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Chicago is a city buzzing with excitement and energy, but its friendly people and welcoming atmosphere are what really set it apart. You feel at home in Chicago from the second you arrive until the moment you leave, whether you're here for a low-key weekend with friends or an activity-packed week of adventure. An endless number of world-class restaurants, sights, shopping venues, live music, theater—you name it—add up to one dream destination.

To help with your planning, we've outlined a few of our favorite winter "bucket list" activities, all of them city-wide, mind-expanding, excitement-inspiring events.

1. First Bites Bash: Kicking off Chicago Restaurant Week, January 25th's First Bites Bash at the Aon Grand Ballroom at Navy Pier features food tastings from 60 of Chicago's most celebrated chefs and restaurants. This is a great introduction to Chicago's culinary scene, with beer, wine, and cocktail pairings, and a portion of proceeds will benefit the Greater Chicago Food Depository.
2. Chicago Restaurant Week: From January 26 to February 8, the 11th Annual Chicago Restaurant Week features special prix fixe menus starting at $22 for brunch or lunch, and $33 and/or $44 for dinner (excluding beverages, tax and gratuity) at over 370 restaurants across the city and suburbs. From casual Italian joints to elegant French bistros, visitors can feast at some of Chicago's most celebrated eateries.
3. Chicago Theatre Week: From February 8–18, Chicago's 6th Annual Theatre Week allows visitors to choose from over 120 productions staged across the city. With musicals, classics, family friendly productions, and everything in between, Chicago Theatre Week gives wide and varied audiences a taste of the city's vibrant and often groundbreaking theater scene.
4. Chinese New Year: With one of the largest Chinatowns in North America, Chicago is home to a vibrant Chinese community that enthusiastically celebrates its rich cultural traditions—particularly Chinese New Year. From February 16–March 4, the city will come alive with cultural performances, parades, special events and more, all celebrating the Year of the Dog.
5. Chicago Museum Week: Presented by Museums in the Park, Chicago Museum Week gives visitors a chance to experience the city's diverse museum scene from January 18–26. From the Art Institute of Chicago and the new, innovative American Writers Museum, to the world-renowned Field Museum of Natural History and Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago Museum Week's discounted rates give visitors a chance to immerse themselves in Chicago's fascinating culture.

These activities barely scratch the surface of all that Chicago has to offer, but they're a great place to start!