01 January 2026
Ringing in 2026 in Festive Chicago: Winter WonderFest, Epiphany Arts, and the City's New Year's Milestone
Chicago News and Information
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Welcome to Things to Do in Chicago, listeners! It's January 1st, 2026, and we're kicking off the new year in one of America's most electrifying cities. The vibe today? Pure celebration energy! Chicago just wrapped an unforgettable New Year's Eve with crowds flooding the Chicago Riverwalk to ring in 2026, and that festive momentum is absolutely carrying into today.
Let me hit you with some fantastic happenings right now. First up, Winter WonderFest at Navy Pier is in full swing, and this is pure magic for all ages. We're talking a dazzling 42-foot Holiday Tree, thrilling rides like the Cliffhanger and Zero Gravity, ice skating, and even a ride on the iconic Centennial Ferris Wheel included with your ticket. Kids under 46 inches can hit up to 10 rides, while taller guests get 11! It opens daily at 10 AM, so you can literally walk in right now.
If you're looking for something more refined, the Epiphany Center for the Arts has an incredible lineup brewing. While tonight features some jazz and dance parties coming this weekend, the venue is the epicenter of Chicago's live music scene right now with everything from swing dancing to blues performances.
For the family crew, the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum hosted a weaving workshop earlier today where folks created nature-inspired tapestries, and Lincoln Park Zoo's ZooLights wraps up on January 4th with over 4 million LED lights that'll absolutely blow your mind. Theater lovers, The Phantom of the Opera is running strong, and comedy fans should catch Steve Trevino at Chicago Improv.
Here's your local pro tip: Navy Pier isn't just a tourist trap—it's genuinely evolved into a year-round destination. Pier Passport Members get special discounts on Winter WonderFest, so if you're planning multiple visits, membership pays for itself quickly. Plus, the enclosed gondolas on the Centennial Ferris Wheel mean you're experiencing those breathtaking 200-foot views in complete comfort, even in winter.
The real story today, though? Chicago just made history. Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve broadcast a Central Time zone midnight countdown live from Chicago for the first time in its 50-plus year history. That's right—our city is now part of American New Year's Day tradition in a whole new way. The energy is absolutely infectious.
Tomorrow, listeners, you'll want to tune back in because January 2nd brings the Lightscape Adults-Only Night at the Chicago Botanic Garden—a 21-and-over experience with specialty cocktails and an illuminated 1.3-mile walking trail. Plus, Winterland at Gallagher Way kicks off with ice bumper cars, skating lessons, and curling events.
Thanks for listening, please subscribe, and remember—this episode was brought to you by Quiet Please podcast networks. For more content like this, please go to Quiet Please dot Ai.
For more check out https://www.quietperiodplease.com/
and make sure to jump on these great deals https://amzn.to/3V0gjPt
For more on Oly check out https://www.instagram.com/olybennet/
This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI
Let me hit you with some fantastic happenings right now. First up, Winter WonderFest at Navy Pier is in full swing, and this is pure magic for all ages. We're talking a dazzling 42-foot Holiday Tree, thrilling rides like the Cliffhanger and Zero Gravity, ice skating, and even a ride on the iconic Centennial Ferris Wheel included with your ticket. Kids under 46 inches can hit up to 10 rides, while taller guests get 11! It opens daily at 10 AM, so you can literally walk in right now.
If you're looking for something more refined, the Epiphany Center for the Arts has an incredible lineup brewing. While tonight features some jazz and dance parties coming this weekend, the venue is the epicenter of Chicago's live music scene right now with everything from swing dancing to blues performances.
For the family crew, the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum hosted a weaving workshop earlier today where folks created nature-inspired tapestries, and Lincoln Park Zoo's ZooLights wraps up on January 4th with over 4 million LED lights that'll absolutely blow your mind. Theater lovers, The Phantom of the Opera is running strong, and comedy fans should catch Steve Trevino at Chicago Improv.
Here's your local pro tip: Navy Pier isn't just a tourist trap—it's genuinely evolved into a year-round destination. Pier Passport Members get special discounts on Winter WonderFest, so if you're planning multiple visits, membership pays for itself quickly. Plus, the enclosed gondolas on the Centennial Ferris Wheel mean you're experiencing those breathtaking 200-foot views in complete comfort, even in winter.
The real story today, though? Chicago just made history. Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve broadcast a Central Time zone midnight countdown live from Chicago for the first time in its 50-plus year history. That's right—our city is now part of American New Year's Day tradition in a whole new way. The energy is absolutely infectious.
Tomorrow, listeners, you'll want to tune back in because January 2nd brings the Lightscape Adults-Only Night at the Chicago Botanic Garden—a 21-and-over experience with specialty cocktails and an illuminated 1.3-mile walking trail. Plus, Winterland at Gallagher Way kicks off with ice bumper cars, skating lessons, and curling events.
Thanks for listening, please subscribe, and remember—this episode was brought to you by Quiet Please podcast networks. For more content like this, please go to Quiet Please dot Ai.
For more check out https://www.quietperiodplease.com/
and make sure to jump on these great deals https://amzn.to/3V0gjPt
For more on Oly check out https://www.instagram.com/olybennet/
This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI