Things To Do This Weekend January 3-5, 2025

By: Stephanie Wylie 12/21/2024

Happy New Year Lake County! The balls dropped and we've welcomed in 2025, but was New Year's Eve enough? If you're asking yourself that question, you need to get yourself into an adventure with this edition of things to do this weekend January 3-5.

Dress like royalty, chisel out an ice sculpture, slip and slide in a tropical 84-degree indoor setting, view some happy little trees or see a sanctuary donned in illuminants one last time. 

Continue scrolling to see your top five things to do this weekend January 3-5.

1. “Art For Everyone: Bob Ross” Exhibit at Dunn Museum in Libertyville

Dive into the colorful, calming world of Bob Ross and his signature "happy little trees" at the Dunn Museum’s special exhibit. Open through January 20, the “Art for Everyone: Bob Ross” exhibit is a rare opportunity for fans and art lovers to experience 75 original works by the beloved American painter. Known for his gentle voice and quick, landscape masterpieces on “The Joy of Painting,” Ross became a cultural icon. Visitors to the Libertyville entity can explore his skillfully crafted landscapes, which range from serene lakes to vibrant forests. Come with curiosity and leave with inspiration from one of the most beloved figures in American art. Visitors to the Lake County Forest Preserve District museum are encouraged to reflect on Ross’s enduring message: creativity is for everyone and beauty can be found in even the simplest brushstrokes. For more information, visit LCFPD.org.

Saturday-Sunday, January. 4-5; Sat.: 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. and Sun.: noon-4:30 p.m. Dunn Museum, 1899 W. Winchester Rd., Libertyville.

2. Lightscape at Chicago Botanic Garden

The Chicago Botanic Garden’s annual Lightscape illuminates the sky for one final weekend, bringing the holiday season to life with a dazzling display of light, music and art. This year’s reimagined trail spans 1.3 miles and features over 80% new installations, including several making their U.S. debut. The Glencoe sanctuary offers visitors a unique opportunity to wander through stunning illuminated gardens and make lasting memories in a festive setting. The trail includes several stops for refreshments and holiday treats. The exhibit runs on select days through January 5. To secure your tickets and enjoy an enchanting evening at Lightscape, visit ChicagoBotanic.org.

Friday-Sunday, January 3-5; Fri.: 4:30-6:45 p.m., Sat.: 4:30-9:15 p.m. and Sun.: 4:30-8:45 p.m. Admission: $17-$34 (not including parking). Children ages two and under are free. Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake Cook Rd., Glencoe.

3. Frosty Fest at Gurnee Park District

Embrace the beauty of winter at Gurnee’s beloved Frosty Fest, free for all ages, transforms the park into a festive winter wonderland filled with seasonal activities and warm treats. Outdoor sleigh rides will offer a magical way to take in the scenic beauty of the park, while games and crafts will keep kids entertained throughout the day. A unique highlight of the event is the “No Ice” Ice Skating experience, providing a fun and accessible way for children to glide through the park. Mark your calendars, gather your warmest gear and head to Viking Park for a day filled with wintertime magic. For more information, visit GurneeParkDistrict.com.

Saturday, January 4; 10:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Free admission. Viking Park, 4374 Old Grand Ave., Gurnee.

4. Royal Meet and Greet at Wauconda Park District

The Wauconda Park District will host a magical Royal Princess Meet-and-Greet, offering children ages three to 10 years old the chance to step into a fairy-tale world. Young guests will meet the princess but also learn the finer points of royal etiquette, including how to twirl and curtsy like true royalty. Adding to the magic, the princess will perform and lead singalongs. For families looking to share a magical memory to kick off the new year, this Royal Princess Meet and Greet promises an afternoon of smiles, laughter and fairy-tale moments. Registration is available at waucondaparks.com.

Saturday, January 4; 1-2:30 p.m. Registration is $35 for residents and $42 for non-residents. Wauconda Park District, 600 N. Main St., Wauconda.

5. Great Wolf Lodge Illinois's Snowland

“Let it snow” in Lake County for all we care because inside Great Wolf Lodge Illinois; the temperature is a toasty 84 degrees. This is the final weekend you and the family can experience their annual Snowland celebration. The event is full of holiday season activities like visit’s with Saint Nick, shimmering décor, Snow ‘N’ Glow Dance parties, the North Pole University where your kids can achieve their official “Snowploma” this snow-mester, a life-sized gingerbread house that your family can devour a delectable meal and of course an 80,000 square-foot indoor water park for a splashing good time. The event runs through January 5. Friday-Sunday, January 3-5. Overnight stay: starting at $419 per night. Great Wolf Lodge Illinois, 1700 Nations Dr., Gurnee.

For more things to do this weekend January 3-5, continue here.