Leveling Up Your Winter: Why Con+Alt+Delete Is Chicago’s Coolest Holiday Weekend

If you’ve ever dreamed of spending the holidays surrounded by cosplayers in Santa hats, sipping free Mountain Dew while a Pikachu in a scarf challenges you to Dance Dance Revolution—then congratulations, you’ve found your people. Con+Alt+Delete, or C+A+D for short, is Chicago’s cozy little December tradition for anime fans, gamers, and anyone who finds joy in a weekend that’s equal parts chaos, creativity, and comfort.

This year, the magic happens December 19–21, 2025, at the Hyatt Regency O’Hare in Rosemont, Illinois—the same elegant, airport-adjacent hotel that’s basically home turf for Midwest anime conventions. Picture it: snow falling outside, the lobby glowing with Christmas lights, and clusters of costumed fans laughing over steaming cups of ramen. There’s a hum of energy that’s part holiday cheer, part geeky euphoria. If you’ve ever wanted to end your year on a high note, this is how you do it.

The Vibe: Cozy Chaos and Found Family

What makes Con+Alt+Delete different from the mega-cons that eat your entire paycheck and your soul? For one, it’s affordable—weekend badges start at just $52 if you buy early, and hotel rooms hover around $134 a night. Add in the legendary ConSweet with free ramen and Mountain Dew all weekend long, and suddenly this “comic con in Chicago” starts to feel less like a luxury and more like a warm, nerdy hug.

The Hyatt Regency O’Hare transforms into a winter playground for anime lovers. You’ll see cosplayers in the lobby posing for impromptu photoshoots next to Christmas trees. You’ll hear karaoke echoing from one hall, EDM pulsing from another, and laughter spilling from fan-run panels that somehow segue from “how to make a video game” to “balcony gardening in small apartments.”

C+A+D is the sweet spot between a big con’s excitement and a small con’s intimacy. You can actually talk to the voice actors, strike up conversations in line, or crash a late-night tabletop session and end up with new friends. It’s the kind of weekend where “introvert recharge time” just means sitting on the floor next to a vending machine chatting about Fullmetal Alchemist with strangers.

The Main Attractions: What You’ll Actually Do (Besides Eat Ramen)

Let’s break down what makes this three-day winter bash such a highlight of the anime calendar. Each event feels like a little world unto itself, and together they make up a choose-your-own-adventure for fandom fun.

The Cosplay Contest: The Grand Stage of Glory (and Hot Glue)

If you’re the kind of person who spends months perfecting a costume—or the kind who panics with a roll of duct tape an hour before judging—you’ll find your people here. The Grand Cosplay Contest is the heart of the weekend, where contestants strut, pose, and sometimes stumble their way to glory.

What makes this event special isn’t just the prizes (though winning two free admissions to next year’s con isn’t bad). It’s the support. The audience cheers for everyone—whether you’re a professional armor-builder or a kid in a paper-mâché Naruto headband. It’s part fashion show, part performance art, and fully powered by fandom love.

The Exhibit Hall: The Treasure Hunt of Dreams

Wander into the Exhibit Hall and prepare to lose track of time, money, and maybe your luggage. It’s a kaleidoscope of color and creativity—rows of booths overflowing with plushies, manga, pins, prop weapons, and every kind of anime trinket you didn’t know you needed.

You’ll find handcrafted merch that’s exclusive to C+A+D—resin art, fandom jewelry, and original character prints that make perfect holiday gifts (or self-rewards; let’s be honest). The vendors range from big-name dealers to indie artists who just love sharing their craft. Whether you’re hunting for vintage Sailor Moon collectibles or a handmade D20 dice set, this hall is your personal wonderland.

Friday & Saturday Epic Dances: When the Hotel Becomes a Rave

The Epic Dances on Friday and Saturday nights are not for the faint of heart—or the tired. This is where the Hyatt transforms into a neon-lit nightclub for anime fans, with DJs like Greg Ayres and YTCracker spinning everything from hardstyle to trance. Imagine a sea of cosplayers jumping in unison to bass drops, LED bracelets flashing, everyone just vibing.

It’s sweaty, it’s chaotic, and it’s absolutely electric. The best part? Nobody cares how well you dance. Half the crowd is just waving glowsticks like they're summoning an ancient deity of bass.

