Can't-Miss Illinois Winter Events

Illinois comes alive each winter with holiday celebrations, snowy festivals and plenty of chances to hear, taste and see all the state has to offer in the chillier months.

So pull yourself away from the hearth and bundle up for an outing—you won’t want to miss these exciting events.

Alton Eagle Ice Festival

Alton | January

Eagle-watching enthusiasts and curious kids can see a bald eagle up close in the Alton Visitor Center, then watch ice sculptors create towering-yet-delicate works of art. Just across the river, the Audubon Center shuttles guests around the park, looking for eagles.

Chicago Sketch Comedy Festival

Chicago | January

Belly-laughs fill the Stage 773 theater for eight days in January, when more than 180 groups from around the globe gather for improvisation and other silly gags. At an average of 20 shows a night, it’s the largest sketch comedy festival in the world.

Illinois Snow Sculpting Competition

Rockford | January 

A huntress. A towering wizard. A looming castle. They’re just some of the sculptures that artists vying to represent Illinois in the U.S. Nationals Snow Sculpting Competition might create in front of curious passers-by.

Starved Rock Eagle Watch Weekend

Oglesby | January

Birds of Prey shows and family activities at the Starved Rock Visitor Center, Starved Rock Lodge and Illinois Waterway Visitor Center. Take a short hike to the top of Starved Rock for a live eagle viewing or join the park naturalist for a guided eagle viewing tour. www.illinoisaudubon.org 

The Morton Arboretum’s Winter Events

Lisle | January–February

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.

Chicago Restaurant Week

Chicago | January–February

For fourteen days, enjoy dining deals throughout the city and surrounding suburbs and experience Chicago's rich, culinary diversity. Hundreds of restaurants will feature special prix fixe menus starting at $22 for brunch and lunch and $33 and/or $44 for dinner.

Woodstock Groundhog Day

Woodstock | January–February

The filming site of Bill Murray’s hit movie attracts thousands every February for Groundhog Day trivia, tours and movie viewings. A crowd of enthusiasts huddle in the cold each year to see the town’s own Woodstock Willie predict a long winter or early spring.

Chicago Theatre Week

Chicago | February

A celebration of Chicago’s world-class theatre scene, visitors and residents have the opportunity to choose from more than 120 productions and sample the extraordinary range of theatrical offerings in Chicago.