10 free things to do in Chicago this January

You don’t need to reach for your wallet to get your fill of culture and fun in Chicago. Here are 10 free things to do in Chicago this January, including light displays, outdoor activities, exhibits, concerts, and more.

1. Be awed by a one-of-a-kind light show

Through Jan. 5

Only a few days left to see the Zoolights! This stunning lights show takes place at Lincoln Park Zoo, one of the oldest free zoos in the country. While winter animals play in their habitats, the sprawling lakefront zoo is decked out in 2.5 million glittering lights. See the luminous display and enjoy festive activities like live ice-carving demos, photos with Santa, strolling carolers, and more.

2. Go for a spin on an outdoor ice rink

All month long

Lace up your skates and go for a spin at one of the two ice skating rinks in Millennium Park. Check out the McCormick Tribune rink in the shadow of the iconic “The Bean” statue, or the Skating Ribbon, which loops around nearby Maggie Daley Park. Admission is free, skate rentals are available.

Check out these upcoming ice skating events:

• Ice rink DJ nights at Millennium Park (Jan. 2 & 16)
• Free ice skating lessons at Millennium Park (weekends and select holidays)

3. Visit a Chicago museum

Various dates in January

Many of Chicago’s most popular museums are offering free admission days this month. Illinois residents get free admission to the following museums this January:

• Adler Planetarium (Jan. 7 – 9, 20 – 22)
• Shedd Aquarium (Jan. 16 – 20)
• Chicago History Museum (Jan. 20)

Check out our list of free museum days all year long.

4. Explore artists’ galleries

Jan. 17

Head to the Bridgeport Art Center on the third Friday of every month for their free open studio night. Meet painters, sculptors, photographers, fashion designers, ceramic artists, and woodworkers and check out their work and artistic process. The event, which runs from 7 – 10 p.m., includes free parking and refreshments.

5. Preview the Chicago Latino Film Festival

Jan. 15, 22, 29

The Chicago Latino Film Festival isn’t until April, but you can get a sneak preview during their free film series this month. Catch the first-come, first-served screenings at the Chicago Cultural Center on Wednesdays throughout January and February. The series will highlight comedies from Colombia, Mexico, Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, Argentina, and Chile. Check out the full film schedule.

6. Welcome the Chinese New Year

Jan. 25 – Feb. 9

Chicago pulls out all the stops to celebrate the Chinese New Year. Choose from two dazzling parades — the Argyle Lunar New Year Celebration on Saturday, a decades-old Uptown tradition, and the Chinatown Lunar New Year Parade on Sunday. Both feature marching bands, colorful floats, dancers, and traditional lion dances.

7. Embark on a Polar adventure

Jan. 25

Explore a snow-covered urban island during Polar Adventure Days. Head to Northerly Island on Lake Michigan to explore the island on snowshoes, sip hot cocoa, create nature-inspired crafts, and come face-to-face with wolves, Siberian huskies, birds of prey, and other winter creatures.

8. Tour the Chicago Cultural Center

Wednesday – Saturday

Get an inside look at one of Chicago’s most beloved cultural assets. The free building tours delve into the fascinating history of the landmark Chicago Cultural Center, offered year round on Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 1:15 p.m.

Plus, check out these free events at the Chicago Cultural Center:

• Chicago Architecture Biennial (Through Jan. 5)
• Chamber Mondays with the Musicians Club of Women (Jan. 27)

9. Explore a restored architectural gem

Jan. 12, 19, 26