January in Chicago offers the perfect mix of festive finales and fresh starts. From the last chance to see holiday light displays to cultural exhibitions, performances, and culinary delights, we’re highlighting the best ways to kick off the new year in style with the best things to do in Chicago and the suburbs this month.
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Final Days
Lightscape at Chicago Botanic Gardens
Of all the decorations and light shows across the North Shore, it’s hard to find one more unique than Lightscape at the Chicago Botanic Gardens. From now through January 5, venture over to the gardens in Glencoe for “an after dark, illuminated trail” that takes you across the grounds to witness dazzling displays. Fit for the whole family or just for friends! Information on admission and logistics can be found on the Chicago Botanic Gardens website.
1000 Lake Cook Rd., Glencoe
Illumination: Tree Lights at Morton Arboretum
Around Chicagoland, they sure know how to combine the thrill of the holiday season with the great outdoors — and Illumination: Tree Lights at The Morton Arboretum is a prime example of that. In its 12th season of the series — running until January 4 — explore the 50-acres of grounds decked out in colorful lights, each as awe-inspiring as the next. This is a perfect trip for families or friends looking for a peaceful night out during the busy holiday season. Ticket pricing and event information can be found on the The Morton Arboretum website.
4100 IL-53, Lisle
Lincoln Park Zoo Lights
Celebrating 30 years of illuminated magic, LPZ welcomes guests of all ages to see their annual light splendor. Catch this experience this year until January 5. Grab your tickets now before you go, and enjoy the winter magic when you arrive! Make reservations online at Lincoln Park Zoo Lights.
Christmas Around the World and Holidays of Light
The Griffin Museum of Science and Industry is getting into the holiday spirit with their annual exhibit, Christmas Around The World and Holidays of Light. Take a journey across the globe without having to leave Chicago! The holiday tradition — which kicked off its 82nd anniversary in November and will be open until January 6 — will bring wonder and even a little education to guests as they wind through the exhibit, which represents all the holidays this time of year including Christmas, Kwanzaa, Diwali, Hanukkah, Chinese New Year and more! Tickets to this cheerful experience are available at the Griffin Museum of Science and Industry.
5700 S. DuSable Lake Shore Drive
Rodgers + Hammerstein’s Cinderella
No explanation needed for this age-old tale loved by many, but let us entice you to see it live on the big stage at Drury Lane Theatre in Oakbrook Terrace. The classic tale and beloved music crafted by the renowned duo Rodgers and Hammerstein is alive once again and welcomes all, especially families, to join in the enchantment. Don’t miss your chance to see this production, on production now through January 7, so grab your tickets at Drury Lane Theatre now.
100 Drury Lane, Oakbrook Terrace
Light Up The Lake
Experience the magic of the season at Navy Pier’s Light Up the Lake now through Jan. 5. Enjoy dazzling outdoor lights, a thrilling new ice slide, axe throwing, Pier Park rides including the Centennial Wheel, and cozy firepits. Stroll holiday artisan markets, meet Santa, or marvel at Saturday fireworks and festive drone shows. Visit Navy Pier for tickets.
City of Chicago Christmas Tree
Chicago’s annual Christmas tree went up in November, but it will continue glow with holiday cheer through January 8. More details can be found on the City of Chicago Christmas Tree website.
January 1: NoMI Lounge Hot Chocolate Experience
From 2-8pm experience Luxurious Valrhona hot chocolate; Buffet of housemade toppings, including toasted flavored marshmallows, Valrhona chocolate accents, donut holes, gourmet cookies, and more; Spirits and liqueurs for adult “spiked” hot chocolate — and endless other goodies.
January 1-5: Blue Man Group
After nearly 30 years in Chicago, the Blue Man Group is finally saying its goodbyes to our fair city. If you haven’t had the opportunity yet, now is your final chance!
Throughout January
Paula Modersohn-Becker: I Am Me
During her short life, Paula Modersohn-Becker radically charted her own path, exploring the singular aspects of the feminine experience in a bold style. This exhibition marks her first full-scale museum presentation in the United States. On view until January 12, 2025.
Shark Feeding Tour
Be transported 8,000 miles away to the Indo-Pacific reef as the Shedd Aquarium gives guests from ages six and up an in-depth look at sharks and their lifestyle. This 75-minute behind-the-scenes experience allows visitors to witness meal time, learn how to prepare a meal fit for a shark, all while picking up facts from Shedd experts. Don’t miss this opportunity — available weekends only, now through the end of January 2024. Event specifics can be found on the Shedd Aquarium website.
