Santa at the Depot, through Dec. 19: The Fostoria Rail Preservation Society is hosting the third annual Santa at the Depot through Dec. 19 at the LE&W Depot, 128 W. North St. Santa is surrounded by 14 beautifully decorated Christmas trees and various model train displays including a children's play train set. Hours of this event are 5:30-7:30 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday and noon-2 p.m. Saturday. Bring your own camera and snap your family photo with Santa or have Carol Creeger or Eddie Durnwald take a photo for you. The family dog can also visit Santa and appear in the family photo as well. The 1880’s depot was decorated by two Fostoria girl scout troops, Leah Hipsher and FRPS members.
"Starry Night, Noisy Night," Dec. 3: The St. Wendelin Elementary annual Christmas program is titled "Starry Night, Noisy Night" and will take place at 7 p.m. Dec. 3. It will feature kindergarten through third grade and will take place at the St. Wendelin High School. Directors are Tracy Fahim and Elizabeth Schultz.
Live Nativity, Dec. 12: Arcadia United Methodist Church will again host its drive thru Christmas story 5:30-8 p.m. Dec. 12. The event will include a lit path featuring Mary and Joseph in Bethlehem, sheep and a host of angels proclaiming Jesus' birth. The live presentation will include animals and is free of charge. The bad weather date is Dec. 19. The church is located at 19397 CR 216, Arcadia.
FHS Holiday Concert, Dec. 13: The Fostoria High
School Choirs will perform selections of holiday music in the high
school Performing Arts Center at 4 p.m. Dec. 13. Admission is free,
but donations will be accepted.
Groups featured include the Chamber Choir, Concert Choir and the
Fostoria High School Jazz Choir. The Jazz Choir will be performing
jazz favorites such as "Moonglow" and "Slap That Bass" along with
other holiday favorites. Betsy Bellavia will direct and Damian Stout
will accompany on the piano.
FCB Holiday Concert, Dec. 13: The Fostoria Community Band will present a holiday concert at 2 p.m. Dec. 13 at Fostoria Middle School. The event will include performances of "We Need a Little Christmas," "A Rhapsody of Carols," "Christmas a la Big Band," "Yuletide Festival," "Fanfare Prelude: Adeste Fideles" and the theme from "The Polar Express. The band is under the direction of Jarrod Koskoski and features approximately 40 members. Refreshments will be served during intermission. The concert is sponsored by the Fostoria Community Arts Council with help from a grant from the Fostoria United Way.
FMS Holiday Concert, Dec. 17: The Fostoria Middle School Choirs will present holiday favorites in the high school Performing Arts Center at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 17. The cost is free although donations will be accepted. The choirs featured will include the sixth, seventh and eighth Grade Choirs as well as the Middle School Jazz Choir. The Jazz Choir will sing "Let it Snow" and " Santa Baby" as well as a Beach Boys favorite, "Surfin' USA." The Fostoria Middle School Choirs are under the direction of Betsy Bellavia and are accompanied by Damian Stout.
Christmas Music with the Toledo Symphony
Orchestra, Dec. 19:The TSO will perform Christmas music
Dec. 19 at St. Wendelin Catholic Church. Doors open at 7 p.m. and
the concert will begin at 7:30 p.m.
Selections for the evening will include "O Holy Night," "A Most
Wonderful Christmas" and "Jingle Bells Forever."
The Toledo Symphony is celebrating 66 continuous seasons of
excellence in performance. Begun in 1943, the orchestra and its
musicians now perform over 400 times each year for nearly a half
million people They will be heard in churches, theaters and
community centers, while their home base is the Peristyle Auditorium
at the Toledo Museum of Art.
Tickets are $5 for students and seniors, and $10 for adults. They
are available at Reineke Ford, First Federal Bank, the Chamber of
Commerce, the St. Wendelin Parish Office on Wood Street and at St.
Wendelin Elementary and High Schools. The church is located at 323 N. Wood St.
