His “humongous family” always encounters a shortage of oven and stovetop space during holiday dinner prep, so he’s been known to freeze batches of mashed potatoes (and other holiday necessities) months before Turkey Day. That’s certainly true for Brendan Smith, executive chef for Constellation Culinary Group. But sometimes-especially if you’re cooking for a larger group-a more advanced head start is necessary. But did you know you can make mashed potatoes in advance? (Like, really far in advance.) Our go-to make-ahead mashed potato recipe allows for the ‘taters to be boiled and creamed up to two days ahead. Mashed potatoes are a quintessential Thanksgiving side dish, right up there with stuffing and green bean casserole. Need a place to stay when visiting Chicago? Book your reservation here. Now you’re ready for your upcoming trip to Chicago filled with adventures and spectacular sights. Consider booking a hotel located in the heart of the city, close to many of these activities. If you are planning to visit the city soon, then make sure to book a place to stay during your trip. If you choose to do any of these 5 classic winter Chicago activities, you are sure to have an extraordinary trip. The Lakeshore Trail can take you to several famous Chicago destinations, like Museum Campus, where you can take a break from the cold and go to the Shedd Aquarium, Adler Planetarium, or Field Museum. You might even see an ice fisher or two! In some locations along the lake, you may be able to see unique ice features from the frozen water. Walk along Lake Michigan on the Lakeshore Trail to catch epic sights of it frozen during the wintertime. If you happen to go on a Polar Adventure Day, you’ll be able to create nature-inspired crafts, see Husky teams sled around the peninsula, and toast a marshmallow over a campfire. This man-made peninsula offers nature trails and beautiful views of the city. Northerly Island, a 119-acre natural area and park, is situated along Lake Michigan near Museum Campus. If you enjoy spending time outdoors in nature, then you’ll love snowshoeing on Northerly Island. It’s one of the most iconic parks in Chicago, so make sure you plan this activity into your itinerary so that you can experience this famous landmark. The park also has other art exhibitions and sculptures to see. The biggest attraction in Millennium Park is the park’s reflective sculpture known affectionately as the “Bean.” It is famous for its unique shape, as well as its reflection of the city around it. Once you get to the top of the slope, you’ll be able to see spectacular views of Lake Michigan. The Soldier Field Sledding Hill features real and fake snow to make sure that the hill stays sled-ready. Sled at Soldier FieldĮven though most of Chicago is flat, you can sled down a 33-foot slope at historic Soldier Field this year. This year the Skating Ribbon is open through March 13th.

This activity is great for families of all ages and ensures that everyone will have lots of fun.

Maggie Daley Park’s famous Skating Ribbon features the city’s sweeping skyline in the background and a winding pathway of ice instead of a traditional round rink. Not sure where to start? Here’s a handy guide with 5 classic winter activities to do in Chicago. With so many activities to do and places to see during the winter, it can be easy to accidentally miss out on some of the most exciting experiences. When you visit the city in the winter, you’ll find cozy bars and restaurants, eye-catching architecture, inspiring museums, prestigious sports teams, and of course, a dazzling layer of snow over the entire city. Grab your gloves and bundle up, it’s wintertime in Chicago! Even though it’s cold in the winter, Chicago has loads of things to do.

Chicago bean frozen