Things to Do in Chilly Chicago: Indoor Farmers Markets, Cozy Concerts, and Frosty Fun

Welcome, listeners, to Things to Do in Chicago with your globe-trotting sports nut pal, Oly Bennet! Chicago is buzzing today with full-on winter energy: cold, crisp air, perfect for power-walking past the lake and then diving into something warm, loud, or delicious inside. Think chunky scarves, hot drinks, and that classic Chicago combo of grit and swagger.

Let’s kick off with a quick snapshot of what’s happening around town today. Patch’s Chicago events calendar lists a cozy Holiday Tea at LondonHouse Chicago starting late morning at their spot on East Wacker Drive, a classy way to warm up with skyline views and tiny treats. Over on Michigan Avenue, Water Tower Place is hosting an Indoor Farmers Market, which means fresh goodies and local vendors without your face freezing off. If you’re feeling cultural, Holtschneider Performance Center on North Halsted is featuring “Bach in the City – Bach’s Musical World” this afternoon, perfect for listeners who like their Sunday with a side of classical fireworks. The Museum of Contemporary Art is hosting “The Jury Experience – Death by AI: Who Pays the Price?” later today, a thought-provoking event digging into tech, ethics, and the future of all things artificial. And if you’re into live performance in a more intimate setting, Epiphany Center for the Arts has Trio de Chats Noirs: Songs and Dances this afternoon in The Sanctuary on South Ashland, blending artsy vibes with a historic venue.

On the city update front, the January events calendar from Patch and My Guide Chicago shows the month packed with theater, concerts, and special museum days, so transit and downtown parking may be busier than usual around major venues like the Loop theaters, Soldier Field, and Museum Campus. The Field Museum notes that on big game days at Soldier Field, parking on the museum campus can be limited, so today is a great day to lean on the L, buses, or ride-shares if you’re heading near the lakefront or the Mag Mile.

Now, Oly’s rapid-fire must-dos for today. First, do a classic-plus-twist combo: stroll the Magnificent Mile, duck into Water Tower Place for the Indoor Farmers Market, and then reward yourself with something sweet from a nearby bakery or café. Second, lean into culture: hit Bach in the City in the afternoon, then wander to a neighborhood spot in Lincoln Park for dinner. Third, for a cozy yet electric evening, check out Winterland at Gallagher Way in Wrigleyville, where themed skate nights and nearby holiday-style eats keep the festive vibes going even after the holidays. And if you’re more about quiet beauty, the Chicago Botanic Garden up in Glencoe offers peaceful winter walks through 385 acres of gardens—bundle up, grab a thermos, and pretend you’re in a sports montage training scene.

Here’s your local tip of the day: when you’re using the L, stand clear of doors and move into the center of the car—nothing marks you as new faster than blocking the doorway. And if you want to sound like a local, remember: it’s “the Kennedy,” “the Dan Ryan,” or “the Eisenhower,” not “I-90” or “I-290.”

Before we wrap, a quick tease for tomorrow: January in Chicago is stacking up with world music nights at Old Town School of Folk Music later this week, free and discounted museum days around town, and more Winterland action at Gallagher Way. Plus, theater fans can look ahead to big runs like Phantom of the Opera at the Cadillac Palace this month. Tune in tomorrow and we’ll scout more can’t-miss events, from family fun to late-night adventures.

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