For winter lovers who think a full-on Chicago winter can’t get here soon enough, the folks at the Jack Frost Winter Village has a new pop-up wintery solution.
The Winter Village takes over two acres in Chicago’s Goose Island with lots of Insta-worthy fun for families. Plans include ice bumper cars (must be 7 and older, 42 inches tall), a singing Santa, a 20-foot snowman and 1,000 Canadian Christmas trees for great photo opps and to buy. Plus, Jack Frost plans to make it snow every day. Brrr.
The village comes from the folks who created fall’s fun Jack’s Pumpkin Pop-Up, so Instagrammable moments are set up throughout the village. Maybe you’ll even get that pic for next year’s holiday card. Think lighted holiday displays, visits with Santa and snowball fights. Adding to the fun, there will be fortune tellers, ice skating and axe throwing (16 and older only),
Food trucks, with seasonal treats and fun holiday drinks, will be on hand as well as fire pits set up to keep everyone toasty. For an added price, which is yet to be determined, families can opt to warm up and hang out in private, heated igloos.
Throughout its stay in Goose Island, Jack’s also plans ice carving competitions and a snow volleyball tournament. Families should plan to visit before 7 p.m., organizers recommend, since the three full bars in the village will fill up with winter revelers.
Details
Jack Frost Winter Village
- Address: 1455 N. Elston Ave., Chicago
- Hours: Opens 11 a.m. daily Dec. 13-March 31. Hours may vary for holidays and events.
- Cost: $12 ages 12 and up, $18, includes ice skating, with family packages available. Advance purchase is recommended; price increases at the door. Activities extra.
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