Chicago Star's Where to Go, What do Do, in January 2022!

Jan. 1

Love Actually? at the Apollo Theater

Bob and Tobly McSmith, masters of the musical parody, offer a hilarious romp in the tradition of their previous smash hits, “The Office! A Musical Parody” and “Friends! The Musical Parody.” Celebrate the first of the year with the last Chicago showing this season. Ticket prices vary. 2 p.m. and 7 p.m., Apollo Theater, 2550 N. Lincoln Ave., (773) 935-6100, apollochicago.com

The Best Decision You’ve Ever Made at The Second City

Why regret the decisions you’ve made when you can sit back and laugh at them instead? Second City’s live-action choose-your-own comedy invites you to be in on the joke. You’ll be reminded of all the ways our choices make us who we are. Tickets start at $29. Show times Thursdays at 7 p.m., Fridays, Saturdays at 7 and 10 p.m., Sundays at 5 p.m. through May 22, e.t.c. Theater, 230 W. North Ave., (312) 337-3992, secondcity.com

The String Cheese Incident at the Auditorium Theatre

This is your last chance to catch these storied, musical vagabonds as the band wraps up its first New Year’s Eve in the Windy City in 18 years. The touring veterans have been recognized for their community spirit and philanthropic endeavors on top of their voluminous catalog of live recordings, which include 10 albums, six DVDs and countless live recordings. Tickets start at $56.75. 7:30 p.m., Auditorium Theatre, 50 E. Ida B. Wells Drive, (312) 341-2310, auditoriumtheatre.org

Jan. 2

Titanosaur 3D: Retrace the steps of the world’s largest dinosaur

Follow scientists as they gather clues to understanding what life was like for the Field Museum’s titanosaur, Máximo. The Titanosaur 3D exhibit uses vividly photorealistic animation to imagine what these long-necked sauropods looked like and how they moved, ate and interacted. Travel back over 100 million years to get a glimpse of their Cretaceous environment and follow a titanosaur’s life from egg to towering titan. 3D movie times are subject to change, fieldmuseum.org

Jan. 12

The ABC7 Great Chicago Blood Drive

The Red Cross is experiencing the worst blood shortage in over a decade. The low blood supply levels have forced some hospitals to defer patients from major surgery. Your donation is needed. For a full list of times and locations, visit abc7chicago.com. Appointments are strongly encouraged. 7 a.m.-7 p.m. Jan. 12, Navy Pier, 600 E. Grand Ave., (312) 595-7437, navypier.org

Jan. 17

‘An Unapologetic Dream: A MLK Day Celebration’

Hyde Park Art Center, in collaboration with Arts + Public Life and South Side Community Art Center, will offer a free public screening of “An Unapologetic Dream: A MLK Day Celebration” by Chicago filmmaker Ashley O’Shay, a film that gives a deep look into the Movement for Black Lives through the lens of abolitionist leaders Janae Bonsu and Bella Bahhs. 4-7 p.m., Hyde Park Art Center/Green Line Performing Arts Center, 329 E. Garfield Boulevard, free to the public — register at eventbrite.com

Jan. 20

Disney on Ice at the Allstate Arena

Join Mickey’s Search Party and other classic Disney characters on a journey of adventure filled with world-class skating, high-flying acrobatics, and amazing stunts. The show is suitable for all ages but recommended for ages two and up. Children under the age of two can attend without a ticket if they sit on a parent or guardian’s lap throughout the performance. Ticket prices vary. 7 p.m. Jan. 20, 10:30 a.m. and 7 p.m. Jan. 21 and 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. Jan. 22, Allstate Arena, 6920 N. Mannheim Road, Rosemont, (847) 635-6601, rosemont.com/allstate

Brush up on your Shakespeare at the Chicago Academy for the Arts

The Academy Theatre and Musical Theatre Department are gearing up to present their 11th Annual Brush Up Your Shakespeare Festival. Expect a rousing selection of the best of the master’s work, yet to be announced. Check for details to be released online. 3:30 p.m. Jan. 20 through 4:30 p.m. Jan. 22, The Chicago Academy for the Arts, 1010 W. Chicago Ave., (312) 421-0202, chicagoacademyforthearts.org

Chicago International Puppet Theater Festival

The fourth edition of The Chicago International Puppet Theater Festival will feature over 100 performances and events at dozens of venues, neighborhoods and civic collaborators all around Chicago. From bunraku, to shadow to crankie scroll, puppets take over for an amazing 10 days and nights of inspiration and invention. Through Jan. 30, various locations, chicagopuppetfest.org

Jan. 22

Polar Adventure Day at Northerly Island

Activities at Polar Adventure Day at Northerly Island include watching husky dog teams sled around the peninsula, observing birds of prey, exploring the area on snowshoes (if snow is present), participating in winter crafts, and toasting marshmallows over campfires, among others. Also on Feb. 26. Noon to 3 p.m., Northerly Island, 1521 S. Linn White Drive, on the Museum Campus, chicagoparkdistrict.com

Jan. 27

Winter Open House at The Mid-America Club

The Mid-America Club invites Chicago Star readers to learn about membership and “Community in the Sky” at the Winter Open House. Expand your local network, make valuable connections and enjoy views from the 80th floor of the Aon Center. Reservations are required and space is limited. RSVP to the Membership Director at (312) 856-9484 or email [email protected]. Business-casual attire is requested. 6-7:30 p.m. Aon Center, 80th floor, 200 E. Randolph St., clubcorp.com/clubs/mid-america-club

Jan. 28

Courtney Mackedanz performs at the Arts Club of Chicago

Hannah Levy’s exhibition in The Arts Club’s gallery, “Surplus Tension,” allures viewers with skin-textured materials and references to furniture while simultaneously distancing spectators with cold metal, peaked talons. Dancemaker Courtney Mackedanz, embodies an inquisitive movement interaction with the exhibition, joining Levy’s works in an artistic exploration of the relationship between the skin as a surface and the armatures of structure that lay beneath. Free. 6-8 p.m., Friday, Jan. 28, The Arts Club of Chicago, 201 E. Ontario St., (312) 787-3997, artsclubchicago.org

Jan. 29

Chicago Ale Fest at Navy Pier

The winter edition of the Chicago Ale Fest returns to Navy Pier in January. Enjoy craft beers from 150 vendors, food trucks and a DJ at one of the most anticipated winter beer events of the year. Noon-5 p.m., Aon Grand Ballroom, 840 E. Grand Ave., chicagoalefest.net

Jan. 30

Bridal Expo at Georgios Banquets

Bridal Expo is an opportunity for brides and grooms to explore wedding products and services in one convenient location. Experts, owners and managers from

Chicago and Milwaukee’s top wedding merchants will be on hand to answer wedding planning questions. Tickets are $10 each in advance or $25 each at the door. 11 a.m.-4 p.m., Jan. 30, Georgios Banquets, 8800 W. 159th St. Orland Park, (708) 403-1100, bridalshowexpo.com

TOP EVENT PICKS-- Schedules are subject to change. Call venues to confirm event information. To submit events or advertise on this page, email [email protected]