A round up of the best things to do in Chicago this January. From ice skating rinks to exciting new restaurants, these are the best experiences for the first month of 2024!
It’s finally time to say goodbye to 2023 and welcome in 2024. Despite the arrival of the Midwest’s merciless winter, Chicago is alive and kicking, and there are so many amazing things to do in Chicago in January
One of Chicago’s best winter-time activities, the Maggie Daley ice rink offers an “alpine in the city” experience, skating down a quarter-mile rink in the heart of Chicago. The winding ribbon of ice curves up and down around a 40-foot climbing wall with the city’s stunning skyline in the backdrop.
This season a new unforgettable winter activity has been added to the mix courtesy of The Chicago Electric Boat Company.
For over a decade, The Chicago Electric Boat Company has offered a unique, environmentally friendly way to see the city of Chicago thanks to their fleet of rentable 100% electric boats but now a winter addition will join the the Chicago Electric Boat Company fleet, this time in the form of Hot Tub Boat Cruises.
Yes, you read that correctly. Launching out of the docks at Marina City, the new zero-emissions vessels will take up to six people at a time floating along the main branch of the Chicago River in a boat equipped with a fully functioning hot tub.
It is no secret that Chicago has a remarkable range of world-class museums and attractions but visiting them all can become a costly affair. Luckily for us winter is often a time they love to announce free admission for Illinois residents.
Chicago’s beloved aquarium is one such attraction that has announced it will offer a plethora of free days throughout winter before kicking off spring with weekly free evenings through to summer.
This month Shedd Aquarium will be free to enter on 13 different days including an entire week of 7 consecutive free days starting January 9.
Of course, the beginning of the new year marks pastures new for many. New Year’s resolutions and lifestyle changes see people approach the first month of the year differently from others. While some harbor intentions of changing their ways for the entire year, many go into it looking to complete ‘Dry January’ or ‘Veganuary.’
If the latter applies to you, we’ve compiled a list of the best vegan restaurants in Chicago for brunches, snacking, and dining out. So you can cut to the chase and enjoy the best vegan options for one of our favorite things to do in Chicago in January.
5. Send your senses soaring with a Dining in the Dark sushi experience
If you’re looking to take your date nights to new levels this year or embark on a memorable adventure with friends, a blindfolded meal could be the perfect new experience.
Dining in the Dark invites guests to engage their taste buds to their maximum in circumstances you’ve like never done before and now for the first time they’ve released a new sushi version of the iconic experience.
Omakase, as defined by Michelin Guide, is a form of Japanese dining in which guests leave themselves in the hands of a chef and receive a meal that is seasonal, elegant, artistic, and uses the finest ingredients available.
This special 12-course menu will surprise you with its burst of flavors encompassing the highest standard of Japanese cuisine all the while focusing on taste and smell alone.
Grab tickets to Dining in the Dark: Sushi “Omakase” Edition.
Calling all Disney enthusiasts! The Walt Disney Company is celebrating its 100th anniversary, and we couldn’t be more excited to step into the Disney magic at the Disney100: The Exhibition that has now opened in Chicago!
Fans will have the opportunity to see the ‘Crown Jewels’ of The WaltDisney Archives, including over 250 works of art, artifacts, costumes, props, and other memorabilia.
Another exciting new exhibition can be found at the Loyola University Museum of Art spotlighting one of the most influential photographers of our time — Steve McCurry
After touring Madrid, Mexico City, Lisbon, and Sydney, the critically acclaimed ICONS exhibition has come to Chicago bringing Steve McCurry’s iconic photographs to the city.
Candlelight concerts offer another incredible spectacle that can be enjoyed this month. Step into Chicago’s most exquisite spaces to experience some unforgettable performances. The beloved Candlelight series has organized an array of talented musicians performing at the city’s best venues illuminated with hundreds of candles, and extra dates have been added due to popular demand.
Here are some of our favorite Candlelight concerts taking place this month:
See the full list of candlelight concerts in Chicago.
