Happy New Year! January on Chicago’s North Shore is anything but quiet, with Wildcats basketball, live theater, winter festivals, and hands-on fun filling the calendar. Whether you bundle up or head indoors, there are plenty of ways to enjoy the season.

Nothing But Net – Northwestern Men's Basketball!

Throughout January

Welsh-Ryan Arean | 2705 Ashland Ave., Evanston


Big energy hits Welsh-Ryan Arena this month as the Northwestern Wildcats take the court at home! Grab your tickets, bring the purple pride, and be part of the action! Home matchups include Minnesota (1/3), Illinois (1/14), Nebraska (1/17), Penn State (1/29) and Washington (1/31). Come cheer them on!

North Shore Live!

Throughout January

Various Locations


There’s no shortage of live entertainment on the North Shore! Taking center stage are three new productions: Mary Jane at Northlight Theatre, The Outsider at Oil Lamp Theater and Hand to God at the Wirtz Center. Interested in live music? Check out the concerts at Evanston SPACE and the Elvis Tribute or the BoDeans at the North Shore Center for the Performing Arts

Robert's Yukon Adventure Day

Saturday, January 17

The Grove National Historic Landmark | 1421 Milwaukee Ave., Glenview


Are you ready for an adventure? Illinois’ first naturalist, Robert Kennicott, grew up at The Grove and made two expeditions to the Yukon (1859 and 1865). Come experience Robert’s journey north and discover what his life was like in this frigid territory including dog sledding demonstrations, hands-on snow experiments, snowshoeing and more, and then warm up by the campfire with hot cocoa and s’mores!

Your Year. Your Strong.

Your first month is on the Wheeling Health & Fitness Center! New members receive their 1st month free and a t-shirt! Offer Expires January 31.

Free Day + Indigenous Artist Market Pop-Up

Monday, January 19

Gichigamiin Indigenous Nations Museum | 3001 Central St., Evanston


Everyone is welcome for a day of free admission at the Gichigamiin Indigenous Nations Museum! Celebrate Indigenous history, culture, and living traditions while exploring exhibits and enjoying an Indigenous Artists Pop-Up Market. Come discover unique works, meet local artists, and support Indigenous creativity during this special monthly community day.

Argentina's Niños - Welcome to Argentina

January 24 - May 10

Kohl Children's Museum | 2100 Patriot Blvd., Glenview


Explore immersive environments that introduce families to Argentine culture, arts, and traditions! Argentina’s Niños inspires visitors to compare the similarities and differences between their lives and those of children in the second-largest country in South America. Families will feel like they have traveled to Argentina as they explore and learn about the country’s traditions and lifestyles.

Winterfest Fun!

Sunday, January 25

Chevy Chase Country Club | 1000 N. Milwaukee Ave., Wheeling


Saturday, January 31

Community Ice Center | 1851 Landwehr Rd., Glenview



Bundle up and celebrate winter at two Winterfest events this month! Join the fun in Wheeling (1/25) and Glenview (1/31) for family-friendly activities, crafts, meet & greets, seasonal treats, and more. It’s the perfect way to get out of the house, embrace the chilly season, and make joyful memories with friends and family.

Catch Footloose in Cahn Auditorium this January

The Dolphin Show - America’s largest student-produced musical at Northwestern - presents: FOOTLOOSE! Join us for a night of music, dance, and unforgettable theater. 2 weekends only (Jan 23-25, 30-31).

Things to Do Inside This Winter



Winter doesn’t mean hibernation. When snow falls and temperatures drop, the North Shore is still full of ways to stay warm, curious, and entertained. From culture and creativity to hands-on fun for kids and families, there’s no shortage of inviting indoor adventures to brighten, inspire, and energize even the coldest winter days.

Winter Farmers Markets

Saturdays in Evanston (Indoors)

Sundays in Skokie (Indoors and Outdoors)


Farmers markets don’t stop for winter on Chicago’s North Shore! Visit the winter farmers markets in Evanston (Saturdays) and Skokie (Sundays) to shop fresh foods, handmade goods, and seasonal favorites. Support local businesses and makers, meet neighbors, and enjoy the cozy community spirit, because great markets are a year-round tradition!

Evanston Printmaker’s "Visit Evanston” Show

THROUGH JANUARY 23, 2026

Lobby, 909 Davis St., Evanston

Mini Music at Wayfair with Miss Jaime's Farm

JANUARY 6, 13, 20 & 27, 2026

Wayfair, Wilmette

Amythyst Kiah

JANUARY 10, 2026

Evanston SPACE, Evanston

Gallery Night featuring David Bender & Robyn McMurray Hurtig

JANUARY 10, 2026

Creative Coworking, Evanston

Northbrook Symphony Orchestra: The Titan

JANUARY 11, 2026

Sheely Center for the Performing Arts, Glenbrook North High School, Northbrook

Winter Market on Main

JANUARY 11, 2026 - APRIL 26, 2026

Skokie Farmers Market, 4051 Main St., Skokie

Northwestern University Men's Basketball vs Illinois

JANUARY 14, 2026

Welsh-Ryan Arena, Northwestern University, Evanston

Elvis Tribute Artist Spectacular

JANUARY 15, 2026

North Shore Center for the Performing Arts, Skokie

Wayfair Sip & Shop X Teidi Home

JANUARY 15, 2026

Wayfair, Wilmette

Robert's Yukon Adventure Day

JANUARY 17, 2026

The Grove National Historic Landmark, Glenview

Northwestern University Men's Basketball vs Nebraska

JANUARY 17, 2026

Welsh-Ryan Arena, Northwestern University, Evanston

AJ Lee & Blue Summit

JANUARY 17, 2026

Evanston SPACE, Evanston

January Free Day - Indigenous Artist Market Pop-Up

JANUARY 19, 2026

Gichigamiin Indigenous Nations Museum, Evanston

Skokie Heritage Museum Vintage Valentines

JANUARY 22, 2026 - FEBRUARY 15, 2026

Skokie Heritage Museum, Skokie

Mary Jane

JANUARY 22, 2026 - FEBRUARY 22, 2026

Northlight Theatre, Skokie

The 83rd Annual Dolphin Show - Footlose

JANUARY 23-31, 2026

Cahn Auditorium, Northwestern University, Evanston

Night Moves

JANUARY 23, 2026

Evanston SPACE, Evanston

The Outsider

JANUARY 23, 2026 - FEBRUARY 23, 2026

Oil Lamp Theater, Glenview

Argentina's Niños - Welcome to Argentina

JANUARY 24, 2026 - MAY 10, 2026

Kohl Children's Museum, Glenview

Music of the Baroque: Father’s & Sons

JANUARY 25, 2026

North Shore Center for the Performing Arts, Skokie

Winterfest

JANUARY 25, 2026

Chevy Chase Country Club, Wheeling

Hand to God

JANUARY 30, 2026 - FEBRUARY 1, 2026

Wirtz Center for the Performing Arts, Northwestern University, Evanston

Bodeans

JANUARY 31, 2026

Location

Winterfest 2026

JANUARY 31, 2026

Glenview Community Ice Center, Glenview

Frank Orrall (of Poi Dog Pondering) with special guests

JANUARY 31, 2026

Evanston SPACE, Evanston

Evanston Indoor Farmers Market

THROUGH APRIL 25, 2026

Evanston Ecology Center, Evanston


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