During the chilliest months of the year, Illinois hosts a variety of exciting winter events across the state that are well worth the winter trip. From eagle watching and lively carnivals to delicious restaurant weeks, you're invited to hear and taste all the state has to offer this season.
Illinois' Bald Eagle Winter Events
Starved Rock Bald Eagle Trolley Tours
Utica | January 25th-26th
Become enthralled with the sight of bald eagles as you ride the trolley through the park. Lunch is included with the tour, and don’t forget your binoculars and cameras!
Alton Eagle Ice Festival 2025
Alton | January 4th
There’s something for everyone, whether it’s watching professional ice carvers create magically gorgeous sculptures in real time, cozying up to the fire with s’mores or local craft beer, trying your hand at axe throwing, or meeting live eagles inside the Alton Visitors Center.
Great River Eagle Days
The Standing Bear Council of Quincy will host its annual Great River Eagle Days with exciting festivities, including over 30 Native American vendors and food booths, Native American dance and drum performances, and, of course, eagle watching.
Grafton Eagle Meet and Greet
Head to the Grafton Visitor Center for their Eagle Meet and Greets and get the opportunity to see an American bald eagle live. You’ll get to meet the eagles up close and personal to take photos, learn interesting facts, and take a tour of the best eagle watching spots.
Winter Events in Chicago
Chicago Theatre Week
Chicago | February 6th-16th
There is no better way to experience the Windy City’s theater scene with budget-friendly deals than during Chicago Theatre Week. This year marks the event’s 13th anniversary.
Chicago Restaurant Week
Chicago | Jan 24th-Feb 9th
Get your tastebuds ready for Chicago Restaurant Week, a celebration of the city's vibrant culinary cuisine. Diners can enjoy special prix fixe menus at participating restaurants as well as attend special events such as the highly anticipated First Bites Bash kickoff at the Field Museum.
Chicago Auto Show
Since 1901, Chicago’s Auto Show is not only the oldest but also the largest event of its kind in North America. Nearly 1,000 vehicles are on display, including collector cars!
Chicago Auto Show
Lunar New Year Parade
The parade features a traditional dragon and lion dancing teams, colorful floats, marching bands, and marching groups. It's a great way to celebrate lunar new year in Chicago.
Lunar New Year Parade
St. Patrick's Day Parade and River
Chicago is home to quite the St. Patrick's Day celebration! The Chicago River goes green as 45 pounds of vegetable dye color the water between Columbus and Wacker drive.
Chicago River DyeingWinter Events Beyond Chicago
Woodstock Groundhog Days
Woodstock | Jan 30th - Feb 2nd
The 1993 comic fantasy film, “Groundhog Day,” (also starring Bill Murray) was filmed in Illinois’ Woodstock. After over 30 years, this event still draws in a crowd, allowing folks to enjoy a chili cook-off, screenings of the film around town, and guided tours.
Winter Carnival at Eagle Ridge Resort & Spa
Galena | Feb 14th-17th
Embrace the spirit of winter at Eagle Ridge Resort and Spa's Annual Winter Carnival, a four-day celebration of all things snow, ice, and frost. Guests can enjoy a plethora of winter activities, including dazzling Fire and Ice shows, ice turkey bowling, cozy s'mores around the fire, hayrack wagon rides, and more!
The Morton Arboretum’s Winter Events
Marvel at a world of lights with the Morton Arboretum's annual winter events, from tiny railroads, to tree lights, there is always something special to see here each winter.
The Morton Arboretum’s Winter Events
St. Charles Restaurant Week
Skip out on cooking and swing by St. Charles Restaurant Week for all the dining deals and specials the western suburb has to offer.
St. Charles Restaurant Week
Illinois Snow Sculpting Competition
Check out show-stopping snow sculptures created by artists from around the state who are hoping to represent Illinois in the US Nationals Snow Sculpting Competition in 2023.
Illinois Snow Sculpting CompetitionWinter Events in Central & Southern Illinois
Champaign County Restaurant Week
Champaign | Jan 24th - Feb 1st
Restaurant Week is almost here! Get ready for nine whole days of food, fun and more food as Champaign County celebrates its 9th annual Restaurant Week. This beloved festival features award-winning chefs from around the world, offering the best in culinary creations. From vegan to soul food and everything in between, attendees can come out, support local businesses and experience delectable dishes from India, Cambodia, Thailand, Mexico, Italy and many more.
Shawnee Hills Wine & Food Weekend
12 Wineries on the Shawnee Hills Wine Trail have paired up to create this wine and food pairing event. Over the weekend you will taste different Illinois wines and the cheese and cheese dishes that match them.
Shawnee Hills Wine & Food Weekend
Springfield St. Patrick's Day Parade
Go green in Springfield with the annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade with plenty of Irish-themed family-friendly activities and food. This year will be the 41st Annual event, held on Saturday, March 15th, 2025.
St. Patrick's Day Parade
Ice Jam at the Dam
The National Great Rivers Museum Open is throwing a winter-themed festival, Ice Jam at the Dam. Expect a variety of activities including open dam tours, live animal programs and live music
Ice Jam at the Dam