January 21 2023 chicago
Events for January 2023
This website uses cookies to provide and improve its services. By continuing to use this website, you consent to our use of cookies. If you do not consent, please view our Cookie Policy for more information.Dismiss Wandering what to do in Chicago this January? Here are the best things to do in Chicago in January 2023 (from a local) – from fun outdoor winter activities to the best indoor attractions. January is an interesting month to visit Chicago. In the beginning of the month many holiday activities and events are still
taking place and they are less likely to be crowded after Christmas. As the month goes on, there are fewer things to do, but there are still plenty of things to do in Chicago in January both indoors and outdoors. If you are willing to brave the cold and snow, January is still a good time to visit Chicago as attractions are less crowded and accommodation is more affordable. I
suggest bookmarking this blog post as I plan to update it regularly with any new events and activities. Contents Disclosure: This article contains affiliate links. I may make a small commission if you make a booking using my links at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Enjoy Warm Temperatures Inside the Garfield Park ConservatoryThe Garfield Park Conservatory is one of the largest and most stunning botanical conservatories in the US. Often referred to as “landscape art under glass,” the Garfield Park Conservatory showcases thousands of plant species from around the world throughout eight indoor display gardens. Even if it is cold outside, you can enjoy the lush flora and tropical temperatures indoors! Where: 300 N. Central Park Ave., Chicago, IL 60624 Hours: Wednesday 10am-8pm (last entry at 6:30pm); Thursday – Sunday 10am-5pm (last entry at 3:30pm); Closed Monday and Tuesday. Click here to make reservations online in advance. Cost: FREE (suggested donation) Attend a Candlelight ConcertChicago’s Candlelight Concerts is a series of special classical music concerts that take place in beautiful venues bathed in candlelight. Some of the concerts taking place this January include: Candlelight: A Tribute to Taylor Swift You can find the full list of candlelight concerts in Chicago here. Harry Potter™: Magic at PlayThe Harry Potter™: Magic at Play is opening its limited time run in Chicago in November. Discover the Wizarding World and celebrate Harry’s adventures in this new hands-on experience, filled with magical moments and active play for witches and wizards of all ages with fun for the whole family. Harry Potter™: Magic at Play is a unique, hands-on experience that will engage imaginations of all ages to bring out the young witch or wizard in all of us. Explore, climb, and play your way through three floors of fun packed with playful celebrations of your favorite places and moments. When: Through January 29, 2023 Where: Water Tower Place, 835 N Michigan Avenue, Chicago, IL 60611 (corner of N Michigan Ave. and E Pearson St.) Cost: Price varies. Click here for full prices and to purchase tickets in advance. Visit the Museum of Ice CreamMuseum of Ice Cream is Chicago’s newest attraction. Step into an ice cream wonderland that is bound to ignite your senses through a theatrical experience with unlimited ice cream treats as you journey through 14 installations. Ride on the pink Sprink-L line, put your golf skills to the test on the Putt-Putt course, or take a dip in a pool filled with millions of sprinkles. Where: Tribune Tower, 435 North Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60611 Cost: You can see full prices and purchase tickets in advance here. Go Outdoor Ice Skating
One of the best and instaworthy places to go ice skating in downtown Chicago is the McCormick Tribune Ice Rink right in front of The Bean.
Another picture perfect spot is the nearby skating ribbon at Maggie Daley Park which has a path twice the length of a lap around a traditional skating rink. See the City of Chicago Christmas Tree
The City of Chicago puts up a large Christmas Tree annually at Millennium Park during the holiday season.
Make sure to stop by The Bean – a must on any Chicago bucket list. The Bean is located a few feet away from the tree and can even take photos of The Bean with the Christmas tree in the background. When: Until January 8, 2023 Where: Millennium Park near the intersection of Michigan Avenue & Washington Street. Cost: Free. Winterland at Gallagher WayWinterland at Gallagher Way is back and will be bigger than ever. In addition to the Gallagher Ice Rink (now inside the ballpark) and Santa’s Workshop, there will be new family-friendly experiences inside iconic Wrigley Field. Ticket are now available for purchase. When: Through January 8, 2023. Where: Gallagher Way, 3635 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60613 Outdoor Curling
Upstairs at The Gwen, 521 North Rush Street Have Dinner or Drinks in an Igloo
Kennedy Rooftop: 1551 W North Ave
Admire Famous Works at The Art Institute of ChicagoThe Art Institute of Chicago is one of the oldest and largest art museums in the United States and is frequently found on lists of the top museums in the world. Where: 111 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60603 Cost: $25 for adults, $19 for seniors, students and teens (14-17); members and children under 14 are always free. Click here to buy a skip the line ticket if you want to avoid long lines. Visit the Field MuseumThe Field Museum is one of the largest natural history museums in the world. Inside the museum you will see Maximo, the Titanosaur, the largest dinosaur that ever lived. (Click here to purchase an Early Access VIP Tour if you want to avoid crowds). Where: Chicago’s Museum Campus, 1400 S Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, IL 60605 (detailed directions and parking information is available here) When: Open daily 9am to 5pm (last admission at 4pm) Tip: If you are visiting a few museums and indoor attractions, consider purchasing a Chicago CityPASS or Go Chicago Card to save money on entrance fees. Experience the Immersive Van Gogh ExhibitFrom the creators of the blockbuster show at Atelier des Lumières featured in Emily in Paris (one of my favorite travel shows on Netflix), the popular Immersive Van Gogh Exhibit is a massive indoor digital presentation of Vincent Van Gogh’s artwork. When: Extended by popular demand through January 15, 2023 Where: Lighthouse ArtSpace at Germania Place, 108 W. Germania Pl, Chicago Cost: Tickets start at $39.99 plus fees for off peak times. You can see full prices and purchase tickets in advance here. Go SleddingChances are that by January there will be enough snow on the ground to go sledding. There are several sledding hills in parks and forest preserves in Chicago that are fun for kids or kids at heart. Where: Various. See Best Sledding Hills in Chicago. Cost: Free Go Cross-Country Skiing & SnowshoeingLooking for a fun outdoor winter activity? If there are four or more inches of snow on the ground, take a trip to the Morton Arboretum in the suburbs for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. Trails are marked and groomed. There are rentals available or you can bring your own cross-country skis or snowshoes. When: Rentals start January 7, 2023 (as soon as snowfall permits it). Where: Morton Arboretum, 4100 IL-53, Lisle, IL 60532 (about 26 miles west of downtown Chicago) Cost: Cross-country skis (includes boots and poles) for 2-hour rental: $20 member/$22 guest (costs apply to adults and children); Snowshoes: Adults – $13 members/$15 guests; Children – (Ages 10 and younger) $11 members/$13 guests. Looking for something different to do in Chicago at night? January is the only month of the year when you can find blues icon, Buddy Guy, performing in his namesake blues club. When: Thursdays through Sundays Where: Buddy Guy’s Legends, 700 S Wabash Ave, Chicago, IL 60605 Cost: Tickets start at $65 per person for standing room Hold and Feed a BunnyLooking for a unique thing to do in Chicago? Visit the Cuddle Bunny in Chicago, where visitors can pet and feed bunnies. Cuddle Bunny also hosts special events like yoga and story time. When: Open daily from 10:00 am – 08:00 pm. Reservations are strongly encouraged. Activities and bunny interaction after 6pm are by reservation ONLY. Where: Cuddle Bunny, 2901 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60657 Cost: Price varies. |
