For college students, going home for winter break can be a strange experience. That’s why filling up time with activities is crucial to surviving. If you live in Chicago or the Chicagoland area, you’re lucky, there is plenty to do!

1. Sleep sleep sleep!!!

After coming home from college finals you’ll need a massive amount of sleep paired with daily naps to get your body back to normal.

2. Take a day-trip to the Christkindlmarket.

Now open in Chicago, Naperville and Wrigley Park!

3. See the ZooLights at Lincoln Park Zoo.

Be blown away by the gorgeous lights and the zoo’s beautiful atmosphere.

4. Go with your family to see the Christmas-classic show: The Nutcracker.

What says Christmas tradition more than The Nutcracker??

5. Skating at Millennium Park or the Maggie Daley Ice Skating Ribbon.

Go show off your skills on the ice with friends and family. Skating is free as long as you bring your own skates.

6. Grab a bite at Macy’s Walnut Room.

After checking out Macy’s holiday window displays, go grab a delicious bite in the first department store restaurant ever.

7. See a musical downtown.

Downtown there is sure to be the perfect show for you, family and friends.

8. Try out a new restaurant.

Another amazing thing about Chicago is the endless amounts of restaurants to try.

9. Devour home-cooked meals... seriously.

Nothing will get your mind off school like a home-cooked meal that you sure can’t get at a dining hall.

10. Watch Hallmark Christmas movies nonstop.

Looking for a reason to lie on the couch with a box of tissues and a bowl of popcorn? Good. There is an endless loop of Hallmark movies at your disposal just one button away on the remote.

What are your favorite ways to spend winter in Chicago? Whatever you do, be sure to keep warm!