10 January Events in the Chicago Suburbs Worth Going Out For

Scrubbing Bubbles Snow Sculpture at The Big Chill 2015

January has always been a tough month for me. Once the holiday lights go out, winter can feel pretty bleak until February brings out bright reds, pinks and purples for Valentine's Day! Fortunately, there are some great events to look forward to in the Chicago and nearby areas for us to look forward to this January! Below are 10 inspirations to get out of the house this month!


1. Winter Wonderfest Navy Pier through January 10: plenty of indoor fun inside including ice skating, rides, slides and even a ferris wheel!
2.  Volo Bog's Winterfest January 10: live music, bog tours, snow sculpting, snow shoeing, winter crafts
3. The Big Chill Snow and Ice Festival in Racine, WI Jan 15-17: snow sculpting contest, snowboarding, ski trick demos
4. The Enchanted Railroad rides into The Morton Arboretum January 15-February 21: indoor model train display celebrating the seasons
5. Vernon Hills Winterfest January 16: dog sled demos, live ice sculpting, ice skating, sledding, campfire
6. Spring Valley Winterfest in Schaumburg January 16-17: winter crafts and activities, snowshoeing, horse-drawn wagon ride, visits from a real wolf and coyote
7. Once Upon a Time....Exploring the World of Fairy Tales at Arlington Heights Memorial Library January 16-March 26: new play exhibit where kids can step into 7 different fairy tales, geared towards children ages 3-10, see other events associated with exhibit
8. Illinois Snow Sculpting Competition, Rockford, January 20-23---CHANGED TO 1/27-1/30
9. Eagle Watch Weekend Starved Rock January 30-31: variety of related shows and presentations, eagle watching hikes, advance tickets for some events available online
10. Husky Heroes Morton Arboretum January 30-31: dogsled demos, meet dogs