Toledo native Josie Scheiber has created a new program to encourage people in the area to interact with and educate themselves on the outdoors. SafeHikes Toledo is an all-inclusive group that allows people to share their love of traveling and nature with others, and provides safe resources for everyone to do so.
Build physical and emotional safety
“The mission behind SafeHikes is to serve as a community and resource for anyone who has felt excluded for unfair reasons. The aim is to create a safe community of outdoor enthusiasts, so you don’t have to worry about physical or emotional safety because of who you love, the color of your skin or your individual culture,” says Scheiber.
Scheiber has loved the outdoors since they were a kid and, through conversation with others, found that many people wanted to experience nature but did not have the support or resources they needed to do so. They began SafeHikes to share their experiences and begin a much-needed conversation on the importance of safety and inclusion in the environmental community.
“After I decided to rebrand my website into something more outdoor-focused, I realized I wanted to do more than simply write about the thing I love. Instead, I wanted to find a way to actively show people just how enjoyable and freeing the outdoors can be,” says Scheiber. “One of the biggest concerns I encountered when talking to people about this mission was safety, particularly within traditionally marginalized groups. As someone who constantly needs to look over their shoulders, I knew I wanted to create a safe space for outdoor enthusiasts to feel more confident and prepared when trekking outside.”
Scheiber has started a Facebook group for members to share their own personal journeys surrounding outdoor physical activities, attend group events and encourage safety and community conversation when adventuring outdoors. Many of the group members have shared photos and recommendations from their own outdoor excursions and the group fosters an encouraging environment for anyone who wishes to spend more time in nature.
SafeHikes has plans to create a brick-and-mortar location and offer lendable outdoor materials and resources. The library would include educational classes, hiking materials, outdoor gear, camping resources and more. Scheiber is working to achieve nonprofit status for SafeHikes and to provide the materials completely free of charge on a borrow-and-return basis.
There are no barriers to joining the SafeHikes community; all ages and demographics are welcome. There is no previous outdoor experience needed.
Community pages
Scheiber also operates a website called The Semi Modern Life to share blog posts and information about their fresh air activities and what they have learned from their time outdoors.
More information about SafeHikes can be found via the SafeHikes Facebook page or online at The Semi Modern Life. If you are interested in joining the SafeHikes group you can fill out the interest form on Josie’s website, or join the Facebook community page.
*With additional listings by Olivia Jo Johnson and Sneha Kamath
The coats are zipped up, the hats and gloves are on, and there is a nip in the air. Yes – it’s the holiday season in Toledo! If you’re looking for ideas for the whole family to enjoy, we’ve got you covered with our roundup of activities happening throughout the area in November and December.
Outdoor events
Lucas County Holiday Light Show
From November 19- December 31, the Lucas County Holiday Light Show is back for another season! Held at the Lucas County Fair Grounds, this event will feature beautiful holiday displays to please the whole family. All visitors are invited to pack a snack and snuggle up in the car with their loved ones while enjoying the show. The event starts at 5pm and tickets range from $25-$62.
This two-day event features hands-on activities for the entire family to explore and ingenious ways to show gratitude with Keep Toledo/Lucas County Beautiful, a Toledo effort to establish greener communities through environmental education, litter prevention, and voluntary partnerships.
Perrysburg Countdown to Christmas Fest
Louisiana Ave & 3rd St. November 5 | 10am-5pm
Perrysburg gets you in the holiday spirit with its Countdown to Christmas Festival! The downtown streets fill with food trucks, local craft pop-up tents, and activities for parents and kids. The children can stay busy with an inflatable obstacle course, bounce house and a visit from Jolly Ole St. Nick himself! Everyone can take part in a Scavenger Hunt to win a gift basket full of items from local businesses. There will also be a window-decorating contest and a performance by the Perrysburg Choir and The Beat Dance Studio.
Historic reenactors show audience members what a traditional Thanksgiving meal looks like, while the museum welcomes visitors. Children can take part in making a corn husk doll as a holiday craft! Cabin Demonstration Day is free to attend.
Brewdolph Bash
The Toledo Zoo 2 Hippo Way November 17 (The night before The Lights Before Christmas begins) 6-10pm toledozoo.org/brewdolphbash
The night before The Lights Before Christmas gets underway, the adults can gather together for a sneak preview of the lights with a souvenir cup with a signature hot chocolate (spiked or non-spiked) plus an additional drink provided by the Zoo!
Holiday beer, full bar and food will be available at an additional cost. Ticket includes complimentary parking in the Anthony Wayne Trail lot. Please continue to check the Toledo Zoo’s website for admission costs.
Lights Before Christmas
The Toledo Zoo 2 Hippo Way November 18 – December 31 | 3-8pm, Monday-Thursday 3-9pm, Friday-Sunday The Zoo will close one hour after last admission to allow guests to finish their visit toledozoo.org/lights.
Is it really the holiday season in Toledo without the Lights Before Christmas? The annual light spectacular is returning for its 37th year with more than one million lights and 200+ illuminated animal images covering the zoo. The six-week event begins with the lighting of the 85-foot Norway Spruce “Big Tree,” decorated in over 30,000 individual LED bulbs. While you and the family make your way through the light show, you can warm yourselves up with a cup of hot cocoa or snacks, let the kids enjoy the ice slide in the Amphitheatre, and even stop by for a visit with Santa!
Admission is $26 for adults (ages 12-59) and $23 for kids (ages 2-11) and seniors (ages 60 and up). Children under two-years-old get in free! Reservations are required for all members and non-members. Toledo Zoo members receive unlimited visits throughout the lights season.
Bowling Green Holiday Parade
Main Street, Downtown Bowling Green November 19 | 10am-2pm
Bowling Green’s annual holiday parade is back! Stop by to see marching bands, floats, dancing, marching bands, and more!
For the art lovers and runners, this one is for you. On a Friday and Saturday in Downtown Sylvania, attendees can enjoy the crisp winter air while working their way through an Art Walk featuring local vendors. If you need to finish your holiday shopping, you can do so while supporting local shops. Santa will also be available for the kids to share their wishlists. And don’t forget about the annual tree lighting ceremony that follows! On Saturday, the annual Miracle on Main 5k takes place with continued holiday shopping, art and craft vendors.
For all children who love exploring the outdoors, Adventure Kids Club is a monthly drop-off program giving children the opportunity to explore different parks. On December 10 from 5-7pm, a holiday spin has been added to this event, as a climbing tree will be lit at the Toledo Botanical Gardens. Children will have a chance to climb the tree and enjoy s’mores! Admission is $35 .
Polar Paws & Santa 5K Race/Walk
The Toledo Zoo 2 Hippo Way December 11 Polar Paws & Santa Claws 5K at 4pm Polar Paws Kids Cub Run at 3pm toledozoo.org/polarpaws
This two-race event is for everyone, no matter the age! 5k registrants will receive a collectible medal, tech-friendly gloves, a collectible cup, and a custom bib with chip timing.
Cost to participate in the Polar Paws & Santa Claws 5K is $35 plus processing fee but the price increases after November 1. Cost to participate in the Polar Paws Kids Cub Run is $15. It is open to ages 12 and under. For more information on registration, visit the Toledo Zoo website.
All participants are encouraged to don their best holiday attire and light-up accessories as they run their own race.
Enjoy the winter break with an exploration of the Oak Openings Metropark. Learn new skills, enjoy the winter camp activities and much more! Tickets are $28.
Indoor events
Classic Movie Nights
Maumee Indoor Theatre 601 Conant St. Mondays or Tuesdays all-season-long (Check back for more details) maumeeindoor.com
The Maumee Indoor Theater is back at it this holiday season for its free Classic Movie Night Series! As we move through the cold and chilly nights, the theater is the perfect spot to cozy up while enjoying popular classic holiday movies, starting with films from the 1970s. Movies will be decided by the popular vote, so stay tuned to their social media pages to cast your vote!
Baby Shark do-do-do-do-do-do… don’t act like you don’t know the jingle. Bring the kids to the Stranahan Theater and splash along with Baby Shark and Pinkfong as they give you an immersive experience of sing-a-longs including “Baby Shark” and “Five Little Monkeys,” as well as holiday favorites that will get the kids pumped. Adults are more than welcome to sing along, too! Ticket prices range from $29 to $69. Kids under 2-years-old do not require a ticket to sit on a parent’s lap.
Bring the family to UpTown Toledo and enjoy one of the city’s best craft fairs, holiday style! You can finish your shopping lists by browsing the finest homemade crafts from local makers and shops. Admission is $5. Kids 10 and under get in free.
