5 events for $5 (or less): Lego Train Show returns to Wheaton's Cantigny Park
Winter art
Water Street Studios, the Artisan Collective Batavia and Batavia Mainstreet team up for the Winterfest Art Market featuring artisan and fine art. The sales begin this weekend at Water Street Studios and Artisan Collective Batavia, 160 S. Water St., Batavia. Free admission. (630) 761-9977 or waterstreetstudios.org. Opening reception: 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, Dec. 13; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 14; and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 15
Blocky worlds
The Northern Illinois Lego Train Club returns with its 17th Annual Lego Train Show this weekend at the Cantigny Park Visitors Center, 1S151 Winfield Road, Wheaton. Free, but parking is $5 or free with the donation of a new and unwrapped toy for the Marine Toys for Tots. (630) 668-5161 or cantigny.org. 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 14, and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 15
Hand made
Nearly 300 artisans selling handcrafted items are featured at the Festival of Arts & Craft Shows this weekend at the Pheasant Run Resort Mega Center, 4051 E. Main St., St. Charles. $5. (847) 301-8543 or stepbysteppromotions.com. 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 14, and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 15
Chilly fun
Hoffman Estates Parks presents a Winter Fest with crafts, snow painting, sleigh rides and more at Bridges of Poplar Creek Country Club, 1400 Poplar Creek Drive, Hoffman Estates. Free admission. (847) 884-0219 or heparks.org/event/winterfest. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 14
Enduring light
Congregation Beth Judea of Long Grove invites families to take part in Hanukkah Happenings with performances celebrating the Jewish holiday at Hawthorn Mall, 122 Hawthorn Center, Vernon Hills. Free admission. (847) 634-0777 or shophawthornmall.com/events. 10 to 11:30 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 15