January is the month of dreaming and of doing. We are dreaming of lights, nature, and a weekend of libations. Enjoy the holiday cheer one last time, celebrate history being made, skate with your favorite Frozen character, and more this weekend in Lake County!
To see a list of the best places to swiftly slide down a slope this winter season, click here.
This weekend is your last chance to marvel at the Holiday Lights Drive-Thru Experience at Six Flags Great America. The “lit” event is highlighted by over three-million dazzling lights across 300 acres. The whole family can delight in socially-distanced entertainment in Snowman City, through Jolly Lane and in the Holiday Square. The Gurnee amusement park features live entertainment with performers that are masked and following COVID-19 protocols. Reminisce the holiday season by purchasing a Six Flags holiday snack or a souvenir bundle. Six Flags Great America’s Drive-Thru Experience runs on select days through January 18.
Friday-Monday, January 15-18; 5-9 p.m. Reservations must be made in advance. Tickets: $14.99 per passenger. Kids ages two and under receive free entry. Six Flags Great America, 1 Great America Pkwy., Gurnee.
Waukegan Township is celebrating their annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Breakfast virtually this year. This event celebrates Rev. Dr. King Jr.'s work, vision, and dedication. The Waukegan breakfast aims to uplift the community as well as provide a networking opportunity to the leaders of today. "American Heroes Struggle Toward Justice, Health and Wholeness” is the 2021 theme featuring special guest speaker, Midshipman Sydney Barber, who will be telling her story as the first African American woman in 175 years to earn the title of brigade commander. The event also honors the community’s front-line and essential workers.
Monday, January 18; 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Tickets and sponsorships are available online at WaukeganTownship.com. Virtual tickets start at $30. Waukegan Township Zoom.
Kristoff of the Disney hit movie “Frozen” and “Frozen 2” says it best, “Ice is my life!” Kids ages three and older are invited to join Elsa under the twinkling lights at the Mundelein Community Rink. The Arendelle ice queen will be in attendance to sing your favorite “Frozen songs.” The event is also highlighted by hot cocoa to keep you warm, a snowflake craft making, “Frozen” photo opportunities and a raffle for a free porch party. Register in advance online for the one-hour event. Dress warm and follow COVID-19 guidelines by social distancing and wearing a mask. “The cold never bothered us anyways!”
Friday, January 15; 3-5 p.m. Reservations required, register online at MundeleinParks.org. Tickets: $5-$7 per person. Sessions available between 3-4 p.m. and 4-5 p.m. Mundelein Community Ice Rink, 1401 N. Midlothian Rd., Mundelein.
Calling all beer enthusiasts! Half Day Brewing Company is celebrating five years of unique handcrafted brews and classic American pub fare. The Lincolnshire Lake County Libation Trail partner offers carry out specials all weekend long. If you’re looking to get out of the house you can drink and dine on their patio alfresco-style. Enjoy a $3 Half Day Brewing Co. Frozen Tundra American India Pale Ale or a $9 growler of the IPA throughout the weekend. If you’re in the mood for food on Friday night, grab fish n’ chips for $7.99. Other specials include their $7.99 pretzel on Saturday and free dessert with any entree or sandwich on Sunday. To receive Half Day Brewing Co. weekend specials, order online or call ahead at 847-821-6933. Happy Birthday Half Day Brewing Co.!.
Friday-Sunday, January 15-17. Fri.-Sat.: 11 a.m.-10 p.m., Sun.: 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Carry out only. Half Day Brewing Company, 200 Village Green S., Lincolnshire.
“In every walk with nature, one receives far more than he seeks.” Take it from mountaineer John Muir and explore the trails at the Chicago Botanic Gardens through the Self-Guided Woods Walk. Celebrate the beauty of the Glencoe woods by learning about winter woodland flora and fauna, then setting off on the self-guided trail. Before or after your walk, warm up by the fire at the McDonald Woods shelter. Take the family or bring a friend and follow social-distancing guidelines on this peaceful venture into the woods. The self-guided walks occur Sundays through February 28
Sunday, January 17; 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Free admission, regular parking fees apply. Program will be cancelled if the weather is cold or winds are over 20 mph. Check ChicagoBotanic.org for updates. Chicago Botanic Gardens, 1000 Lake Cook Rd., Glencoe.