ConSweet: The Soul of the Convention

Let’s be honest—nothing bonds people faster than free food. The ConSweet is the ultimate safe haven: unlimited ramen, soda fountains, and the blessed nectar of con life—free Mountain Dew. It’s where you come to hydrate, refuel, and occasionally hide from the world when your cosplay wig is trying to strangle you.

Between slurping noodles and swapping con stories, you’ll probably meet half your weekend friends here. Supplies go fast, so hit it early and often.

Cosplay Prom / Fantasy Ball: The Elegant Chaos of Saturday Night

Every year, the Fantasy Ball gives attendees a chance to swap armor and wigs for elegance and sparkle. Don’t worry—it’s not all tuxedos and tiaras. Some people show up as Jedi in formalwear or Pokémon in evening gowns.

Before the ball, professional instructors even offer dance lessons, so you can waltz with confidence instead of panic-spinning in place. And if you came solo? That’s what AnimeCon.org’s Fabulous Date Auction is for—yes, it’s a thing, and yes, it’s as hilariously awkward as it sounds. The proceeds go to charity, and it’s a surprisingly wholesome way to make new connections (or at least get a great story out of it).

Maid Café: Sweet, Silly, and So Very Anime

The Royale Maid Café is one of those “you have to experience it to understand” events. Picture cheerful servers in maid outfits calling you “Master” or “Princess” while serving snacks, performing dances, and creating a whirlwind of adorable chaos.

You can buy tickets at the con, and it’s one of those events that instantly transports you to Akihabara without leaving Rosemont. It’s part comedy show, part performance art, and all charm.

Meetups, Autographs, and Stage Shows: The Heartbeat of Fandom

Throughout the weekend, there are meetups for everything: fandoms, aesthetics, even oddly specific subcultures like “cosplayers with giant swords.” You’ll also get a chance to meet incredible guests—this year’s lineup includes heavy hitters like Greg Ayres, Quinton Flynn, Oscar Seung, and Tiffany Vollmer, among others.

Some autograph sessions are free (a rare treat these days), and the Stage Shows range from game shows and musical performances to the Forbidden Fandom Dames’ 18+ burlesque—a cheeky fan-favorite that always sells out fast.

The Gaming Realms: Where Sleep Goes to Die

C+A+D’s gaming spaces are legendary. You’ll find over 20+ video game consoles in the Video Gaming Room, plus an Arcade Room that’s basically an imported slice of Tokyo—with Dance Dance Revolution, Pop’n Music, Taiko Drumming, and more.

For the tabletop crowd, the Tabletop Gaming Room offers demos, coloring rooms, and casual campaigns. There’s even a Miniatures Room for those who paint, collect, or battle with detailed figures. The 3D Printing Room is where tech meets creativity—watch printers in action or learn to design your own models.

And if you need a quirky break, check out the Pachinko Area, where the metallic clinks and flashing lights will make you feel like you just stepped into a retro Japanese arcade.

Sugoi Tattoos Booth: Permanent Memories, Literally

If you want to take home something more lasting than a badge, the Sugoi Tattoos Booth has you covered. Professional artists offer anime-inspired tattoos right on-site, from tiny minimalist symbols to full-color masterpieces. It’s safe, clean, and one heck of a souvenir.

Fan-Run Panels: The Wild Card Wonderland

If Con+Alt+Delete has a secret ingredient, it’s the fan-run panels—the unpredictable, wonderfully chaotic heart of the convention. These sessions are entirely dreamed up, organized, and hosted by fans, which means the schedule reads less like a typical anime convention lineup and more like a wild buffet of collective curiosity. You never really know what you’re walking into, and that’s exactly the charm.

Sure, you’ll find the classics—anime deep dives, cosplay crafting tips, gaming strategy talks—but C+A+D’s fan panels go way beyond that. One hour, you might end up learning about how to design minimalist bedrooms that won’t break your budget, and the next, you could be scribbling notes on digital marketing or how to sell event tickets effectively. Some panels lean into creative hobbies—like cocktail recipes inspired by JRPGs, baking anime-themed desserts, or building your dream gaming setup—while others wander into surprisingly practical life lessons.

