traveling from outside the city, head to Theatre District in the Loop to catch a show at the city’s most famous theaters, such as the Chicago Theatre or Goodman Theatre.

💸 Tip: If you don’t have a particular theater or show in mind that you would like to see, use services such as Hot Tix to secure discounted tickets for a budget-friendly celebration!

3. A Fancy Cocktail Hour

Nothing says celebration like fancy cocktails! While summertime calls for an outdoor celebration, why not enjoy the warmth of Chicago’s upscale bars or lounges in the winter!

Chicago boasts a wide range of cocktail bars, from classic speakeasies with a vintage vibe to contemporary pubs known for their artistic mixology, so whatever mood you want to create for your birthday, you can find a matching space. You can throw a lavish party for a crowd and enjoy the attention, or celebrate with your nearest and dearest in a more intimate setting. Don’t forget to offer mocktails as well!

Forget-the-Winter Birthday Ideas Chicago

There’s a lot to love about Chicago, but the winter might not be high on the list for everyone. If you want a celebration that will make you forget about the cold, check out the ideas below!

4. A Round of Indoor Golf

Gather your friends, grab your clubs, and enjoy an indoor birthday golf tournament.

Head to one of the city’s many indoor golf spots that offer state-of-the-art simulators, allowing you to play a variety of famous golf courses from around the world. These simulated golf courses are perfect for both beginners and experienced golfers, so everyone can participate. Enjoy a challenge, all from the comfort of indoors! 

Our favorite indoor golf venues in and around Chicago include:

• Five Iron Golf, with various locations around the city, including The Loop and River North, offers group parties and the assistance of professional golfers, so even if your crew never played before, you’re guaranteed a great time here!
• My Chicago Golf in River West offers professional simulators that provide extremely accurate ball flight readings to help you master your golfing skills.
• Game of Irons in Hinsdale, Chicago’s largest indoor golf facility, also offers food and drinks, ensuring your party is a success.
• X-Golf Kildeer in Lake Zurich, with eight state-of-the-art golf simulators, is a palace for pro-golfers and beginners alike.

5. A Conservatory Visit

Escape the winter chill and celebrate a birthday surrounded by lush greenery and vibrant blooms at one of Chicago’s indoor conservatories!

The Garfield Park Conservatory and the Lincoln Park Conservatory offer a tranquil oasis where visitors can explore a variety of plant collections and exotic flowers. Stroll through these botanical gardens for a soothing and rejuvenating experience that will make you forget about the cold outside. 

For a whole birthday staycation experience, end the day with a session in a day spa!

💸 Tip: Both conservatories are free to visit, so if you’re looking for a budget-friendly birthday party option, this is it!

6. A Carnival-Themed Party

Thoughts of winter celebrations may bring to mind cozy holidays or winter wonderland motifs. Yet, there’s a globally celebrated theme, brimming with excitement and color, perfect for a winter birthday bash—Carnival!

Carnival usually takes place before the start of Lent, and while the exact date differs between countries and cultures, it usually falls around February and March. One thing all the carnivals have in common, though, is that it’s a time of eating, dancing, partying, and having fun! If a lively, colorful party theme is what you seek for your birthday, Carnival is a great choice.

Go all out with the decorations, food and drinks, and enjoy a Carnival party without leaving the city! Get inspired by how Carnival is celebrated around the world to create your own, unique festival birthday party.

---

🎉 Do you like the idea of a themed party, but Carnival doesn’t tickle your fancy? Check out our ultimate list of 170 party themes for more ideas!

---

True Chicago Winter Birthday Ideas

Embrace the unique charm of the Windy City with these quintessential activities that make Chicago’s winters a bit more bearable.

7. Chicago Blackhawks Game

If you are a sports enthusiast, why not check out a  Blackhawks game? If you’re looking for an adrenaline-pumping and exciting birthday experience, then this is your spot.

The Blackhawks have a dedicated and passionate fan base, and the energy of the United Center is infectious. Whether you’re an avid hockey fan or you simply enjoy the thrill of live sports, catching a game guarantees a memorable and action-packed birthday celebration!

8. Pizza Tour

We’ve mentioned the birthday hearty meal already, but Chicago’s legendary pizza is a must have for any birthday celebration! Why not organize a pizza tour as a unique way to celebrate your winter birthday in the city!

Whether you’re a fan of the city’s iconic deep-dish pizza or want to explore other types, celebrating your birthday with a pizza tour makes the day even more exciting. You can research the most famous pizza places yourself or sign up for a professional pizza tour where you get to listen to the stories of each place you visit!

