Sunday picks: A quieter start to the new year
‘History of Toy Trains V'
The Highland Park Historical Society, 326 Central Ave., Highland Park, hosts the fifth installment of its History of Toy Trains exhibit. The exhibit showcases American Flyer and Lionel Standard Gauge trains, built between 1910 and 1935. See more than 100 standard gauge trains, passenger cars, freight cars, buildings and accessories. Youngsters can take part in interactive activities and push buttons and activate operational cars. $5 per person (family passes are $12). (847) 432-7090 or highlandparkhistory.com. 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 1
Winter Wonderland
The Cuneo Museum and Gardens in Vernon Hills hosts its annual “Winter Wonderland Holiday Light Show.” Drive through 97 acres of holiday scenic lights at the gardens, 1350 N. Milwaukee Ave., Vernon Hills. $10 per car. Visit vernonhills.org or cuneomansion.org. 6 to 10 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 1
Zoo Year's Eve 2012
Brookfield Zoo, at First Avenue and 31st Street, Brookfield, welcomes 2012 a bit early with its “Zoo Year's Eve 2012” celebration. Guests can take part in arts and crafts, “Play Zoo” parades, music, games and projects. An early countdown to the new year begins at 8 p.m. in the Holly Jolly Theater and Hamill Family Play Zoo. General zoo admission is $9.50-$13.50. Children ages 2 and younger admitted free. Parking is $9 for cars; $12 for buses. (708) 688-8000 or czs.org. 6 to 8 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 1
‘Irving Berlin's White Christmas'
See “Irving Berlin's White Christmas,” a stage musical adaptation of the classic 1954 Bing Crosby film with songs from Irving Berlin, at the Marriott Theatre, 10 Marriott Drive, Lincolnshire. $40-$48 (tax and handling fees extra). Dinner packages available. (847) 634-0200 or marriotttheatre.com. 1 and 5 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 1
Prince tribute
Hear the hits of legendary performer Prince as “Tributosaurus becomes Prince” for an evening of classic rock at FitzGerald's, 6615 Roosevelt Road, Berwyn. $40. (708) 788-2118 or fitzgeraldsnightclub.com. 8 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 1