10 free things to do in Chicago this January

You don’t need to reach for your wallet to get your fill of fun things to do all around the city. Here are 10 of our favorite free events and activities this month in Chicago, including exciting cultural celebrations, free museum days, outdoor adventures, and so much more. Start planning your budget-friendly Chicago adventures for January 2022.

1. Bask in the glow of ZooLights

It’s your last chance to catch ZooLights at Lincoln Park Zoo! The popular display has been extended through Jan. 8, with one final free admission day on Monday, Jan. 2.

More than one million lights make up the mesmerizing display. This year’s family-friendly holiday event, set in the city’s historic lakefront zoo, includes brand-new light shows, photos with Santa, and live entertainment. 

2. Celebrate the Lunar New Year

Welcome the year of the rabbit with two colorful Lunar New Year parades. The Uptown neighborhood will welcome the new year with its annual Argyle Lunar New Year Celebration on Saturday, Jan. 28, featuring a parade of community groups, cultural institutions, dancers, and performers. Then, head to Chinatown for the Lunar New Year Parade on Sunday, Jan. 29, featuring traditional dragon and lion dancing teams, colorful floats, and marching bands.

3. Go ice skating in Millennium Park

Nothing says “winter in Chicago” like gliding around on one of the city’s magical ice skating rinks. One favorite spot is the McCormick Tribune Ice Rink, which is open for its 21st season from Nov. 18 until March 5. This free-admission rink in Millennium Park is nestled in the shadow of Cloud Gate, known as “The Bean,” and the glimmering lights of Michigan Avenue. Note that free online reservations are required, and skate rentals are available for a fee.

4. Be dazzled by the official Christmas Tree

For more than 100 years, the city of Chicago has celebrated the holiday season by prominently displaying the official Christmas Tree in Millennium Park. Situated close to the intersection of Washington Street and Michigan Avenue, the impressive 55-foot Colorado Blue Spruce is decked out with thousands of twinkling lights. The tree will stay up through Jan. 9, 2022.

5. Enjoy a free museum day

Photo by Lucy Hewett

Spend an afternoon wandering through a Chicago museum, where you can dive into fascinating history, provocative contemporary art, and galaxies far, far away. Here are the upcoming free museum days in Chicago this month:

Field Museum is free for Illinois residents on Jan. 10, 11, 16, 17, 18, 24, 25, and 31, 2023.
Art Institute of Chicago is free for Illinois residents on weekdays starting Jan. 9, 2023.
Adler Planetarium is free for Illinois residents every Wednesday evening.
Chicago History Museum is free for Illinois residents on Jan. 16 – 20, 24 – 27, and 31, 2023.

You can also visit one of the city’s always-free museums, like the National Museum of Puerto Rican Arts and Culture, the National Museum of Mexican Art, and the Hyde Park Art Center. The DuSable Black History Museum and Education Center is free for all every Wednesday, and the Museum of Contemporary Art is free for Illinois residents every Tuesday.

Explore more: Mark your calendar for free museum days throughout the year.

6. Snowshow the lakefront

Make the most of the wintry weather during Polar Adventure Days, a free outdoor program from the Chicago Park District. Held on lakefront Northerly Island, the event features snowshoeing, encounters with birds of prey, demonstrations from husky sled teams, winter crafts, and more. Polar Adventure Days will take place on Jan. 21 and Feb. 25, 2023.

7. See a winter flower show

Named the best garden in North America, Garfield Park Conservatory is a lush wonderland of plant life from all over the world. At the conservatory’s Winter Flower Show: Snow Day, admire the illusion of a snow-covered garden full of sweet alyssum flowers, fragrant geraniums, poinsettias, and more through Jan. 8. The conservatory is free; reservations are strongly recommended and donations are accepted.

You can also swing by the Lincoln Park Conservatory for its spectacular winter flower show, Sugar Plum, which runs until Jan. 7. The display highlights enchanting scenes inspired by The Nutcracker and colorful blooms like purple heart spiderwort and pink poinsettias. Admission to the show is free, but reservations are required.

8. Take a tour of the Chicago Cultural Center

A landmark attraction in the Loop, the Chicago Cultural Center is a stunning public space featuring art exhibits, fascinating history, a local makers market, and soaring architecture — including the world’s largest Tiffany glass dome. Make the most of your visit with the free guided tours that meet every Thursday and Friday afternoon year-round.

9. Warm up at an indoor Winter Garden

Harold Washington Library Center

In the Loop, Harold Washington Library is one of the largest public libraries in the world, filling a whole city block and housing more than 13 million published works. Check out the Winter Garden on the ninth floor for a much-needed dose of vitamin D. The interior courtyard features a stunning glass roof that lets in natural light all year round. The space is free and open to the public to enjoy.

10. Walk through a snowy park

Feeling some cabin fever? Winter can be one of the best times to explore Chicago’s many parks and gardens. Pick somewhere iconic, like Millennium Park or the Lakefront Trail, or head into the neighborhoods to find a peaceful winter oasis. The city’s neighborhood parks are especially scenic when they’re covered in a layer of fresh snow. Just make sure to bundle up before heading out.

Bonus! Explore a new neighborhood

Chinatown; photo by Adam Alexander

Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a long-time resident, there’s always something new to discover in Chicago. Get to know a new neighborhood on a free Chicago Greeter tour, led by a friendly local who will show you each neighborhood’s landmarks, hot spots, and hidden gems.

For example, experience an urban melting pot in West Ridge, featuring plenty of international grocers and authentic restaurants. Become immersed in the historic communities of Washington Park and Woodlawn, which are home to a lively art scene, must-try eateries, and an abundance of landmarks. Or take a cultural journey with an immersive visit to the historic Chinatown neighborhood.

Looking for more? Check out our guide on free things to do in Chicago all year long.