Kids Astrology: Sagittarius (November 22 – December 21)
Happy Birthday to your adventurous Sagittarius child! Guided by expansive Jupiter, they’re natural explorers—curious, bold and always ready to roam. This birthday is the perfect chance to feed their wonder while helping them keep energy flowing. Providing healthy outlets for all that energy now will encourage calm, confident relationships as they grow. The best celebration combines friends and family, giving your child joyful connection and creative expression. For little ones, challenge your child with a nature scavenger hunt at a local park. Create a globe-shaped or rocket-themed cake topped with sparkling candles to match their starry dreams. Gift ideas include a telescope, a globe or anything that invites exploration, creativity and imagination.
Savor the Flavor at Cocina De Carlos
Cocina De Carlos, with three locations—Perrysburg, Waterville and a new location in Genoa—serves food options with consistent flavor while offering customers a choice in aesthetics and decor. The staff at each of the locations have always been friendly and helpful.
Cocina De Carlos in Waterville
The Waterville location has an old-timey charm with sculptures of a cactus and a bull by the entrance. The outdoor patio has ample seating and a comfortable vibe to accommodate families in warmer weather. The eatery has a noticeably kid-friendly appeal, from the menu to the seating options.
Given the consistency of quality of the buffet at the Perrysburg location, we expected the same in Waterville, and we were certainly not disappointed.
We started with queso dip—always a favorite for my family, and an excellent choice at Cocina De Carlos. For our main courses, our group’s order included the taco dinner (crunchy, some beef, some chicken), which comes with three tacos and good-sized portions of Mexican rice and refried beans.
We also tried the queso chicken, which was so good it felt almost sinful to leave any to take home. The staff were friendly and attentive, always making sure to replenish our (seemingly) endless basket of tortilla chips—an impressive task, especially as the place started to fill up during the dinner rush.
Welcoming, friendly, charming and authentic
When we got there, it was relatively quiet. We could easily have a conversation and hum along to the music coming from the speakers surrounding the tables. As the crowd picked up, the louder our own conversation became, creating a contrast that was jarring but still comfortable. The vibe in the restaurant went from relaxing to lively in a matter of minutes, yet, overall the welcome feeling and attentive service didn’t change at all.
Cocina de Carlos represents a 100% local, independent, and passionate approach to creating great Mexican food from scratch. After nineteen years of restaurant experience, Cocina de Carlos is the culmination of chef and owner Carlos Mendez’s dream to provide what he calls “The True Taste of MexicoTM.”
The Short Course
Kid-Friendly: Yes
Noise-Level: Moderate
Changing Station: Yes
High Chairs: Yes
Kids Menu: Yes
Perrysburg Location
27072 Carronade Dr, Perrysburg.
419-872-0200.
Hours:
Tuesday-Sunday 11am-9pm
(Lunch buffet available
Tuesday-Friday, 11am-2pm).
Closed Mondays.
Waterville Location
205 Farnsworth Rd, Waterville.
419-878-0261.
Hours:
Sunday-Thursday 11am-9pm,
Friday-Saturday 11am-10pm.
Closed Mondays.
Genoa Location
22060 OH-51, Genoa.
(567) 236-9000.
Hours:
Monday-Saturday, 4pm-9pm.
Sunday 11am-4pm.
Lights Before Christmas at the Toledo Zoo Shines Bright for the 2025 Holiday Season
The Toledo Zoo’s Lights Before Christmas returns this year to fill the city with holiday cheer and breathtaking displays. A Toledo tradition for families and visitors, the annual event runs from November 21-December 31 and features more than a million twinkling lights, illuminated animal displays and the award-winning Big Tree. Each evening, the zoo transforms into a winter wonderland, blending festive sights, sounds and activities for all ages.
A Toledo holiday tradition
Lights Before Christmas has become one of Northwest Ohio’s most beloved holiday events. Visitors can stroll through beautifully lit pathways, enjoy seasonal treats and take in the dazzling light displays that bring the zoo’s animals and exhibits to life after dark. Whether it’s a family outing, a romantic winter walk or a festive night with friends, this event has something for everyone.
Attractions and activities
The Big Tree
The star of the show, the Toledo Zoo’s Big Tree, stands at 85 feet tall and glows with thousands of LED lights. The towering Norway spruce has earned national recognition and serves as a breathtaking centerpiece for holiday photos and family memories.
Dancing lights show
A must-see favorite, the Dancing Lights display combines festive music and vibrant color displays, synchronized to new holiday songs along with the beloved classic “I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas.”
Illuminated animal displays
Over 200 glowing animal images light up the zoo, celebrating wildlife from around the world. Visitors can spot lions, giraffes, penguins and more brought to life in stunning light sculptures.
Winter village and holiday concessions
Stop by the Winter Village for seasonal snacks, hot cocoa and sweet treats. This cozy area offers family-friendly activities and a festive atmosphere where guests can warm up and enjoy the flavors of the season.
Visits with Santa Claus
Children can share their wish lists and snap photos with Santa Claus himself, creating timeless holiday memories in a magical setting.
Rides and family fun
Classic zoo rides like the African Carousel and the Holly Jolly Express Train will be operating during the event. The train, which runs on weekends and weather-permitting days, offers a delightful way to take in the shimmering lights around the zoo.
Live holiday music
Enjoy live performances from local and regional musicians performing seasonal favorites throughout the event. The music adds to the warm and festive spirit that fills the zoo each evening.
Event details
- Dates: November 21–December 31
- Hours:
- Monday–Thursday: 3–8pm
- Friday–Sunday: 3–9pm
- Location: Toledo Zoo, 2 Hippo Way
- Reservations: Required for all members and non-members. Tickets are available through the Toledo Zoo’s website.
- Admission:
- Adults (12 and over): $29
- Children (ages 2–11): $26
- Seniors (60+): $26
- Children under 2: Free
- Member Perks: Members enjoy unlimited visits throughout the season but must still make a reservation.
A season of sparkle and celebration
Whether it’s your first time attending or a yearly tradition, Lights Before Christmas at the Toledo Zoo continues to capture the magic of the holidays. From the glow of the Big Tree to the laughter echoing through Winter Village, the event offers an unforgettable way to celebrate the season with family and friends.
For tickets and more information, visit Toledo Zoo website.
All Aboard! The Polar Express 3D Arrives at the Imagination Station
This holiday season, the magic of Christmas comes alive in downtown Toledo as Imagination Station presents The Polar Express 3D! On Saturday, December 13, audiences of all ages are invited to climb aboard for an unforgettable journey to the North Pole at 10am and 2pm.
As the theater lights dim and the locomotive’s whistle blows, you’ll be whisked away on a heartwarming adventure that blends excitement, wonder and nostalgia. With breathtaking 3D visuals and immersive sound, The Polar Express makes you feel as though you’re truly riding the rails through snowy landscapes and starry winter skies.
The story follows a young boy who has grown skeptical of Santa Claus—until a mysterious train stops outside his window on Christmas Eve. Accepting an invitation from the conductor, he embarks on a thrilling ride to Santa’s headquarters, making new friends and rediscovering the true spirit of Christmas along the way.
After the show, the holiday magic continues! Santa himself will greet guests and present each child with the First Gift of Christmas, making this a memory the whole family will cherish for years to come. Join the holiday adventure at Imagination Station, where the journey to the North Pole begins!