1200 S. DuSable Lake Shore Dr.
Hitt Records
“Join James and Charles Hitt at their vintage record shop, Hitt Records, CDs and Tapes, as they school their nephew and customers on their vast knowledge of music. Together they show that music has no limits but there is nothing new under the sun.” Catch this new, exciting work from Black Ensemble Theater, running through January. More details on the Black Ensemble Theater site.
Once Upon a Symphony: The Little Red Hen
A cow, horse and pig all turn down the Little Red Hen’s requests for help planting wheat, grinding flour, and baking bread — and are disappointed when the hen eats the delicious bread all by herself. Featuring delightful musical numbers, costumes, and ensemble performances this classic children’s tale explores the importance of working together as a community. Visit the Chicago Symphony Orchestra online for tickets and more show details — running through February 1, 2025.
220 S. Michigan Ave.
Young Playwrights Festival
From January 5 until January 26, join the Young Playwrights Festival in celebrating their 37th year of giving a voice to teenagers across Chicago as they pursue the art of writing for the stage. This year’s competition will showcase three new plays from three new voices, as well as the opportunity to meet and mingle with like minded individuals from the playwright scene in Chicago. For tickets and more information, visit the Young Playwrights Festival online.
Chicago Dramatists, 798 N. Aberdeen
January 8-12: Chicago Boat Show
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If you think of boat shows and think of nothing but displays, you’ll be pleasantly surprised that the Chicago Boat Show, held at McCormick Place, is far more than that. From sand pits to wave simulators, from tiki bars to the newest water toys — this show is for lovers of all things sun, surf, and boating. Check out the full lineup of activities and businesses on the Chicago Boat Show website.
Donald E. Stephens Convention Center, 5555 N. River Rd., Rosemont
January 11: Last Night a DJ Saved My Life: Stories by Women of Color
Don’t miss this exciting fusion of music and storytelling at Last Night a DJ Saved My Life — an innovative afternoon showcase featuring powerful voices from the SOL Collective. Prepare to be captivated by raw, honest stories from our talented storytellers, each sharing their unique perspectives.
January 13: Book Talk on “Kingdom of the Poor”
Come hear a conversation with the editor of The Kingdom of the Poor: My Journey Home, the memoir that Ann Patchett called “a manual for how to be a decent person” on Today. Written by late priest Charles Strobel, the book details the healing power of nonjudgmental love and forgiveness.
January 14-31: JaJa’s African Hair Braiding
Welcome to Jaja’s, a bustling Harlem hotspot where West African immigrant braiders work their magic on locals’ locks. On a scorching summer day, love blossoms, dreams flourish, and secrets are revealed. This laugh-out-loud gem is written by Tony-nominated playwright Jocelyn Bioh and directed by Chicago’s own award-winning Whitney White. Running until February 2.
January 15-26: Chicago International Puppet Fest
The wonder and craftsmanship of puppeteering is on grand display in Chicago this month. More than 10 days of performances and screenings will be available to audiences from all around Chicagoland — from the whimsical to the woesome, the CIPTF has a range of fantastic programming ahead. Visit The Chicago International Puppet Theater Festival website for images and information on the spectacle to come.
January 17-19: Cubs Convention
Get ready Cubbies, because your chance to have an all-Cubs themed weekend is approaching. Head over to the Sheraton Grand Chicago where select players, coaches and alumni will be making appearances, offering autograph opportunities, giving panel discussions, plus kid-friendly activities. Want to sweeten the weekend? The Sheraton is offering special rate packages including access to the convention and a weekend stay at the hotel, prices vary. Curious fans can find all the information they need on the Cubs MLB website.
January 18: NA Day — Non-Alcoholic Tasting Event
Participating in Dry January? Or maybe just looking for some alcohol-free fun? Come check out NA Day a Loft on Lake, hosted by Chicago AF, where people can sample various NA spirits from beverage brands. Have the fun without the spirits, and join in with other like-minded folks for an afternoon of sober fun. Registrations can be made on the NA Day webpage, where more information can also be found.
