Parades, carolers, tree lightings, artisan markets, visits with Santa, and other happenings capture the spirit of the holiday season. This list will carry your sleigh to some fun and family-friendly activities.
Ongoing Events
Through December 17
Holiday Gift Drive
Levis Commons
3201 Levis Commons Blvd., Perrysburg
419-931-8888
Give the best gift ever by donating a new, unwrapped toy, gift card or other donation to the Lucas County Children Services Holiday Gift Drive!
Through December 24
Photos with Santa
The Shops at Fallen Timbers
3100 Main St., Suite 1599, Maumee
419-878-6255
www.theshopsatfallentimbers.com
Flash your pearly whites next to Santa and capture the moment while you tell him what’s on your list!
Through December 24
Letters to Santa
Levis Commons
3201 Levis Commons Blvd., Perrysburg
419-931-8888
If you miss Santa while he’s visiting, drop off your wish list in the nearby mailbox and receive a response from Saint Nicholas! Favorites will be posted online every week.
Through December 24
Visits with Santa
December 1-14: Fridays 4-8pm, Saturdays Noon-8pm, Sundays 1-6pm; December 15-20: Daily Noon-8pm; December 21: 1-6pm; December 22: Noon-8pm; December 23: Noon-8pm
Levis Commons
3201 Levis Commons Blvd., Perrysburg
419-931-8888
Bring your camera and snap photos while you visit with Santa in his festive
house on the boulevard!
Through December 27
Horse-drawn Carriage Rides
Levis Commons
3201 Levis Commons Blvd., Perrysburg
419-931-8888
Take in the beautifully decorated boulevard on a horse-drawn carriage ride. $5/person or $10/family.
Events
December 1-January 4
Lights Before Christmas
Sunday–Thursday 3-8pm,
Friday and Saturday 3-9pm
Toledo Zoo
2 Hippo Way, Toledo
419-385-4040, www.toledozoo.org
Come enjoy the frolicking light show and promenading carolers, meet Santa until he leaves for the North Pole on December 24, and rejoice in the glow of the Big Tree. Cooler climate animals will also be out on display for little elves to enjoy! $11/ages 12-59, $8/seniors 60+ and children 2-11, Free/kids under 2.
Tuesday, December 2
Community Holiday Celebrations
6:30-8pm
Point Place Branch of the Toledo Public Library
2727 117th St., Toledo
419-259-5390, www.toledolibrary.org
Enjoy local musical talent, refreshments and merriment at this fun and free family event! Bring your holiday cheer and mingle and jingle with your family and community! Free
December 2–January 4
Frostology
Imagination Station
Tuesday–Saturday 10am-5pm,
Sunday Noon-5pm
1 Discovery Way, Toledo
419-244-2674
www.imaginationstationtoledo.org
Come and take part in the slippery science of snow, as Santa’s little elves create works and crafts from paper holiday-themed activities. The chilly theme will continue through the month of December during regular business hours. Regular admission rates apply.
Thursday, December 4
Cookies and Cocoa with Claus
6-8pm
Imagination Station
1 Discovery Way, Toledo
419-244-2674
www.imaginationstationtoledo.org
Imagination Station members are invited to a pajama dance party with Santa! The jolly night will fuse holiday cookies and cocoa and frosty cool science. Reservations required, members only.
December 5-December 7
A Christmas Carol
The Valentine Theatre
410 Adams St., Toledo
419-242-3490
This is a holiday favorite featuring a tale of redemption that embodies the true meaning of Christmas. Expect to see lavish costumes, spectacular sets and a musical score rich with carols of the era put on by the Toledo Repertoire Theatre. $27/adults, $22/seniors, $17/children 13 and under.
December 5-7
Heralding the Holidays
5-9pm. Toledo Botanical Garden,
5403 Elmer Dr.
419-536-5566
Unique holiday gifts are for sale in the conference center, Artists Village and Seasons Gift Shop. Everyone can visit with Santa Claus and on Friday night, enjoy a free horse-drawn wagon ride.
December 5, 6, 12 and 13
Holiday Lantern Tour
4–8:30pm
Sauder Village
22611 St. Rte 2, Archbold
1-800-590-9755,
Historic Sauder Village gives guests a turn of the century tour by lantern light as a costumed guide takes small groups on a pilgrimage to the early 1900’s. Guests will experience the holiday customs of that time, join in a hymn in the church and receive a small gift respective to the early century theme. Preregistration and prepayment is required. Nonmembers: $12/adult, $7/children 3-16. Members: $10/adult, $6/children 3-16.