In fact, if you’re struggling to think of a present for someone, you can do far worse than a ticket to an exclusive concert illuminated with thousands of candles.
Candlelight gift cards are valid for any Candlelight concert, making them a unique and exciting gift for friends or family!
Shedd Aquarium is far from the only place offering Illinois Resident Free Days this winter. The 2024 free days at the Museum of Science and Industry will kick off on Monday, January 22 with a total of 7 free days in the latter part of January and a whopping 16 days in February.
Field Museum is another one of Chicago’s incredible museums offering free admission this January.
Illinois residents will be able to enter the popular natural history museum completely free of charge between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. on Wednesdays provided they bring proof of residency.
That means this month five different dates will be free beginning Wednesday, January 3rd until the last day of the month Wednesday, January 31st.
Another place you’ll find a fantastic free experience is at Chicago’s Adler Planetarium on a Wednesday. Illinois residents can enter for free every Wednesday evening from 4-10 pm provided they bring proof of residency and enjoy access to the largest public telescope in the Midwest as well as a range of exciting astronomy events and activities.
As winter gripped hold of Chicago in recent years and pandemic mitigation measures simultaneously restricted indoor dining we saw rooftops go the extra mile reinventing themselves with igloos, fire pits, and much more.
Of all the memorable moments rooftops began offering up among the Chicago skyline, it was at the Godfrey Hotel in River North which offered one of the most magical setups. Boasting Chicago’s largest indoor-outdoor rooftop with a retractable roof, the hotel’s annual whimsical winter wonderland is the perfect place to frequent during the doom and gloom of winter.
Signature heated igloos cover the rooftop’s portico and offer the perfect place to shelter from the winter elements in style, cozying up with a cocktail, s’mores, and sweeping skyline views—it remains one of the best things to do in Chicago in January.
Another unique thing to do in Chicago in January can be found on The Gwen Hotel’s luxury rooftop. While you won’t find lavish igloos here, you’ll instead be able to enjoy the hotel’s annual Curling and Cocktails experience. Each winter the hotel kits out its rooftop with no igloos, no ice skating, but an outdoor curling rink high in the sky.
Curling sessions come with small bites and a complimentary round of cocktails, meaning you can sip away on your favorite tipple while battling your buddies on the state-of-the-art curling rink.
If those kinds of competitive leisurely activities are up your alley, you might want to check out Chicago’s quirky mini-golf concept bar, Puttery, which fuses high-tech gameplay with craft cocktails and curated cuisine!
The exciting mini-golf and cocktail experience transports guests to wholly unexpected locations while motivating competitive socializing.
The 23,000-square-foot venue in the heart of Fulton Market District features “uniquely themed putting courses, stunning bars, and swanky lounge spaces within a lively atmosphere to provide an unmatched immersive experience.”
For anybody who loves Chicago beer and has a thirst for that smooth, creamy, world-famous Irish dry stout, you’re in luck! Chicago’s long-awaited Guinness Taproom opened in late 2023 and offers the perfect place to grab a drink this winter.
The Ireland-based brewer finally opened the 15,000-square-foot Guinness Open Gate Brewery Chicago in West Loop providing a unique new experience in one of Chicago’s most exciting neighborhoods.
Talking of which, frequently recognized as one of the best beer cities in the country, our seasoned and inventive beer scene has produced so many fantastic breweries and taprooms in Chicago that we’re spoilt for choice.
There are now over 200 breweries, big and small, across Chicagoland, meaning there are plenty of opportunities to enjoy a finely crafted beer in a range of different environments, whatever the weather.
If a fruity cocktail is more up your street than craft beer, worry not, for Chicago has an abundance of acclaimed watering holes making sensational cocktails.
Whether you’re treating yourself to brunch in Chicago, kicking back on a Chicago patio, or enjoying drinks out at one of Chicago’s many bars and restaurants, you can be sure a finely-crafted cocktail is only seconds away.