It’s Christmas with a Motown twist. Hear some of the best holiday classics from members of the most legendary groups likeThe Temptations, The Miracles and The Contours. This is sure to be a nice grandparents outing with the kids! Ticket prices range from $44 to $64.
Holiday Light Parade and Holiday Hustle 5K
Maumee Uptown Business Association 601 Conant St. November 27 | 6pm
Runners, walkers and all the holiday fanatics unite in Maumee for some of the best lights the Toledo area has to offer. Beginning with the Holiday Hustle 5K walk/run, participants will don their best holiday attire while navigating the circuit beginning at the Maumee Indoor Theater and continuing on Conant St. to West Wayne St.
Then, after you cool off and stretch out the hammys, gather the family and help line the city streets for the Holiday Light Parade beginning at 6pm when colorfully lit floats and groups of revelers swarm the six-block stretch of West William St.
Trans-Siberian Orchestra: The Ghosts of Christmas Eve
The New York-based orchestra brings “The Ghosts of Christmas Eve” back to the Huntington Center, providing audience members with a remarkable array of lights and instrumentals. Fans will hear some of their favorite Trans-Siberian Orchestra tunes including, “Christmas Eve” and “Wizards in Winter”. Tickets are on sale now with prices ranging from $69.50 to $250.
Christmas at the Peristyle
Toledo Museum of Art Peristyle 2445 Monroe St. December 3 7pm toledosymphony.com
What’s better than enjoying the sounds of the Toledo Symphony? Enjoy the sights and sounds of the holiday season while Alain Trudel, conductor, and Aubrey Logan, vocals and trombone, lead the talented group of musicians that showcase holiday-themed music.
Our Toledo-Lucas County Libraries offer more than just books. The entire family can celebrate the holiday season at the Washington branch, where kids and even adults can spend quality time creating seasonal crafts, decorating cookies and spending some time with Santa!
Winter Warm-Up Heatherdowns Branch Library December 7 from 3:30-4:30pm
December 10 from 2-3pm
Kids ages 6-10 are invited to make arts and crafts and drink hot chocolate.
A Christmas Carol
The Toledo Repertoire Theater will be showing the Charles Dickens classic, A Christmas Carol from December 8-18, featuring Paul Causman as Scrooge. Tickets range from $19.75 to $29.75.
A Night in Bethlehem Hope Lutheran Church 2201 Secor Rd.
December 10 and 11
1pm-4:30pm
A Night in Bethlehem at Hope Lutheran Church allows for a real Christmas experience free of charge. Complete with live animals, pottery and woven fabrics from the time of Jesus, this holiday experience is like no other!
Cookies In a Jar
King Road Branch Library
3900 King Rd.
December 12
4-5pm
Children 6-10 years old are invited to bake some sweet treats for the holidays!
The Toledo Metropark’s Wildwood Reserve team is encouraging carolers to spread the holiday cheer at the Manor House. Song sheets are required and minors MUST be accompanied. Reservations are required and each visitor must pay a fee of $3. This event will be held on December 9 from 5:30pm-6:30pm.
Holidays In The Manor House 5100 W Central Ave. December 3-11
10am-8pm
The Holidays In the Manor House is back for it’s 47th annual event. Volunteers transform 30 areas of the Manor House into a Winter Wonderland. Dedicated to being accessible to everyone, the Manor house is wheelchair friendly thanks to the donations of The Ability Center of Toledo! No reservations are required and entry is free.
OHVA Agricultural Society 8th Annual Christmas Toy Drive
Benefiting Nationwide Children’s Hospital
Pexels photo by Victoria Emerson
Ohio Virtual Academy (OHVA) 1690 Woodlands Dr., Ste. 200, Maumee Now – Friday, December 9
This holiday season presents an opportunity to participate in the Ohio Virtual Academy’s (OHVA’s) annual toy drive! The OHVA will be accepting all non-violent, new and unwrapped gifts. Toy donations will later be donated to kids at Nationwide Children’s Hospital in Columbus because they will not be able to be at home with their families on Christmas. Gifts will be donated to children of all ages in the hospital (from babies to teens). Donations will be made to the Hospital on December 11. Toys can be donated at or mailed to the address above. Questions can be sent to [email protected].
