Christmas decorations in January?

Question

Probably 15 years ago, I visited Chicago just before Christmas and it was the most magical feeling with all the lights and decorations. Now I've got a handful of kids and would love them to experience it too. Unfortunately, I can't get away until January 6-7 at the earliest. Will all the lights and decorations still be up downtown? Will stores still be decorated? Or should I wait until next December to bring my kids to experience Chicago at Christmas?

Answer

Chicago is well-known for its incredible Christmas decorations and holiday displays, and it’s great to hear you want to share that experience with your kids! However, by January 6-7, you might find that many of the holiday decorations and lights are starting to come down, as the city traditionally wraps up its Christmas festivities shortly after the New Year. Here's what you can expect:

1. Christmas Lights and Displays:
While most of the major holiday light displays, such as the ones along Michigan Avenue (The Magnificent Mile) and in places like Millennium Park, usually start coming down by the first week of January, some might still be up until around the weekend of January 6. However, this depends on the weather and the city’s schedule for taking down decorations. You may still get to enjoy some of the festive ambiance, but it will be much quieter and less magical than the days leading up to Christmas. It's always a bit of a mixed bag, with some spots maintaining their lights for a little longer, especially in tourist-heavy areas.

2. Store Decorations:
In terms of store decorations, you'll likely find that many retailers along the Magnificent Mile and in popular shopping areas like State Street will have their holiday displays up at least until the first week of January, but these too will start coming down shortly after the New Year. If you're particularly looking for the spectacle of window displays and storefront decorations, expect most of the stores to be transitioning into winter or New Year’s themes. Some may have special sales, but the full-blown Christmas vibe will likely be winding down.

3. Winter Activities:
Even if the Christmas decorations are coming down, Chicago in early January still offers plenty of winter charm. You can enjoy activities like ice skating at Millennium Park's McCormick Tribune Ice Rink, which usually stays open into February, and visit the Christkindlmarket at Daley Plaza, which typically closes on Christmas Eve but may extend for a bit longer into January in some years. Additionally, many indoor attractions like the Art Institute of Chicago or the Field Museum are perfect to visit during the colder months.

4. Should You Wait Until Next December?
If seeing the full holiday lights and experiencing the magic of Christmas in Chicago is your main goal, it might be worth planning for next December. That said, early January still offers a lot of the winter charm without the crowds, so if your schedule only allows for a January visit, you can still enjoy some of Chicago’s beauty and festive spirit, just not to the same level as during peak holiday season.

The Magnificent Mile lights may still be up, but the crowds will have thinned out significantly.
Most major attractions like the Chicago Botanic Garden’s "Lightscape" event or the ZooLights at Lincoln Park Zoo are wrapped up by January 1.
Indoor activities such as visiting museums or attending theater performances may be a great way to still experience the city without relying on the holiday decorations.

In summary, you’ll likely still be able to enjoy some of the holiday decorations and winter activities in early January, but the iconic Christmas lights and festive atmosphere may not be as fully realized as it would be in December. If you're looking to recreate the full magical holiday experience, it might be best to plan a trip for next year when the holiday decorations are in full swing. However, Chicago in early January still offers a lot to explore and enjoy!