Saturday, December 6
Festivities in the Farmhouse
10am
Wildwood Preserve
5100 W. Central Ave., Toledo
419-407-9700
The farmhouse at the East entrance of the Wildwood Preserve hosts a warm but wintry fellowship for the merry community. Holiday activities featured include many unique crafts for kids. Volunteers from Read for Literacy will be reading holiday stories to the kids and Santa may even make an entrance! Apple cider and snacks provided. Free
Saturday, December 6
International Tea & Gingerbread Party
11:30am-1pm & 1:30pm-3:30pm
Hilton Garden Inn at Levis Commons
3201 Levis Commons Blvd., Perrysburg
419-878-8548
Watch your children’s faces light up as they decorate a gingerbread house that’s theirs to take home! You’re invited to ISOH/Impact’s annual International Tea Party at the Hilton Garden Inn. Enjoy delicious food, desserts, savory soup and steaming cups of fragrant teas. Tea & Gingerbread House Package- $45/each (includes one adult tea, one child’s tea and one gingerbread house), $25/individual adult, $25/individual child.
December 6–December 14
Holidays in the Manor House/Holiday Café and Craft Show
10am
Wildwood Preserve
5100 W. Central Ave., Toledo
419-407-9700
Stroll through the historic Manor House and let the beautiful holiday decorations whisk you away through history. After the tour, visit the craft show and café in Metroparks Hall. Warm up with coffee, hot chocolate, cookies and popcorn. Handmade gifts are for sale from local craftsmen. Free
Saturday, December 6
Jingle Bell Run 5K
9am
The Shops at Fallen Timbers
3100 Main St., Maumee
419-878-6255,
www.jinglebellrunmaumee.kintera.org
Be a part of the largest holiday 5K race series aimed to fight arthritis! Jingle Bell Run/Walk for Arthritis is a fun and festive way to kick off your holidays by helping others and has been voted one of the Most Incredible Themed Races! Whether running or walking, all are encouraged to wear holiday themed attire – some even tie jingle bells to their shoelaces! $30/adults, $10/children.
Saturday, December 6
Southview Band’s Santa Break and Holiday Extravaganza
9am-2pm
Southview High School
7225 W. Sylvania Ave., Sylvania
419-824-8580
Kids can color holiday crafts, have their faces painted and take pictures with Santa and his elves. The vendor fair on site will feature Pampered Chef, Usborne and Close to My Heart products. Breakfast and lunch will be available for purchase. Take part in the silent auction and get into the holiday spirit as the Southview Jazz Band performs holiday tunes throughout the day.
Sunday, December 7
Toledo Symphony Orchestra: Handel’s Messiah
2-4pm
Toledo Museum of Art Peristyle
2445 Monroe St., Toledo
419-255-8000
Don’t miss this family outing, as the Toledo Symphony, Toledo Choral Society and BGSU choruses present Handel’s iconic masterpiece Messiah. It’s the Messiah of the season! $35/adults, $17.50/students & children.
December 8, 16 and 17
Let it Snow Magic Show with Andrew Martin Locke
Maumee and South Toledo Public Library Branches
419-259-5200
It’s sure to be a spirited holiday show of wonders with everyone’s favorite magician, Andrew Martin. December 8, 7-8pm at the Maumee Auditorium, December 16, 6-7pm at the Locke Meeting Room and December 17, 4-5pm at the South Meeting Room. Free
Tuesday, December 9
20th Annual Walking in a Winter Wonderland
6:30-8pm
Toledo Heights Branch of
Toledo Public Library
423 Shasta Dr., Toledo
419-259-5220
Start the evening off with a craft at the library and then walk to the Highland Park Shelter House for songs, cookies and hot chocolate. This event is cosponsored by the Toledo Heights Friends of the Library and the City of Toledo. Free
December 11-14 and December 18-21
Winter Wonderland
6-8pm
Sandusky County Fairgrounds
901 Rawson Ave., Fremont
419-332-5604
The Sandusky County Fairgrounds are magically turned into a winter wonderland featuring crafts for kids, refreshments, visits with Santa, carriage rides, horse rides, craft shows, vendors, carolers and more. Cost is $1 or a donation of a nonperishable food item.
December 12, 13, 19, 20
Carriage Rides
The Shops at Fallen Timbers
3100 Main St., Suite 1599, Maumee
419-878-6255
www.theshopsatfallentimbers.com
Experience holiday magic on a complimentary carriage ride through Fallen Timbers!
December 12, 13, 19, 20
Strolling Carolers
The Shops at Fallen Timbers
3100 Main St., Suite 1599, Maumee
419-878-6255
www.theshopsatfallentimbers.com
Listen to beautiful holiday tunes by “The Christmas Carol” performers as you walk around and shop.
December 12 –December 27
Children’s Wonderland
11am-8pm
Tam-O-Shanter
7060 Sylvania Ave., Sylvania
419-885-1167
Come enjoy the merriment at this festive wonderland specially designed for kids! Enjoy the toy store, bakery, train rides, kids interactive zone, pictures with Santa and more! $6/adults, $3/children and seniors, additional $5/Kid Zone and $9/Santa’s Workshop (December 13 and 20, 9:30 am).
