INDIANA

Connersville

WHITEWATER VALLEY RAILROAD

* Make plans to ride 'The Polar Express" between Nov. 20 and Dec. 20. The train will depart Connersville for a journey to the North Pole to visit Santa. Storytelling and hot chocolate included. Seating is limited and tickets are on sale.

* Board the Santa Claus Express in Connersville and pick up Santa along the way. Do some shopping as well on the weekend of Metamora's Christmas Walk. Rent the caboose for a private party! Trains depart at 10 a.m., noon and 2 p.m. A different experience from "The Polar Express."

For more information call (765) 825-2054.

Munster

THEATER AT THE CENTER: The family classic "The Christmas Schooner" runs Nov. 12 through Dec. 20. The theater is at 1040 Ridge Road. Tickets or information: (219) 836-3255 or (800) 511-1552. Web site: www.theatreatthecenter.org.

Peru

GRISSOM AIR MUSEUM STATE HISTORIC SITE: Hours are from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. Observation tower admission charge. Tickets at the door for the museum on U.S. 31 between Peru and Kokomo. Information: (765) 688-2654.

West Lafayette

PURDUE UNIVERSITY

* Purdue Convocations presents the Dave Brubeck Quartet at 8 p.m. Saturday in the Loeb Playhouse. For tickets call (765) 494-3933 or visit www.convocations.org.

* The Purdue University North Central Odyssey Arts and Cultural Events Series presents the exhibit "P.E.S.O. -- Pictures Every So Often" by Elkhart resident John Horwitz through Dec. 29. Open to the public. In the north study area of the PNC Technology Building on campus.

* Cedar Lake Contemporary Ballet performs in Loeb Playhouse at 8 p.m. Nov. 13. Tickets $19-$26. For tickets call (765) 494-3933 or visit www.convocations.org.

MICHIGAN

Adrian

CROSWELL THEATER: The play "Breakfast at Fannie's" runs Friday through Sunday Nov. 13-15 only. For tickets call (517) 264-7469 or visit www.croswell.org. The theater is at 129 E. Maumee St.

Coldwater

LITTLE RIVER RAILROAD: The Hillsdale Flyer runs at 10 a.m. Sunday on a four-hour trip. Tickets include lunch. $45 for children ages 3-11, $65 adults. Reservations required. For more information or reservations call 215-0751. The Coldwater Depot is at 29 W. Park Ave. Web site: www.littleriverrailroad.com

Dowagiac

BECKWITH THEATRE: "The World of Carl Sandberg," A reader's theater of some of the world's most romantic poetry, essays and notable quotes opens Friday. The theatre is at 100 New York Ave. For tickets call (269) 782-7653.

SOUTHWESTERN MICHIGAN COLLEGE: Enjoy an evening of instrumental favorites featuring the SMC Symphonic Band, Brass Band and Jazz Ensemble at 7:30 p.m. Friday in the Dale A. Lyons building. $7 general admission, students and senior citizens are $5. Anyone 18 years old and younger will be admitted free. For tickets call (269) 782-1280. The campus is at 58900 Cherry Grove Road.

Portage

AIR ZOO: The Air Zoo has extended its free general admission opportunity through the end of 2009. The museum is at 6151 Portage Road.

ILLINOIS

Chicago

ADLER PLANETARIUM: "Telescopes: Through the Looking Glass" features some of the world's most important telescopes and offers hands-on interactive opportunities. Located at 1300 S. Lake Shore Drive, Chicago. For more information call (312) 922-7827 or visit www.adlerplanetarium.org.

BROOKFIELD ZOO

* Bring the family for an all-you-can-eat breakfast buffet that includes a visit from Santa Claus. Seatings are at 9 and 11 a.m. Dec. 5-6, 12-13 and 19-20. Cost of $36 for adults, $24.50 for children 3-11 includes zoo admission.

* A holiday brunch will be offered at 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Dec. 6, 13 and 20. Carved meats, assorted seafood, Santa Claus and more. $47 for adults, $33 for children ages 3-11. For information and reservations call (708) 688-8000 or visit www.CZS.org.

THE FIELD MUSEUM

* The remodeled Grainger Hall of Gems has re-opened with more than 700 breathtaking objects.

* In the 3D theater follow researchers piece together the archeological and genetic clues of Egyptian mummies in the feature "Mummies: Secrets of the Pharohs."

The museum is at 1400 S. Lake Shore Drive. Call (312) 922-9410 for more information or visit www.fieldmuseum.org.

MUSEUM OF SCIENCE AND INDUSTRY

* Famous structural landmarks from around the world are recreated with LEGOs in "Art + Science = Architecture" on display through March 15.

* A 15,000-square-foot-exhibit, "You! The Experience" is a new permanent exhibit that showcases the workings of our bodies.

For more information visit msichicago.org or call (773) 684-1414. The museum is at 57th Street and Lake Shore Drive.

SHEDD MUSEUM: "Fantasea," a multi-species, multimedia aquatic show, is open at the Shedd. Purchase tickets at www.sheddaquarium.org or call Ticketmaster at (800) 982-2787.

GOODMAN THEATRE: Alan Gross' comedic drama "High Holidays" premieres Saturday and runs through Nov. 29. The theater is at 170 N. Dearborn St. Tickets are $25 to $76 at (312) 443-3800 or www.goodmantheatre.org.

WRIGHT'S ROBIE HOUSE: Enjoy cocktails and a casual tour of Frank Lloyd Wright's icon of modern architecture at 5757 S. Woodlawn from 6 to 11:30 p.m. Nov. 13 and Dec. 11. $35 admission for non-trust members. Walk-ins welcome but reservations are recommended via GoWright.org.