Top 10 Things To Do In January 2023
By: Nick Borowitz 12/22/2022
The holidays have come to an end and the weather is brisk in Lake County. This is the slow transition period where the days blend together until spring arrives. But the top 10 things to do in January 2023 will make the time fly by.
Don't forget to visit the many makers on the Lake County Libation Trail.
When you're looking to experience an exciting activitiy, with or without the kids, check out these 12 unique outings only in Lake County.
Here are the top 10 things to do in January 2023.
1. Stand-Up Comedy Night and Saturday Improv Shows at the Improv Playhouse (January 6, 7, 14, 21 and 28)
Visit the Improv Playhouse in Libertyville for laughs, chuckles and side-splitting one-liners. The Improv Playhouse hosts stand-up comedy shows the first Friday of every month. The improv shows are held every Saturday and are split into two segments. The family-friendly portion opens the evenings, and as the name states, is family-friendly for guests of all ages. The adult shows follow the family-friendly performances. These are meant for visitors 18 years of age and up. Improv Playhouse allows guests to bring their own libations for a $5 corking fee. They encourage guests to purchase tickets online before the shows. Tickets can be purchased at the door, but for cash only and at a slight upcharge.
2. Winter Festivals in Lake County (Through January 21)
Winter is an excellent time to get outside and play. It may be chilly, but that never stops Lake County from heading outdoors and having a frosty experience. Winter festivities feature a variety of themes for the cold-blooded creatures in January. Some of the festivals below are meant specifically for kids and other festivals are great for the whole family to experience together, regardless of age. Alpine Fest at Buffalo Creek Brewing is a celebration winter, and while the brewery is kid-friendly, you may want to consider a babysitter to make the most of the craft beer experience.
- Lightscape at the Chicago Botanic Garden (Through January 8) INFO»
- Frosty Fest at Viking Park (January 8) INFO»
- Winterfest at Volo Bog State Natural Area (January 8) INFO»
- Vernon Hills Winterfest at Century Park (January 14) INFO»
- Winter Wine Walk in Antioch (January 21) INFO»
- Year of the Rabbit at Hawthorn Mall (January 21) INFO»
- ArtWauk in Waukegan (January 21) INFO»
- Alpine Fest at Buffalo Creek Brewing (January 27-28) INFO»
- LVVA Ice Fishing Derby in Wauconda (January 27-29) INFO»
- Cool Cluster Dog Show at Lake County Fairgrounds and Event Center (January 25-29) INFO»
3. Winter Wedding Show at Parkway Banquets in Ingleside (January 8)
With a new year comes a new love and fresh beginnings in matrimony. Those budding romances bring a need to start planning out dates and everything that goes into a wedding. You will need a venue at the best cost. A photographer who knows their way around a camera. Someone who can spin the best tunes to match any mood. That doesn't even begin to entail the other aspects of planning a ceremony. That's where the Winter Wedding Show at Parkway Banquets comes in. This free wedding expo features multiple resources and everything a person needs to plan for one of the biggest days of their life. There are event planners, dress tailors, photographers, caterers and everything else you didn't even think of yet to make the day special.
4. Winter Outdoors in Lake County (All January)
Winter in Lake County brings an adventurous spirit and a plethora of experiences to make the most of it. Hike the solar-lit trails of the Lake County Forest Preserves. Slide down the hills on a sled, go cross-country skiing, catch fish on a frozen lake or gaze at the stars above the area. The Volo Bog State Natural Area hosts multiple activities that combine hiking, education and taking in the sites. The Lakewood Forest Preserve Winter Sports Area features many winter-favorite activities all in one place. No matter your choice, Lake County makes it easy to get the most out of winter.
5. Winter Plunge and Light in the Night in Highland Park (January 14)
Start the day with a plunge into the warm waters of the Recreation Center of Highland Park. The Winter Plunge is an opportunity for kids of all ages to swim and collect toys and treats. The Park District of Highland Park breaks the swim into three age groups to ensure everyone who registers maximizes their chances of scoring treasure. After swimming, visit the Heller Nature Center for Light in the Night. This outdoor adventure explores caves, makes shadows, catch glimpses of fireflies, stargaze and more. The opportunity celebrates the light of the day and the dark of the night.
