Top 10 Things To Do In January 2026

By: Stephanie Wylie 01/02/2026

January in Lake County is bursting with activities and experiences to kick off the new year. From dazzling light displays and winter festivals to thrilling outdoor adventures and cultural events, there’s so much to explore. Discover the magic of Lightscape at the Chicago Botanic Garden, embrace the chill with outdoor sports and ice skating or savor the county’s vibrant dining scene. Music, theater and history enthusiasts will find a rich lineup of shows and symposiums to explore. Whether you’re seeking family-friendly fun, romantic outings or solo adventures, Lake County offers the perfect winter wonderland escape.

Get ready to savor the season—February Flavor Festival is just around the corner, bringing a month of exclusive dining, drinks and delicious experiences across Lake County!

Let's explore all there is to do in Lake County this January 2026.

1. Winter Festivals in Lake County (Through January 28)

Winter festivals in Lake County bring warmth to the coldest months, transforming town squares and lakefronts into hubs of seasonal cheer. Twinkling lights, live entertainment and cozy food and drink offerings invite visitors to linger and celebrate the season together. From holiday traditions to snow-day fun, these winter gatherings showcase the region’s festive spirit and community pride.

• Cocktails Under the Lights at Chicago Botanic Garden (January 2) INFO»
• Holiday Pop-Up at North Shore Distillery (Through January 3) INFO»
• Three Kings Day at Gurnee Mills (Through January 3) INFO»
• Winter Break Family Swim (Through January 4) INFO»
• Merry and Bright: Breezewald at Night in Lake Zurich (Through January 4) INFO»
• Lightscape at the Chicago Botanic Garden (Through January 4) INFO»
• Vernon Hills Winterfest at Century Park (January 10) INFO»
• Frosty Fest at Viking Park (January 10) INFO»
• Winterfest at Volo Bog State Natural Area (January 11) INFO»
• Heller Hygge Winter Playdate in Highland Park (January 11) INFO»
• Let It Snow! at Sullivan Community Center in Vernon Hills (January 16) INFO»
• Murder Mystery Night at the Lehmann Mansion (January 16-17) INFO»
• Frosted Fairy Festival in Wauconda (January 17) INFO»
• Winter Wine Walk in Downtown Antioch (January 17) INFO»
• The Lehmann Mansion Wedding Show (January 18) INFO»
• Enchanted Prince and Princess Party at Sullivan Community Center (January 20) INFO»
• Magic, Music and Munchkins Sing-Along in Deerfield (January 23) INFO»
• Midnight at the Masquerade: A Murder Mystery in Mundelein (January 23) INFO»
• Daddy Daughter Dance at Grayslake Park District (January 24) INFO»
• Alpine Fest at Buffalo Creek Brewing Co. (January 30-31) INFO»
• LVVA Fishing Derby in Wauconda (January 30-31) INFO»

2. MUSEUM EXHIBITS IN LAKE COUNTY (ALL JANUARY)

Museums in Lake County offer a window into the region’s rich history, creativity and innovation, inviting visitors to explore at their own pace. A great way to escape the cold this winter, visitors can see thoughtfully curated exhibits and have hands-on experiences that make Lake County museums a year-round destination.

• Alex Ross: Heroes & Villains at Dunn Museum (Through Feb. 16) INFO»
• A Dose of Grayslake History at Grayslake Heritage Center & Museum (Through June 13) INFO»
• Kohl's Children's Museum Pop-Up at Belvidere Mall (Through January 17) INFO»
• Childhood Classics: 100 Years of Original Illustrations at Dunn Museum (Through January 19) INFO»

3. AMERICAN PLACE CASINO

American Place Casino in Waukegan delivers high-energy gaming and entertainment in a sleek, modern setting designed for nonstop excitement. More than 900 slot machines, a lineup of table games and a buzzing sportsbook anchor the experience, while four full-service restaurants and a lively center bar keep guests fueled between plays. From casual nights out to full-scale entertainment escapes, American Place Casino raises the stakes for Chicagoland fun.