It’s not unusual for someone to host a discussion about overcrowded tourist spots to avoid when traveling to Japan, or to share a presentation on how virtual reality could revolutionize classrooms. Another host might dive into AI technology in modern media. Some might even delve into the basics of balcony gardening for small spaces, or even learning basic Chinese for travelers and language enthusiasts. Others might take a more introspective turn, exploring meditation or even generating business ideas that merge creativity with entrepreneurship.

The best part? These topics are never corporate, never rehearsed—they’re raw, personal, and often infused with humor or heart. Fans bring their passions and perspectives to the table, tackling not just fandom favorites but also social and special issues that matter to the community: representation, mental health, sustainability, identity, and creativity in a changing world.

Each panel feels like sitting in on a conversation between friends who happen to know a lot about something fascinating. You could come in expecting a discussion about anime villains and walk out thinking about minimalist design theory or startup culture. It’s part TED Talk, part group therapy, and part nerdy hangout session, where anyone can take the mic and share what excites them most.

In short, the fan-run panels are where Con+Alt+Delete’s soul really shows. They remind you that the world of fandom isn’t a box—it’s an ever-expanding galaxy of ideas, experiences, and curiosity, all fueled by the people who love this community enough to share what they know.

Tickets and Staying on Budget

C+A+D isn’t just one of Chicago’s most fun conventions—it’s also one of the most affordable. If you register early, you can snag a weekend badge for $52 (before prices rise to $60 after November 20). Day badges are available for $30, or $20 if you’re just coming for Sunday’s slower pace.

For those wanting the full VIP experience, there’s a Platinum Badge ($150) that grants front-of-line access and exclusive perks.

Hotel rooms at the Hyatt Regency O’Hare start at $134–$137 per night, which is remarkably fair for a convention hotel—and it’s right by O’Hare Airport, making travel painless. Just don’t wait until the last minute; these rooms vanish faster than free Pocky.

How to Maximize Your Weekend (Without Burning Out)

Let’s be honest: con weekends can be magical and utterly exhausting. To get the best out of your C+A+D experience, plan smart. Study the schedule when it drops (usually about a month before the con) and highlight your must-see events—but leave breathing room for spontaneity.

Hydration is non-negotiable. Yes, there’s free Mountain Dew, but that doesn’t count as water (no matter how much you want it to). Pack a reusable water bottle, healthy snacks, and maybe some vitamin C.

Budget wisely. Between the Exhibit Hall, Artist Alley, and Maid Café tickets, temptation will be everywhere. Decide your spending limit before your wallet cries for mercy.

And if you’re new or solo? Don’t worry—C+A+D is one of the most welcoming cons around. People strike up conversations constantly, especially in lines or gaming rooms. If you’re shy, start with a meetup for a show you love or volunteer at a panel; it’s the fastest way to connect.

The Hyatt Regency O’Hare: A Convention Classic

The Hyatt Regency is part of the convention’s soul. Its sprawling lobby becomes a cosplay runway by day and a social hub by night. The glass elevators offer perfect photo ops (and minor vertigo), while the attached skywalks make dashing between events easy, even when it’s snowing.

There’s something surreal about sitting by the fireplace in the hotel lounge, sipping cocoa in full cosplay, chatting with a wizard about 3D printing while a group of gamers passes by with a life-size mech prop. That’s the C+A+D experience in a nutshell—unfiltered, friendly, and full of odd, perfect moments you’ll remember long after the snow melts.

Let the Con+Alt+Delete Magic Begin!

Con+Alt+Delete is about connection, creativity, and comfort. It’s a place where fans of everything come together to celebrate the weird and wonderful parts of fandom life.

It’s a break from the cold, the chaos of the holidays, and maybe even real life for a bit. Whether you’re belting out tunes in Karaoke Krypt, dancing until 3 AM, or trading stories over steaming ramen, you’ll leave feeling recharged in that peculiar, post-con way—tired but glowing, like you’ve been part of something that genuinely mattered.

So if your December calendar’s looking a little too ordinary, here’s your sign to change that. Grab your badge early, pack your costume, and get ready to spend the weekend surrounded by joy, laughter, and free noodles.

Because in the heart of a Chicago winter, nothing beats the warmth of an anime convention where everyone’s just as weird—and wonderful—as you are.