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Eight Things To Do in the City and Western Suburbs: Jan. 2–4, 2026
Winter weather has arrived! Layer up, follow the holiday lights, and catch a few can't-miss events this weekend.
Enjoy the Holiday Magic.
This is the final weekend to catch Brookfield Zoo's long-running holiday tradition, now expanded with more than 3.5 million lights across themed displays, tunnels, and walk-through experiences. New additions include a giant illuminated maze, interactive light installations, and a twinkling star pathway woven throughout the grounds.
Date: Jan. 2–4
Time: 3–9 p.m.
Cost: $21+
Location: Brookfield Zoo, 3300 Gold Rd., Brookfield
More Info: brookfieldzoo.org
Walk the woods at Illumination: Tree Lights.
Illumination returns for its final weekend, transforming the Arboretum's tree-lined paths into a synchronized display of color, light, and sound. Follow a mile-long route where projections and music highlight the structure and movement of the trees themselves, creating an immersive, after-dark experience rooted in the landscape. If you haven't gone yet, or want one last walk before it closes for the season, this is the weekend to do it.
Date: Jan. 2–3
Time: 4:30.–8 p.m.
Cost: $24+
Location: The Morton Arboretum, 4100 Illinois Rt. 53, Lisle
More Info: mortonarb.org
Explore the outdoors at Family Winter Scavenger Hunt and Campfire.
Bundle up for a self-guided scavenger hunt that encourages families to spot signs of winter wildlife and plant life along the trail. After completing the hunt, gather around a campfire to warm up, snack, and relax outdoors.
Date: Jan. 4
Time: 1 p.m.
Cost: Free
Location: Trailside Museum of Natural History, 738 Thatcher Ave., River Forest
More Info: fpdcc.com
Shop local at Sparkle and Shop.
Kick off the new year with a stroll through this indoor market focused on local makers and small businesses. This event brings together vendors selling fashion, accessories, home décor, art, beauty products, and handcrafted goods, along with food vendors offering sweet and savory bites. Expect a lively, festive setup with interactive stations, live demos, and plenty of photo-worthy moments as Chicago rings in 2026.
Date: Jan. 2
Time: 10 a.m–4 p.m.
Cost: Free
Location: The Mart, 222 W. Merchandise Mart Plaza
More Info: eventbrite.com
Spend your Sunday at Yoga on the Courts + Cocktails.
This Sunday morning session pairs movement with a social twist at Royal Palms Chicago. The all-levels yoga class takes place directly on the shuffleboard courts, and be sure to stick around after class for a complimentary cocktail and a game of shuffleboard, then browse the Wicker Park Farmers Market popping up inside the venue later that morning.
Date: Jan. 4
Time: 9–10 a.m.
Cost: $20
Location: Royal Palms Chicago, 1750 N. Milwaukee Ave.
More Info: royalpalmschicago.com
Reflect at Candlelight Full SuperMoon Sound Bath Healing.
Held under January's first supermoon, this candlelit sound bath centers on reflection and renewal at the start of the year. Participants are guided into a meditative state through crystal singing bowls, gongs, and chimes designed to support deep rest and nervous-system regulation. Mats, blankets, and eye masks are provided.
Date: Jan. 3
Time: 7–8 p.m.
Cost: $37
Location: We The People Fitness Studio, 1229 N. North Branch St.
More Info: eventbrite.com
Try something new at New Year, New You Fashion Swap.
Refresh your wardrobe sustainably at this in-person clothing swap focused on secondhand style. Attendees bring gently worn pieces to exchange for new-to-them finds, with plenty of time to browse, chat, and share styling tips.
Date: Jan. 3
Time: 6–9 p.m.
Cost: $18.50
Location: Thrift LLC, 2517 W. 59th St.
More Info: eventbrite.com
Sing out loud at Riot! At the Disco: Emo + Pop Punk Nite.
This high-energy dance night brings emo and pop punk classics back to the speakers at Orlove by Night. DJs spin tracks spanning early-2000s staples and punk favorites, from My Chemical Romance and Blink-182 to Paramore and Alkaline Trio. Expect a packed dance floor, sing-along moments, and a crowd ready to relive the genre's loudest eras.
Date: Jan. 3
Time: 9 p.m.
Cost: $13.50
Location: Beat Kitchen, 2100 W. Belmont Ave.
More Info: eventbrite.com
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