Worth the drive

Less than 1 hour

Hunter-Dawson State Historic Site, New Madrid, Mo.

The Christmas tours of historic area homes continue. Staff at the 1860s-era Hunter-Dawson home in New Madrid will dress up in period costume and lead visitor on candlelight tours from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. For more information, call the park at 573-748-5340.

Cypress Creek National Wildlife Refuge, Ullin, Ill.

Bird watchers are wanted for the Cypress Creek National Wildlife Refuge Christmas bird count on Monday. This is the 15th year for the event, which compiles numbers for the National Audubon Society's official bird count.

The count starts at 6 a.m. For more information call the refuge at 618-634-2231.

Less than 2 hours

Jefferson Barracks Historic Park, St. Louis

Jefferson Barracks is bringing out is collection of military toys for Christmas.

The park will bring out model airplanes, model trains, military teddy bears and dolls and old board games, all with a military theme. The park is open from noon to 4 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday. Call 314-544-6224 for more information.

Fox Theatre, St. Louis

Most people are familiar with Dorothy's adventures in "The Wizard of Oz," but the musical "Wicked" takes a look at the good witch Glinda and The Wicked Witch of the West and how they became what they were. This is the touring version of the top-grossing show on Broadway, which sold out a 2005 run at the Fox Theatre.

"Wicked" runs at the Fox through Jan. 6. Curtain times are 8 p.m. Tuesday through Friday; 2 and 8 p.m. Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday, with some additional performances.

For more information call the Fox at 314-534-1111.