Best Long-Running Christmas Attractions in Toledo

Christmas in Toledo brings many treasured holiday traditions that have been around for decades. However, there is room for change in displays or location. The Lights Before Christmas at the Toledo Zoo unveils new lights, Children's Wonderland finds a new home in Sylvania and the Toledo Ballet keeps dancing the best Nutcracker in Toledo.

The Toledo Zoo started The Lights Before Christmas in 1985. Over one million lights twinkle and lighted animal displays shine. New this year are two sets of shapes lit by LED lights; one consists of 13 spheres placed though out the zoo, and the other is crystal bears in honor of the baby polar bear, Siku. The Dancing Light placed in trees behind the Carnivore Cafe returns with new songs.

The Lights Before Christmas runs from November 19 to December 31. Hours are 5 pm to 8 pm on Monday through Thursday and 5 pm to 9 pm on Friday through Sunday. The display is closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Admission is $11 for adults, $8 for kids age 2 to 11 and free to children under 2. You can get a dollar off admission if you buy your tickets online at the zoo's website. Parking will cost an additional $6 or $10 for a camper or RV. All of the zoo gift shops, restaurants and food stands are open to sell trinkets and treats.

Children's Wonderland will be open this year at Tam-O-Shanter Sports and Recreation Center in Sylvania. For over 45 years, the animatronic scenes delighted children most recently at the Lucas County Rec Center in Maumee The fate of the display was in question until this summer, when the Sylvania Area Joint Recreation District bought it for $1. Along with the new location, Children's Wonderland will debut new displays and an interactive zone.

Children's Wonderland will be open from December 15 to December 30. Admission is $5 for adults and $3 for children. Hours of admission are Monday through Saturday from 10 am to 9 pm and Sunday from 11 am to 8 pm. Tam-O-Shanter is located at 7060 Sylvania Ave., and parking is free in the center's lot. Vito's Pizza has a counter inside Tam-O-Shanter serving pizza, subs and salads.

While the ballet was first performed in Russia in 1982, The Nutcracker has been a part of the Toledo Ballet's season for 70 years. This year, they will present the Christmas classic about a girl, her nutcracker and the dream adventure they have on December 11 at 2 pm and 7 pm, and December 12 at 2 pm at the Stranahan Theater at 4645 Heatherdowns Blvd. Tickets are $41 to $134.

Toledo Zoo, Lights Before Christmas
Sylvania Recreation District, Children's Wonderland
The Stranahan Theatre and Great Hall, tickets