The sun sets at 5 now a days, the winter is slowly settling in, and Covid is still a thing. So what the hell is there to do besides binge watch Netflix and order an obscene amount of take-out? Well, I've got a few ideas to share. Check out these fun activities that are both winter-friendly and covid-friendly!

1. Be Inspired by Light Displays

Take a ride through Morton Arboretum and watch their lights dazzle and shine from the comfort of your warm car with some loved one. Tickets average from $29-49 per vehicle and you can make a reservation in advance to save a spot for yourself in line!

Looking for a more immersive experience? Jump out of that car and walk around ZooLights at Lincoln Park Zoo in Chicago. Tickets are $5 a person and they have pretty flexible hours in comparison to Morton Arboretum. Just be sure to pre-order your tickets since capacity will be limited! And of course- don't forget to bring your mask (it'll keep you warmer anyway!)

Stuck in the suburbs? Why not check out the 8th Annual Naper Lights in Naperville, Illinois? It's located along the riverwalk and is conducive to social distancing. You can even go off course and still enjoy the scenery from a far to avoid any potential crowds.

2. Attempt To Ice-Skating

There's sure to be a major influx of people wanting to try out skating this year. Obviously Millennium Park and Maggie Daley Park are the classic spots to hit the rink but there's still plenty of options for those trying to avoid long waits or crowds.

Whether your an old-time pro and a beginner, skating is a great way to kill time, get a low-key workout, and snag some cute Holiday photos while spending time with your friends or family and avoiding Covid.

Trying to social distance even more and not afraid to take a risk? Find a local pond and check out the Forest Preserves regulations for skating. PLEASE DON'T GO ON THE ICE IF YOU AREN'T SURE IT'S FROZEN- I really don't want to be responsible for someone freezing to death because they read this blog and thought this was a good idea. I only ever said it was an idea.

3. Grab a Cocktail On a Year-Round Patio

There's a few places in and around Chicago that still offer dine-in since they have the advantage of a year round or heated Patio. Some of these places even offer Winter games in place of Summer one's once the seasons begin to change.

The Gwen Hotel is one option, offering a ice-less curling rink on the fifth floor patio lounge. Here you can reserve a 45 minute game with friends while enjoying some Holiday cocktails. Another great option is Kaiser Tiger. They also offer a heated patio- socially distanced of course- with the opportunity to reserve a curling game. They also have live music on Wednesday's and Thursday, even in the winter. So, if you're missing concerts, Kaiser Tiger might be a good option for you!

4. Stay Home and Get in the Holiday Spirit

Why not host a virtual Holiday Happy hour? Have all the attendee's buy some cookies or gingerbread men and spend some time competing with friend's over who's is best decorated? Stuck with the family? Have a gingerbread house competition or check out tiktok for more entertaining at-home games you can play with the siblings.

Not into the zoom calls? Invite a small group of friends over that you know have been following precautions and throw a cozy movie night. If you're still worried about covid try converting your garage into a movie space by setting up a monitor and sheet for the screen and open the door to allow some air flow. Set up some comfy chairs 6 feet apart, make some individual bags of popcorn and have everyone bring their fuzziest blankets to stay warm in the drafty space.

5. Rent Out a Space or Movie Theatre

Even with covid happening, peerspace.com still lets you choose from tons of different locations and types of spaces that are all following covid-guidelines. This could be the perfect way to safely throw a fun gathering while being able to escape your usual surroundings for a bit.

Want to host your own private movie? Rent out a theatre with AMC. Starting at $99, this could be the perfect way to throw a socially distanced event, such as a birthday, office parties- or you could just a rent a whole one to yourself and sit alone (I don't judge).

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