Winter is a season full of holiday cheer, freshly fallen snow, and the crisp scent of pine, but it is also a season that comes with the sun setting at 4:00pm, exorbitant heating bills, and long, gray days. With those winter downsides, we spend a lot more time inside our homes, avoiding the dark, cold, and wet gloominess that lurks outside for most of the season. Since we will inevitably be spending more time inside, we may as well make it a comfortable experience. Here are 9 Ways To Keep Your Home Cozy This Winter:

Chicago has no shortage of things to do every season, and the holiday season is no exception. The colder temps tend to keep people in the comfort of their homes, but these holiday activities will get you right out the door. From festive markets to pop-up bars and ice skating rinks to immersive shows, there is something for everyone to do this holiday season in Chicago.

Remember the summer? A time filled with outdoor street festivals, days spent enjoying the Chicago playpen, and sunshine well past 4:30 pm. Those days will soon feel like years ago now that Chicago winter is on the horizon. The first Chicago winter, for most people, can be a painful learning experience. As much as we’d love to say it is something you get used to, the shock of the extreme cold can trip up even lifelong Chicagoans.

In an effort to help the entire city weather this storm, we put together a list of tips to help you survive a Chicago winter.