Holiday Night Market
Fifth Third Building at One Seagate 1 SeaGate December 10 | 4-10pm December 11 | 2-8pm
This unique, two-day shopping experience is sure to get the entire family excited. The Grand Lobby inside the Fifth Third Building at One Seagate will be decorated in Christmas cheer. Attendees can venture even further down the escalator to the Lower Level where a vintage department store awaits for those hard-to-buy-for people on your gift list.
A complimentary hot cocoa bar and a gift wrapping station is available. Santa will make a special appearance as well! Free parking with security will be provided at the Vistula Parking Garage that is connected and accessible via the lower level. Admission is $5 upon entry.
Stranahan Theater & Great Hall 4645 Heatherdowns Blvd. December 10 | 2 & 7pm December 11 | 2pm toledosymphony.com
The Toledo Ballet is back with its 82nd running of “The Nutcracker,” a rendering of E.T.A. Hoffman’s story with fresh choreography and Tchaikovsky’s score performed live by the Toledo Symphony. Ticket prices range from $36 to $58.
Central Catholic High School Presents Sounds of Christmas Show
On December 12, from 3-5pm, Central Catholic will be presenting its annual Sounds of Christmas show at the Valentine Theater! Features performances will be from the Central Catholic Glee club,Mixed Chorus, String Orchestra, Concert Band, Alumni Glee Club and Irish Dance Team. Adult tickets are $12 and students tickets are $7.
It’s A Wonderful Life: Live from WVL Radio Show at the Valentine Theatre
An interesting take on the story of George Bailey’s Christmas epiphany, a 1945 radio performance during a blizzard takes center stage with this production. Everyone in the family will enjoy this fun twist on a Christmas classic.
Disney On Ice Returns to Toledo to take you on a fun-filled, musical journey of some of Disney’s best: Belle, Moana and Miguel from “Coco.” Each character will celebrate the magic of courage, love and adventure. Ticket prices range from $20-$75. All individuals ages two and older require a ticket.
If you can’t make it to The Valentine’s first showcase of “It’s a Wonderful Life,” you have another opportunity! This time, it’s the classic film shown on the big screen. Tickets are on sale right now for just $5 and are available to purchase online or in-person one hour before showtime.
Christmas Carol Sing
Rosary Cathedral 2535 Collingwood Blvd. December 18 |3-4:30pm rosarycathedral.org As part of the Cathedral Concert Series, the Rosary Cathedral choir, accompanied by the historic E. M. Skinner organ, choir, strings and brass, will be performing holiday carols for anyone who wants to listen!
Photos with Santa! Lavender Lane on Main
11am-3pm
Saturday, December 17
12 E. Main St., Milan 734-239-2213
Bring your phones to this photo op with Santa! Kids can ask the big guy in red for whatever gifts their little hearts desire, and you can bring your pets as well.
It’s an acapella group taken to the next level. Before you judge, this is not your cliché college male acapella group with a weird name and dubs of old songs. Straight No Chaser features the voices of nine different voices that create intriguing and unique music, all with a sense of humor. They will also feature some of your favorite holiday tunes.
Teens ages 11-17 can comfortably enjoy delicious pancakes with friends!
Harlem Globetrotters
Huntington Center
December 29
7:30pm
The Harlem Globetrotters 2023 World Tour is coming to Toledo! Join them as they go head-to-head with the Washington Generals. Tickets range from $15-$125.
Noon Year’s Eve
The Toledo Zoo 2 Hippo Way
December 31 11am-1pm
Visitors will enjoy crafts, an apple juice toast, and watch some of their favorite animals welcome the new year with enrichment treats.
Toledo author Julie K. Rubini is very curious about human behavior. When presented with the opportunity by Nomad Press to write a book for teens,Psychology: Why We Smile, Strive, and Sing, she jumped at it.
“Human behavior is a fascinating topic,” she says. “It’s even more fascinating when one examines why teenagers do what they do. And even better yet when one gets to research and write about why teens do what they do – for teens.”
Her inspiration
Julie K. Rubini is the founder ofClaire’s Day. What began as a one-day, free family book festival in 2002 has grown into a variety of literary experiences impacting over 15,000 children annually.
The tragedy that led her to found Claire’s Day also impacted her decision to write this book. Rubini researched and wrote it as part of her investigation into what drives human behavior and choices because of her own experience.
“From what I feel is the ultimate tragedy of losing a child, I have done a lot of study and research as to why it is that we might have responded the way that we did – creating a tribute to Claire,” she says.
