Are you wondering what’s happening in Chicago in January 2023? Look no further! With the new year just around the corner, there are plenty of exciting events and activities to keep you busy throughout the month. From art exhibits and celebrations to museums and ice skating, there’s something for everyone in Windy City this January. To help you plan your month, we’ve compiled a list of all the top events in Chicago in January 2023. Read on to discover what the city has to offer this month!

Lunar New Year Celebrations
Are you looking for the perfect way to celebrate the Lunar New Year in Chicago? Look no further than the Chinese-American community’s signature holiday, celebrated annually with a vibrant parade and exciting cultural activities. The official Lunar New Year celebration takes place in Armour Square on January 29th, 2023.
The festivities start with a traditional Chinese Lion Dance, where performers don colorful lion costumes and dance to festive drums. As they progress along the route, marchers will hand out red envelopes containing money and candy, signifying good luck and prosperity for the coming year. Later in the day, an exciting parade will take place down Wentworth Avenue from 24th Street to Cermak Road. Attendees will be treated to marching bands, decorated floats, and dragon dances.
In addition to the main event, many local businesses in Armour Square host their own Lunar New Year celebrations. Shops, restaurants, and bars put on special events like cooking demonstrations, live music performances, and traditional craft activities for children. There’s also plenty of delicious Chinese food to enjoy throughout the day.
Whether you’re looking to take part in cultural activities or want to see the spectacle of the parade, be sure to make plans to attend this fantastic annual event!
Chicago International Puppet Theater Festival
The Chicago International Puppet Theater Festival is a 12-day event that brings together puppet performers and puppeteers worldwide. This year, the festival will feature more than 100 performances and events, including symposiums and site-specific events throughout the Fine Arts Building on Michigan Avenue.
The festival’s “puppet hub” will offer attendees a unique experience, with a puppet-themed cafe, film screenings in the building’s massive Studebaker Theater, and other interactive experiences. Outside the hub, there will be many productions, like a puppet rendition of Hamlet at The DuSable Black History Museum and Education Center and a free touring production of My Night in the Planetarium.
Ice Skating

If you’re looking for an unforgettable winter experience in Chicago, check out the Skating Ribbon at Maggie Daley Park. Open through March (weather permitting), this winding ice-covered path is twice the length of a lap around a traditional rink, offering spectacular views of the city skyline and Lake Michigan. Admission to the Skating Ribbon is free Monday through Thursday and for 11 am sessions Friday through Sunday (and $5 for other time slots Friday through Sunday and holidays) if you bring your skates. If you don’t have your skates, rental is available for $16–$22. Don’t forget to make reservations ahead of time, as spots tend to fill up quickly!
Or, if you’re looking for something extra, try the Ice Skating in Millennium Park. You can skate under the stunning Chicago skyline and get a great view of the Chicago Christmas Tree. Plus, most Saturdays and Sundays from 9-10 am, you can take advantage of free skating lessons to hone your beginner and intermediate skills. This year, it’s important to make a free online reservation for regular skating and lessons, and if you’re unsure about the weather, it’s best to call ahead. The rink is open through March 5, weather permitting. So put on your skates and enjoy one of Chicago’s most iconic winter experiences!
Chicago Travel & Adventure Show
If you’re looking for a little travel inspiration and tips to make your next vacation dream a reality, the Chicago Travel & Adventure Show is the place to be. This event brings experts from all over the world to offer advice and share amazing travel stories.
Pauline Frommer, editorial director of Frommer’s Guides, and Brian Kelly, founder of The Points Guy, will be keynote speakers at this year’s event. They will provide invaluable insights on making the most of your travel dollars and getting the best deals. You’ll also learn helpful tips on saving money when booking flights and how to pack efficiently for your trips.
You can also take advantage of discounts on vacations and trips offered by exhibitors at the show. From luxurious cruises to cultural excursions in Asia, there is something for everyone at the Chicago Travel & Adventure Show. If you are looking for new ideas on where to go and how to plan your trip, this is the perfect place to find them.
The Chicago Travel & Adventure Show takes place from January 14-15, 2023. Get ready to explore the world!
Museums
Don’t ask if you should visit one of Chicago’s museums and cultural institutions. The answer is yes! From towering dinosaurs and ancient artifacts at the Field Museum to the mesmerizing jellyfish and beloved beluga whales at Shedd Aquarium, there is something for everyone. The Chicago History Museum, formerly known as the Chicago Historical Society, commemorates the past with exhibitions that explore historical figures like Abraham Lincoln and local delicacies like the Chicago-style hot dog. Get ready to step inside a simulated tornado or navigate a maze lined with mirrors at the Museum of Science and Industry. Last but not least, Adler Planetarium, the first planetarium in the western hemisphere, is now open again. After exploring its permanent exhibits and sky shows in the Grainger Sky Theater, you can get a close-up view of the stars and planets. So, don’t hesitate to explore all Chicago offers this January.
Navy Pier

In the 170,000-square-foot Festival Hall, guests can enjoy a regulation-size Alpine ice skating rink, kiddie train rides, and a 600,000-bulb light show comprised of themed sculptures. This year, there are also exciting new attractions like a lit-up maze of birch trees, interactive light sculptures, and a reflection pond for resting and taking photos.
Visitors can purchase Light Up the Lake tickets with an exciting ride on Navy Pier’s 200-foot Centennial Wheel. The heated gondolas are fully enclosed and offer breathtaking views of the city skyline.
Final Thoughts
January in Chicago can be an incredibly fun and rewarding time of year. Whether you’re looking for outdoor activities like ice skating or a cozy day inside, taking in some art, there’s something to keep everyone entertained. Celebrate the start of the new year by exploring all the city has to offer and making your winter wonderland!