The following events and programs are offered by the Munster Parks and Recreation Department. For information on any of the offerings call (219) 836-PARK.

Nov. 29

FRANKENMUTH'S BAVARIAN INN LODGE | Munster

Registration ends Nov. 29 for a Yuletide getaway to the Bavarian hamlet of Frankenmuth, Mich., from Dec. 1 to 3. See the "Festival of Trees" at Meijer Gardens and enjoy lunch. Dinner is at the Black Forest Brewery.  The next day enjoy a German breakfast, a narrated tour, a visit to St. Lorenz Church, shopping, a Christmas lunch and show and a stop at Bronner's Christmas Wonderland. On the final day, eat another German breakfast and then visit Holland and have a farewell luncheon at the Alpenrose Restaurant. The fee is single occupancy, $719; double occupany, $599 and triple occupancy, $579. Register at Munster Town Hall, 1005 Ridge Road.

Dec. 1

LAWRY'S AND CHICAGO CHRISTMAS LIGHTS | Munster

Registration ends Dec. 1 to see Chicago's Christmas lights, visit the Christkindlmarket at Daley Plaza and see the magic of the holidays at Navy Pier on Dec. 5. First enjoy late lunch/early dinner at Lawry's Prime Rib, a Chicago legend. Later enjoy a narrated guided tour of the Christmas lights and the Magnificent Mile's Lights Festival along Michigan Avenue. This trip is from 1:00 to 7:00 p.m. and has motorcoach transportation. Fees are  $79 for residents and $84 for nonresidents and $77 for Keen-Ager members. Register at Munster Town Hall,1005 Ridge Road.

Dec. 5 and 6

ARTS AND CRAFTS FAIR | Munster

Visit more than 115 juried arts and crafts booths at the annual holiday arts and craft fair from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dec. 5 and 6 at the Munster High School, 8808 Columbia Ave. Fine art, ornaments, wreaths, jewelry, soaps and lotions, woodwork, clothing, yard art, pet and doll clothes, lace tablecloths, tree skirts, gourds, ceramics and much more will be available for sale. Admission is free and concessions are available. 

Dec. 11

NYC AT THE WALDORF | Munster                                                      

Registration ends Dec. 11 for a trip to New York City filled with shopping, sightseeing, entertainment and a single hotel stay at the elegant, luxurious and historic Waldorf Astoria Hotel. The trip from Feb. 25 to March 1 includes a tour of the "Big Apple," with such sights as Ground Zero, a three-course lunch at Tavern on the Green in Central Park and an afternoon at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Have breakfast at a NYC restaurant, take a voyage to Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty, have dinner and enjoy a Broadway show. You'll have one day to explore on your own and then enjoy a farewell dinner. The fee is single occupancy, $2,949; double occupancy, $1,999; and triple occupancy, $1,969. Register at Munster Town Hall,1005 Ridge Road.

Jan. 1

SWITZERLAND, AUSTRIA & BAVARIA | Munster

The Munster parks department is organizing a trip to Switzerland, Austria and Bavaria. Registration deadline is Jan. 1 for the trip from Sept. 20 to 29. Highlights include:  Engelberg, Bern, Bear Pit, shopping in Lucerne, Innsbruck, Austrian Alps, Salzburg, Mirabell Gardens, St. Peter's Restaurant, Bavaria, Oberammergau for its Passion Play.  There will be multiple night stays in three cities, airfare, taxes, surcharges, home pickup and several meals. A detailed trip brochure is available at the park office, 1005 Ridge Road. Fee is $5,149 for double occupancy. Deposit of $500 is required. Register at Munster Town Hall, 1005 Ridge Road.

ONGOING

HOLIDAY GIFT IDEAS | Munster

The Munster parks department has several trips, events and programs that could make great gift ideas. For adults 50 and older, Keen-Ager memberships are $12 for residents/$17 for nonresidents. For families, the 2010 season pool pass and for the golf enthusiast, the 2010 season pass. For the traveler, there are several trips planned to enjoy. On Nov. 19, a trip to the Field Museum to learn the nature of diamonds; on Nov. 26, Four Winds Casino; on Feb. 23, the Antique Center and/or Gurnee Mills mall; on March 2, tea at The Drake Hotel; on March 9, the flower and garden show; on March 24, "Late Nite Catechism," lunch and theater. There are also multiday trips to Copper Canyon, London and Paris, Hawaii, Croatia, Washington, D.C., the Southwest by train, Bermuda (rail and sail), Ireland and much more. For the person who has everything, Golden Opportunities coupon books are $25 and entertainment coupon books are $20.