Happy New Year!
The start of a new year means many things: continuing to write “2017” for the entirety of January, starting and failing a new workout routine, and finding ways to mix up the Netflix and chill routine. Despite the temps, January in Chicago is great for locals, as everything goes back into its routine after the holiday festivities. It’s also a great month to lure visitors to your pad for a weekend trip since airfare and lodging is incredibly affordable.
As you are searching for what to do and where to go, we’ve rounded up the best events and festivals to get you out of hibernation for the month of January.
Batter Up!
Baseball may be the farthest thing from your mind, but both the White Sox and the Cubs have their annual fan-fests this month, Cubs Convention and SoxFest. Each gives fans the opportunity to meet and greet some of their favorite players and hear from the front office brass on plans for the upcoming season.
Donut Fest
A festival highlighting the mass consumption of fried dough? YASSSSS! Donut Fest is a both a celebration and competition of some of the best local restaurants and bakeries in Chicago with only one walking away with the coveted title of “Best Donut.” This year the fest is held at the Chop Shop in Wicker Park with tickets starting at $35.
Chicago Restaurant Week
14 days of eating and drinking spanning January 26 – February 8, 2018. Prices start at only $22 for a prix fixe meal of your choice at local favorites like avec, GT Fish & Oyster, The Duck Inn, and more. With over 300 restaurants participating, this is the perfect opportunity to knock out some of your Chicago-restaurant bucket list.
Can’t Miss Concerts
Chicago is a music town. Every month, the city brings in some of the best touring acts in the world at a host of great venues all over the city. January is no different with Lana Del Rey and the Killers performing at the United Center on January 11th and 14th, respectively. Up-and-coming rockers St. Vincent hit the Chicago Theatre mid-month and indie darlings Milky Chance visit the Riviera Theatre at month’s end.
Hidden Gem
The Garfield Park Conservatory is one of Chicago’s best attractions that always manages to fly under the radar. Every year, it throws an end-of-year flower show, and this year’s theme is “Fire and Ice.” Check out the poinsettias, conifers, and more holiday-associated flora for a lovely afternoon of being outside and enjoying nature without freezing your arse off.
Show off your inner Nancy Kerrigan
Yes, it’s cold, but sometimes you have to just go with it. Chicago has easy access to many excellent outdoor skating rinks and a few indoors if you really can’t hack it in the elements.
Millennium Park
McCormick Tribune Ice Rink is open to the public (and free) for skating, featuring some of the best views of the downtown skyline. Combine your #basicness with one of Chicago’s best winter traditions. The rink is open from from November 17 to March 4, 2018. Make sure to save room for drinks at the Gage when you’re done!
Maggie Daley Park Skating Ribbon
Next door to Millennium Park is kid mecca Maggie Daley Park (also free!). In the winter, the skating ribbon is a step-up from your typical ice rinks, and the intensity level is a bit higher than neighboring Millennium Park rink—the path is twice the length of a lap around a traditional skating rink. Complementing the ribbon are places to enjoy a cup of hot chocolate, rent skates, and have a seat while you think about how out of shape you are. The lines can get long on nice days so come prepared with your patience.
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