January in Chicago offers the perfect mix of festive finales and fresh starts. From last chances 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 in January 2026.
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All Month
Christmas Around the World and Holidays of Light
The 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 trip around the world without leaving Chicago. The holiday tradition — running through January 5, 2026 — will bring wonder and even a little education to guests as they wind through the exhibit, which represents seasonal holidays including Christmas, Kwanzaa, Diwali, Hanukkah, and Chinese New Year. Get tickets at the Griffin Museum of Science and Industry.
Amadeus
Steppenwolf Theatre Company continues its 50th anniversary season with Peter Shaffer’s award-winning masterpiece Amadeus. Directed by Tony Award winner Robert Falls, Amadeus has been extended through January 25, 2026 in Steppenwolf’s Ensemble Theater.
Set in 18th-century Vienna, Amadeus follows court composer Antonio Salieri as his world is upended by the arrival of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart — a prodigy whose brilliance is matched only by his unpredictability. The two artists begin a vicious and thrilling duet, a rivalry that will define their lives and legacies for years to come. Winner of five Tonys and eight Academy Awards, Amadeus is the ultimate ode to ambition and musical genius, a requiem for a villain in history — but a hero in his own story. Get tickets at Steppenwolf.
City of Chicago Tree
Nothing signals the start of the season in Chicago quite like the city’s glow of lights and festive displays. Millennium Park remains the centerpiece, home to the 112th Chicago Christmas Tree and a gathering place for anyone craving a little holly-and-jolly cheer. If you’re heading downtown this winter, make time for a stop in the Loop — it’s worth the detour. Find details at City of Chicago.
On Loss and Absence: Textiles of Mourning and Survival
On Loss and Absence brings together over 100 objects from diverse cultures dating from antiquity to today to reveal the ways people use textiles to sustain spiritual beliefs, understand death, cope with grief, remember those who have passed, and heal from trauma, both personally and collectively. Through March 15, 2026.
Raqib Shaw: Paradise Lost
Epic and intricate, monumental and meticulous — the paintings of Kashmir-raised, London-based artist Raqib Shaw offer fantastical meditations on identity, transformation, and the redemptive power of beauty — through Jan. 19, 2026.
Young Playwrights Festival
Through January 26, join the Young Playwrights Festival in celebrating another 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 4 new plays from 4 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.
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 March 2026. Event specifics can be found on the Shedd Aquarium website.
The Phantom of the Opera
The iconic tale of the masked Phantom of the Opera comes to Chicago to thrill new audiences in the latest North American tour. See the show at the Cadillac Palace through February 1. Be sure to grab your tickets while you can, find more information on Broadway in Chicago online.
Tiffany Lamps: Beyond the Shade: Driehaus Museum
Driehaus Museum’s Tiffany Lamps: Beyond the Shade—open until March 15, 2026—casts a new light on one of the Gilded Age’s most recognizable names. The show moves past the familiar glow of Tiffany’s stained-glass shades to reveal the full scope of the studio’s work between the 1890s and 1920s — from bronze boxes and pottery vases to a monumental chandelier rarely seen by the public. With pieces drawn from both the Driehaus collection and the Richard H. Driehaus Art Exhibition Lending Foundation, guest curator Alexandra M. Ruggiero frames the story around the artistry, materials, and influential designers that helped make Tiffany a household name.
Champagne Row, by Park Hyatt Chicago
A champagne experience inspired by the publishing heritage of Printer’s Row. Choose from champagnes by the glass or bottle, served with a charming pairing. Operating Thursday to Saturday between 3-8PM in the Park Hyatt Chicago Library, this experience is limited to six seats, ensuring a personalized champagne journey. Enjoy this experience for yourself, now through Feb. 27, 2026.
Second Saturdays at the Goodman
Saturdays at the Goodman are family-focused intergenerational workshops centered on joy, creativity, and sharing space. Join them to participate in workshops facilitated by Goodman Teaching Artists as they celebrate creativity and the art of storytelling. Second Saturdays are ideal for littles (ages 4-10), and their families. Find more details at Goodman Theatre online, now through July 2026.
January 1: Donations via ‘Giving Machines’
“Giving Machines” — the vending-style kiosks that let you choose and donate to local or global charities — are back for the season. You can find them at Fox Valley Mall in Aurora, and all operating costs are covered so every dollar goes directly to the organizations. The machines will be available through Jan. 1, 2026.
January 1-3: Illumination: Tree Lights at The Morton Arboretum
Chicago’s beloved outdoor holiday tradition Illumination: Tree Lights at The Morton Arboretum returns for its 13th season — open through Jan. 3, 2026. New this year, Illumination offers four larger-than-life Vivid Creatures sculptures featured among 20 immersive light displays; and Dog Admission Nights invite visitors’ furry companions to join the fun. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit Morton Arboretum.
January 1-3: Jack Frost Christmas Pop-Up
Fulton Market’s interactive holiday pop-up is open for the season, inviting visitors to step inside the Jack Frost grounds for an outdoor, multi-sensory Christmas celebration. Wander through glowing nighttime light displays, pose with dozens of winter-themed installations, or lace up for a spin on the full-size ice rink. Whether you’re visiting with friends or family, it’s an easy place to tap into a little holiday magic. Tickets and details are available on the Jack Frost Christmas Pop-Up website. The experience runs through the first week of January 2026.
January 1-4: 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. Now through January 4, 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.
January 1-4: ZooLights at Lincoln Park Zoo
Celebrating over 30 years of illuminated magic, LPZ welcomes guests of all ages to see their annual light splendor. Catch this experience until January 4. Grab your tickets now before you go, and enjoy the winter magic when you arrive! Make reservations online at Lincoln Park Zoo Lights.