• Steve Hytner Live at The Lighthouse at American Place Casino (January 10) INFO»
• Loni Love Live at The Lighthouse at American Place Casino (February 7) INFO»

4. WINTER OUTDOORS IN LAKE COUNTY (ALL JANUARY)

Winter in Lake County invites visitors to lean into the season with outdoor adventures that turn cold days into memorable experiences. Snow-dusted forest preserve trails glow under solar-lit trails, while sledding hills, cross-country ski paths and frozen lakes set the stage for classic winter fun. Stargazing, ice fishing and nature-based exploration add a quieter sense of wonder, with destinations like Volo Bog State Natural Area and the Lakewood Forest Preserve Winter Sports Area offering a mix of scenery and activity. From peaceful walks to high-energy play, Lake County proves winter is anything but idle. And don't forget about Lake County's various ice skating venues:

• Lake County Forest Preserves Ice Skating (Various Locations) INFO»
• Lakewood Forest Preserve (Wauconda) INFO»
• Old School Forest Preserve (Libertyville) INFO»
• Independence Grove Forest Preserve (Libertyville) INFO»
• Jaycee Park, Patti Stryker Park and Briarwood Park (Deerfield) INFO»
• Fox Lake Ice Rink (Fox Lake) INFO»
• Jones Island Park, Chesapeake Farms and Molly’s Pond (Grayslake) INFO»
• Betty Russell Park, Viking Park and Hunt Park Ice Rink (Gurnee) INFO»
• Adler Memorial Park, Butler Park, Libertyville Sports Complex and Nicholas-Dowden Park (Libertyville) INFO»
• North Park (Lincolnshire) INFO»
• Keith Mione Community Park & Sports Complex (Mundelein) INFO»
• Century Park North (Vernon Hills) INFO»
• Victory Park and Corinne J. Rose Park (Waukegan) INFO»

5. "LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS" AT MARRIOTT THEATRE (OPENS JANUARY 21)

The Marriott Theatre in Lincolnshire brings dark comedy and cult-classic charm to the stage with "Little Shop of Horrors," running from Jan. 21 through May 15. The beloved musical blends humor, heart and a hint of horror as it follows Seymour, a meek flower shop worker whose life spirals after discovering a very unusual plant. Meet memorable characters, including the sweetly hopeful Audrey and her over-the-top, sadistic dentist boyfriend. With a toe-tapping score by Howard Ashman and Alan Menken, the production balances catchy melodies with tongue-in-cheek storytelling. It’s a delightfully twisted theatrical experience that continues to captivate audiences of all ages.

6. CONCERTS IN LAKE COUNTY (THROUGH JANUARY 30)

Winter concerts in Lake County turn chilly nights into memorable evenings, filling intimate venues and grand stages with live music across genres. From holiday-inspired performances to touring acts and local favorites, the season offers plenty of reasons to head out after dark. Explore winter concerts lighting up Lake County throughout the season:

• Improv Shows at Improv Playhouse (Saturdays throughout January) INFO»
• Marshall Charloff & The Purple Xperience and David Brighton's SPace Oddity at Genesee Theatre (January 9) INFO»
• Red Rose Jazz at Gorton Center (January 11) INFO»
• Rendezvous Arts: Latin Jazz at Gorton Center (January 16) INFO»
• Puddle of Mudd at Gensee Theatre (January 16) INFO»
• Stone Temple Pilots at Gensee Theatre (January 17) INFO»
• Anthony Rodia: Laugh Till It Hurts Tour (January 22) INFO»
• The Magic of Jeki Yoo at Gorton Center (January 17) INFO»
• Revisiting Creedence at Genesee Theatre (January 23) INFO»
• Aziz Ansari Hypothetical Tour at Genesee Theatre (January 24) INFO»
• American English at Gorton Center (January 24) INFO»
• #IMomSoHard: The Flahsback Tour at Genesee Theatre (January 31) INFO»