6. Lake County History Symposium (January 19)
The Lake County History Symposium is an annual gathering of residents, historians and anyone interested in the history of the area. The unique aspect of this symposium is that it is a mixture of professionals and everyday historians who give the lectures. This year's topic theme is "Eat, Drink and be Merry: The History of Food and Hospitality in Lake County." Topics range from someone's family cookbook to what a hotel may have served at any one specific time in Lake County. The LCFPD event is hosted via Zoom, and additional questions will be addressed in post-symposium digital breakout rooms.
7. Live Performances in Lake County (Through January 30)
While the air outside may be brisk, talented performers and artisans light the jubilant spirit on fire. January features a variety of live performances that range from a simple art show to energetic stage performances. Attend one of the theatre performances, embrace the calm ambiance of an art show or experience the evening outside and let the spirit of folk music chill you.
- Big Fish at the Marriott Theatre (Through March 19) INFO»
- The Lake County Folk Concert with The Wildwoods (January 15) INFO»
- The Great DuBois at the James Lumber Center for the Performing Arts (January 22) INFO»
- Tusk: The Ultimate Fleetwood Mac Tribute at the Genesee Theatre (January 26) INFO»
- Lake Street Dive - Gather Round Sounds Tour at the Genesee Theatre (January 29) INFO»
8. Northern Illinois Outdoor Sports Show at Lake County Fairground and Event Center (January 19-22)
Looking to explore the outdoors while enjoying the warmth and comfort of being inside? Head to the Northern Illinois Sports Show at the Lake County Fairgrounds and Event Center in Grayslake. The show is highlighted by more than 150 national and regional exhibitors offering deals on boats, RV’s, charters, travel and other outdoor accessories, over 100 free fishing and hunting seminars and more. Young anglers can experience the catch and release trout pond for kiddies to reel in their first fish. Experience the Hawg Trough where Grayslake visitors can witness various fishing techniques from angler experts. The great outdoors exhibition encourages attendees to enter contests for free giveaways.
9. "Big Fish" at Marriott Theatre at the Lincolnshire Marriott Resort (Begins January 25)
Visit the Marriott Theatre and witness a tale that prides itself on keeping you guessing what is and what isn't real. "Big Fish" tells the story of Will, whose father lays dying in a hospital bedridden with cancer. Will seeks to mend the strained relationship that he has had with his father, Edward. But to begin the healing process, Will has to sort through numerous stories that his father has told him through the ages. This method of learning about his father is recommended to help Will see who his father really was and to sort fact from fiction and eventually, to get to the truth. "Big Fish" is a musical stage performance that is adapted from Daniel Wallace's 1988 book of the same, "Big Fish." Director Tim Burton also created a 2003 film adaption
10. The Lake County Libation Trail (All January)
Let’s toast to Lake County Libation Trail! “It’s five o’clock somewhere,” as craft beer nerds, vino connoisseurs and spirit enthusiasts will be elated with these glasses of “liquid courage.” The Lake County Libation Trail is highlighted by local producers of brews, wines and spirits. Whether your adult beverage is an ice-cold lager, a red merlot or an old-fashioned on the rocks, Lake County has precisely what you need to make your taste buds dance. The Visit Lake County campaign is highlighted by Bosacki’s Brewery and Tighthead Brewing Co. in Mundelein, Copper Fiddle Distillery, Roaring Table Brewing Co. and Phase Three Brewing Co. in Lake Zurich, Light the Lamp Brewery and Glunz Family Winery & Cellars in Grayslake, Nightshade and Dark’s Pandemonium Brewing, Zümbier Brewery and Oppidan Spirits in Waukegan, Buffalo Creek Brewing Co. and Valentino Vineyards in Long Grove, Half Day Brewing Co. and Wright’s Brew and Bistro in Lincolnshire, Mickey Finn’s Brewery in Libertyville, Ravinia Brewing Co. and Lynfred Winery in Highland Park, The Side Lot in Wauconda, North Shore Distillery in Green Oaks, Pazzo di Vino and 28 Mile Distillery in Highwood, Harbor Brewing Co. in Winthrop Harbor, Wild Onion Brewery in Lake Barrington, Harbor Brewing Co. and 9th Hour Brewing Co. in Lake Villa, Vigneto del Bino Winery in Antioch, Lynfred Winery in Wheeling, Liquid Love Brewing Co. in Buffalo Grove and Black Lung Brewing Co. in Round Lake Beach. Stay tuned for more details regarding Lake County Libation Trail Month/ Check In Challenge running February 1-28.
Click here to see more experiences beyond the top 10 things to do in January 2023.
Visit the many makers on the Lake County Libation Trail.
check out these 12 unique outings only in Lake County.
