Chicago January 2025

Chicago January 2025 Events

Chicago January 2025 Events

Start off the New Year in Chicago

Average temperature low and high: 22° - 32°
Don't let Chicago's chilly January temperatures stop you from having fun. The Windy City delivers magical ice skating at one of several parks, including an indoor rink at Navy Pier. Chicago also lights up the Morton Arboretum at night for dazzling walk-throughs. There are many unique indoor activities if the city gets too frosty; enjoy candlelight concerts, the Museum of Ice Cream, and explore the Art Institute of Chicago. And for an authentic winter experience, dine in one of Chicago's adorable outdoor igloos. New Windy City events are always added; check back soon.

January Event Calendar

Boozin' In Your Onesie Bar Crawl

January is a cold month in Chicago, but who wants to let the cold weather stop the fun from going on? Luckily, on two separate dates, there's a way to hop around to some of the most fantastic bars in the Chicago area with the organizers of crawl with us, all while still bundled in your comfiest onesie. Crawl admission tickets start at $10 to $15. Prices depend on availability. The fee includes waived door charges, up to 50% off of drinks, 25% off of select foods-themed drinks, top DJs at the selected bars, on-site staff guiding the crawl, and more. A digital bar map will be sent to attendees during the fest. More info and tickets can be found online.

Blue Man Group Performances

Blue Man Group shows are a fun, family-friendly way to spend time with your family. The performances are known for their unique mix of music, comedy, and art and cater to everyone, regardless of age, language or culture, as they use non-verbal communication. You can opt for family-friendly shows for young children at 11 am and 2 pm and others at 5 pm and 8 pm. Tickets start at $49.

Les Miserables

Themes of broken dreams, love, and redemption collide in the epic musical "Les Misérables." Become swept away by songs like "On My Own" and "Master of the House" and witness how the human spirit endures. The legendary Broadway musical plays the Cadillac Palace Theatre in Chicago, Illinois, with matinees and evening shows available. Expect a nearly three-hour runtime with one intermission. Don't miss the Tony Award-winning classic, book your tickets soon.

Chicago Boat Show

Chicago Boat Show

The Chicago Boat Show displays an extensive collection of boat brands and various activities for people of all ages. Children can participate in the Huck Finn Trout Pond or the Chicago Maritime Arts Center Build-a-Boat. Adults can relax at the Corona Find Your Beach Bar & Cantina or test your skills on the mechanical wave surf simulator. Other activities include the Boating Beach Club, Paddlefest Pool, and Bumper Boats. 

Tickets are on sale now. Adult tickets are $13 online and $15 onsite. Children under 12 years are free with the purchase of a general admission ticket​​.

G Love & Special Sauce

The only and only G Love & Special Sauce brings their blend of funk, soul, hip-hop, and rock for an evening of laid-back tunes and chill vibes. Best known for their hits, "Cold Beverage" and "Baby's Got Sauce," G Love & Special Sauce has been touring and releasing music for thirty years. Don't miss one of the grooviest acts in music, get your tickets now.

Tomorrow Never Knows Music Festival

Tomorrow Never Knows Music Festival

Since its 2002 inception, locals and visitors have braved the bitting Chicago cold for this amazing music festival. Rocking out at independent venues across the city, Tomorrow Never Knows celebrates the best rising local indie artists and national comedy and music acts from January 15 - 19, 2025. Multiple venues across Chicago will be hosting, including Metro, Schubas, and others. Tickets range from $14-$31 for general admission​​​.

Cubs Convention

Cubs Convention

Winners or losers, one thing's for sure: Cub fans are die-hard fans. They're so die-hard that they host an annual 3-day convention celebrating their beloved Cubs. The event will feature meet-and-greets and autograph signings with players, interactive exhibits, tons of vendors, unique panels, and the popular Cubs Bingo night. General Admission Weekend Passes start at $125, with discounts available for season ticket holders. 

Chicago Restaurant Week

Chicago Restaurant Week

Chicago Restaurant Week is a 17-day celebration of the Windy City's award-winning culinary culture and the perfect opportunity to sample some of the area's best eateries. Starting January 19, there will be special prix fixe menus at restaurants throughout the city and nearby suburbs. The multi-course meals offer brunch, lunch, and dinner. This exciting culinary celebration kicks off with First Bites Bash, an exclusive tasting event at the city's famed Field Museum. Participants TBA in mid-December. 

Mac & Cheese Crawl-Chicago's Cheesiest Bar Crawl

Mac & Cheese Crawl-Chicago\'s Cheesiest Bar Crawl

What's better than a serving of mac & cheese to keep you warm during one of Chicago's coldest months? Indulge in seven gooey servings of Chicago's tastiest while drinking and bar hopping during the Mac & Cheese Crawl. In addition to plates of cheesy goodness, tickets to the crawl include specialty drinks, giveaways, and more. Say cheese. 

Chicago Chinatown Lunar New Year Parade

Chicago Chinatown Lunar New Year Parade

Head down to Chicago's Chinatown neighborhood to celebrate the Chinese New Year (Year of the Snake, 4723). At this annual Lunar New Year Parade, there will be marching bands, colorful floats, and traditional lion and dragon dancing teams. The parade will begin at 1:00 p.m. at the intersection of 24th Street and Wentworth Avenue. Hosted by the Chicago Chinatown Chamber of Commerce, the parade is free and open to the public.

Jimmy O. Yang

Jimmy O. Yang

Hot off the heels of his hit new Hulu Show, "Interior Chinatown," and his latest Amazon special, Jimmy O. Yang is taking the comedy world by storm. Jimmy O. Yang moved from Hong Kong to the U.S. when he was 13 and is best known for his roles on HBO's "Silicon Valley" and Netflix's "Space Force." Don't miss this award-winning comic, book your tickets now

Chicago Events in January

Concerts

Theater & Headliners

Sports

Nightclubs

Things to do in Chicago

Things to Do in Chicago in January

Visit The Garfield Park Conservatory

Visit The Garfield Park Conservatory
Break up the grey monotony of January with a visit to the vibrant flowers in the Garfield Park Conservatory.  The contained area is significantly warmer than outside, filled with beautiful flora from around the world in a garden of stunning statues.  It's a soothing afternoon before venturing back into the wind.

Enjoy A Cocktail In An Igloo

Enjoy A Cocktail In An Igloo
You don't have to miss seeing the stunning Chicago skyline at night just because of the cold.  Enjoy a few cocktails in igloos at the Kennedy Rooftop - it's outside cocktails without outside weather.  The clear igloos are completely heated so that you can stay comfortable and enjoy the glorious Windy City evening.