14 WAYS TO SHOW YOUR LOVE FOR CHOCOLATE ALL FEBRUARY

AT THE MORTON ARBORETUM

Sweet Chocolate Events for Every Age

If you’re looking for a way to spread the love to family and friends this Valentine’s Day and throughout February, visit the Morton Arboretum where chocolatiers are bringing their passion for candy-making to inspire 14 chocolate-themed activities. 

From “sushi” to a kid’s chocolate pizza-making workshops to wine and beer pairings, we’re spreading the chocolate love with a daily chocolate exhibit and events throughout the month for kids and adults.

Kids Get Gooey on Feb. 19th making Chocolate Pizza

Belgian Chocolatier

1. Spread the Love with Chocolate. A Chocolate Expo will be held Saturday and Sunday, February 4 and 5; 10 a.m-4 p.m.; Visitor Center; Sample and purchase unique sweets and chocolate-themed gifts made by 17 Chicago-area chocolatiers. Events will include: “Tempering Chocolate Explained;” “The Health Benefits of Chocolate;” “Dove Chocolate Discovery Tasting Party;” and “Mastering The Chocolate Martini.”
2. Sweat Treats. Chocolate-themed sweets and gifts will leave you smitten, on sale at The Arboretum Store, daily 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; The Arboretum Store
3. Kid-friendly Projects. A free chocolate-themed kids’ event – “Cool Kids Winter Play,” is on tap for February 1, 3, 4, & 5 from 11a.m. & 1 p.m. in the Children’s Garden.
4. Heart-to-heart Reads. “Arbor Reading Adventures for Children” are being held February 1 and 3, 11-11:45; $4 member children, ($5 non-member children); Adult must accompany child (no cost)
5. Signed with a Kiss.  A “Children's Book Signing and Storytelling” will be held Feb. 4; 11 a.m.-3 p.m.; Visitor Center; Sit down for story time with a reading of The Chocolate Story: A Sweet Little Fable, by Rick Moser. Kids can learn delicious lessons about making good choices.
6. Here’s to Truffles. A truffle-making workshop will be held Saturday, February 11; 11 a.m., 12:30 p.m. & 2 p.m. Thornhill Education Center; $23 members ($28 non-member) Discover the secrets to making these delicious treats during this hands-on workshop.
7. Say “I love chocolate” with “Sushi.” A chocolate “Sushi” workshop will be held Sunday, February 12; 11 a.m., 12:30 p.m. & 2 p.m. Thornhill Education Center $32 ($37 non-member). Roll up your sleeves and get ready to make chocolate "sushi" during this hands-on workshop.
8. The Science of Sweetness. “The Botany of Chocolate” workshop will be held Saturday, February 18; 1–3 p.m. Visitor Center; $22 ($29 non-member); Explore the history, culture, and science of chocolate in this workshop.
9. Sip the from the Vineyards of Chocolate. Explore the mystical union of chocolate and wine. Experts from Wente Family Estates and KOKKU Gourmet will demonstrate how to savor the nuances of five wines and single origin chocolate Sunday, February 19; 3-5 p.m. Ginkgo Restaurant; $20 Members ($25 non-members).
10.  Kids Get Gooey. A Chocolate “Pizza” Party, will be held Feb 19 11 a.m., 12:30 p.m. and 2 p.m; $10 ($15 non-member); Children will learn how to make a Chocolate “pizza” and other chocolaty treats.
11. Chewy Chocolate for Kids. A kids’ Chocolate Crepe Workshop will be held Monday, February 20 (President’s Day) 11 a.m., 12:30 p.m. and 2 p.m.; Visitor Center; $20 ($30 non-member); Learn how to make chocolate crepes and sample chocolates in this cooking class for kids.
12. Sweet Home Chicago. At one time Chicago produced one-third of the nation’s candy and was known as the candy capitol of America. From Brach's caramels, to Mars Snickers bars, to Frango Mints, learn some of the history behind these tasty treats when Leslie Goddard, author and our resident historian presents “Chicago’s Sweet Candy History.” Saturday, February 25; 9:30-11 a.m. Ginkgo Restaurant; $23 members (non-members $28) Includes a chocolate-themed brunch of puff pastries with caramel and warm chocolate; seasonal fruit; bacon and turkey sausage and beverages.
13. Cheers to Chocolate. Enjoy “small plate” servings and sample beer from Jacob Leinenkugel Brewing Company in the Ginkgo Restaurant with chocolate by Graham’s Chocolate paired with a variety of Leinenkugel’s Beer. Sunday, Feb. 26; 3-5 p.m. Ginkgo Restaurant $30 ($35 non-member).
14. What Inspires Chocolate? Discover everything you need to know about sweetness with our daily Chocolate Exhibit 9 a.m.-4 p.m. in the Visitor Center.  This mini exhibit highlights the growing, harvesting, and production process of chocolate and its relationship to trees.

For more information or to sign up for, go to mortonarb.org or 630-725-2066, Monday-Friday; 10a.m.-3 p.m.

Want Holiday Cheer? Holiday Family Events to Enjoy Together!

'Tis the season to spend special time with your family and friends, and you're looking for something special to do.