Grace United Church of Christ, US 23 North, Fostoria, will celebrate the Christmas story with a service of praise. The service begins at 7 p.m. Dec. 24 and will include singing, a performance by the Bell Choir, a reading of the Christmas story and fellowship. The service will conclude with the candle light service.
"Rise Up! A New Light A-Comin'" Dec. 13: St. Andrew's United Methodist Church, Findlay, will present "Rise Up! A New Light A-Comin'" Dec. 13. The show begins at 5:30 p.m.
"Rise Up!" includes inspiring scenes of those sent to share the good news of the births of Jesus Christ and features spiritual and carol arrangements with newly-composed music by Lloyd Larson and Pamela Martin.
Performers include the adult vocal and hand bell choirs, children’s and youth choirs, the Good News and St. Andrew’s Sisters ensembles and a duet by Brennan Orians and Christine Wagner. An orchestra will provide the accompaniment. The prelude begins at 5 p.m. and will feature harpist Jan Bishop and flautist Helen Githens.
The program is free and open to the public. A free-will offering will be collected and given to Findlay-area charities.
The church is located at 120 W. Sandusky St. For more information, call 419-422-4845.
Lights at the Zoo, Nov. 20-Dec. 31: During the holiday season, the Toledo Zoo is transformed into a winter wonderland Nov. 20 through Dec. 31. The Lights Before Christmas holiday event features over one million lights, ice-carving demonstrations on Thursday evenings, carolers, holiday treats, the Swanton Area Railroad model trains, and visits with Santa in the Indoor Theatre. Santa will be there through Dec. 23. Admission is $10 for adults, $7 for seniors and children ages 2-11. The Lights Before Christmas is displayed 5-8 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 5-9 Friday through Sunday. It is closed for Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. For more information, call 419-385-4040 or visit www.toledozoo.org.
North Pole Express, Nov. 27-Dec. 27:
The North Pole Express will return to Findlay Nov. 27 through Dec.
27 to transport passengers through a wonderland of sparkling lights
and holiday decorations.
Train ride tickets are $2 for adults and $1 for children 12 and
younger. The attraction will be available 6-9 p.m. Fridays, 5-9 p.m.
Saturdays, and 5-8 p.m. Sundays at the Northwest Ohio Railroad
Preservation, Inc., 11600 C.R. 99, Findlay.
Coaches are open-sided so passengers should dress for cold weather.
Hot chocolate, popcorn, hamburgers and hot dogs will be available
for purchase.
The museum itself will also be decorated for Christmas and will have
holiday model and toy trains on display. Museum admission is
included in the train ticket price or by donation.
For more information, call the Northwest Ohio Railroad Preservation,
Inc. at 419-423-2995 or visit www.nworrp.org.
Hayes Train Special, Dec. 1- Jan. 9: A 12x24 foot operating model train display featuring six 19th century style trains will be on display at Hayes Presidential Center on the corner Hayes and Buckland, Fremont. Interactive buttons let visitors control signals, gates, whistles and more. Included in Hayes Museum admission $7.50 for adults, $6.50 for seniors, $3 for children 6-12. Hours are 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Monday – Saturday; noon – 5 p.m. Sundays. For further information, contact 419-332-2081 or visit their website at: www.rbhayes.org.
Tree of Love Lighting Ceremony, Dec. 3: Join patients and residents for their annual Tree of Love lighting ceremony at 7 p.m. Dec. 3 at St. Francis Health Care Centre, 401 N. Broadway, Green Springs. The women of the St. Francis Guild will bless St. Francis Health Care Centre with more than 66 beautifully decorated trees which are placed throughout the facility. Residents, patients, families and staff can enjoy them during this holiday season. The evening will consist of memories of loved ones, lighting of the Christmas trees, and a Christmas performance by the Clyde High School Show Choir. This beautiful and magical evening will conclude with refreshments and begin our holiday season. So help us celebrate Christmas by making a donation in memory of, or in honor of someone we can remember on this special evening. For further information, call 419-639-6226 or visit: www.sfhcc.org.
