Top Free Christmas Events in Toledo

Toledo's annual Holiday Parade is one of several free Christmas activities suitable for the whole family. Holiday decorations and crafts round out the best Toledo Christmas attractions that are free. These events can get you into the spirit of Christmas in early December.

This year's Holiday Parade steps off at 10 am downtown on Saturday, Nov. 27. The grand marshal is Disney star and Toledo native Alyson Stoner. Also featured are marching bands, clowns, balloons and Santa Claus. The parade starts at the corner of Summit and Jefferson, marches down Summit, turns left onto Jackson, then left onto Huron and ends at Monroe Street. While the parade is free, parking can cost between $5 and $7 if you park in a lot or garage. Metered parking, if you can find it, is free on weekends.

After the parade, you can head over to the Kris Kringle Village at the Erie Street Market at 237 S. Erie St. Admission is $1, and kids under 1 year are free. The Village has magic shows, gingerbread houses on display, carriage rides, demonstrations by Imagination Station science museum and, of course, Santa. Parking is free in the market's lot. The market's vendors will have food and drinks for sale.

The Toledo Botanical Garden is hosting Heralding the Holidays, a craft sale, on Dec. 3, 4 and 5. In addition to fine arts, pottery, glass and photographs for sale, there are a kids activities area and a chance to visit with Santa. On Friday, you can take a free horse-drawn carriage ride. The show runs Friday night from 5 pm to 9 pm, and Saturday and Sunday from 9 am to 5 pm. Parking at the gardens, located at 5403 Elmer Drive, is free.

The Toledo Metroparks volunteers are once again decorating Wildwood Preserve's Manor House and offering free tours. The Manor House, built in the 1930's, is over 30,000 square feet. Thirty areas of home are decorated for the holidays. Wildwood Metropark is located at 5100 W. Central Ave., and parking is free and plentiful in their lots. Tours are held between 10 am and 8 pm from Dec. 5 through Dec. 12.

In addition to the home tour, Wildwood is holding a Holiday Café and Craft show in Metropark Hall, just down the sidewalk from the Manor House. Hot dogs, hot chocolate and cookies are for sale as well as handmade gift items from area crafters.