Take a look at some of the fun, January events happening across the state.
Winter Passport on the Shawnee Hills Wine Trail
Jan. 2-Feb. 26, 2026, Pomona
Explore Illinois wine country this winter with the Shawnee Hills Wine Trail passport program. With a purchase of a winery passport for $15, you’ll receive discounts on wine, food and merchandise at member wineries on the trail throughout January and February. Collect stamps at each winery along the way and leave your completed passport at the last winery you visit by Feb. 28 to be entered for the chance to win prizes like overnight stays, event tickets, wine trail merchandise and more. In addition, those who visit all the wineries will receive a souvenir Shawnee Hills Wine Trail corkscrew. To learn more about the wine trail passport program, visit shawneewinetrail.com/passport-program or call 800-248-4373.
Alton Eagle Ice Festival
Jan. 2, 2026, Alton
Visit Alton on the first Saturday in January for the annual Alton Eagle Ice Festival at the National Great Rivers Museum, FLOCK Food Truck Park and The Audubon Center at Riverlands. Taking place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., the festival includes eagle viewing through spotting scopes, eagle films, an eagle photography contest, an eagle-watching shuttle tour and fun winter activities for all ages. One of the event’s most popular draws is the free Eagle Meet & Greet at FLOCK Food Truck Park, where visitors can see a live American bald eagle from just a few feet away. For more information, visit riversandroutes.com or call 618-465-6676.
Quad City Bald Eagle Days
Jan. 9-11, 2026, Rock Island
The Quad City Conservation Alliance Expo Center in Rock Island will host its annual Bald Eagle Days event this January, featuring three days of educational programming spotlighting birds of prey, reptiles, wolves, bats and more. After meeting the animals at the exhibits and demonstrations, browse the local vendors’ booths or enjoy concession stand offerings, including hot dogs, sandwiches and more. The event takes place Friday from 4 to 8 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tickets are $6 for adults, $1 for children ages 6 to 15 and free for children under 6.
For more details and a full program schedule, visit qccaexpocenter.com/baldeagledays or call 309-788-5912.
Chicagoland Fishing, Travel & Outdoor Expo
Jan. 22-26, 2026, Schaumburg
Outdoor lovers won’t want to miss a visit to this annual four-day event, which includes exhibitors and activities across a range of outdoor industries, from boating and fishing to hiking, camping, water sports and more. Try out rods and reels at the casting pond, check out the 5,000-gallon fish tank, or book your next outdoor adventure or family vacation. To learn more, purchase tickets or view a complete lineup of exhibitors, visit chicagoland.sportshows.com.
Bald Eagle Watch Weekend
Jan. 24-25, 2026, Utica
Nature enthusiasts won’t want to miss the chance to see birds of prey up close at the annual Bald Eagle Watch Weekend in Utica. Taking place at the Starved Rock State Park Visitor Center, Starved Rock Lodge, the Illinois Waterway Visitor Center and Utica Village Hall, the two-day, family-friendly event features live birds of prey programs, educational exhibits, and hands-on children’s activities and crafts. Admission is free for all events and exhibits, and there will be a trolley shuttle service available for all-day transportation between locations for $5. For more information and a schedule of events, visit starvedrocklodge.com or call 815-667-4211.
Great River Eagle Days
Jan. 24-25, 2026, Quincy
Head to Quincy to celebrate our national bird, the bald eagle, during the annual Great River Eagle Days hosted by the Standing Bear Council. The family-friendly event honors Native American traditions with various ceremonies, activities, food and entertainment both days. Enjoy Native American educators, flute playing, demonstrations, children’s crafts, authentic Native American foods (including delicious fry bread) and much more. Visitors can also take part in riverfront eagle viewing at Lock and Dam No. 21. Visit seequincy.com/events or call 800-978-4748 to learn more.
Polar Adventure Days
Jan. 24 and Feb. 21, 2026, Chicago
Celebrate winter in Chicago with a variety of exciting outdoor activities for the whole family at the annual Polar Adventure Days at Northerly Island. Activities include touring the Northerly Island Natural Area, watching husky teams sled around the peninsula, exploring the island on snowshoes (weather permitting), making nature-inspired winter crafts, roasting marshmallows over a campfire and much more. For more details, visit chicagoparkdistrict.com/polar-adventure-day.
Illinois Snow Sculpting Competition
Jan. 28-31, 2026, Rockford
Snow sculpting teams from around the state compete for the honor of representing Illinois in the U.S. National Snow Sculpting Competition in 2027. Visitors will have the opportunity to drive or walk through the park to view the impressive sculptures and vote for their favorites. In addition to the state competition, the event hosts a Rockford area high schools division. For more details or to see photos of past years’ winning sculptures, visit ilsnowsculpting.com.
Champaign-Urbana Area Restaurant Week
Jan. 30-Feb. 7, 2026, Champaign County
Champaign-Urbana Area Restaurant Week returns, showcasing more than 50 local restaurants and treating customers to flavors from around the world. To join in the fun, check out the participating restaurants and their menus online, then plan a visit any time during the week. Share your experience on social media by posting and using the tag #CURestaurantWeek to enter for a chance to win a $100 gift card to your Champaign-Urbana area restaurant of choice. This fun community event provides the perfect opportunity to support the local hospitality industry while discovering new favorite restaurants serving up everything from classic American fare and soul food to Indian, Mexican, Italian, Thai and Vietnamese foods, and much more. For more details and to view participating restaurants, visit experiencecu.org/events/restaurant-week or call 217-351-4133.
The Morton Arboretum’s Enchanted Railroad
Select dates January through February, Lisle
All aboard! The Morton Arboretum’s Enchanted Railroad will enchant both adults and children alike.
During the months of January and February, visitors can enjoy the intricate designs of the miniature model railroad as it winds through carefully crafted scenery. The display features two levels of tree collections from around the world and 10 model trains winding in and out through the course.
The Enchanted Railroad is included in the cost of admission at The Morton Arboretum, but visitors must get timed tickets, available on a first-come, first-served basis at the Visitor Center’s Information Desk. Because of the display’s popularity, time slots can become full, so please secure your tickets upon arrival.
To learn more about the Enchanted Railroad and The Morton Arboretum, visit mortonarb.org or call 630-968-0074.
Share Your Illinois Event
Are we missing your favorite July events in Illinois? Send the details to ilfbpartners@farmflavormedia.com, and we may feature them on this website and in a future issue of Illinois Partners magazine.
