Arboretum event

“The Holiday Railroad” 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. through Jan. 4, Morton Arboretum, Visitor’s Center, Interstate 88 and Route 53, Lisle. View multi-level model garden railroad that winds through a holiday wonderland display. (630) 725-2066, www.mortonarb.org.

Museum

Gem paintings Through Jan. 4, Lizzadro Museum of Lapidary Art, 120 Cottage Hill Ave., Elmhurst. Exhibit titled “Ilya Schar Gem Paintings.”  (630) 833-1616.

Theater

Improv comedy Family Theater Series, “Xtreme Holiday MakeOver,” through Sunday, Dec. 28, New World Repertory Theater, 923 Curtiss St., Downers Grove. All ages. Created by the actors and performed with help from the audience. Show times are 7:30 p.m. Fridays; 3 and 7:30 p.m. Saturdays; and 3 p.m. Sundays. $20 adults, $15 seniors and students, $12 matinees on Saturdays and Sundays; $10 children under 12. For tickets, call (630) 663-1489.

Nature event

An 1890s Christmas tour Forest Preserve District of DuPage County, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday to Sunday, Dec. 26 to 28, Kline Creek Farm, County Farm Road, one-half mile south of North Ave., Winfield. Tour house decked in greens and holiday treats, and see the table set for company. Tours begin on the hour. Call (630) 876-5900.

Art

Foto-Work 2008 exhibit Biennial juried exhibition of photographic works by Chicago-based artists. Artwork of eight finalists on display through Jan. 10 at Orleans Street Gallery, Pheasant Run Resort, 4051 E. Main St., St. Charles. (630) 524-5048.