Searching for what to do in Chicago this January? Here are the best things to do in Chicago in January 2025 (from a local) – from fun outdoor winter activities to the best indoor events and attractions.
I suggest bookmarking this blog post as I will be updating it regularly with new events and activities.
Chicago in January
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 New Year’s Eve. 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.
Things to Do in Chicago in January 2025
Below are the top things to do in Chicago in January 2025 including all of the best January 2025 events.
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Attend a Candlelight Concert
Chicago’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:
Rings and Dragons
The Best of Hans Zimmer
Coldplay X Imagine Dragons
You can find the full list of candlelight concerts in Chicago here.
Go Outdoor Ice Skating
Looking for a fun outdoor activity in Chicago? There are many places to go outdoor ice skating in the city for those willing to brave the cold January temperatures.
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.
Buddy Guy’s January Residency at Buddy Guy’s Legends
Looking for something fun 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 $85 per person for standing room.
Enjoy Warm Temperatures Inside the Garfield Park Conservatory
The 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!
Through early January, visitors can also enjoy the annual Winter Flower Show.
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.
Join a Food Tour
January is a great time try some of the food that Chicago is known for. If your time in Chicago is short or you want to try a variety of dishes, consider a food tour like this Chicago favorites tasting tour. If you have a sweet tooth, you might like this underground donut tour. You can also join neighborhood specific food tours like this Chinatown food tour.
Visit the Art Institute of Chicago
The Art Institute of Chicago is a must on any Chicago bucket list year round but there are more reasons to visit during the holiday season.
Until January 6, 2025, the museum’s lions will be decked with their evergreen wreaths for the holiday season and you can also see the Art Institute’s spectacular 18th-century Neapolitan crèche, or Nativity scene, telling the story of Jesus Christ’s birth through more than 200 painted terracotta figures staged in an elaborate environment inspired by 18th-century Naples.
Where: 111 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60603
Cost: Price varies by age; members and children under 14 are always free. There are discounts for Chicago and Illinois residents. Starting January 6, 2025, Illinois residents will have free admission every Monday, Thursday, and Friday the entire month of January. Click here to buy a skip the line ticket if you want to avoid long lines.
Visit the Griffin Museum of Science and Industry
The Griffin Museum of Science and Industry is the largest science museum in the Western Hemisphere with 14 acres of hands-on exhibits including a 40-foot tornado, a World War II German submarine and a human-sized hamster wheel.
Through January 6, 2025, entry includes The Christmas Around the World and Holidays of Light at the Museum of Science and Industry exhibit featuring a four-story, floor-to-dome Grand Tree, surrounded by a forest of more than 40 trees and displays which represent the holiday traditions from cultures around the globe.
Where: 5700 S Lake Shore Drive, Chicago, IL
Cost: Click here to purchase a skip the line ticket.
See the City of Chicago Christmas Tree
The City of Chicago Christmas tree can be seen at Millennium Park until early January.
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: Through January 8, 2025.
Where: Millennium Park, near the intersection of Michigan Ave. and Washington St.
Cost: Free.
Dine at the Walnut Room
Dining at the Walnut Room is a legendary Chicago holiday tradition. Located on the 7th floor of Macy’s State Street (formerly Marshall Fields), the Walnut Room was the first restaurant ever opened in a department store. During the holiday season diners can enjoy the view of the Macy’s “Great Tree” in the middle of the restaurant while feasting on holiday classic dishes such as Mrs. Hering’s 1890 Original Chicken Pot Pie. Only guests with reservations at The Walnut Room will be permitted in the restaurant. Reservations are very hard to get in December but they are more readily available in January. There will be a selfie spot located outside of the restaurant with a view of the tree and a wonderful photo opportunity.
Where: The Great Tree will be lit through January 12, 2025.
Where: 7th floor at Macy’s State Street at 111 N. State Street, Chicago, IL
Outdoor Curling
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Curling is a winter sport in which players slide stones on a sheet of ice or a lane towards a target. Below is a list of places offering outdoor curling (along with drinks):
Upstairs at The Gwen, 521 North Rush Street
Harry Caray’s Tavern – Navy Pier, 700 E. Grand Ave
Kaiser Tiger, 1415 West Randolph St
Have Dinner or Drinks in an Igloo
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Having dinner and drinks in an outdoor igloo has been trendy for a few years. Here are some of the best outdoor igloos in Chicago open this winter.
Kennedy Rooftop: 1551 W North Ave
I|O at The Godfrey Hotel Chicago: 127 West Huron Street
Enjoy the Views from 360 CHICAGO Observation Deck
360 CHICAGO is another must see attraction. The observatory on the 94th floor of the former John Hancock Building has the best views of the Chicago skyline and Lake Michigan.
The 360 Chicago observation deck is also home of TILT – Chicago’s highest thrill ride – an enclosed moving platform that literally tilts you out over Michigan Avenue from the 94th Floor.
(Click here to buy a skip the line ticket).
Where: 875 North Michigan Avenue, 94th floor, Chicago, IL 60611
Visit the Field Museum
The 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.
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Visit the Color Factory
Color Factory is an interactive art museum located on the lower level of Willis Tower. Experience a sensory celebration of color, with interactive installations, immersive rooms and carefully curated moments inspired by the city of Chicago including its signature ball pit and confetti room.
Through the end of January, grab your goggles and parkas and slide on into some winter whimsy. Their snow squall is bringing new photo opportunities (including a ski lift through their confetti snow storm) and exclusive Winter Colorland treats and surprises.
Hours: Hours vary, advance tickets are required.
Where: Willis Tower, 320 W Jackson Blvd, Chicago, IL 60606
Shop at an Indoor Farmers Market
January is too cold for outdoor farmers markets but there are a few indoor winter farmers markets in Chicago:
Wicker Park Winter Farmers Market – January 5 & 19, 2025, 9am-2pm
Green City Market (Avondale) – January 11, 18 and 25, 2025, 8am–1pm
Edgewater Indoor Market – January 18, 2025, 10am–2pm
Chicago January 2025 Events
In addition to the activities mentioned above, other January 2025 events in Chicago include: Chicago Boat Show (January 15-19, 2025), Tomorrow Never Knows Fest (January 15-19, 2025), Chicago Cubs Convention (January 17-19, 2025), SoxFest Live (January 24-25, 2025), Chicago Polar Plunge (January 25, 2025), Polar Adventure Day at Northerly Island (January 25, 2025), Chicago Winter Whiskey Tasting Festival (January 25, 2025), Mac and Cheese Crawl (January 25, 2025), Chicago International Puppet Theater Festival (January 15-26, 2025) and Chicago Restaurant Week (January 24 – February 9, 2025).
For more January 2025 events, bookmark this post about the best weekend events which is updated every week.
As you can see there are many things to do in Chicago in January.
Planning a trip to Chicago? Check out my Chicago guides and itineraries:
