Top 10 Things To Do in January 2018
By: Jonathan Jones 01/03/2018
Just because the holidays are over, doesn't mean we can't enjoy all of the top 10 things to do in January 2018.
This month, Lake County features our beloved Wonderland Express waving goodbye for the season, a plethora of fantastic winter fests, a show for brides-to-be, a meet and greet with the legendary Harriett Tubman as well as a behind the scene look at the fashionable stallions, a Broadway show and much more.
Let's take a look at Lake County's 10 things to do in January 2018.
All Aboard! Chicago Botanic Garden has the little engines that can, as you and the family can view the Wonderland Express. The festive train set resides inside the Regenstein Center. The collection designed by Paul Busse spans 10,000 square-feet and is equipped with miniature trains, bridges, trestles, waterfalls and 80 mini-replicas of Chicago’s favorite landmarks. This event also features ice carvings, excellent music from carolers and for the kiddies, Thomas the Tank Engine.
Through January 7, 2018; 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Admission $8-$13. Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake Cook Rd., Glencoe.
Winter lovers, come out and play! Just because it's a tiny bit frigid outside, it can't keep visitors from partying hearty. There is a slew of winter festivities for you cold-blooded creatures in January. Here is a list of fests in Lake County celebrating one of our chilliest months.
The Waukegan theatre is providing visitors with glorious nostalgia as they feature some of our favorite musicians. There are also legendary comedians and ventriloquists gracing the theatre’s stage this month. Here’s what’s going on in January at Genesee Theatre.
If you hear an emphatic neigh in the distance, it is coming from the lips of the majestic Tempel Lipizzans in Old Mill Creek. Invite mom to a meet and greet inside the dancing stallions’ humble abode. On this behind-the-scenes tour, attendees will learn about the Lipizzan history, the methods of classical riding and receive a full tour of the farm. The tour will end in the Old Mill Creek farm’s arena with a daily training session and a Q&A with the trainers.
Saturday, January 13; 9:30-11:15 a.m. Admission: $15-$25. Tempel Lipizzans, 17000 Wadsworth Rd., Old Mill Creek.
Have a meet and greet with one of the most monumental individuals in American history. On Martin Luther King Jr. Day, join reenactor Pamela Welcome as she share's her life as a catalyst in the Underground Railroad and spy during the Civil Wars. There will be plenty of songs and stories for you and the family to enjoy at the Grayslake Heritage Center event.
Monday, January 15; 2 p.m. Grayslake Heritage Center & Museum, 164 Hawley St., St. Grayslake.
Show off your spirals, twizzles and jumps at Lincolnshire Skate Night. Gather the family, grab your skates and head to the North Park Ice Rink. Food Trucks are on hand to serve delicious eats, and the ice rink also will provide winter treats like hot chocolate, s'mores and free coffee. After showcasing your skating skills, escape into the night sky for a magnificent firework display. Free skates are available while supplies last. January 26 is the backup date.
Friday, January 19; 6-9 p.m. North Park, 1025 Riverwoods Rd., Lincolnshire.
Bundle up and pack your tackle bait and rod. Join your fellow anglers at the LVVA Annual Fishing Derby in Wauconda. Entry forms can be downloaded to streamline the registration process before arriving. Registration begins at 5 a.m., and the fishing starts at 7 a.m. Prizes will be awarded to the fisher with the most abundant northern, bass crappie, bluegill and perch. There will also be side raffles for additional prizes. During the Star Bangled Banner, a special flyover by a North American T-6 will make a special flyover appearance. Smitty’s Bait & Tackle will have bait available.
Saturday, January 27; 7 a.m. Lake View Villa Park, Monroe just south of Bonner Road, Wauconda.
8. Annual Lake County Bridal Show
Planning a wedding? This weekend head to the most massive wedding expo in the area – the Lake and Cook County Wedding Expo at DoubleTree Mundelein. Brides-to-be don’t miss this show for all your bridal needs. Visit with over 60 vendors offering everything needed to make your wedding day special, plus a panel of experts providing the latest tips, tricks and ideas to help your day go as smoothly as possible.
Sunday, January 28; noon-3 p.m. DoubleTree by Hilton Mundelein, 510 E. Il Route 83, Mundelein.
“His Name was Coalhouse Walker,” and the musical is called Ragtime. Take a ride in your Delorean as the early 20th-century story follows three groups in New York. The trio of diverse backgrounds includes stories about African Americans during the Harlem Reinassaince, the experiences of upper-class suburbanites from New Rochelle and the journey of Eastern European immigrants to the U.S. The original production from 1998 was the winner of four Tony awards including the Best Original Score. Head to the Lincolnshire peanut gallery to see this sweeping musical portrait of America! The show runs through March 31.
Wednesday-Wednesday, January 24-31. Various ticket prices. Marriott Theatre, 10 Marriott Dr., Lincolnshire.
This isn't a story about 'Three Blind Mice,' but you do get to See How They Run at PM&L Theatre in Antioch. This British comedy follows a former actress named Penelope Toop who employs a churchgoing, gossipy maid to their estate. After Toop's husband, who is the reverend at the local church, Penelope's old friend stops by to visit and dodge army regulation. And that's only half the fun. This fun chaotic is a must-see at the downtown Antioch theatre. This show runs through February 11.
Friday, January 26-28. Ticket prices vary. PM&L Theatre, 877 Main St., Antioch.
For more of Lake County's top 10 things to do in January 2018, continue here.
