New year, plenty of new things to do in Chicago. January may bring chillier temps, but there’s still tons happening indoors and outdoors throughout the city, including some of the year’s most anticipated dining events and cultural celebrations. Here are just a few of the highlights:

Check out even more things things to do in Chicago this January 2026 and mark your calendars for a jam-packed winter in Chicago:

Top events in Chicago this January

Marina's Bistro and Rum Bar
Marina’s Bistro and Rum Bar

Chicago Restaurant Week (Jan. 23 – Feb. 8): This year marks the 19th annual Chicago Restaurant Week, when over500 of the city’s top restaurants offer special prix-fixe menus for brunch, lunch, and dinner.

First Bites Bash (Jan. 22): The official kickoff to Chicago Restaurant Week, First Bites Bash takes place at the Field Museum with unlimited tastings from dozens of Chicago’s most celebrated chefs.

Illumination Tree Lights at Morton Arboretum (through Jan. 3): This show-stopping annual event covers fifty acres of the arboretum, filled with a spectacle of light, sound, and color.

ZooLights at Lincoln Park Zoo (through Jan. 4): Head to Lincoln Park Zoo for this beloved winter tradition, when millions of twinkling lights adorn the historic zoo.

Winter WonderFest at Navy Pier (through Jan. 4): This indoor-outdoor wonderland on the lakefront includes light sculptures, an ice skating rink, rides and games, and more fun for all ages.

Lightscape at the Chicago Botanic Garden (through Jan. 4): 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. 28 – Feb. 1): Boat enthusiasts won’t want to miss the annual show, with a host of boat exhibitors and activities, including a surf simulator, a paddle pool, antique and classic boat displays, and much more.

Chicago International Puppet Theater Festival (Jan. 21 – Feb. 1): Celebrate the unique art of puppetry during this annual showcase highlighting both national and international puppet performers.

Chicago Architecture Biennial (through January): Don’t miss your last chance to explore the world’s largest free architecture showcase, with exhibits happening across the city.

Save the date: Don’t forget to mark your calendar for Jan. 6, 2026, when Chicago Theatre Week tickets go on sale!

More events in Chicago this January

Catalyst: Im/migration and Self-Taught Art in Chicago at the Intuit Art Museum
Catalyst: Im/migration and Self-Taught Art in Chicago at the Intuit Art Museum

Winter Flower Show at Garfield Park Conservatory (through Jan. 4): Warm up inside this soaring conservatory during its annual flower extravaganza. This year’s show celebrates brightly colored blooms.

Show & Tell for Grown-Ups atthe International Museum of Surgical Science (Jan. 2): Watch people share their niche passions and hobbies (or present your own) at this fun and educational event.

Young Playwrights Festival (Jan. 1 – 24): The Chicago Dramatists present the 39th edition annual theatre showcase which features original one-act productions from students across Chicago.

Buddy Guy at Buddy Guy’s Legends (Jan. 3 – 30): This annual residency is a must-see for blues fans, when the iconic Buddy Guy takes the stage at his Chicago music venue.

Hands-On: Pasta Traditions from the South at Eataly (Jan. 9): Learn to make your own pasta dough from scratch on this culinary journey of Southern Italy.

Golden Hour at Epiphany Center for the Arts (through January): This ongoing series features free live music in the cafe bar area of this converted church, along with food and drink specials.

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 Boat Company.

Ice Skating Ribbon at Maggie Daley (through January): Lace up your skates and hit the ice at Maggie Daley Park, home to a whimsical ice skating ribbon.

Tomorrow Never Knows Festival (Jan. 8 – 31): The 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.

Bill Murray & his Blood Brothers at Thalia Hall (Jan. 9 and 10): The legendary actor and Chicagoan will bring his musical group to Thalia Hall in Pilsen for two nights this January.

A Live Presentation of 2001: A Space Odyssey (Jan. 9 – 10): The Chicago Symphony Orchestra will provide the live score to complement the striking visuals from this iconic film.

Family Day at the Museum of Contemporary Art (Jan. 10): Families will enjoy free admission to this day-long celebration, which includes activities and live music for kids.

Opening Celebration and Artist Talk (Jan. 10): Celebrate the opening of Change, I Ching (64. Paintings) at the Renaissance Society in Hyde Park, known for staging cutting-edge exhibitions.

Hands-on Glassblowing Classes (through January): Make your own paperweight, bowl, ornaments, and more at these expert-led classes at Firebird Community Arts.