Christmas Dinners at Spiegel Grove, Dec. 3-5: An elegant Victorian evening is planned 6:30-10:30 p.m. at the Hayes Presidential Center on the Corner Hayes and Buckland, Fremont. The event includes a carriage ride, entertainment, six course Victorian feast (based on State Dinners served during the Hayes administration from 1877-1881), and much more. Cost is $175 and advance reservation and payment required. For further information, contact 419-332-2081 or visit the website at: www.rbhayes.org.
Holiday Melting Pot, Dec. 4: Unique handmade items, local chefs, and special events are featured at the Wood County Historial Museum's annual fundraising event 6-8 p.m. Dec. 4. Sample ethnic food from International Chefs plus bid on fabulous silent auction items at the annual Holiday Melting Pot Gala Fundraiser. Funds raised at the event help support local history and educational learning for local children. Holiday Gala tickets are $20 and include a self-guided Museum Tour, entrance to the silent auction, and a sampling of ethnic foods: European cuisine from Naslada Bistro, Lebanese dishes from South Side Six, Mexican flavors from Gloria Enriquez Pizana and Marsha Olivarez of BGSU, British traditions from Steven A. Black of Call of the Canyon, Pilipino inspired food from Marilyn Gottschalk, Korean fare from Koreana, Italian tastes from Brad East, and a an array of international desserts and a "melting pot" of fondue courtesy of the Wood County Historical Society, Museum staff, and the BGSU Asian Studies Program. Tickets can be purchased at the door on the night of the event (cash or check only), but advanced reservations are encouraged by calling 419-352-0967.
Pioneer Traditions Holiday Tea, Dec. 4 and 5: The Hancock Park District will host the annual "Pioneer Traditions Holiday Tea" 1:30 p.m. Dec. 4 and 5 at Litzenberg Memorial Woods, 1847 Historic McKinnis House (located on US 224, west of Findlay). Registrations are being accepted now through Dec. 1. At this event, visitors will join period-clothed staff for a holiday tea featuring dulcimer music, hot tea, and sweet breads. Early Christmas carols will be performed on the lap dulcimer by Becky Woodward of Findlay who portrays Mrs. Job Chamberlin. Visit the Hancock Park District office to make reservations of $6 per person by Dec. 1. Payment of program fee reserves the space for that participant. For more information about this or other upcoming programs, call the Hancock Park District office at 419-425-PARK.
Holiday Boutique, Dec. 4-5: Christmas decorations, pottery, paintings, cards, photography and miscellaneous works of art will be on sale at the Findlay Art League’s Annual Holiday Boutique Christmas Sale 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Dec. 4, and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Dec. 5 at the FAL Gallery, 117 W. Crawford St. For more information about the Boutique and other programs at the Findlay Art League visit our gallery or online at www.findlayartleague.com.
Victorian Weekend in Tiffin, Dec. 4-6.:
The weekend will include afternoon tea, a Christmas parade,
children's workshops, 5-K run, holiday gifts, house tours, museum
open houses and concerts.
Friday's events will include a Christmas kids' fest will take place
6-7:30 p.m. at the Tiffin Community YMCA. It will include games,
refreshments, crafts, a visit with Santa and events for the entire
family. The YMCA is located at 180 Summit St., Tiffin. The First
Friday in TNT concert will feature holiday music at 7:30 p.m. at the
National Theatre at The Ritz, 30 S. Washington St. Tickets are $10.
For details, call 419-448-8544.
On Saturday, a Victorian breakfast and open house is planned
8:30-11:30 a.m. at the Allen Eiry Senior Center, 30 Orchard Park.
