Museums
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Glen Ellyn History Center to host ‘The Chocolate Kings’Jan 19, 2026 9:38 pm - Historian Leslie Goddard will present a program on "The Chocolate Kings: Hershey vs. Mars" on Jan. 24, exploring how these legendary companies began and how their rivalry changed chocolate forever.
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A new exhibit to explore the story of ‘Glen Ellyn on Ice’Jan 15, 2026 10:44 pm - The Glen Ellyn History Center presents a new exhibit "Glen Ellyn On Ice" showcasing the history of Lake Ellyn's speed skating story and the Glen Ellyn Speed Skating club founded in 1938.
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Painting brick buildings a popular trend, but not with preservationistsJan 14, 2026 4:00 am - Painting over brick is way to bring older buildings “back to life” and give a downtown streetscape a new look, but historic preservationists advise against it.
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Things to do Jan. 16-22: Winterfest, MLK Day events, Chicagoland Fishing Expo and moreJan 13, 2026 9:14 am - Make plans for Palatine Winterfest, Martin Luther King Jr. Day events, the Chicagoland Fishing Expo and more.
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Elmhurst History Museum’s ‘Snapshots in Time’ to take you on a 250-year journeyJan 07, 2026 7:37 pm - Elmhurst History Museum Executive Director Dave Oberg will present a lecture titled "Snapshots in Time: 250 Years of Elmhurst History" on Jan. 11 to celebrate America's 250th anniversary.
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Bliss out at Chicago Botanic Garden’s ‘Feelin’ Groovy’ Orchid ShowJan 06, 2026 4:38 pm - Tickets go on sale Jan. 13 for Chicago Botanic Garden's annual Orchid Show, opening Feb. 7. Featuring vibrant orchid displays with 1960s and ’70s themes; special events like Orchids After Hours, Silent Disco nights; and the Illinois Orchid Society Spring Show and Sale.
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Things to do Jan. 9-15: Free days at Shedd, Women’s Jazz Fest, Chicago RV Show and moreJan 06, 2026 6:37 am - Make plans to take advantage of free days at Shedd Aquarium, plus Erica Rhodes’ stand-up comedy at Zanies in Rosemont, the Women’s Jazz Festival at Hey Nonny, the Chicago RV Show in Schaumburg, ice skating and Cocoa Cabanas at Cantigny in Wheaton and more.
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Chicago artist explores shifting identities in ‘Living With Modernism: Kelli Connell’ at Elmhurst Art MuseumDec 29, 2025 3:17 pm - Elmhurst Art Museum presents "Living With Modernism: Kelli Connell," a solo exhibition by the Chicago-based artist featuring new site-specific works. The two series, “Pictures for Charis” and “Double Life,” explore relationships, identity, and connection with nature and architecture.
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Best bets: Local live music to warm up cold winter nightsDec 29, 2025 11:39 am - Guitarist Scott Tipping celebrates the release of his second album at The Venue in Aurora, the annual Women’s Jazz Festival returns to Hey Nonny in Arlington Heights, and Brookfield Zoo offers free admission through Feb. 28.
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Morton Arboretum’s ‘Illumination’ adds Jan. 2 Dog Admission NightDec 22, 2025 3:20 pm - The Morton Arboretum's annual "Illumination: Tree Lights" outdoor holiday tradition runs through Jan. 3, featuring a one-mile trail with 20 immersive light displays, music, and new additions like Vivid Creatures sculptures.