Lights Before Christmas
Sunday-Thursday, 3-8pm
Friday-Saturday, 3-9pm
Toledo Zoo
2 Hippo Way
419-385-4040 | toledozoo.org
The famous Toledo Zoo’s Lights Before Christmas is an award-winning light display that is known throughout the country. Enjoy lights skillfully strewn all over the zoo, holiday snacks, dancing trees, visits with Santa, and, of course, the zoo animals. Non-member prices are $19 for adults and $16 for children. Members get unlimited weekday visits and one free weekend visit. Through December 31.
Nite Lites
Sunday-Thursday, 5:30-9pm
Friday-Saturday, 5:30-10pm
Michigan International Speedway
12626 U.S. 12, Brooklyn, MI
517-937-6426 | nitelitesshow.com
Stay nice and toasty in your warm car while driving through the amazing Christmas light show at the Michigan International Speedway. On select days, enjoy the Winter Wonderland, visits from Santa and live reindeer. Cost for a single car is $25. Through December 31.
North Pole Express
Friday-Saturday, 5:30-9:30pm
Sunday, 5:30-8:30pm
Northwest Ohio Railroad Preservation
12505 County Road 99 Findlay
419-423-2995 | Nworrp.org
The Polar Express comes to life with the chance to ride the North Pole Express. The train ride takes riders through the beautiful winter scenery and is sure to put everyone in the holiday spirit. $4 for adults and $3 for children. Through January 5, 2020.
Hensville Lights
5pm-12am
St. Clair St. between Washington/Monroe
in downtown Toledo
hensvilletoledo.com
A trip to downtown Toledo will light up your day with 200,000 lights along St. Clair St. and a dancing light show in Hensville Park. See the beautifully decorated Hensville Park Christmas tree, a great background for pictures. Through January 5, 2020.
Children’s Wonderland
11am-8pm, December 6-23
11am-2pm, December 24
Tam-O-Shanter
7060 Sylvania Ave., Sylvania
419-882-1500 | playsylvania.com/childrens-wonderland
A tradition for many years in the Toledo area, Children’s Wonderland brings generations together with its beautiful holiday displays. Wander through the holiday exhibits, ride a child-sized train and snap a picture with Santa. Visit the website for times of special daily performances and attractions.
Don’t miss these events…
Miracle on Main Street
December 6-7
Downtown Sylvania
419-885-8381 | downtownsylvania.org/miracle-on-main-street
A weekend of holiday fun is scheduled in downtown Sylvania, including a holiday market of handmade and local crafts, a silent auction, the Elfin’ Brew Hop, a tree lighting ceremony, and a Saturday night holiday parade. Kids 2+ $6, adults $8, seniors $6.
Holiday Lantern Tour
December 6-7, 4-8:30pm
Sauder Village
22611 St. Route 2, Archbold
1-800-590-9755 | saudervillage.org
Bring a little history into the holidays with a trip to Sauder Village. Learn about American Christmas Holiday Traditions throughout history starting with the Witmer-Roth Home from the 1850s. The tour also includes crafts, cookies, and carols. Holiday Lantern Tours occur every half hour and last about an hour and 45 minutes. Reservations are required. Non-members $13/adult, $7/children. Members: $11/adult, $6/children
A Christmas Carol
December 6-8
The Valentine Theatre
410 Adams St.
419-242-3490 | valentinetheatre.com
This classic holiday story of Ebeneezer Scrooge’s transformation from a curmudgeon to a loving man is a Christmas holiday tradition. A Christmas Carol will leave
the whole family feeling joyful, grateful and ready to celebrate the season. Tickets start at $29.
Mini Explorers’ Club Explores Snow
December 7, 1-2:15pm
Imagination Station
1 Discovery Way, Toledo
419-244-2674 | imaginationstationtoledo.org
Bring your littlest scientists (3-5 years old) to Imagination Station to learn all about snow. The program focuses on sparking the curiosity of young scientists with STEAM activities. Kiddos and parents will enjoy story time, activities, a snack and free play time. For those who can’t make it to the Saturday session, the program will also take place on Tuesdays throughout December. Member $5/workshop; nonmembers $7.
Christmas at the Peristyle
December 7, 3pm
Toledo Museum of Art Peristyle
2445 Monroe St.
419-246-8000 | toledosymphony.com
Enjoy the music of the holidays with a concert at the Toledo Museum of Art Peristyle. The show will include performances by the Toledo Opera Chorus and the Toledo Symphony.
Join in with holiday sing-a-longs, and be sure to
say hello to Santa.