Here are some great ideas for this weekend:

UPCOMING EVENTS

Friday                 2 Stunning Outdoor Holiday Arrangements, all ages, costs vary per item, 10 a.m. -4 p.m., Arbor Court, Morton Arboretum, 4100 Illinois Route 53, Lisle, (630) 968-0074. Special holiday cheer on your front door! Stunning outdoor holiday arrangements from The Morton Arboretum are now available. Unique hand-assembled displays of holiday greenery make the perfect accent to your home. Coordinating wreaths, container arrangements and garland created by the talented botanical arrangers are also available. Available December 2nd through December 4th. www.mortonarb.org Winter Wonderfest, all ages, free admission but must pay for wristbands for activities, 10 a.m. -5 p.m., Navy Pier, 600 East Grand Ave., Chicago, (312) 595-7437. This spectacular festival provides a breathtaking experience for guests of all ages, with stunning décor, new attractions and popular favorites that are sure to make every visit a magical experience! Dozens of rides, games, music, and live entertainment for all to enjoy! Event runs December 5th through December 8th. www.winterwonderfest.com Santa House, all ages, free admission, Friday 5 p.m. -8 p.m., Riverwalk at Jackson Avenue and Webster St., Naperville, (630) 848-5000. Take a magical trip to visit Santa on the Naperville Riverwalk. Admission is free. Photos can be purchased for $8 each or two for $15. Cash or checks only please. www.napervilleparks.org Friday Night Lights, all ages, $16, 5:30 p.m. -6:30 p.m. or 7 p.m. -8 p.m., Lincoln Park Zoo, 2200 N. Cannon Dr., Chicago, (312) 742-2000. Find out how chinstrap penguins, rockhopper penguins and other awesome South-Pole animals are suited for life in ice-cold waters. We'll practice moving and communicating like a penguin and dive into some engaging art. Join us for this "cool" party and then head out to explore ZooLights with your family!  www.lpzoo.org Saturday            3   Breakfast with Santa, all ages, 8 a.m. -10 a.m., Orland Square Mall, 288 Orland Square, Orland Park. Join Radio Disney and the Simon Kidgits Club for the kick off to the holiday season with Breakfast with Santa. Holiday crafts, festive activities, a special breakfast visit from Santa, and more!  www.simon.com/kidgits Breakfast with Santa at Treetime Christmas Creations, all ages, $18 for adults and $12 for children, 8:30 a.m. -10:30 a.m., Treetime Christmas Creations, 22N102 Pepper Rd., Lake Barrington, (847) 527-8880. Highlights include a picture with Santa in a keepsake ornament, storytelling, goodie bags, and a delicious buffet breakfast including scrambled eggs, pancakes, bacon, sausage French toast, donuts, bagels, coffee and juice. This is a one time event. Limited seating, by reservation only!  www.treetime.com Breakfast with Santa, all ages, $12 per person, 9 a.m., Aurelio's Restaurant, 310 W. Lincoln Hwy., Frankfort, (708) 390-2401. Santa and his friends are sure to bring a smile to adults and children alike. Fee includes plated breakfast, entertainment and a special gift. Children age 6 and under must accompanied by an adult. All attendees must be pre-registered through the Mokena Park District. Registration deadline is November 28th. Registration will not be accepted at the restaurant. Groups are limited to a maximum of 8. No refunds for this event. Non-residents of the Park District will pay an additional fee. Special thanks for Mokena Kiwanis Club.www.mokenapark.com Sunday                4 Santa House, all ages, free admission, Sunday 12 p.m. -6 p.m., Riverwalk at Jackson Avenue and Webster St., Naperville, (630) 848-5000. Take a magical trip to visit Santa on the Naperville Riverwalk. Admission is free. Photos can be purchased for $8 each or two for $15. Cash or checks only please.  www.napervilleparks.org Junie B. Jones - Jingle Bells, Batman Smells, all ages, $10.50-$11.50, Sunday, December 4th at 1 p.m., Governors State University's Center for Performing Arts, 1 University Parkway, University Park, (708) 235-2222. In Junie B. Jones' world, things are very clear - Christmas means you get presents, elf costumes are awesome, and her schoolmate May is a blabbermouth tattletale. Things are going so well, until Junie B. pulls May as her Secret Santa. With Santa watching her like a hawk, what will Junie B. do?  www.centertickets.net Free Holiday Movie,1 p.m., Pickwick Theatre, 5 South Prospect Ave., Park Ridge, (847) 825-5800. The holiday season is fast approaching, so mark your calendars to attend the showing of "It's a Wonderful Life". Families and individuals of all ages are invited to attend this joyous holiday event at the historic Pickwick Theater in Park Ridge. Admission is free but donations to the Park Ridge Community Fund are gratefully accepted. www.picwicktheatre.com Santa's Workshopall ages, free event, 2 p.m. -3:30 p.m., Joliet Public Library - Main Library, (815) 740-2662. Santa will read seasonal stories, and children will have the opportunity to meet him, so bring your camera! There will also be crafts and other activities for families to do together. No registration, but seating is limited.www.jolietlibrary.org

The Donnie & Marie Christmas show starts next week, but the coupon is only good through tomorrow. 

*Valid wherever tickets are sold. Not valid on premium seating. Not valid on upper balcony seating. Offer ends Friday, December 2 at 11:59pm. Subject to availability. Not valid with any other offer or on previously purchased tickets. Normal ticketing fees apply. Other restrictions may apply.

December 6-24
For Tickets,
Call 800-775-2000
Visit any Broadway In Chicago Box Office or Ticketmaster Retail Location 


24 W. Randolph, Chicago

For groups of 15+, call 312.977.1710 

For more family fun for December, visit the Family Time Magazine Calendar on our website. Sign up for our newsletter too!