You don’t need to reach for your wallet to get your fill of fun things to do all around the city this January. Here are 10 of our favorite free events and activities this month in Chicago, including exciting outdoor adventures, cultural celebrations, free museum days, and so much more. Start planning your budget-friendly Chicago adventures with these free things to do in January 2025.
1. Admire a winter flower show
Through Jan. 5, 2025
Warm up inside a soaring greenhouse this January during the Lincoln Park Conservatory’s annual flower show. This year’s theme, “Champagne Toast”, will showcase an explosion of poinsettia varieties in unique shades of apricot, gold, and pink. Admission is free, registration is required.
The Garfield Park Conservatory is also hosting its annual flower show, “Snowflakes.” Admission is free for Chicago residents.
2. See the official Chicago Christmas Tree
Through Jan. 8, 2025
It’s your last chance to soak up the holiday season in Chicago! For more than 100 years, the city has celebrated the most festive time of year with the official Chicago Christmas Tree in downtown Millennium Park. Admire the lit-up tree and snap a few photos before exploring the rest of the park. The tree will stay standing through Jan. 8, 2025.
3. Celebrate MLK Day
Jan. 20, 2025
The Hyde Park Art Center is kicking off the year with a free public celebration for Martin Luther King Jr. Day. The annual event will include a full day of programming with something for all ages, including live music, films, art marking, creative writing workshops, and more activities that reflect on the profound impact of Dr. King.
The Chicago History Museum will also host a family-friendly celebration on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, which includes hands-on engagements, musical performances, and more. The event is included with general admission, which is free for Illinois residents on Jan. 20.
4. Take a tour of the Chicago Cultural Center
Every Thursday and Friday in January
A landmark destination in the Loop, the Chicago Cultural Center is a stunning public space featuring art exhibits, fascinating history, a local makers market, and soaring architecture — including the world’s largest Tiffany glass dome. Make the most of your visit with the free guided tours that meet every Thursday and Friday afternoon year-round.
5. Visit a historic zoo
Throughout January
Lincoln Park Zoo is Chicago’s free zoo and one of the oldest in the country. It’s open all year long, including throughout the winter. Stroll through the snowy grounds, where you can watch polar bears, penguins, and snow monkeys play outside. And warm up inside the animal houses, where you can meet penguins, gorillas, lions, and more.
6. Get free admission at Chicago museums
Throughout January
Spend an afternoon wandering a Chicago museum, where you can dive into fascinating history, provocative contemporary art, and galaxies far, far away.
Here are the upcoming free museum days in Chicago during January 2025 for Illinois residents:
- Art Institute of Chicago is free Monday, Thursday, and Friday from Jan. 6 to March 14
- Shedd Aquarium is free on Jan. 7 – 9, 14 – 21, and 28 – 30
- Chicago History Museum is free for Illinois residents on Jan. 20 – 24 and 28 – 31
- Adler Planetarium is free for Illinois residents every Wednesday from 4 – 10 p.m.
The DuSable Black History Museum and Education Center is free for all every Wednesday, and the Museum of Contemporary Art is free for Illinois residents every Tuesday.
Explore more: Mark your calendar for free museum days throughout the year.
7. Explore the Poetry Foundation
Throughout January
Come explore a Chicago hidden gem, the Poetry Foundation, which houses a massive library, an exhibition gallery, a tree-lined courtyard, and a performance space. Visitors will find an array of events that are free and open to the public, from readings and lectures to workshops and exhibits like the current light-based installation. Come hear an up-and-coming poet, catch a film screening, or just find a moment of tranquility.
8. Explore the Stony Island Arts Bank
Throughout January
In the South Shore neighborhood, the Stony Island Arts Bank is a former bank building that’s been transformed into a thriving community hub for the arts. The stunning space offers regular free events, including live house music, workshops, and exhibits like the current Theaster Gates: When Clouds Roll Away. Plus, the library is the perfect spot to curl on up a chilly day.
9. Discover a new neighborhood
Throughout January
Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a long-time resident, there’s always something new to discover in Chicago. Get to know a new neighborhood on a free Chicago Greeter tour, led by a friendly local who will show you each neighborhood’s landmarks, hot spots, and hidden gems.
10. Explore a wintry Chicago Botanic Garden
Jan. 6 – 12 and 20, 2025
Just north of the city, the stunning Chicago Botanic Garden in Glencoe is free for Illinois residents for several days this January. Explore more than 380 acres of natural beauty, with plenty to see both inside and outside. Go birdwatching outdoors, then step inside the garden’s greenhouses to view beautiful flowering plants and tropical greenery from around the world.
Looking for more? Check out our guide on free things to do in Chicago all year long.