7. DAVE & BUSTERS IN VERNON HILLS (ALL JANUARY)

Dave & Buster’s in Vernon Hills delivers a high-energy mix of dining, sports and interactive entertainment under one roof. Located at Hawthorn, the venue pairs a full-service restaurant and lively sports bar with a sprawling arcade packed with classic and cutting-edge games. Big screens broadcast major matchups, making it a go-to spot for fans looking to catch the action. Families, friends and groups can easily turn a visit into an all-ages outing filled with competition and laughter. From casual dinners to game-night thrills, Dave & Buster’s offers a dynamic winter escape.

8. The Joyful Gourmet

The Joyful Gourmet in Libertyville blends shopping, learning and leisure into one inviting culinary destination. The gourmet kitchen store pairs retail finds with hands-on and demonstration cooking classes led by a chef, where guests enjoy the prepared meal and a glass of wine. A cozy wine bar anchors the space, open whenever the store welcomes shoppers. Visitors can sip while browsing kitchen essentials or settle in with friends for a relaxed glass at the bar. It’s a warm, flavorful stop that turns everyday cooking into a shared experience. Find your favorite dish: 

• Bannana French Toast and Fried Chicken Brunch (January 17) INFO»
• Elegant Desserts Made Easy: Baking with Chef Liz (January 17) INFO»
• Pistachio Lemon Bars and Sticky Toffee Pudding (January 17) INFO»
• Winter Wonderland Cupcake Class (January 18) INFO»
• A 4-Course Hands-On Cooking Bistro Experience: Scallops (January 20) INFO»
• Homemade Doughnuts - Hands On! (January 24) INFO»
• Floral Bouquet Cupcakes Class for Beginners (January 25) INFO»
• Italian Comfort Classics: Hands On! (January 27) INFO»
• Italian Cannoli-Making with Tony Cannoli and Wine Flight (January 29) INFO»
• Korean Bibimbap Lunch - Traditional Korean rice Bowl with Marinated Beef - Hands On! (January 30) INFO»
• Steak Au Poivre with Chef Lee Kuebler (January 31) INFO»
• Fresh and Flavorful Brunch Cooking Class (January 31) INFO»

9. Dining in Lake County (All January)

Dining in Lake County spans steaks, slices and global flavors, offering something to satisfy every craving. Signature spots range from the classic cuts at Wildfire in Lincolnshire and Perry’s Steakhouse & Grille in Vernon Hills to Italian favorites at Disotto in Highwood, Latin-inspired plates at Pixca in Highland Park and longtime comfort fare at Village Tavern in Long Grove. Casual classics, including Bill’s Pizza & Pub in Mundelein and craft beer–friendly bites at Mickey Finn’s Brewery. The culinary calendar heats up in February with the annual February Flavor Festival, a monthlong celebration of restaurants, breweries, distilleries and wineries across the county. Featuring special menus, pairings and events, the festival invites diners to explore hometown favorites and discover new tastes throughout Lake County.

10. Lake County Joy Summit (January 31)

The Lake County Joy Summit returns at Zion-Benton High School, offering a full day of inspiration, connection and personal growth. The event brings together community members from diverse backgrounds seeking to elevate joy in both their personal and professional lives. Attendees can participate in workshops, hear from engaging speakers and connect with like-minded individuals dedicated to fostering positivity. Continuing education credits are available for nurses, social workers and educators, with additional CEU opportunities for other health professionals.

BONUS: ARTSLINK NORTH

Lake County’s ArtsLink North, an alliance of arts and cultural organizations, offers year-round opportunities to connect, learn and celebrate community through engaging events and programs. From workshops and performances to social gatherings, their calendar is filled with experiences designed to inspire and entertain. Whether you’re looking to expand your horizons or simply enjoy a fun outing, there’s something for everyone. Check out their website to discover events happening all winter long and plan your next memorable experience.

Click here to see more experiences beyond the top 10 things to do in January 2026.