From top-notch margaritas to more innovative cocktail concoctions and everything in between, the Windy City and its abundance of revered mixologists have the answers to whatever it is you’re after.
We’ve recently filtered through the noise to round up the best cocktail bars in Chicago based on our experiences at Secret Chicago, our reader’s most popular choices, and a scrupulous assessment of settings and drink quality.
Sitting 1,000 feet above Chicago on the 94th floor, European design meets Chicago’s neighborhoods at 360 CHICAGO’s CloudBar. If you’re looking for things to do in Chicago in January to impress friends that include cocktails, head here.
The 18-seat lounge bar celebrates the 77 boroughs with a locally inspired menu and illustrations from renowned Chicago street artist— Lauren Asta. Sip on an Orange Line or opt for the Gold Coast Manhattan and take in the breathtaking views at the $2 million lounge this month.
Another sky-high retreat can be found perched high above the Magnificent Mile at the Four Seasons Hotel. This exclusive cocktail destination is one to remember, filled with vibrancy, style, and immersive drinks. The experience starts before you even take off.
When you check-in you’ll be given a glass of champagne and a room key to the hidden speakeasy lounge on the 46th floor. There, you’ll embark on a gilded journey through inventive cocktails inspired by the most exquisite and spectacular sunsets from around the globe.
Another brilliant Chicago experience comes in the form of a live Drunk Shakespeare show.
On a stage in a hidden speakeasy behind the Chicago Theater, guests will find a glam cocktail bar and library with over 10,000 books. Five classically-trained actors meet as members of “The Drunk Shakespeare Society.” One of them has had at least five shots of a strong spirit, and then they (quite over-confidently) attempt to perform a major role in a Shakespearean play!
Hilarity and mayhem ensue while the four sober actors try and keep the script on track. Every show is different depending on who is drinking… and what they’re drinking!
If you’re looking for more laughs, there’s no place better for that than at a Chicago comedy show. Famous for its production of funny guys and girls, Chicago has some of the best places to see a comedy show in the country.
At Laugh Factory Chicago, some of today’s biggest names and local comedians are delivering something for every taste and style throughout the year.
On the last day of 2023, Ramove Theatre in Bridgeport — one of Chicago’s long-standing vintage movie theaters — was reborn offering a multi-faceted revamped, and reimagined entertainment venue.
The landmark theater at 3520 South Halsted Street is now a live music venue complete with a brewery, beer garden, and grill in partnership with Other Half Brewing.
McDonald’s hyped-up and mysterious new spinoff restaurant CosMc’s officially opened to the public towards the end of 2023 with a new, retro menu rooted in customized beverage exploration.
Patrons can enjoy a range of specialty lemonades and teas, indulgent blended beverages, and cold coffee—think Sour Cherry Energy Slush, Tropical Spiceade, and S’mores Cold Brew. Make it yours with customizations at every turn: popping boba, flavor syrups, energy or Vitamin C shots, and so much more.
You can expect savory offerings on the food front, including a Spicy Queso Sandwich, Savory Hash Brown Bites, and Pretzel Bites served with dipping sauces. On the sweet side, there’s a Blueberry Lemon Cookie Sundae and Caramel Fudge Brownies, to name a few as well as a few McDonald’s classics on the menu.
In the inaugural World’s 25 Best Burgers list by Burger Dudes Chicago’s Au Cheval was ranked inside the top 5 being named the fourth-best burger on the planet!
In addition to mastering some of the world’s most beloved foods, Chicago knows a thing or two about knocking together a good drink, and there are few more popular than a solid cup of coffee.
In a world in which independent coffee shops have never been so popular, the competition has never been so intense, with trendy new artisanal coffee shops seemingly taking over cities in the country.
Which is why it makes it all the more impressive that a Chicago spot was named the best independent coffee shop in the country according to USA Today’s Best Independent Coffee Shop (2023) list.
