Chicago's tourism team is urging the city to "turn cold into a wonderful party" and capitalize on its unique winter offerings, rather than shying away from the season.
According to Choose Chicago CEO Kristen Reynolds and Board Chair Guy Chipparoni, the city has an opportunity to attract local audiences and regional drive market visitors who are eager for festive experiences, such as ice skating, holiday markets, and cultural events. However, these attractions often go underutilized during peak winter months.
Reynolds drew inspiration from her recent trip to New York City, where she witnessed crowds of 8 million-plus visitors during the holiday season. In contrast, Chicago's streets were relatively empty, making it easier for tourists to navigate popular spots like the Magnificent Mile and Navy Pier.
Chipparoni proposed revamping existing events, such as the Christkindlmarket in Millennium Park, to create a cohesive winter experience that showcases the city's unique offerings. He also suggested incorporating new activities, like an international or corporate Christmas tree contest, which could attract visitors from across the region.
The Chicago Bears' recent playoff games at Soldier Field provided a prime example of how the city can successfully market itself during cold-weather events. The high TV ratings and enthusiastic crowds demonstrate that Chicagoans are eager to showcase their city's winter spirit.
Chipparoni cautioned that negative headlines and attacks on the city will inevitably arise, but he argued that Chicago's unique strengths and attractions set it apart from competitors. By focusing on promoting its winter offerings, the city can attract tourists who are looking for a unique and exciting holiday experience.
According to Choose Chicago CEO Kristen Reynolds and Board Chair Guy Chipparoni, the city has an opportunity to attract local audiences and regional drive market visitors who are eager for festive experiences, such as ice skating, holiday markets, and cultural events. However, these attractions often go underutilized during peak winter months.
Reynolds drew inspiration from her recent trip to New York City, where she witnessed crowds of 8 million-plus visitors during the holiday season. In contrast, Chicago's streets were relatively empty, making it easier for tourists to navigate popular spots like the Magnificent Mile and Navy Pier.
Chipparoni proposed revamping existing events, such as the Christkindlmarket in Millennium Park, to create a cohesive winter experience that showcases the city's unique offerings. He also suggested incorporating new activities, like an international or corporate Christmas tree contest, which could attract visitors from across the region.
The Chicago Bears' recent playoff games at Soldier Field provided a prime example of how the city can successfully market itself during cold-weather events. The high TV ratings and enthusiastic crowds demonstrate that Chicagoans are eager to showcase their city's winter spirit.
Chipparoni cautioned that negative headlines and attacks on the city will inevitably arise, but he argued that Chicago's unique strengths and attractions set it apart from competitors. By focusing on promoting its winter offerings, the city can attract tourists who are looking for a unique and exciting holiday experience.
! I mean, come on, Chicago has so much to offer - from ice skatin' rinks 
to holiday markets 
and cultural events 
. It's time for us to take advantage of those chilly winter days and show our city's unique spirit 
.
, but we need to revamp it into somethin' bigger and better 
. Maybe add some new activities like an international Christmas tree contest or a festive lights display 
?
The high TV ratings and enthusiastic crowds are proof that our city's winter spirit is strong 
. We just need to lean into it and show the world what we're workin' with 
.
. They should totally revamp some events, like that Christkindlmarket thing, and make it more of a party. And can we please get a Christmas tree contest? That sounds so fun! 
I think this is a total win-win situation! I mean, have you seen New York City during the holidays? Crazy! 
Chicago has so much to offer - from ice skating at Millennium Park to shopping on Michigan Avenue. They just need to put it all together and make it pop! 
Like that time the Chicago Bears played at Soldier Field, it was electric! The city's energy is infectious, you can't deny it. I'd love to see them create a cohesive winter experience with events like the Christkindlmarket, but add some new twists like Chipparoni said. Corporate Christmas tree contest? 
meanwhile our streets r empty it's like nobody wants to come visit us during the holidays gotta revamp those events and markets or idc about christmas in chicago 
! like, imagine ice skating rinks in morgan park, festive markets at the 606, and cultural events galore 
i mean what's wrong with christkindlmarkt?! revamp it or something! 
and btw, if u haven't checked out the christmas tree contest idea yet, u gotta! corporate & international teams would go wild for that 
anyway, a international christmas tree contest sounds like an amazing idea! we need more festive vibes in this city, stat! 
, it was like a real winter wonderland! Now they're trying to bring that magic back, but I'm thinking, why not take it up another notch? I mean, have you seen those Christmas markets in New York City, that's what we need right here in Chicago! And dude, the Christkindlmarket needs a major revamp, I saw some pics of it last year and it looked so dead compared to NYC. But, for real though, if we can get the tourists coming in, maybe they can help us with the city budget problems? We need something to shake things up around here.
I'm so over this cold weather already... but you know what? I kinda think they're onto something 
But Chicago could totally do that too if they just promoted it more 
!
! Bring on the festive vibes and let's make this winter one to remember 
.