The University of Toledo’s Ritter Planetarium is serving up some holiday programs.

As the solstice approaches, learn how the stars relate to celebrations that became the basis of holiday festivities. “Holiday Lights” is a program designed to trace the origins of calendar and holiday celebrations. This program will take place Fridays, Nov. 23 to Dec. 21, at 7:30 p.m. 

Ever wonder if Santa Claus had a hard time finding his way back to the North Pole? Well, he did once, and he used the stars to find his way home. Learn how at “Santa’s Secret Star,” which runs Saturdays, Nov. 24 to Dec. 22, 2007, at 1 p.m.

After each evening program, observing will be offered in the Brooks Observatory, weather permitting. Observing with Ritter Planetarium’s 1-meter telescope will be offered Friday, Dec. 7. 

These programs are $5 for adults, $4 for children and seniors, and free for children 2 and younger. 

Also, a special program, “How to Buy a Telescope,” will be offered Saturday, Dec. 1, at 7 p.m. in McMaster Hall Room 1005 on Main Campus. This program will cover how a telescope works, how to choose the right telescope for specific needs, and what accessories are needed. 

Admission for the event is $10 for adults and $5 for children. Observing in the Brooks Observatory will follow the program, weather permitting. 

For more information about the programs, call 419.530.2650 or visit www.robo.utoledo.edu.