The Phantom of the Opera at Cadillac Palace Theatre (through January): Broadway in Chicago presents a revitalized new production of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s legendary musical for a limited run.

Yoko Ono: Music of the Mind (through January): Don’t miss the final days of this groundbreaking retrospective during its limited-time run at the Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago.

Dozin’ with the Dinos at the Field Museum (Jan. 17 and 31): Spend the night inside the Field Museum, when families can enjoy science activities and explore exhibit halls after dark.

Forest Therapy Walk at Morton Arboretum (Jan. 17): Find some zen at these mindful walks led by a certified forest therapy guide on the sprawling grounds of the Morton Arboretum.

Alcohol-free Cocktail Competition and Tasting Event (Jan. 18): For those observing Dry January, this annual event showcases zero-proof cocktails from top mixologists.

Chicago Cubs Convention (Jan. 16 – 18): Cubs fans come together at this annual gathering, which includes autograph opportunities with current and past players, panel sessions, and plenty of activities for fans of all ages.

MLK Tribute Concert by Chicago Sinfonietta (Jan. 19): This heartfelt musical tribute will feature the acclaimed Chicago Sinfonietta orchestra at the landmark Auditorium Theatre.

King Day: Building Our Future at Art Institute of Chicago (Jan. 19): Drop into the Ryan Learning Center for this free day celebrating Dr. King’s legacy through art and performance, with activities for kids and teens.

Date Night Throwdown Pottery Class (through January): Lillstreet Art Center hosts this fun evening workshop that will teach you and your plus one how to throw clay on a pottery wheel.

Polar Adventure Days (Jan. 24): Enjoy free family fun in Chicago’s parks with sled dogs, snowshoeing, crafts, and more winter activities at lakefront Northerly Island.

Music of the Baroque at Harris Theater for Music and Dance (Jan. 24): This performance will highlight the intimate dynamics between father-and-son musicians, who will highlight their versions of famous concertos.

Deep Dish Cooking Classes at Pizzeria Uno (through January): Learn the art of making Pizzeria Uno’s signature deep dish pizza, one of Chicago’s most iconic dishes.

Not a Soft Thing at the Chicago Cultural Center (through January): The current exhibit at the Chicago Cultural Center tells the story and stages of caregiving, showcasing an array of artist mothers.

Studio Saturday: Mosaics at theNational Museum of Mexican Art (Jan. 17): This hands-on workshop lets children ages 7 to 12 create their own mosaics using tiles and beads.

Crafting Character: The Costumes of Paul Tazewell (opens Jan. 19, 2026): This new exhibit at the Museum of Science & Industry will feature the dazzling work of the Oscar-winning costume designer, with selected costumes from Wicked to Hamilton.

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.

MLK Day at Chicago History Museum (Jan. 19): Bring the family to the Chicago History Museum for a celebration of Martin Luther King Jr. that will feature family-friendly interactive activities.

Introduction to Japanese Tea Ceremony (Jan. 23): Learn the art of making and serving matcha at the Japanese Culture Center in Lakeview, which offers classes on a variety of art forms.

Salome at Lyric Opera of Chicago (opens Jan. 25): Based on the story by Oscar Wilde, this spellbinding opera is a decadent and gory thrill ride.

Catalyst: Im/migration and Self-Taught Art in Chicago (through January): The first exhibition to open in Intuit’s newly renovated museum space highlights immigrant artists.

25th Annual Polar Plunge (Jan. 24): Take a quick dip in the frigid waters of Lake Michigan, all for an amazing cause.

Paper Machete at the Green Mill (through January): This long-standing free series brings actors, comedians, and musicians to the iconic jazz club each Saturday.

Puppy Yoga at 360 Chicago (Jan. 25): Grab your tickets for this special yoga flow on the 94th floor, featuring a gaggle of rescue puppies.

Chicago Bulls at United Center (through January): The NBA season is heating up at the United Center, where the Chicago Bulls take the court throughout the month.

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.

SoxFest Live at Ramova Theatre (Jan. 30 – 31): The Chicago White Sox will host SoxFest Live, an immersive fan experience featuring current players, front office, and more.

Cider Summit Chicago (Jan. 31): Sample top hard ciders from regional and international producers at this annual Navy Pier tasting event.

Begyle and Friends at Artifact Events (Jan. 31): Enjoy live music, beer tastings from local breweries, food trucks and pop ups, and more at this Ravenswood event.