Sunday picks: Help a "Velveteen Rabbit" become real
'The Velveteen Rabbit'
Mundelein's Kirk Players present an adaptation of the Margery Williams story “The Velveteen Rabbit” at Loyola's Cuneo Museum and Gardens, 1350 N. Milwaukee Ave., Vernon Hills. The story focuses on a youngster's stuffed velveteen rabbit and the bunny's quest to become a living creature. Audience participation is encouraged. Tickets are $7-$9. (847) 521-6192 or kirkplayers.org. 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 1
Choo-choo!
The Wonderland Express miniature train and Chicago-area landmark display is back for the holiday season at the Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake-Cook Road, Glencoe. $12; $10 seniors and kids ages 3-12. (847) 835-5440 or chicagobotanic.org. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily through Sunday, Jan. 5
Dance-Along Nutcracker
Anyone who loves to dance is invited to join the professionals from Ballet Chicago, who will dance to the music of Tchaikovsky's classic, “The Nutcracker,” at the annual Dance-Along Nutcracker event in Preston Bradley Hall at the Chicago Cultural Center, 78 E. Washington St., Chicago. One hour before each performance, the Art Reaching Children of Chicago Ballet group will teach some basic ballet movements and positions to participants in the center's fifth floor Washington Room. Free admission. Visit chicagoculturalcenter.org. Noon and 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 1
Storyland
Children can step into the world of seven classic children's books at the Storyland exhibit at the Kohl Children's Museum, 2100 Patriot Blvd., Glenview. Guests can pick vegetables in the garden of Mr. McGregor from Beatrix Potter's “The Tale of Peter Rabbit” or play with giant letters from “Chicka Chicka Boom Boom” by Bill Martin Jr. and John Archambault. Other books featured include “The Snowy Day” by Ezra Jack Keats, “Abuela” by Arthur Dorros and more. Admission is $8.50-$9.50. Free for children under 1. (847) 832-6600 or kohlchildrensmuseum.org. noon to 5 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 1
Holiday Sweets
Chefs of all ages are invited to learn how to make their own colorful hard candies for the holidays at the Holiday Sweets program at Kline Creek Farm, 1N600 County Farm Road, West Chicago. Participants will also get recipes to take home. Free. (630) 876-5900 or dupageforest.org. 12:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 1
Nutcracker kickoff
State Street Dance Studio performs its 10th annual production of “The Nutcracker” in a new venue this weekend at the Batavia Fine Arts Centre, 1201 Main St., Batavia. $25-$40. (630) 937-8930 or statestreetdancestudio.com. 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 1
On Air, onstage
Get into the holiday spirit while also reliving what it was like in the heyday of live radio broadcasting when Williams Street Repertory presents “It's A Wonderful Life: A Radio Play” starting this week at the Raue Center for the Arts, 26 N. Williams St., Crystal Lake. $25. (815) 356-9212 or rauecenter.org. 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 1
Holiday polka
If your family has a Slavic heritage, then they won't want to miss “Polish Carols, Song & Dance” performed by The Lira Singers, Lira Dancers & Lira Symphony on Sunday, Dec. 1, at Dominican University's Performing Arts Center Lund Auditorium, 7900 W. Division St., River Forest. $48-$58. (773) 508-7040 or liraensemble.org. 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 1
He's got talent
Taylor Williamson wowed the judges on NBC's “America's Got Talent” and came in second. See him live this weekend at The Improv Comedy Showcase, 5 Woodfield Road, Schaumburg. $22 plus a two menu-item purchase. (847) 240-2001 or improv.com. 7 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 1
A cultish Christmas
Die-hard fans of the film director behind such cult classics as “Pink Flamingos” and “Hairspray” won't want to miss “A John Waters Christmas” this Sunday at City Winery, 1200 W. Randolph St., Chicago. $65-$85. (312) 733-9463 or citywinery.com. 8 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 1
Power ballad pal
Ladies, start your swooning. Grammy Award-winning singer/songwriter Michael Bolton performs Sunday at the Arcada Theatre, 105 E. Main St., St. Charles. $69-$125. (630) 962-7000 or oshows.com. 8 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 1