Museums
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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.
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Brookfield Zoo animals celebrate the holidays with enriching treatsDec 22, 2025 1:29 pm - Guests at Brookfield Zoo Chicago “Holiday Magic” show aren’t the only ones getting into the holiday spirit. The animal care specialists keep things fresh for the animals with holiday-themed treats or fun activities.
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Winter Break Wonderland brings flurry of fun to DuPage Children’s MuseumDec 17, 2025 10:13 pm - Families can glide and twirl on the indoor sock skating rink at DuPage Children's Museum's Winter Break Wonderland event. Kids can explore math and measurement concepts while mixing pretend drinks at the Cocoa Counter, experiment with buoyancy at the water table, and engage in sensory play at the Snow Box.
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Lombard Historical Society hosts Victorian Christmas celebrationsDec 10, 2025 9:46 pm - The Lombard Historical Society offers Victorian Christmas Tours, a Christmas Craft Hour, a Kids Christmas Tour, and a "Christmas on the Radio" performance to celebrate the holiday season.