Best bets: Wonderland Express departs Chicago Botanic, DeRay Davis returns to Schaumburg's Improv
Top pick
Trains departing
This is the final weekend this season to experience the Wonderland Express. See miniature trains zip by models of Chicago-area landmarks through Sunday at the Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake-Cook Road, Glencoe. $13; $10 kids 3-12 and seniors older than 62. $25-$30 parking. (847) 835-6801 or chicagobotanic.org. 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday through Sunday, Jan. 4-6
Be a bidder
Custom car fans won't want to miss the Midwest Motorsports Racers' Auction this weekend. Thousands of high-performance parts will be available for sale or auction at the Lake County Fairgrounds, 1060 E. Peterson Road, Grayslake. $12 for both days; free for kids 11 and younger. (847) 680-7200 or lcfair.com or midwestracersauction.com. 2:30 to 11 p.m. Friday, Jan. 4, and 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 5
Chicago's own
Cheer on actor and comedian DeRay Davis, a native of Chicago's South Side, when he performs a series of standup shows at the Improv Comedy Showcase, 5 Woodfield Road, Schaumburg. $38-$49 plus a two-item purchase. (847) 240-2001 or chicago.improv.com. 7:30 and 9:45 p.m. Friday, Jan. 4; 7 and 9:15 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 5; and 7 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 6
Fitness fun
Get moving with a Zumba and WERQ party as part of the “New Year, New You Dance-a-thon” at the Dunbar Recreation Center, 888 Dunbar Road, Mundelein. $15-$20 (festive fitness attire encouraged). (847) 566-0650 or mundeleinparks.org. 9:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 5
Lotta locomotion
Model train enthusiasts, merchants and more gather for the return of the World's Greatest Hobby on Tour this weekend at the Renaissance Schaumburg Convention Center and Hotel, 1551 Thoreau Drive, Schaumburg. $12.95-$14.95 one-day admission; $16.95 two-day admission. Free for kids 15 and younger. (847) 303-4100 or wghshow.com. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 5, and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 6
Indian classics
See experts and students of Indian classical dance perform as part of Gauri Jog's “Stri Shakti Dance Drama” at the Prairie Center for the Arts, 201 Schaumburg Court, Schaumburg. $15. (847) 895-3600, prairiecenter.org or gaurijog.com. 1 and 5 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 5
Groove along
Hear songs like “September,” “Boogie Wonderland” and more when “Shining Star: A Tribute to Earth, Wind & Fire” returns for another concert gig at the Metropolis Performing Arts Centre, 111 W. Campbell St., Arlington Heights. $30-$35. (847) 577-2121 or metropolisarts.com. 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 5
Oaklee's Guide Family Pick
<b>Big books</b>
Time is running out to catch the touring exhibit “Storyland: A Trip Through the Classic Favorites.” Experience oversize exhibits tied to children's books like “The Tale of Peter Rabbit,” “The Snowy Day” and more through Sunday, Jan. 13, at the Kohl Children's Museum, 2100 Patriot Blvd., Glenview. $13; $12 seniors. (847) 832-6600 or kohlchildrensmuseum.org. 9:30 a.m. to noon Monday; 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday; and noon to 5 p.m. Sunday; through Jan. 13