Chicago in December is cold, festive, and full of charm. If you’re heading to the Windy City this winter, you’ll want to bundle up in cozy layers without sacrificing style. From snowy sidewalks to holiday markets, this destination demands smart winter gear and thoughtful planning.
Temperatures dip below freezing, so packing well means enjoying your trip more and freezing less. Whether you’re walking along Michigan Avenue or catching a show at the Chicago Theatre, staying warm is key.
📝Note: This article is all about what to pack for Chicago in December. Here you can find a huge and comprehensive list. Feel free to adapt to your needs, and share your tips in the comments!
Weather & Travel Context 🌦️
- Downtown Chicago: -6°C to 3°C (21°F to 37°F)
- Lake Michigan breeze makes it feel colder – wind chill is real!
- Expect snow, ice, and freezing rain. Layering is essential.
What to Pack for Chicago in December
Packing smart will help you make the most of your trip. Here’s everything you need to bring for a comfortable and stylish adventure.
Carry-On Suitcase / Travel Bag Duffle / Portable Steamer / Packing cubes / Luggage scale / Wireless Noise-Cancelling Headphones / Speaker / Portable Charger / Universal Travel adapter / Compact Hair Dryer / Eye Mask / Waterproof Toiletry Bag Hanging / Zipper Pouch / Water BOTTLE / Liquid I.V. Hydration Vegan
🧳 Luggage & Packing Tools
If you want more options to have everything organized and well packed, take a look at these suggestions.
1. Rolling Backpack / 2. Luggage (large) / 3. Luggage (small) / 4. Toiletry Bag / 5. Beach Bag / 6. Backpack / 7. Packing Cubes
- Rolling suitcase – hard shell for snowy streets 🧳
- Carry-on – for your winter coat and essentials 🛄
- Daypack – thermal-lined for day tours 🎒
- Packing cubes – keep layers organized 🧩
- Shoe bags – protect from salt-stained boots 👞
- Toiletry bag – with leakproof lining 🧴
- Document organizer – waterproof travel folder 📁
- Foldable tote – great for shopping 🛍️
- Laundry kit – keep wet items separate 🧼
- Luggage scale – avoid overweight charges ⚖️
- Travel lock – TSA-approved 🔒
- Dry towel – quick-dry microfiber for spa or gym 🧻
- Neck pillow – plush for long flights 💤
- Sleep mask – helpful for jet lag 😴
👗 Clothes
- Thermal base layers (2–3) – crucial for warmth 🧦
- Long sleeve tees (4) – soft and layerable 👕
- Chunky sweaters (2–3) – cozy and stylish 🧶
- Blazer – warm layering for indoor events 🧥
- Jeans (2) – dark wash for winter vibes 👖
- Wool trousers – elevated and insulating 👔
- Thermal leggings (2) – layer under dresses or pants 🩳
- Knit skirt – pair with tights 👗
- Sweater dresses – versatile and warm 👚
- Heavy winter coat – down or parka 🧥
- Puffer jacket – compact but effective 🧊
- Fleece activewear – cozy for lounging or gym 🧘
- Warm pajamas – flannel or thermal 🛌
- Thermal socks (5–7) – must-have for icy days 🧦
- Undergarments (daily) – full coverage preferred 👙
💆 Skincare
- Gentle cleanser – avoid winter dryness 🧼
- Hydrating toner – prep your skin 💧
- Rich moisturizer – combat windburn 🧴
- SPF moisturizer – UV rays still hit 🧊
- Makeup remover – nourishing formula 🧽
- Face exfoliator – once or twice a week 🧖
- Eye cream – reduce puffiness ❄️
- Facial mist – refresh your skin 💦
- Sheet masks – great for hotel pampering 😌
- Lip balm – pack a few! 💋
- Spot treatment – dry climate = flare-ups 🔬
💄 Makeup
- Hydrating foundation – avoid flaking 💄
- Concealer – for cold-weather blemishes 👁️
- Setting powder – reduce shine from scarves 💨
- Cream blush – more natural in winter ❄️
- Highlighter – brighten dull winter skin ✨
- Bronzer – add warmth to your face 🌞
- Neutral eyeshadow palette – works for day to night 🎨
- Waterproof eyeliner – for windy eyes 💧
- Volumizing mascara – bold lashes in cold air 👁️
- Brow gel – keep brows in shape 🧴
- Lipstick & gloss – berry shades pop 💄
- Setting spray – lock it all in 🔒
