January 2019 events calendar for Chicago
If you're anything like us, you're hoping to do more things, see more shows and enjoy more of Chicago in 2019. Luckily, January is packed with ways to start chipping away at your goals for the new year, with plenty of great events, concerts, theater and more amazing things to do. This month, you can see world-class comedy at the Chicago Sketch Comedy Festival, plan a weekend getaway (or something a bit longer) at the Travel & Adventure Show or discover new music at the Tomorrow Never Knows festival. It's also a great time to embrace the cold weather take advantage of winter activities in Chicago like ice skating and curling. Get a strong start to 2019 with our guide to the best things to do in Chicago this January.
RECOMMENDED: Events calendar for Chicago in 2019
Featured events in January
Ice Skating at Maggie Daley Park
Situated in the heart of downtown Chicago, with the city's sweeping skyline as a backdrop, the Skating Ribbon at Maggie Daley Park is a winter attraction unlike any other. Skaters can lace up and wind around a path that's twice the length of a lap around a traditional rink. Admission to the Skating Ribbon is always free, and skate rentals are available. Short on time? Snag a Fast Pass for $40 and skip the line! The Ribbon stays open through March (weather permitting) and will host a Skate with Santa on Saturday, December 15 from 10am to noon. Visit the winter attraction Monday through Thursday from noon to 8pm, Friday from noon to 10pm, Saturday from 10am to 10pm and Sunday from 10am to 8pm.
Polar Adventure Days
Enjoy a free journey through Chicago's natural winter wonderland during one of three Polar Adventure Days on Northerly Island. Visitors will be able to check out birds of prey from Flint Creek Wildlife Rehabilitation, make nature-inspired winter crafts and see Siberian huskies and wolves. If there's snow on the ground, you can also strap on a pair of snowshoes and trudge around the island.
Ice Skating in Millennium Park
Skate under the Chicago skyline and within eyeshot of the Chicago Christmas Tree at the McCormick Tribune Ice Rink in Millennium Park. Admission to the rink is free, and you can rent skates for $13–$15. The most popular time to hit the rink is in the evening, so show up earlier if you don't feel like waiting in line for your chance to slide around. Take advantage of free skating lessons on Fridays at 11am and Saturdays and Sunday at 9am. If it seems too warm to skate, call ahead—this rink is open through March 10, weather permitting.