For details, call 419-448-9774. At 9 a.m., a "Run Like the Dickens"
5-K run is planned at the Commission on Aging, 10 Riverside Dr. For
more information, call 419-448-5533. A lunch with holiday gifts and
crafts and bake sale will take place 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Kiwanis
Manor, 7 W. Market St. The Christmas parade, sponsored by the Tiffin
Kiwanis Club, will step off at 11 a.m. in downtown Tiffin. A free
make-and-take workshop for children in kindergarten through fourth
grade is set 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at selected downtown stores. Call
419-448-0370 for more information. English afternoon tea is set at 4
p.m., followed by the Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols at 5 p.m.
at Old Trinity Episcopal Church, 125 E. Market. St. Reservations are
required by calling 419-448-0049. At 7:30 p.m., Tiffin University
will host Christmas at the Ritz. For ticket information, call
419-448-8544. A holiday dance will conclude the day 8-11 p.m. at
Meadowbrook Park Ballroom in Bascom. It is sponsored by the
Northwest Ohio Ballroom Dance Society.
The Tiffin Glass Museum will host an open house 1-5 p.m. both Friday
and Saturday with refreshments and door prizes. The museum is
located at 25 S. Washington St. The Seneca County Museum, 28 Clay
St., will host a "Patriotic Christmas" event 1-5 p.m. Saturday and
Sunday, featuring refreshments, music and children's crafts.
A holiday house tour is set 1-5 p.m. Sunday. It is sponsored by the
Tiffin Historic Trust. For more information, call 419-447-4789 or
419-448-9566. Heidelberg University and the Community Chorus will
finish out the weekend with a performance of Handel's "Messiah" at 3
p.m. Sunday in the Seiberling Gym on the university’s campus. For
additional information, call 419-448-2073.
Victorian Christmas Dinner, Dec. 4-6: Enjoy a wonderful Victorian Christmas Dinner served in the John Wright Mansion at Lyme Village at 6 p.m. Dec. 4 and 5 and 1 p.m. Dec. 6 at the Historic Lyme Village; 5001 Ohio 4, Bellevue,. This full meal features everyone in Victorian attire. The mansion is decorated in beautiful Victorian décor. Reservations required. Admission $49. For further information, contact 419-483-1084 or visit www.lymevillage.com.
Winesburg Christmas Weekend, Dec. 4-6: Come and enjoy this family-oriented holiday weekend in Downtown Clyde 5:30-8 p.m. Dec. 4, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dec. 5 and 11 a.m to 4 p.m. Dec. 6. The 11th Annual Christmas Parade starts at 5 p.m. with Santa Claus as the Grand Marshal. Visit a model train display, see decorated Christmas trees at Doebel’s Flowers, have a free horse-drawn trolley ride and much, much more. The McPherson House & Clyde Museum are open from 1-4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday with special events planned. For further information, call 419-547-9194 or for a full schedule of events visit www.clydebpa.org.
Self-guided Holiday Tours, Dec. 5-19: Tours more than 30 exhibit rooms decorated with International and traditional holiday flair at the Wood County Historical Museum Dec. 5-19. Tours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Wednesday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday and Friday, and 1-4 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday. The suggested donation is $4 per adult, $1 children age 10 and under. Special weekend events include a visit with Santa, the Polar Express working railroad display, live music from the Back Porch Dulcimers Dec. 6, Irish dancers from the Perrysburg Dance Academy Dec. 13 and A Joyful Noise Dec. 19. Try your hand at making a Victorian-era feather tree on 1-4 p.m. Dec. 5. Advanced registration needed for the workshop and $30 to cover materials. The Wood Country Historical Center and Museum is located at 13660 County Home Road, Bowling Green. From I-75, take exit 179, go east on Route 6, then turn right at County Home Road. For more dates and details, visit www.woodcounty.org or call 419-352-0967.
Live Nativity, Dec. 6: Experience the joy and wonder of Christmas on the campus of the St. Francis Community 6:30-8 p.m. Dec. 6. It is sponsored by the St. Francis Community with the participation of area youth. Please park in the gravel parking area off St. Francis Avenue and meet a guide to begin the journey. Rain date is Dec. 7. Donations will be accepted for the local homeless. The campus is located at 200 St. Francis Ave., Tiffin.
