Winterland at Gallagher Way will offer a different adventure this year, since the ice rink and all other festive activities are going to take place inside the ballpark.
Our city, one of the best to live in
The holiday season is knocking on our doors, and if you are looking for new fun things to do this year, Chicagoans will have the rare opportunity to step onto Wrigley Field.
There are many reasons why the Windy City is a great place to live in. America’s 3rd-biggest city has high-flying architecture, lush green spaces, world-class museums, stunning monuments, beautiful parks, and amazing food — you’ll definitely be spoiled for choice! Chicagoans and tourists alike love how it perfectly blends the big city’s urban feel with a Midwest charm. In October, Chicago was named the Best Big City in the United States for an unprecedented sixth straight year. More than 240,000 people from around the country voted for our city in the Conde Nast Traveler’s annual Readers’ Choice Awards and we are happy to note no other city has won so many times in a row until now.
Wrigley Field, a well known and loved Chicago landmark
One of the reasons our city is so loved is the myriad of possibilities for spending down time with the loved ones. Whether you’re a sports fan or not, Wrigley Field is well known and beloved, a true landmark of Chicago. For those of you who love sports, Wrigley Field could be the best place to propose to your significant other, especially since this ballpark, built in 1914, is home to numerous unforgettable moments for many Chicago locals. It could be a great idea to make the person you love the most become the heart of one of these events. Wrigley Field is a great place to share another priceless moment with your loved one.
After the worst of the coronavirus pandemic was over, fans have been coming back to Wrigley Field for Cubs games since April 2021. Then, later last year, even people who are not necessarily into sports have had a reason to come into Wrigleyville. After it has been limiting events for more than a year, Gallagher Way — the plaza right next to Wrigley Field—invited Chicagoans to various free summer attractions, from Music Box Theatre-run movie screenings to art markets and concerts.
Winterland at Gallagher Way, a place for Instagrammable moments
Every year, outside the home of the Cubs, Chicago dwellers and tourists can check out the Winterland at Gallagher Way, an annual festive experience which is expanding into the ballpark for the first time this year.
For those looking to tickle their wanderlust and perhaps brighten up their Instagram feed, Chicago has so many Instagrammable landmarks, views, and culinary experiences that it’s hard to know what to check out first. This year’s Winterland at Gallagher Way will for sure become one, with attractions for the young and the old, the foodies and the bold.
From Friday, November 18 until Sunday, January 8, 2023, visitors will be able to celebrate the season with many programs and activities. Chicagoans and guests alike will find something to do, things to buy or to experience. Popular winter attraction Christkindlmarket Wrigleyville returns as one of the headliners and will offer hand-crafted ornaments and unique holiday merchandise. We will be able to taste a taste of traditional German fare and hot spiced wine will also be on the menu.
A 12,000-square-foot ice rink for skating enthusiasts
Skating fans will have a whole new experience this year. Usually, Winterland’s ice skating was happening next to the stadium, but the festivities are moving onto the field in 2022. A specially decorated gate will help attendees enjoy the holiday atmosphere even before arriving at an expanded 12,000-square-foot ice rink. The whimsical winter wonderland will also feature a carousel, carnival rides and games, an ice slide and an Infield Express train. If skating is all fun and games until you freeze, no worries, if you need to warm up, there’s a new ski lodge-themed dining option—aptly named The Lodge—that will provide creative beverages and fire pits to warm up your limbs.
Those who want to commemorate the occasion can take professional family photos with Santa in his workshop, located in the lobby near the Wrigley Field Marquee. It will be open every Friday, Saturday and Sunday from November 25 to December 18. Large groups can rent private on-field chalets, which are designed to accommodate up to 20 guests. They include a hot chocolate bar, snacks, attraction tickets and upgradeable food and drink packages. Reservations are available here.
Winterland’s hours of operation are from 3-9pm Monday through Thursday, 11am-10pm on Saturday and 11am-7pm on Sunday. Thanksgiving and Christmas Eve hours will be 11am-4pm, while the hours on December 26-29 will be 11am-7pm. The event is closed on Christmas Day. Admission to Winterland at Gallagher Way is free, but tickets are required for access to the Wrigley Field activities. Tickets start at $5 and can be purchased online. Parking is available in the Toyota Camry Lot at 1126 W Grace St for $10 Monday through Thursday, and $15 Friday through Sunday. For a full list of activities and events, visit Gallagher Way’s website.