- Brush set – travel-sized 💼
💇 Hair Care
- Wide-tooth comb – gentle on dry hair 💇
- Hair ties/clips – for windproof styles 🌀
- Moisturizing shampoo & conditioner – travel size 🚿
- Dry shampoo – refresh between washes 🌬️
- Heat protectant spray – winter + heat = brittle 💥
- Styling cream – fight frizz 💁
- Mini hair dryer – with diffuser 💨
- Straightener/curler – dual-voltage preferred 🔌
- Hair serum – seal split ends ✨
- Winter hair accessories – wool headbands, clips 🎀
👟 Shoes & Accessories
- Waterproof boots – for snowy sidewalks 🥾
- Stylish sneakers – indoor exploring 👟
- Dress boots – night out-ready 👢
- Wool socks (4–5) – keep those toes warm 🧦
- Leather belt – classic layer accessory 👖
- Wool hat – trap in heat 🎩
- Cozy scarf – thick and fluffy 🧣
- Touchscreen gloves – don’t remove to text 🧤
- Polarized sunglasses – snow glare is intense 🕶️
- Jewelry – minimal chic 💍
- Crossbody bag – secure and convenient 👜
- Compact umbrella – snow or sleet ready ☂️
📑 Documents & Essentials
- Passport/ID – domestic flights still need ID 🛂
- Printed travel insurance – in case of snow delays 📄
- Plane tickets/boarding pass – paper & digital 🛫
- Credit/debit cards + cash – mix for emergencies 💳
- Local map – or download offline 🗺️
- Notebook + pen – notes and doodles 🖊️
- Emergency contacts list – always smart 📞
- Important receipts – store safe 📑
🚑 First Aid
- Band-aids – winter blisters from boots 🩹
- Antiseptic wipes – cold cuts hurt more ❄️
- Gauze/tape – basic care set 🩺
- Thermometer – in case of flu 🌡️
- Cotton swabs – multi-use 🧼
🧼 Health & Hygiene
- Prescriptions – double check doses 💊
- Painkillers – cold aches are real 🤕
- Allergy meds – heaters stir up dust 🌬️
- Motion sickness tabs – if flying 🚀
- Vitamins – boost your immunity 💪
- Feminine care – pack ahead 🩸
- Hand sanitizer – cold = flu season 🧴
- Wet wipes – refresh anywhere 🧻
- Bug spray – not needed in winter ❌
- Contraceptives – plan ahead 📆
- Mirror – compact for touch-ups 🪞
- Toothbrush & paste – minty fresh 😁
- Floss – dental care counts 🦷
- Deodorant – fresh layers 👃
- Razor – up to you 🪒
- Nail clippers – cold cracks nails quickly 💅
- Perfume – wintery scents 💐
- Tissues – runny nose season 🤧
📱 Tech & Electronics
- Phone – don’t leave home without it 📱
- Charger – cold drains batteries ⚡
- Power bank – always on hand 🔋
- Laptop or tablet – for digital nomads 💻
- Camera – winter photos are magical 📸
- Universal adapter – if you’re international 🌍
- Offline maps & apps – in case of no service 🗺️
- Headphones – music during transit 🎧
- e-Reader – cozy reading by the fire 📖
- Waterproof phone case – snow protection 💦
🎧 Entertainment
- Books – winter reads 📚
- Movies or series – cozy hotel nights 🎬
- Podcasts – airport waits go fast 🎙️
- Travel journal – document your trip 📝
- Card games – social fun ♠️
🎁 Extras
- Snacks – stay fueled 🍫
- Reusable water bottle – hydration always 💧
- Shopping bag – for winter finds 🛍️
- Laundry detergent – hotel sink wash 🧺
- Sewing kit – quick fixes 🪡
- Whistle – personal safety 📣
- Lint roller – winter coats attract fuzz 👔
- Footrest – comfy flight 🦶
- Shoe deodorizer – boots get smelly 👃
- Sleep aid – time zone adjustment 🛌
🌍 Travel Tips
- Photo your luggage – just in case 📸
- Pack layers – Chicago’s cold bites 🧥
- Carry important meds in hand luggage 💼
- Download CTA tracker app 🚌
- Let your bank know you’re traveling 💳
🛂 Visa Tips
- USA visa not needed for Americans 🇺🇸
- ESTA required for many international travelers 🛬
- Bring proof of return ticket 🎟️
⭐ Must-Haves
- Passport/ID 🛂
- Travel insurance 📋
- Credit card + cash 💳
- Phone + charger 📱
- Health essentials 💊
- Offline map/apps 🗺️
- Printed reservations 🏨
- Day bag 🎒
- Reusable water bottle 💧
👍 Good-to-Have
- Hydration mask 💦
- Mini steamer 👗
- Neck pillow 🛏️
- Headphones 🎧
- Blanket scarf 🧣
- Luggage tag 🏷️
- Travel umbrella ☂️
- eSIM or SIM card 📶
- Foldable tote 🛍️
