You just cannot predict a Chicago winter. Contrary to what you’d think when visiting this time of year, the city’s temperature isn’t always 10 below zero, and the winter sometimes ends before March! However, no matter how long you’re bundled in wool hats and mittens, you can still plan all kinds of fun, seven days a week! Chicago offers tons of outdoor activities, sporting events, music shows and more.

If you’re looking for some winter fun in the Windy City, here are Buy Owner favorites to check out!

WINTER-THEMED EVENTS are happening all over the city! Just because the holiday season is over, it doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the white, snowy atmosphere for the next few months. Whether you enjoy bundling up and braving the cold, or you prefer a simulated experience in a warm, cozy building, there is something for everyone!

Polar Adventure Days: Have you ever witnessed an ice sculptor at work? Interested in a free cup of hot chocolate? Head to Northerly Island (1400 S. Lynn White Dr., on Museum Campus) for Chicago’s Fourth Annual Polar Adventure Days! This unique (and free) event will be held on just two Saturdays in 2009, January 17 and February 21, from noon to 4 p.m. The first 500 visitors each day receive a free mug with hot chocolate! There are plenty of winter activities to engage in around the island including nature crafting and snowshoe renting. For a complete list, visit this site.

Ice-Skating at Millennium Park: A fine successor to the Skate-on-State rink, formerly on State Street, The McCormick Tribune Ice Rink in Millennium Park is scheduled to remain open throughout the season until March 15, weather permitting. Skating is open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Perhaps the best part about this skating rink is that it is free and open to the public! However, if you do not own a pair of skates, rentals cost $10. The rink is nestled right on Michigan Avenue between Washington and Madison.

The Home Improvement Showcase: If you are held up in your home due a snowstorm, what better time to make some improvements on your house! The Home Improvement Showcase trade show provides you with a one-stop-shop for any home improvement product and service you can think of for remodeling and repairing. The show is being held at several locations, including the Libertyville Sports Complex and the Arlington Racecourse. For more info on this free event, contact info@freehomeshow.com.

CHICAGO SPORTS continue throughout the winter season. Each week, there is bound to be either a hockey game or a basketball game going on in the city. Both the Blackhawks and the Bulls call the United Center home. To find tickets, visit the respective websites: Blackhawks and Bulls.

CONCERTS in Chicago allow you to escape the blustery winds and enjoy any type of music: smooth jazz, upbeat pop, head-banging metal and more! Search Ticketmaster for upcoming shows that interest your tastes.

Some upcoming shows include:
• The Killers, Jan. 20 at the UIC Pavilion
• Styx, Jan. 22 at the Peoria Civic Center & Jan. 24 at the Star Plaza Theatre
• Brad Paisley, Jan. 30 at the i wireless Center
• Motley Crue with Hinder & Theory of a Deadman, Feb.15 at the Rockford Metro Centre

THEATRE is prominent in the Second City. In fact, an improv comedy theatre in Chicago even boasts this same handle! Escape from the stresses of every day life and dive into a world of imagination.

After a successful run of over three-and-a-half years in the Windy City, the Chicago company of Wicked will give its final performance on Sunday, January 25, at the Ford Center for the Performing Arts, Oriental Theatre. This is your last chance to learn the untold story of the witches of Oz. Grab your ruby slippers and attend a performance any day of the week (except Mondays) until that final performance arrives.

A wave of artist-themed musicals jumped onto the theatre scene a few years ago. What exactly does this mean? An entire musical has been created based off of a legendary performers hit songs! In Chicago, enjoy the swinging sounds of Billy Joel in Movin’ Out. Choreographed by Twyla Tharp, this jumpin’ play is at the Rosemont Theatre for three days only! There are five performances to attend during the weekend of Feb. 20.