9. Ice Rink Visit

If you don’t mind the cold, then embrace the winter season and have a blast celebrating your birthday by visiting one of Chicago’s ice rinks. Lace up your skates and hit the ice with your friends and family!

Chicago offers numerous outdoor and indoor ice rinks during the winter months, where you can celebrate your special day. Glide across the ice, show off your skating skills, and enjoy the joyful atmosphere with music and twinkling lights. Whether you’re a seasoned skater or a beginner, an ice rink visit promises a delightful and active birthday celebration.

After your skating session, warm up with hot cocoa or a celebratory drink in a nearby bar!

Low-Key Winter Birthday Ideas in Chicago

Looking for a more relaxed celebration? Our low-key winter birthday ideas in Chicago offer relaxed and delightful ways to commemorate your special day in the city.

10. Birthday Photo Shoot

Create lasting memories of your special day with a professional birthday photo shoot!

Whether it’s a milestone birthday or not, you’re worth celebrating each and every year! So why not treat yourself to a professional photo shoot? The photo shoot can be a glamorous fashion shoot, a playful session with props, or a candid lifestyle shoot—just remember, it’s all about you!

With Chicago’s scenic locations, ranging from the natural beauty of Lake Michigan to the modern city streets or iconic ice rinks, an urban photo shoot can be fun even during the winter. The best spots for taking pictures in Chicago include:

• Prairie Avenue District, a historic area in the Near South Side filled with picturesque mansions ideal for a photo backdrop. If you’re interested in discovering more of Chicago’s architectural past, head to Lakeviews’ Alta Vista Terrace District, Old Town, Gold Coast, or the Pullman Historic District.
• Chicago Riverwalk, a scenic pedestrian path along the Chicago River that provides beautiful views of the city’s skyscrapers. It is perfect for capturing Chicago’s urban landscape, especially at night.
• Millennium Park, with Jay Pritzker Pavilion, the Cloud Gate, Crown Fountain, and Lurie Garden, offers a unique blend of contemporary art, architecture, and landscape design for where you can snap ultimate Chicago birthday photos.
• Lincoln Park, a large public park with a zoo, conservatory, and numerous natural settings that make for beautiful photos.

If you want to hide from the cold, rent out a photo studio and shoot indoors. Hire a professional photographer to snap the pics for you, or shoot with your phone. Either way, the photos will become a great memory of the celebration!

---

👉 Check out more birthday photo shoot ideas: 10 Unusual Ideas for a Birthday Photo Shoot for Adults

---

11. Museum Tour

If you want to get away from the icy air, touring the city’s museums is a great idea for a winter birthday.

Chicago is known for its world-class museums, such as the Art Institute, the Museum of Science and Industry, and the Field Museum. A museum tour offers a unique and interactive experience, as many museums offer hands-on activities. You can go see the permanent exhibitions or catch special temporary ones.

💸 Tip: If planned right, a museum tour can be a budget-conscious birthday celebration, as some museums in Chicago are either free all year long or offer free admission hours.

12. DIY Workshops

For a hands-on and creative birthday celebration, consider hosting or attending a DIY workshop. It’s a fun activity that you can easily organize in your home, but you can also attend classes at DIY spaces.

For at-home workshops, you can organize candle painting, sip and paint, or macrame making. If you’re looking to go out for your birthday, Chicago offers many different workshops, so you can choose the one that best appeals to your interests. Check out North Lakeview-based Indigo & Violet Studio for workshops ranging from still-life styling to stop-motion classes. If you’re looking for something unusual, head to Gearhead Workspace, an actual, fully-equipped automotive shop based in Bridgeport, where you can work on your cars or other vehicles.

DIY workshops help you bond with your friends while unleashing your creativity, and they also offer a tangible reminder of the fun and memorable birthday celebration! Whether you’re a crafting enthusiast or a beginner looking to try something new, a DIY workshop is a fantastic way to celebrate your birthday during the winter!

To Wrap Up

As we wrap up our list of winter birthday ideas in Chicago, remember that the city’s frosty weather is just another reason to get creative with your celebrating. Whether you decide to snuggle up indoors or brave the cold, Chicago’s vibrant energy promises a birthday experience like no other. 

So, pull on your warmest coat, gather your friends, and get ready to make your winter birthday not just a day to remember but a heartwarming celebration of another fantastic year in your life!

Read more: 

• 25 Fun Birthday Ideas You Must Try in Chicago 
• Have Snow Much Fun with These 21 Winter Birthday Ideas 
• The Ultimate Guide to Planning the Perfect Birthday Party

FAQ