Williamsburg Wreath Workshop, Dec. 6: The Hancock Park District will host a "Williamsburg Wreath Workshop" at 2 p.m. Dec. 6 at the Discovery Center in the Oakwoods Nature Preserve. Participants will create a della robbia-style wreath with fruits, pinecones and other natural materials, similar to the festive door trimming used in Colonial Williamsburg. Bring your pruning shears to cut greenery and spend an afternoon celebrating a colonial tradition that still looks wonderful today. Ann E. Boyd of My Own Backyard Herbs & Flowers will be there to guide the workshop. Registration is required and can be made by contacting the Hancock Park District office, 1424 East Main Cross St., Findlay, with a fee of $15 per person. Payment should be made in cash or checks preferred and must be received before registration is confirmed. For details, call 419-425-PARK.
Breakfast with Santa, Dec. 12: Campfire USA will host a breakfast with Santa 9:30-11 a.m. Dec. 12 at its office at 305 W. Hardin St., Findlay. The event will include pancakes, holiday crafts and photo with Santa Claus. Cost is $5 for adults and $3 for youth and seniors. Pre-paid reservations are required by 5 p.m. Dec. 9. For questions, contact Mandy at 419-422-5415 or mdaniel@campfireusa-nwohio.com
Dillon House Christmas Special Teas, Dec. 12 and 13: Spend a leisurely pre-holiday afternoon with friends or family while sharing the joy of the holiday season 1-3 p.m. Dec. 12 and 13 at the Hayes Presidential Center; Corner Hayes and Buckland; Fremont. The original interiors of the 1873 Dillon House are the setting for holiday-themed teas modeled after those popular during the 19th century. The menu of tea sandwiches, sweets and hot tea is authentic to the time period, as is the tableside entertainment. Costumed wait staff will serve holiday theme goodies, while guests enjoy the original interiors of one of Fremont’s finest historic homes. Admission is $25 for adults and $14 for children. Advance reservations required. For further information, contact: 419-332-2081 or visit www.rbhayes.org.
Christmas of Yesteryear Tour, Dec. 12, 13 and 27: Historic Lyme Village will host Christmas as celebrated the way immigrants from Germany, Italy, Netherlands and England did at the turn of the century. Activities for children will include storytelling, decorating gingerbread men and writing a letter to Santa with a quill pen in the one-room schoolhouse. The costumed re-enactors will explain the traditions of each country and offer refreshments in several of the buildings. Strolling musicians and choirs will sing in the log church. The candlelight and Lantern Tour will begin at 5 p.m. Dec. 12. This event is weather dependent. Admission is $5 for adults and $3 for children 6 – 11. For further information, contact 419-483-4949 or visit www.lymevillage.com.
Tea at the Holderman House, Dec. 17: Join Mrs. Holderman for a relaxing afternoon enjoying our special Holderman House Tea Blend along with an assortment of sweets and savories in the ambience of a beautiful Victorian era home 1-3 p.m. Dec. 17 at the Sandusky County Historical Society Museum, 514 Birchard Ave., Fremont. A $10 donation is requested. Reservations are required and can be made by calling Rita at 419-684-9184. For further information, contact 419-684-9184 or visit www.sanduskycounty.org.
Christmas is for Kids Tea, Dec. 19: A special pre-Christmas treat for youngsters who have been very, very good is planned 1-3 p.m. Dec. 19 at the Hayes Presidential Center, located at the corner of Hayes and Buckland, Fremont. The historic Dillon House takes on the look of a holiday wonderland for an afternoon tea for children and their adult companions. Costumed wait staff will serve holiday themed goodies, while young and old enjoy the original interiors of one of Fremont's finest historic homes. Seasonal entertainment also included. Admission is $25 for adults and $14 for children. Reservations required. For further information, contact 419-332-2081 or visit www.rbhayes.org.
Sleigh Carriage Rides through Spiegel Grove, Dec. 26-31: Re-create a scene straight from a Currier and Ives print as you take a tour through the 25 acre estate of 19th U.S. President Rutherford B. Hayes in Fremont using the mode of transportation he used. Weather determines if sleighs or carriages will be used. The rides will take place 1-4 p.m. Dec. 26-31. Closed Dec. 28th. Admission is $3 per rider. For further information, contact 419-332-2081 or visit www.rbhayes.org.
