New year, plenty of new things to do in Chicago. This month may bring chillier temps, but there are still tons of events and activities happening indoors and outdoors. Try a new cuisine during Chicago Restaurant Week, catch one-of-a-kind live theatre, see a new museum exhibit, enjoy the last of the holiday lights, and so much more. Check out our list of favorite activities and events to enjoy in Chicago this January 2025.
Top events in Chicago this January
Chicago Restaurant Week (Jan. 24 – Feb. 9): This year is the 18th annual Chicago Restaurant Week, when over 470 of the city’s top restaurants offer special prix-fixe menus for brunch, lunch, and dinner.
First Bites Bash (Jan. 23): The official kickoff to Chicago Restaurant Week, First Bites Bash takes place at the Field Museum showcasing specialty bites from dozens of Chicago’s most celebrated chefs.
ZooLights at Lincoln Park Zoo (through Jan. 5): Head to Lincoln Park Zoo for this beloved winter tradition, when millions of twinkling lights adorn the historic zoo.
Light Up the Lake at Navy Pier (through Jan. 5): This indoor-outdoor wonderland on the lakefront includes light sculptures, an ice skating rink, toasty firepits, and more.
Illumination Tree Lights at Morton Arboretum (through Jan. 4): This show-stopping annual event covers fifty acres of the arboretum, filled with a spectacle of light, sound, and color.
Lightscape at the Chicago Botanic Garden (through Jan. 5): Explore the Chicago Botanic Garden’s trails with a magical twist for the holidays, filled with new light installations, holiday music, and more.
Chicago Boat Show (Jan. 8 – 12): Boat enthusiasts won’t want to miss the annual show, with a host of boat exhibitors and activities, including a new surf simulator, a paddle pool, antique and classic boat displays, and much more.
More events in Chicago this January
Three Kings Celebration in Humboldt Park (Jan. 4): The National Museum of Puerto Rican Arts and Culture hosts this free, family-friendly celebration with art workshops, live music, bilingual storytime, and more.
Winter Flower Show at Garfield Park Conservatory (through Jan. 5): Warm up inside this soaring conservatory during its annual flower extravaganza. This year’s show celebrates the beauty of snow.
Kwanzaa Heritage Tour from Chicago South Side Tour (Jan. 5): Wrap up the holidays with this unique tour that highlights South Side landmarks that embody the principles of Kwanzaa.
Young Playwrights Festival (Jan. 5 – 26): Chicago Dramatists presents this year’s 38th annual theatre showcase which features original one-act productions from students across Chicago.
The Great Wave at the Art Institute (through Jan. 6): This iconic Japanese print is on display for a limited time at the iconic Art Institute, after five years away from public view.
Hot Tub Boats on the Chicago River (through January): This winter, sit back and enjoy the view in these six-passenger heated hot tub boats from Chicago Electric Boat Rentals.
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Christmas Around the World at the Museum of Science and Industry (through Jan. 6): The holidays are headed to the Griffin Museum of Science and Industry for a special exhibit featuring a four-story, floor-to-dome grand Christmas tree.
Family Day at the Museum of Contemporary Art (Jan. 11): Families will enjoy free admission to this day-long celebration, which includes activities and live music for kids.
Jaja’s African Hair Braiding at the Chicago Shakespeare Theatre (Jan. 14 – Feb. 2): Making its regional premiere straight after an extended Broadway run, this acclaimed show is equal parts moving and laugh-out-loud funny.
Tomorrow Never Knows Festival (Jan. 15 – 19): The five-day winter indie music festival returns to Chicago in January, hosting shows at Lincoln Hall, Schubas, Hideout, and Sleeping Village and highlighting a variety of up-and-coming artists.
Chicago International Puppet Theater Festival (Jan. 15 – 26): Chicago will be the home of puppetry for 12 days, as over 100 performances and events will be showcased throughout the city highlighting both national and international puppet performers.
Chicago Cubs Convention (Jan. 17 – 19): Cubs fans come together at this annual gathering, which includes autograph opportunities with current and past players, panel sessions, and plenty of family-friendly activities for fans of all ages.
Studio Saturday: Weaving at the National Museum of Mexican Art (Jan. 18): Children ages 7 to 12 are welcome to this Studio Saturday event, where they will learn to create woven wall hangings.
Black Panther in Concert with the Chicago Philharmonic (Jan. 18): The Auditorium Theatre is screening this Marvel hit for one night only, backed by a live orchestra performing the score.
Cats: Predators to Pets at the Field Museum (through January): This new interactive exhibit explores how cats went from wild carnivores to domestic companions.
Punch Making Class Experience at Thalia Hall (Jan. 17): Head to Punch House in Pilsen to learn the history behind this vintage drink and how to make it yourself.
Civic Orchestra at South Shore Cultural Center (Jan. 19): This free show features the city’s renowned Civic Orchestra playing Sergei Rachmaninov’s Second Symphony at a historic venue.
Chicago Blackhawks at United Center (throughout January): Escape the cold and head to the United Center to catch an exhilarating match featuring Chicago’s legendary hockey team.
Black Creativity Family Day (Jan. 20): The Museum of Science and Industry’s annual Black Creativity program hosts a special family day to explore the legacy and rich contributions of African American artistry, architecture, and more.
MLK Day at Chicago History Museum (Jan. 20): Bring the family to the Chicago History Museum for a celebration of Martin Luther King Jr. that will include a musical performance, family-friendly interactive activities, and more.
MLK Day at Hyde Park Art Center (Jan. 20): The Hyde Park Art Center will honor Martin Luther King Jr. at their MLK Day 2025: Echoes of Freedom event, which will include music, art activities, and performances.
SoxFest Live at Ramova Theatre (Jan. 24 – 25): The Chicago White Sox announced SoxFest Live in a new format that reimagines the traditional convention into an immersive fan experience.
Friday Night Live at The Quarry (Jan. 24): In the South Shore neighborhood, enjoy an evening of jazz and upscale dining in this community-centric space.
Chinese New Year Dumpling Making Dinner (Jan. 25): Welcome the Year of the Snake with this annual dumpling feast at Hing Kee in the historic Chinatown neighborhood.
Once Upon a Symphony (through January): The Chicago Symphony Orchestra, in conjunction with Chicago Children’s Theatre, will introduce young minds to the world of classical music.
Annual Polar Plunge (Jan. 25): Take a quick dip in the frigid waters of Lake Michigan, all for an amazing cause. This annual polar plunge challenge draws more than 5,000 participants each year.
McCormick Tribune Ice Rink in Millennium Park (through January): Skate with a city view at Millennium Park’s scenic ice rink. Admission is free, but online ticket reservations are required.
Theaster Gates: When Clouds Roll Away (through January): The Stony Island Arts Bank is hosting this exhibition featuring works inspired by and sourced from Chicago’s Johnson Publishing Company, through the eyes of artist Theaster Gates.
Italian Cooking Classes at Eataly Chicago (through January): These hands-on workshops will teach you how to make Italian classics like arancini, gnocchi, focaccia, cannoli, and more.
String Cheese Incident at the Salt Shed (Jan. 31): Close out a packed month with bluegrass vibes at this jam band show inside the Salt Shed.