Holidays in the Manor House
December 7-15
10am-8pm, Saturday-Sundays
Wildwood Preserve
5100 W. Central Ave.
419-407-9700 | metroparkstoledo.com
For a fun and free family event, check out the Manor House in Wildwood Metropark. This beautiful and historic home has 32 holiday displays that visitors can see on a self-guided tour. Stop by the welcome tent for holiday goodies!
Fort Meigs Holiday Open House
December 8, 1-4pm
Fort Meigs
29100 W. River Rd., Perrysburg
fortmeigs.org
For another free seasonal event, pop over to Fort Meigs for a holiday celebration. Decorate cookies, make holiday crafts, listen to holiday music, visit Santa, and learn some handy skills, like leatherworking, tinsmithing and spinning.
Soothing Santa
December 8 & 15, 8-10am
Franklin Park Mall Macy’s Court
5001 Monroe St.
Shoppingfranklinparkmall.com
Santa welcomes children of all ages and abilities! Soothing Santa invites families with special needs to enjoy a sensory-friendly environment to experience the time-honored tradition of visiting with Santa. Enjoy extra time with Santa, free train rides, holiday games and more. Reservations are required; event is free.
Pancakes with Santa
December 14, 9:30-11:30am
The Legacy by Arthur Hills
7677 US 223, Ottawa Lake, MI
734-854-1101 | Playlegacy.com
Eat yummy pancakes and sausage, create holiday crafts, play holiday-themed games like “Pin the carrot on Frosty,” and, of course, visit with Santa, straight in from the North Pole! Call to register. Kids under 2 are free, ages 3-4 are $5, and 5 and up are $10.
Toledo Ballet’s Nutcracker
December 14-15
2pm & 7pm, Saturday | 2pm, Sunday
Stranahan Theater
4645 Heatherdowns Blvd.
419-246-8000 | toledosymphony.com
The incredible story of The Nutcracker comes to life with the Toledo Ballet’s annual performance. The combination of effortless dancing, gorgeous scenery, and the classic score performed by the Toledo Symphony makes for a wonderful afternoon or evening at the theatre. Tickets start at $34.
Jingle Bell Run Toledo
December 14, 8-11am
The Shops at Fallen Timbers
614-362-7370 | events.arthritis.org
For some fitness fun, join the Jingle Bell Run, one of the largest holiday-themed 5Ks around. The money raised goes to helping The Arthritis Foundation. Break out those ugly Christmas sweaters and show your Christmas spirit as you run for a cause.
A Night In Bethlehem
December 14-15, 1-4:30pm
Hope Lutheran Church
2201 Secor Rd.
419-536-8383 | Hopetoledo.net
Experience first century Bethlehem at Hope Lutheran Church! Take in the sights, smells and sounds of the bustling marketplace, complete with authentic shops staffed with artisans and live animals. And did you hear the exciting news? A baby has been born! Admission is free with “no strings attached.”
The Elf on the Shelf: A Christmas Musical
December 21, 7:30pm
The Stranahan Theater
4645 Heatherdowns Blvd. Toledo, OH. 43614
419-381-8851 | americantheatreguild.com/toledo/elfontheshelf/
For the first time ever, the story of The Elf on the Shelf comes to life onstage in a brand new musical adaptation. The Christmas musical tells the tale of the top Scout Elf who works to bring together a struggling family by helping them discover the Christmas spirit. Tickets start at $34.
Chanukah Celebration
December 22, 5-8pm
Franklin Park Mall Food Court
5001 Monroe St.
Shoppingfranklinparkmall.com
To celebrate the 2019 Chanukah season, Chabad House of Toledo invites the community to a celebration of light and Chanukah joy. A Menorah Lighting Ceremony will give honor to Toledo leaders following holiday crafts and activities.
TMA’s The Great Art Escape
December 26-January 1
10am-4pm
2445 Monroe St.
419-255-8000 | toledomuseum.org/visit/events/great-art-escape
The Toledo Museum of Art is hosting their Great Art Escape at the end of this month. This family event introduces kids to various art forms: enjoy watching dances from different cultures, listen to Dutch organ concerts, meet visiting artists and observe glass blowing demonstrations. Plus, participate in workshops, yoga and family center activities. Free with some ticketed activities.
Noon Year’s Eve
December 31
11am-1pm
Toledo Zoo
2 Hippo Way, Toledo
419-385-4040 | toledozoo.org
2020 is on its way and The Toledo Zoo offers the perfect way for the little ones to ring in the new year with Noon Year’s Eve. Join the crowd as the recycling ball is raised, confetti falls, toasts are made with apple juice, and sing ‘Auld Lang Syne.’ Visitors will also enjoy ice carving demonstrations, animal feedings and the Ice Slide.
