Average High Temperature: 30°F (-1°C)
Average Low Temperature: 15°F (-9°C)
Average Precipitation: 1.8"
Average Snowfall: 10.99"
While Chicago slows down a bit with events and festivals in January, there are still fun things to do. Here's a selection of Chicago's best events this month. Check back often as new ones will be added. Have an event you'd like to list? E-mail the event's details to Chicago@aboutguide.com
Top Event This Month: The Annual Polar Bear Plunge on January 26, 2013 - The Lakeview Polar Bear Club (LPBC) is hosting its 12th annual charity Polar Plunge on January 26th, 2013. If you are brave enough, you can join the club as they "plunge" into Lake Michigan at the Oak Street Beach at noon (arrive by 11 a.m.). (Learn about the club's history and see pictures of people doing past plunges.) Registration costs are $20/per swimmer when registering in advance. Otherwise, it is $30/per swimmer. As the club's Web site states: "While there are many fantastic charities that raise money for good causes, the LPBC stands apart by raising money for specific families."
January 18 - 20, 2013: Chicago Cubs Convention - The official convention for Chicago's famous Chicago Cubs, giving fans a chance to get up close with some of their favorite players and broadcasters. (Bring a pen and paper for autographs.) The 28th Annual Cubs Convention will take place at the Sheraton Chicago Hotel & Towers, located at 301 East North Water Street. For a limited time only, you can book a two-night stay at the Sheraton Chicago Hotel & Towers and receive these benefits: two nights at the Sheraton Chicago Hotel & Towers in the heart of downtown Chicago; two convention passes; a limited-edition autographed photo of young Cubs stars Anthony Rizzo & Brett Jackson; and two Budweiser Bleacher tickets to an April Cubs game.
Date TBD: Recycle Your Christmas Tree - Ready to take down your Christmas tree? The Chicago Park District is accepting trees at several locations throughout the city. Also, there will be some wood mulch available at the sites.
January 21, 2013: Martin Lurther King Day - The annual holiday celebrating the life of Dr. Martin Luther King. The day will be celebrated with various volunteer projects throughout the city. Find out how you can volunteer through the MLK Day of Service. (Note: local government offices are closed, but museums, restaurants, and more will be open.)
Date TBD: Chicago Snow Days - A free winter festival at Chicago's Navy Pier with a "snowboard rail jam," a snow sculpting competition, dog sled demonstrations, and more.
Through March, 2013: Millennium Park Ice Skating - Ice skating at Chicago's Millennium Park is one of Chicago's most popular winter activities with the rink's skyscraper views, festive music, and charm - the rink is outside along Michigan Avenue.