Saturday, December 13
Holiday Crafternoon
3-4pm
Sanger Branch of the Toledo Public Library
3030 W. Central Ave., Toledo
419-259-5370, www.toledolibrary.org
Create and take home a holiday ornament, festive card or anything else you can create during this hour-long crafting program. Bring your jolly family and have a great holiday-themed afternoon! Free
Saturday, December 13
Indoor Family Movie Night
8-10pm
Downtown Perrysburg Commodore School Building/Beck Auditorium
Louisiana Ave. at Indiana Ave.,
Perrysburg, 419-872-6246
Warm up inside with a family friendly holiday movie! Enjoy festive pre-movie entertainment with free popcorn and refreshments. Free
Saturday, December 13
Santa Claus is Coming to the Library
2-3pm
Holland Branch of the Toledo Public Library
1032 S. McCord Rd., Holland
419-259-5240, www.toledolibrary.org
Visit the head elf, Santa! Join in the fun as Santa and the librarians share stories, treats and a craft. Registration is required. Free
Saturday, December 13
Wonderfully Different Christmas Traditions
11am
Wildwood Preserve
5100 W. Central Ave., Toledo
419-407-9700
Come in and keep warm out of the blustery weather! The original 1893 one-room schoolhouse is delightfully decorated for holiday visitors. During this open house, enjoy refreshments and learn about the jolly Christmas traditions from all over the world. String some popcorn for the tree at Oak Grove School and make a Victorian ornament to hang on your own tree. Registration is required. Free
Sunday, December 14
Hanukkah Palooza 2014
4-6pm
Congregation Temple Shomer Emunim,
6453 Sylvania Ave. 419-724-0368
Celebrate the Festival of Lights with a Hanukkah rock concert, a special themed dinner and holiday activities. $15/family before December 5, $20/family after December 5 and at door.
Saturday, December 13 & Sunday, December 14
The Nutcracker
Saturday 2&7pm, Sunday 2pm
Stranahan Theater
4645 Heatherdowns Blvd., Toledo
419-381-8851
Take your family to see the longest running annual performance of The Nutcracker in the country. Toledo Ballet’s Nutcracker is in its 74th annual production, and they push closer to perfection each year. Be part of this holiday extravaganza, accompanied by The Toledo Symphony Orchestra, and includes the hilarious celebrity, Mother Gingers. $24-$54.
Sunday, December 14
Holiday Open House
1-4pm
Fort Meigs
29100 W. River Rd., Perrysburg
419-874-4121
The Visitor Center of Fort Meigs hosts War of 1812 soldiers and civilians who will provide demonstrations and answer questions about the War of 1812 and camp life. Enjoy hands-on activities, holiday music and refreshments. Get some holiday shopping done in the museum store with historical and unique holiday gifts! $5/adults, $4/seniors, $3/students, free/5 + under.
Sunday, December 14
Winter Festival of Crafts
10am-4pm
Franciscan Center at Lourdes University
6832 Convent Blvd., Sylvania
419-841-1593,
www.lourdes.edu/home/aboutlourdes/franciscancenter.aspx
See their beautiful setting for their last show of the year where you can pick up last minute holiday gifts and decorations that will make the holidays brighter! Crafts are made by local artists.
Monday, December 15
Winter Celebrations
5-7:30pm
Washington Branch of the Toledo Public Library
5560 Harvest Lane, Toledo
419-259-5330 www.toledolibrary.org
Celebrate the holidays family-style with cookie decorating, crafts, refreshments and fun. This family event is guaranteed to bring excitement. All ages are welcome. Free
Friday, December 26
Sleigh Rides
1-4pm
Rutherford B Hayes Presidential Center
1 Spiegel Grove, Fremont
419-332-2081, www.rbhayes.org
Culminate your holiday season with a relaxing ride through wintry snow at the historic Rutherford B Hayes Presidential Center. $3/rider.
December 27–January 4
Toledo Walleye Winterfest
Fifth Third Field /Huntington Center
406 Washington St., Toledo
419-725-9255, www.toledowalleye.com
Downtown Toledo and Fifth Third Field transform into a winter wonderland for Toledo’s very first outdoor professional hockey game at the Mud Hens Ballpark. Promedica Toledo Hospital will also present family-friendly activities for fans of all ages. Game schedules are posted on the website.
Wednesday, December 31
Noon Year’s Eve
11:15am-12:15pm
Point Place Branch of the Toledo Public Library
2727 117th St., Toledo
419-259-5390, www.toledolibrary.org
Let little ones experience the joys of a New Year’s celebration without having to stay up late! Enjoy treats, refreshments and the traditional New Year’s countdown 12 hours early! Registration is required. Free
Wednesday, December 31
Noon Year’s Eve
Noon
Toledo Zoo
2 Hippo Way, Toledo
419-385-4040,
Raise a toast to the New Year and sing a round of Auld Lang Syne all at the stroke of noon! Perfect for the younger crowd eager to make it to midnight! Enjoy all the celebrations of the evening in the middle of the day! Normal admission rates for the zoo apply.