2023 was a flattering year for Chicago’s hospitality and gastronomy scene when it came to accolades and acknowledgments. From once again being named Condé Nast Traveler’s Best Big City in the United States to local businesses picking up awards for being among the world’s best hotels, pizzerias, and burger joints, Chicago establishments were continuously recognized as being among the best.
Now, rather than looking at those trusted places that have earned their just rewards, the Michelin Guide has released its list of the Most Anticipated Restaurants for 2024 and, you guessed it, an exciting new Chicago venture is one of the first to be named.
The first name on the list is an incoming project between two-time James Beard-nominated chef Evan Funke and Chicago’s Lettuce Entertain You hospitality group by the name of Tre Dita which is scheduled to open this month in the St. Regis Hotel.
Tre Dita is “avast 8,600 square foot, bi-level Tuscan steakhouse on the second floor of The St. Regis Chicago hotel in The Loop,” writes Michelin Guide. “Expect an open-hearth wood-fired grill and a temperature-controlled pasta lab. London-based David Collins Studio has designed a Tuscan-inspired aesthetic with columns, marble, and 40-foot windows.”
If you’re the outdoorsy type who likes a thrill, you might be interested in testing your skydiving skills in one of Chicago’s state-of-the-art indoor skydiving centers. One of the best things to do in Chicago in January will be heading to iFly Indoor Skydiving Center in Lincoln Park or iFly Indoor Skydiving Center in Rosemont, there are two conveniently located cutting-edge centers to choose from.
Kids and adults can experience the same sensation you’d get 12,000 feet up in the sky. If you feel you have what it takes, you can test your vertigo above Chicago’s iconic skyline at Skydive Chicago, one of the world’s largest skydiving resorts.
With the turn of the year following the chaos of Christmas, there’s never been a better time to relax and reset. Add to that Chicago’s unforgiving frostiness, and you’ve got to consider your well-being during these hostile months. Luckily, Chicago is full of answers to combat the Christmas chaos and the numbing chill that settles into your bones.
There is simply no better place in Chicago for some rest than AIRE’s Ancient Baths located inside a restored historic River West factory. Inspired by the traditional Roman, Greek, and Ottoman bathing experience, this preserved structure has been restored to its original splendor. You can now find optimum relaxation within the building’s exposed brick, wooden beams, and industrial columns.
Ok, we know this one isn’t strictly in Chicago but with so much going on in the city, it can be nice to escape to the quiet of Illinois’ natural beauty.
Though our state may not boast wonders with the universal magnitude of the Grand Canyon nor the grandiose reputation of Niagra Falls, Illinois is teeming with diverse ecological landscapes that transform into incredible winter wonderlands this time of the year.
From monolithic marvels covered in snow to cascading waterfalls frozen in time, we’ve selected seven natural wonders of Illinois that you can visit while they’re a different beast in winter.
The wildly popular Lake Geneva Ice Castles have attracted tens of thousands to Wisconsin’s Geneva National Resort for years offering guests an astounding array of ice-carved activities and attractions in a life-size frozen playground created from over 10,000 icicles.
Due to an unfavorably short winter season last time around organizers have rung the changes and launched a new look experience under the new name “Winter Realms”.
Taking place a short journey from Chicago at the Geneva National Resort, Winter Relams will open later this month offering a more weather-resistant experience that should guarantee more time to explore the reimagined “one-of-a-kind winter dreamscape”.
Attractions will include a Polar Pub ice bar, the Mystic Light Walk, and horse-drawn wagon rides as well as ice slides and a tubing hill.
Starting February 16, you can walk across the promenade deck of the most famous ship to ever sail the seas. The incoming Titanic: The Exhibition dives 2 ½ miles below the Atlantic’s surface to uncover the liner’s captivating story like never before.
The exhibit follows the ship’s journey from its design in 1908 to its recovery in 1985. You’ll see hundreds of real artifacts from the Titanic, her sister ships, and films that have captured the emotional tale. As you touch a take in stunning photography of the Titanic and step across the ocean floor strewn with relics, you’ll feel like you’re walking through history.