Toledo Area Author Julie K. Rubini
Science is advancing
“I found it very fascinating how the science is advancing to help us continually understand what our brains are doing and therefore, why we are behaving the way that we do, which is really what the title is all about,” says Rubini.
Rubini found the studies of the part of the brain called the amygdala to be especially fascinating, as it is at the core of how we respond to fearful situations. In her research, she found the studies of professional rock climber, Alex Honnold, to be encouraging because it provides hope that fears can be overcome with practice and training.
Neuroscientists did studies of the amygdala of Honnold, who is known for death defying free climbing — no ropes! What scientists found by studying his brain with MRI technology is that Honnold’s amygdala is healthy and responsive, yet when presented with fear inducing photos, his amygdala doesn’t produce a fear response as it does in others who were studied. Honnold has put in thousands of hours of practice scaling smaller heights and visualizing his climbs; he has trained his brain not to respond with fear even when scaling the highest mountains in the world with no ropes.
New research and stories like Honnold’s, along with graphics, links and trivia make it easy and fun for teens to learn about the basics of psychology. The book was vetted by several professionals in the industry, including neuroscientists, a neurosurgeon, and a professional licensed counselor who works specifically with troubled teens.
A new approach
“I feel most comfortable writing biographies,” says Rubini. “I just love sharing stories, and I keep discovering stories of fascinating, inspiring women… In moving forward, I’m working toward having other biographies published, but Psychology: Why We Strive, Smile and Sing is just this little gem on its own.”
Rubini has written three biographies for young readers aged 7 – 12 about inspiring women. Her book about Virginia Hamilton has received numerous awards including being a finalist in the Ohioan Book Award, Bank Street College of Education Best Children’s Book Outstanding Merit Selection, and Kirkus Starred Review.
Since 1947, the Marine Toys for Tots Program has provided millions of toys, books, and games to children in need across the nation during the holiday season.
As the national organization celebrates its 75th anniversary during the 2022 holiday season, its mission to spread hope and joy to families in need during the holidays is returning to Perrysburg through the help of local law enforcement.
For the second year in a row, the Perrysburg Police Division is participating in the Toys for Tots Donation Drive. Last year, Perrysburg Police helped collect more than 24,000 toys, which were distributed to 6,200 children throughout Northwest Ohio.
For those who would like to contribute to the 2022 Toys for Tots Donation Drive, there is still time to do so and make a positive impact in Perrysburg! Now through December 15, residents can drop off new, unwrapped toys in the Toys for Tots box inside the Police Division at 330 Walnut St.
“After I decided to rebrand my website into something more outdoor-focused, I realized I wanted to do more than simply write about the thing I love. Instead, I wanted to find a way to actively show people just how enjoyable and freeing the outdoors can be,” says Scheiber. “One of the biggest concerns I encountered when talking to people about this mission was safety, particularly within traditionally marginalized groups. As someone who constantly needs to look over their shoulders, I knew I wanted to create a safe space for outdoor enthusiasts to feel more confident and prepared when trekking outside.”
SafeHikes has plans to create a brick-and-mortar location and offer lendable outdoor materials and resources. The library would include educational classes, hiking materials, outdoor gear, camping resources and more. Scheiber is working to achieve nonprofit status for SafeHikes and to provide the materials completely free of charge on a borrow-and-return basis. 
Louisiana Ave & 3rd St.
Wood County Museum Grounds
The Toledo Zoo
Main Street, Downtown Bowling Green
Downtown Sylvania
The Toledo Zoo
Maumee Indoor Theatre
Baby Shark do-do-do-do-do-do… don’t act like you don’t know the jingle. Bring the kids to the Stranahan Theater and splash along with Baby Shark and Pinkfong as they give you an immersive experience of sing-a-longs including “Baby Shark” and “Five Little Monkeys,” as well as holiday favorites that will get the kids pumped. Adults are more than welcome to sing along, too! 
Handmade Toledo
Stranahan Theater and Great Hall
Maumee Uptown Business Association
The Huntington Center
Toledo Museum of Art Peristyle
Washington Branch Library
Fifth Third Building at One Seagate
Stranahan Theater & Great Hall
The Valentine Theatre
Huntington Center
Rosary Cathedral
Stranahan Theater and Great Hall
Toledo author Julie K. Rubini is very curious about human behavior. When presented with the opportunity by Nomad Press to write a book for teens,
