Just wondering whether it would be best to be in Dubuque or Chicago over Christmas. I am looking at going for Christmas and new years but just unsure which one to spend where. And is it always cold? Or is it best to take some summer clothes as well? Hard to tell being from New Zealand, some days in winter are hotter than summer days! Also, some must do's in both Dubuque and Chicago over winter! Thank you!
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1
zeldasdad
Is this a joke? Why Dubuque? Unless you have family or friends there or business, I can't understand why you would go there, for Christmas no less. Chicago for Christmas wouldn't make my Top 40 list either, but it would get an honorable mention.
And yes, you don't need to pack a bikini. Count on it being "chilly" at best and knee deep in snow at worst. You may want to peruse the Weather Underground site to see what "normal" WINTER is in Dubuque and Chicago.
2
whuzzat
I'm originally from Iowa and can assure you there's no reason to go to Dubuque over Christmas. You'll find far more to do in Chicago. It'll be WINTER (cold and most likely snowy) in both places, and the wind off Lake Michigan in Chicago can be positively bone-chilling. Pack warm clothes; layers are best so that you can shed one or two of those indoors, such as at museums. Hat, mittens, scarf, warm socks, boots....
4
nutraxfornerves
I had to look this one up. I don't know why you guys are disparaging Dubuque. Looks like a non-stop whirlwind of holiday fun.
HOW TO EMBRACE THE CHRISTMAS SPIRIT IN DUBUQUE. The Dubuque travel organization recommends two events that happen on Dec. 1-2; the light show in the local park; and going shopping.
The Downtown Dubuque organization suggests looking at the holiday decorations downtown. And shopping.
The Grand Opera House has performances of Nutcracker. Last one Dec. 16.
The Mississippi Moon Bar at the Lucky Jo Casino had a Celtic Christmas show last year, but hasn't yet announced anything for this year. They say they usually get a large crowd of gamblers on Christmas Day. The Q Casino will also be open/
The Bell Tower Theater has live performances of the musical, A Christmas Survival Guide. Last show, Dec. 16.
Nearby chestnut Mountain Resort will have skiing and will probably be open Christmas Day.
The Hotel Julien has an Ugly Sweater contest on the 15th and will serve Christmas Dinner.
There is a Community Wide Christmas Dinner for the low income and elderly.
5
QuiviraTrail2
I found this: "Chicago weather in January gets downright cold, ranging from an average high of 30 F (-1 C) to an average low of 15 F (-7) . Pack layers of clothing, and boots." There could be snow on the ground and a bitterly cold wind off the lake.
6
zeldasdad
We're not disparaging Dubuque. Dubuque is no different from a thousand other mid-American towns including the one I Iive in. It's a wonderful place to live and raise a family I'm sure. That said, I can't see any reason for some one to travel half-way around the world to visit my hometown in the dead of winter either. Especially some one who seems to have a foggy, at best, concrpt of winter.
7
QuiviraTrail2
I meant -9 C instead of -7 C. Madison, WI, a university city, might be of more interest and it's not too far from Chicago.
8
keraward
Not a joke thanks. My partner has just moved over there with a scholarship to Clarke University in Dubuque. I would prefer to go to other places but for my first time going to America, I am happy to just go see him and where he is living etc. I will look at going to other places on another occasion but this trip is purely to see him and I thought it would be nice to see Chicago but if you say it's not much better than Dubuque would there be any point in spending the money getting there?
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