Sunday picks: See Chicago ... only smaller
Miniature marvels
The Wonderland Express exhibit runs for another holiday season full of miniature trains and models of famous Chicago-area landmarks starting this weekend at the Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake-Cook Road, Glencoe. $12; $10 seniors and kids ages 3 to 12; $25-$30 car or van parking. (847) 835-5440 or chicagobotanic.org. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. through Sunday, Jan. 4 (closed Dec. 25; 3 p.m. closing Dec. 4, 6 and 24; 1 p.m. closing Dec. 12)
Festival of Lights
See more than 20,000 twinkling holiday lights and light displays as the Cosley Zoo, at 1356 N Gary Ave., Wheaton, hosts its annual Festival of Lights. Other highlights include holiday trees for purchase, hot chocolate, holiday gifts and more. Admission is free; donations welcome. All proceeds support the zoo. Visit cosleyzoo.org. Daily hours are 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Lights turned on at 3 p.m. Runs through Dec. 30. Cosley Zoo is closed on Thursday, Dec. 25, and Thursday, Jan. 1. Zoo is open 9 a.m. to noon Wednesday, Dec. 24, and Wednesday, Dec. 31
Do-re-mi
Warm up your vocal chords and sing along to a musical classic at the annual “Sing-Along Sound of Music” event at the Music Box Theatre, 3733 N. Southport Ave., Chicago. Lyrics for the film's songs will be shown on the screen, so all can follow along. Guests are invited to wear costumes for a preshow “Sound of Music” costume contest. All audience members receive an interactive prop pack for use during screening. $8-$12.50. Visit musicboxtheatre.com. 11:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 30
Amelia's world
Actress and historian Leslie Goddard portrays aviator Amelia Earhart in a Sundays on Stage program at the Batavia Public Library, 10 S. Batavia Ave., Batavia. Goddard will look at Earhart's life, her accomplishments in aviation and more. Free. Reservations are required. Call (630) 879-1393, ext. 200, or visit bataviapubliclibrary.org. 2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 30
Sugar plummy
State Street Dance Studio returns with its annual production of the classic Tchaikovsky Christmas ballet “The Nutcracker” this weekend at the Batavia Fine Arts Centre, 1201 Main St., Batavia. $25-$35; $20-$30 kids ages 10 and under. $40 VIP seating. (630) 937-8930 or bataviafineartscentre.org. 2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 30
'A Christmas Carol'
The College of DuPage's theater department presents an adaptation of the classic Charles Dickens tale “A Christmas Carol” at the college's McAninch Arts Center, 425 Fawell Blvd., Glen Ellyn. Forty-nine actors from Chicago-area communities will bring the holiday story to life. Audience members are invited to bring nonperishable food items to support the People's Resource Center food pantry of DuPage County. Tickets $12-$15. (630) 942-4000 or visit atthemac.org. 3 and 7 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 30
Louie's life!
Comedian Louie Anderson, famed for his animated series “Life with Louie” and a past stint hosting “Family Feud,” returns to the Chicago area for an engagement this weekend at the Improv Comedy Showcase at Woodfield Mall, 5 Woodfield Road, Schaumburg. $22 plus a two menu-item purchase. (847) 240-2001 or improv.com. 4 and 7 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 30
Small Potatoes
The Chicago-based folk duo of Jacquie Manning and Rich Prezioso, known as Small Potatoes, performs in a Lake County Folk Club-sponsored concert at the In-Laws Restaurant, 720 Milwaukee Ave., Gurnee. $10-$12; $5 for teens (suggested donation). Call (847) 602-8882 for reservations. Visit thelakecountyfolkclub.org. 7 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 30