January 1-4: Navy Pier’s Winter Wonderland
Relive old favorites and create new memories at Chicago’s signature holiday experience. Kick off the season with rides, slides, and festive attractions, from high-energy thrills like the Cliffhanger and Zero Gravity to family classics including the kiddie train, bumper cars, and skating on The Verizon | Google Pixel Ice Rink. Every ticket includes a ride on the iconic Centennial Wheel. Visit the Winter Wonderland website for tickets and more details. Visit the Winter Wonderland website for tickets and more details.
January 1-4: Elizabeth Catlett: “A Black Revolutionary Artist and All That It Implies”
Bringing together over 100 works from across Catlett’s awe-inspiring career, this long-overdue retrospective showcases the significant role this revolutionary artist played in her time and the influence she still has today. Her powerful work continues to speak directly to all those united in the fight against poverty, racism, and imperialism. See this work in person before January 4, 2026.
January 1-4: Annie – Music Theater Works
Music Theater Works is proud to present, Annie, in the George Van Dusen Theatre, at the North Shore Center for the Performing Arts in Skokie — 9501 Skokie Blvd, Skokie.
January 14: Enlightened Disagreement
How to have productive conversations in today’s polarized society? Northwestern Professor Eli Finkel, a leading scholar of conflict and polarization and co-founder of The Litowitz Center for Enlightened Disagreement, discusses how to engage across divides, have constructive discourse, and navigate disagreement. Register at Highland Park Library online.
January 14: Veterans Acrylic Paint & Sip Nights
Join Brushwood for a fun and relaxing acrylic paint event led by Veteran artists. This event promises to be both educational and therapeutic. Take home your own hand-painted masterpiece! All skill levels welcomed. Non-alcoholic drinks, beer and wine will be available for purchase with the American Legion Cicero Post 96. Small snack items will be available for free.
January 16-18: Cubs Convention
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 19: Commemorative Day | Martin Luther King Jr. Day
At this family-focused celebration of Dr. King’s ongoing influence on the fight for civil rights, enjoy hands-on activities and learn how to become more civically engaged in your community. Included with admission, which is FREE for Illinois residents on this day.
January 19: Writers Theatre Pop-Up Day Camp
“When school takes a break but you can’t, WT Education has you covered with our Pop-Up Day Camps, running from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. for students in grades 2 through 5. These camps provide young people with the perfect creative outlet, whether they are theatre-curious or already drama royalty. Each day is filled with a variety of engaging, hands-on activities in acting, devising, and design, along with a backstage tour of the theatre. The environment is fun and imaginative, and no prior theatre experience is required. The cost is $90 per day, and registration is required.”
January 21 – February 1: Chicago International Puppet Theater Festival
The 2026 Chicago Puppet Fest will span 12 days and dozens of Chicago venues, presenting an international pageant of puppet artists sharing more than 100 puppetry activities. Get ready for spectacular shows in landmark theaters, intimate works on smaller stages, the always popular late night puppet cabarets, and a long list of free puppet events happening all over the city. Shows often sell out so don’t delay!
January 23 – February 8: Chicago Restaurant Week
Celebrate the 19th annual Chicago Restaurant Week, kicking off at the end of January. This 17-day celebration of Chicago’s award-winning dining scene is one of the most anticipated culinary events of the year. Explore Chicago Restaurant Week 2026 participating restaurants This year, diners can enjoy special prix fixe menus for brunch and lunch ($30), and dinner ($45 and/or $60) at a record-breaking 500+ restaurants across the city.
January 24: Polar Adventure Day
Experience the beauty of the season at two of Chicago’s most unique natural areas — Northerly Island Park and Big Marsh Park — with a full day of family-friendly outdoor and indoor fun. Bundle up and enjoy husky sled dog demonstrations, live demonstrations, arts & crafts, nature play and warm up with hot cocoa by the bonfire. The January event will be at Northerly Island, read their website for more info.
January 25: Flute virtuoso Demarre McGill and Music of the Baroque
An evening with Chicago native and Seattle Symphony principal flute Demarre McGill and the Music of the Baroque Orchestra. Dame Jane Glover directs this exploration of the intricacies of father-son dynamics in the Bach and Mozart households. The show will be hosted at the Harris Theater for Music and Dance.
January 25-February 14: Salome
“Based on Oscar Wilde’s one-act play, Salome has been thrilling and fascinating audiences for more than a century. Lyric Opera of Chicago brings Sir David McVicar’s decadent production — which is set in pre-war fascist Italy and sheds a harsh light on the timeless greed and entitlement of the elite — to Chicago. This gory thrill ride returns to Lyric for the first time in 20 years starring Elena Stikhina.”
January 28 – February 1: Chicago Boat Show
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.
January 31 – March 1: Holiday
“From Tony Award winner Richard Greenberg comes a sparkling contemporary adaptation of Philip Barry’s classic play that inspired the beloved 1930s film starring Cary Grant and Katharine Hepburn. In the wealthy world of the Upper East Side Setons, matters of the heart are a family affair. Enter a romantic prospect from a decidedly different background—and privilege, class and personal fulfillment are thrown into sharp relief. Robert Falls directs this fresh new take on the eternal question: work to live or live to work?”
More from Better:
- The 2025 Better Guide to Giving
- 5 Ways a Chicago Nonprofit’s Technology Is Transforming Hunger Relief and Health Equity Across America
- 4 Ways Research Shows Future Thinking Improves Decisions, Motivation, and Well-Being
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.
