Best bets: Wonderland Express pulls into the Chicago Botanic Garden
Holiday trains
Marvel at festive displays of miniature trains and Chicago-area landmarks when the Wonderland Express returns to the Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake-Cook Road, Glencoe. $13; $10 seniors and kids 3-12. $20-$25 parking per vehicle. (847) 835-5440 or chicagobotanic.org. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday, Nov. 23, through Friday, Dec. 21; 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 22, through Saturday, Jan. 6
Winter amusements
Six Flags Great America experiments with a winter season run with its new Holiday in the Park promotion. It starts this weekend at Six Flags Great America, 1 Great America Parkway, Gurnee. $77.99; $57.99 for those under 48 inches tall. (847) 249-1776 or sixflags.com/greatamerica. Select times and dates between Friday, Nov. 23, and Monday, Dec. 31
Jersey guy
New Jersey native and comedian Dov Davidoff ("Crashing," "Chelsea Lately") returns to the Chicago area for a weekend run of standup shows at the Improv Comedy Showcase, 5 Woodfield Road, Schaumburg. $22 plus a two-item purchase. (847) 240-2001 or chicago.improv.com. 8 and 10:15 p.m. Friday, Nov. 23; 7 and 9:15 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 24; and 7 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 25
Heavenly voices
The world-famous Vienna Boys Choir returns to sing a special "Christmas in Vienna" concert Saturday at Symphony Center, 220 S. Michigan Ave., Chicago. $25-$85. (312) 294-3000 or cso.org. 2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 24
Sweet dreams
Students and families from local dance studios share the stage alongside professional dancers in "The Fox Valley Nutcracker." Fox Valley Ballet presents Tchaikovsky's Christmas classic this weekend at the Batavia Fine Arts Centre, 1201 Main St., Batavia. $29-$42; $24-$36 kids; $45-$47 VIP tickets. (630) 937-8930 or foxvalleynutcracker.com or bataviafineartscentre.org. 2 and 7 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 24, and 2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 25
Popular porcine
Parents and kids who are die-hard fans of the British animated series "Peppa Pig" won't want to miss the touring "Peppa Pig Live! Peppa Pig's Big Splash!" playing on Saturday at the Rosemont Theatre, 5400 N. River Road, Rosemont. $25.50-$135.50; $15-$25 parking. (800) 745-3000 or rosemonttheatre.com. 3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 24
All aglow
Load up your family in the car to drive by the luminary displays of Mooseheart's 9th Annual Holiday Lights Show starting this weekend at Mooseheart Child City & School Inc., 255 W. James J. Davis Drive, Mooseheart. $10 per vehicle; proceeds benefit charity. (630) 906-3646 or mooseheart.org. 5 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 24, through Monday, Dec. 31
Classic rockers
Jam along with The Buckinghams, The Ides of March, The New Colony Six, The Cryan' Shames and The Shadows Of Knight when the touring "Cornerstones of Rock" show returns to the Arcada Theatre, 105 E. Main St., St. Charles. $69-$89. (630) 962-7000 or arcadalive.com. 8 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 24