1366 West Lake St.
January 19: Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Celebration Concert
The Music Institute of Chicago, in partnership with Evanston Interfaith Clergy and Leaders, presents its 22nd Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Celebration Concert, a free event at 3 p.m. at Nichols Concert Hall. The performance also will be available via livestream. Music Institute President Mark George said, “The event weaves together voices from the arts, education, social justice, and interfaith communities, a powerful echo of the work of Dr. King.”
1490 Chicago Avenue, Evanston
January 19: Elmhurst Symphony Orchestra Presents “The Four Seasons”
Experience “The Four Seasons” with Elmhurst Symphony! Hear Vivaldi’s masterpiece & Piazzolla’s tango-inspired take.
January 20: Family Event | Martin Luther King Jr. Day
Head over to the Chicago History Museum for a family-friendly opportunity to witness the enduring legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. This celebration will include musical performances, hands-on engagements, and more! Bring the family down for an afternoon of impactful, educational and exciting activities. Illinois residents get free admission, but check out the Chicago History Museum for more details.
January 20: Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service
The Volunteer Center hosts its annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service on January 20, 2025, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Winnetka Community House, inviting individuals and families to participate in hands-on projects supporting local nonprofits, including creating fleece blankets for those in need, assembling hygiene kits for homeless youth, and crafting gifts for pediatric cancer patients. No reservations required but participants are asked to bring four yards of fleece fabric and scissors to make a blanket (some kits available for purchase) and/or new socks for the unhoused.
Winnetka Community House, 620 Lincoln Avenue, Winnetka
January 24: Sustenance & Land: Five Artists Consider Our Relationship with the Earth
This exhibit explores “human connection to the land and the many ways the earth sustains us. Participating artists Lydia Cheshewalla, Barbara Ciurej and Lindsay Lochman, Tomiko Jones, Claire Pentecost, and Chunbo Zhang work in a variety of methodologies to explore a broad spectrum of themes including nutrition, cultural relationship to food, scientific investigation, spirit, history, and the future. Humor and creativity are woven throughout the exhibition, guiding viewers through a rich tapestry of ideas about how we interact with the earth.” Running through April, find more info on the Elmhurst Art Museum site.
January 24-31: Chicago Restaurant Week
Once again, it is a foodies’ favorite time of year: Chicago Restaurant Week — a 17-day celebration of the city’s best culinary feats and finds. In its 18th year, and running until February 5, CRW welcomes diners to enjoy delicacies from over 470 local restaurants — each a part of Chicago’s rich, award-winning culinary scene. Join other Chicagoans as you sample some of the unique and rare treats featured from a range of participating restaurants — prices and entry vary. Want to nosh during Chicago’s tastiest time of year? Find more details on the Chicago Restaurant Week website.
January 25: Polar Adventure Days
Who says Chicago’s outdoors can’t be enjoyed in the winter? Because the Chicago Park District has certainly found a way around that, with a Polar Adventure Day located at Northerly Island. This event is perfect for kids looking to burn off a little winter steam or families looking to spend more time outdoors. An additional date is listed for February, for those unable to attend. More information on how to register and what to expect can be found on the Chicago Park District website.
January 25: Chicago Polar Bear Club Polar Plunge
We’ve all heard of it before, the icy-cold plunge into winter waters followed by the quick shuffle to warmth. But why do people come out in droves for such an event? To support the earnest efforts of the Chicago Polar Bear Club — which has always strived to raise money and support for local Chicago families in need, and this year is no different. This unique experience is somethingfun to check off your bucket list, all while raising money for our neighbors in need. Registration can be completed on the CPBC website.
Oak Street Beach
January 25-26: Live Ice Sculpting!
Head over to Lakeview to watch Master Ice Carvers create beautiful, frozen art. The sculptors will even be taking suggestions from the crowd on what to create. While there, family and friends can enjoy food trucks, offering complimentary beverages and bites. This event is free and doesn’t require registration.
January 26: French Conductor Marc Minkowski Comes to Chicago
Renowned French conductor Marc Minkowski makes his Chicago debut this January, leading the Music of the Baroque Orchestra in Mozart’s celebrated Jupiter Symphony, a concerto grosso by Handel, and Rameau’s Suite from Les Boréades.
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Margaret Smith is a Chicago-based writer and editor with a passion for socio-political storytelling about their community. They are a graduate of Columbia College Chicago Chicago.