New Year's Eve Sausage Drop, Dec. 31: Where else but in Elmore would you expect to see a giant brightly lit 18 foot sausage fall from the sky to usher in the New Year? Beginning at 9 p.m. Dec. 31 at Depot Park, 253 Ottawa St., Elmore, a live band and lots of good home cooked food, featuring - what else - sausage, of course. Lots of games including a sausage eating contest, sausage tossing and Dress your Hot Dog contest, with prizes for the top three winners in each category. The cookie and candy contest from Elmore's Holiday Express and Home Christmas Decorating will be announced at 9 p.m. For further information, contact 419-707-9799 or visit: www.elmorehs.tripod.com.
"Handel's Messiah," Dec. 2: In celebration of the holiday season, the
Bowling Green State University Choral Society and guest soloists, in
collaboration with the Toledo Symphony Orchestra, will perform
Handel's "Messiah" at 8 p.m. Dec. 2 in Kobacker Hall of BGSU's Moore
Musical Arts Center. The performance is part of the 2009-10 Festival
Series at the University's College of Musical Arts.
Tickets for the event are $36, $28 and $20 for adults and $29, $22
and $15 for students. Group ticket prices are also available upon
request. For more information, contact the box office between noon
and 6 p.m. weekdays at 800-589-2224 or 419-372-8171, or by email
at musictickets@bgsu.edu.
Toledo Symphony Christmas Concert, Dec. 4: Communities for the Arts presents a Christmas concert featuring the Toledo Symphony Orchestra at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 4 at Clyde High School Auditorium, 1015 Race St., Clyde. Tickets are $20 and all seats are reserved. For further information, contact 419-547-0588 or visit www.communitiesforthearts.org.
"The Gospel According to Scrooge," Dec. 4-6, 11-13: Dayspring Church in Bowling Green will host its 23rd annual production of "The Gospel According to Scrooge" at 7 p.m. Dec. 4-6 and 11-13. The show includes choreography, drama and solo and group singing. Tickets are free and available by calling Dayspring at 419-352-0672 or online at www.dayspringassembly.org. The church is located at 17360 N. Dixie Highway, Bowling Green.
A Tuna Christmas, Dec. 4-6, 11-13: It's Christmas in Tuna, the third smallest town in Texas. Radio station OKKK news personalities Thurston Wheelis and Arles Struvie report on various Yuletide activities, including a heated competition in the annual lawn display contest including the latest news on the mysterious Christmas Phantom. Will he strike again or more likely, where will he strike? Meanwhile, the local production of "A Christmas Carol" is in jeopardy of having it's plug pulled by unpaid electric bills, who can come to their rescue? Shows are 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 2 p.m. Sundays at Fremont Community Theatre, 1551 Dickinson St., Fremont. Tickets are $12 and $10 for Seniors & Students. For further information, call 419-332-0695 or visit www.fremontcommunitytheatre.org.
Holiday Concert, Dec. 5: The Tiffin University Musical Arts Program presents its fourth annual Holiday Concert at The Ritz Theatre at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 5. The concert is open to the public and tickets are $7 per person (all proceeds to go to charity). A limited number of free student tickets will be available at the door, on a first-come, first-served basis.
North Coast Concert Band Holiday concert, Dec. 6: Favorite tunes for every member of the family fill the program of the annual holiday concert by the North Coast Concert Band and North Coast Big Band. The concert will be presented at 3 p.m. Dec. 6 at Old Fort High School, 7635 North County Road 51, Old Fort. The concert is free of charge. For more information visit, www.northcoastconcertband.com.
Glenn Miller Orchestra, Dec. 18: The World Famous Glenn Miller Orchestra Christmas concert is set for 7:30 p.m. Dec. 18 at the Ritz Theatre. The evening will feature a selection of holiday favorites with GMO classics including "In the Mood," "Chattanooga Choo Choo," "A String of Pearls" and more. Tickets are $15-50. The Ritz Theatre is located at 30 S. Washington St., Tiffin.
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