Following a banner year for Chicago's tourism, hospitality, and events community, with major events like the Democratic National Convention (DNC) amplifying the national spotlight on Chicago, the city was honored to be voted the “Best Big City in the U.S.” by Conde Nast Traveler's Readers' Choice Awards 2024 for a historic eighth consecutive year!

With the new year upon us, the “City of Big Shoulders” is running full steam ahead with such highly anticipated events and attractions such as: 

Chicago Restaurant Week (January 24 – February 9, 2025) - The beloved annual event featuring more than 470 participating restaurants (a record high!) representing 35 distinct Chicago neighborhoods along with 50 suburban restaurants, offers specially curated prix fixe menus with prices set at $30 for brunch or lunch, and $45 and/or $60 for dinner (excluding beverages, tax, and gratuity).

• Participants include a range of new and established locales such as Briny Swine Smokehouse & Oyster Bar (Lincoln Park), Bar Parisette (Logan Square), Tacotlán (Hermosa), Hawksmoor Chicago (River North), Smyth & The Loyalist (West Loop), Minyoli (Andersonville), and Maxwell's Trading (West Town).

Chicago Theatre Week(February 6-16, 2025) - Now in its 13th year, this highly anticipated event features value-priced tickets to more than 100 performances at theatres across the city, from musicals to improv to dramas and beyond. 

• For the third consecutive year, HotTix.org will host Chicago Theatre Week Continued from February 17-23, 2025, which will extend Theatre Week discounts to participating productions for an additional week.

The return of the Lookingglass Theatre on January 30 (following an 18 month hiatus) which proudly returns to its newly renovated event space and beloved Joan & Paul Theatre at the historic Water Tower Water Works. With new theatre leadership, the new business model focuses on producing two shows a year as well as building co-production relationships with other theatres, offering more educational programs, and expanding the company's scene shop – as well as introducing renovated lobby with a new bar and cafe.

• This season's productions include two world premieres: Circus Quixote (January 30 – March 30, 2025; Based on Miguel de Cervantes' Don Quijote of La Mancha) and Iraq, But Funny (May 29 – July 20, 2025; a raucous satire about five generations of Assyrian women exploring history, family, and dysfunction.

The annual EXPO Chicago (April 24-27, 2025) where leading international galleries are hosted in Navy Pier's Festival Hall, alongside one of the highest quality platforms for global contemporary art and culture. The exposition, which was acquired by Frieze in 2023, draws upon the city's rich history as a vibrant international cultural destination, while engaging the region's contemporary art community and collector base.

A new Harry Potter Shop opening in Spring 2025 in a 12,3000 square foot space at 676 Michigan Avenue. The new Chicago store comes following the success of official Harry Potter Shops at Kings Cross in London and in Manhattan, and the launch of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child Musical currently playing in Chicago. The shop will offer interactive displays, photo opportunities, original film props, and more.

Navy Pier Marina has begun construction in anticipation of its grand opening during the 2025 boating season. The Navy Pier Marina will provide a home in the heart of Chicago for boaters across the city and suburbs and around the Great Lakes, offering lunch and dinner hourly tie-ups as well as overnight stays. The Chicago International Boat Show (August 21-24, 2025) will be the first major event at Navy Pier Marina this summer featuring an exclusive lineup of luxury boats, yachts, and watercraft, alongside curated showcases from luxury automotive brands, private aviation, and world-class culinary experiences.

COMING NEXT YEAR: The Obama Presidential Center – Covering 19 acres, the campus will include a fruit and vegetable garden, an athletic facility for programs and events, a premier museum, an auditorium, a branch of the Chicago Public Library, and additional amenities. The programming will encourage visitors, whether local or international, to carry the impact of their experience with them. The full campus is currently set to open early 2026. 

The full list of new developments, openings, attractions, activities, events and more for Q1/Q2 2025 can be seen at the below link on our media page:
https://www.choosechicago.com/press-media/whats-new-in-chicago/whats-new-and-happening-in-chicago-winter-spring-2025/

Visit https://www.choosechicago.com/ for more planning inspiration or register for access to our Image and Video Library at https://www.choosechicago.com/press-media/image-and-video-library/