CHECK THE SKY | Lowell

Calumet Astronomical Society hosts free public stargazing open house from 7 to 10 p.m. Dec. 6 at the Conway Observatory, 19000 Chase St., southeast of Buckley Homestead County Park. Volunteers will guide visitors in the use of telescopes and astronomical binoculars to observe the majesty of the skies. Programs are dependent on cloud cover and weather conditions. Turn south from Ind. 2 on Hendricks St. to Belshaw Road, then turn left (east) to the first right turn, Chase St., and go one mile south. Dress for outdoor weather. Families are welcome, but must keep a watch on small children in the dark. Standard flashlights are prohibited, but create a red filter light by placing a red balloon over a standard flashlight.

FYI: Call (219) 769-PARK or visit www.casonline.org.

MADRIGAL DINNER | Illinois

Erin Stinson of Crown Point will perform in the 53rd Annual Madrigal Dinners, opening Dec. 3 at the Illinois State University Alumni Center. Illinois State University's School of Music will present the Holiday Madrigal Celebration from Dec. 3 to 13 in the ballroom of the Alumni Center on North Main Street in Normal. This year's attendees will enjoy an Italian feast along with the program. Tickets for the dinner and performance are $40 for the general public and $30 for students. This year, students can attend the performance only (no dinner) for $15, but seating is limited. Visit www.illinoisstate.edu/finearts

FYI: Reservations can be made by calling (309) 438-2535 or at Ticketmaster.com

SANTA SHOP | Crown Point

Santa Shop and Vendor Fair will be held from 9 a.m. to noon Dec. 6 at Lake Street Elementary School, 475 Lake St. Shop more than 20 vendors, visit with Santa and enjoy a continental breakfast. Admission is free.

FYI: Call Mary Targett at (219) 310-8090.

CHOIR CONCERT | Lowell

Lowell High School Choir Department will present its annual holiday concert, "Home for the Holidays," at 2 p.m. Dec. 7 in the Lowell High School auditorium, 2051 E. Commercial Ave. A variety of holiday music will be presented, with the finale a combined choir patriotic salute to the men and women in uniform who have served or are currently serving in the U.S. Armed Forces. Tickets are $5 for reserved seating and can be purchased by phone or at the door.

FYI: Call (219) 696-7733, ext.3178.

BOOK TALK | Wheatfield

Youths in kindergarten and first grade can meet to discuss the book "The All I Ever Want Christmas Doll" by Pat McKissack from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. Dec. 9 at the Wheatfield Library, 350 S. Bierma St. This story of a beautiful baby doll that 7-year-old Nella wants to keep all to herself brings children in touch with the important things in life at holiday time. Visit or call the library to reserve a copy.

FYI: Call (219) 956-3774 or visit www.myjcpl.org to register.