Toledo's Best Holiday Lights, Parades, Shopping and Events

News of events in Ohio is always something I look forward to. I still have many friends and family there. Although I may miss out on some of the wonderful holiday events that take place there, I am always happy to receive pictures from friends and family and visit with them in that way.

November 16^th-December 31^st 2007
Lights Before Christmas at the Toledo Zoo

Over one million twinkling and chasing lights will decorate the zoo environment with over 200 images of the public's favorite zoo animals, carolers, holiday treats and special gifts and souvenirs are available in the gift shop. On Thursday's you can also enjoy ice carving demonstrations. It will most certainly be an invigoratingly cold holiday event and with the cold and ice you can view the winter wonderland animals like penguins and polar bears at their best. Special event activities include visits with Santa, and the famous "Dancing Lights" show which consist of LED wide angle mini lights that twinkle and sparkle in rhythm to classic holiday tunes. An 85 foot Norway Spruce is available for viewing directly behind the Conservatory and is decorated with over 32,000 lights, which according to the zoo is even more than the Christmas tree at Rockefeller Center. Hours are: Monday through Thursday 5:00-8:00 p.m. with the park closing at 9:00 p.m.; Friday through Sunday 5:00-9:00 p.m. with the park closing at 10:00 p.m. The display will not be open Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Admission is Adults (age 12-59): $9.00; Seniors (age 60+): $6.00; Children (age 2-11): $6.00;
Children under age 2: free. Group discounts are also available.

The Downtown Holiday Parade on November 24^th, 2007 at 11:00 a.m. is the largest parade in Northwest Ohio and is in its 19^th year. Over 57 participants included clowns, Santa and special equestrian riders, floats and other performers, as well as giant helium balloons which will travel a 1.5 route. This event will also be televised on FOX Toledo.

The well-loved story of The Night Before Christmas will be performed at the Valentine Theatre November 29, 30 at 7:00 p.m. and on December 1, and 2, 2007 at 2:00 and 4:00 p.m. The play will reenact the traditional story written by Clement Moore. The play includes traditional carols, dance and special effect appropriate for all ages. Admission is between $8.00-$16.00.

The First Baptist Church of Toledo is performing its annual "Living Nativity" scene on December 16^th, 2007 from 6:00-8:00 p.m. This is a heart-warming depiction of the travels of Mary and Joseph and the birth in the manger. A simple play performed by local members of the community and free to the community.

Other activities in the Toledo, Ohio area include: theToledo Botanical Gardens, Heralding the Holidays, November 30- December 2, 2007 from 5:00-9:00 p.m.;

In the nearby college town of Bowling Green, Ohio the city celebrates the "Holly Days" with a tree lighting ceremony, singers, horse drawn carriage rides and special savings and discount coupons for shopping from area merchants. This event is held November 16^th 2007; with the tree lighting ceremony at 7:00 p.m. Children are able to decorate the lighted tree with ornaments they bring with them. Bowling Green, Ohio also hosts the 20^th Annual Holiday Parade in downtown Bowling Green. This parade includes over 10 marching bands, 40 floats and 140 units. The parade is sponsored by the Bowling Green Chamber and will take place on November 17, 2007 from 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.

There is a little something for everyone whether you stay in Toledo or travel to the college town (most the students should be gone on break!). Home style entertainment mixes with the new style of LED lights displays with a musical background. You could travel a little farther to Sandusky or Cleveland, but you may not get the home town feel that you will in Toledo as well as all the great shopping opportunities which are included in many of these city sponsored events.