DECEMBER

FRIDAY 1

[street fairs, holidays]

Red Bird First Friday: Miracle on Main Street

Explore downtown Sylvania with seasonal vendors, carolers, tree lighting, a parade, and Santa Claus! Begins Friday, Dec. 1 at 5pm. Continues Saturday, Dec. 2. Red Bird Sylvania, Main St., Sylvania. redbirdsylvania.org

SATURDAY 2

[Christmas, history]

Christmas Tree Ship 2023

The Christmas Tree Ship is the inspiration for the National Museum of the Great Lakes’ annual Community Giveback Event. Throughout the day, visitors to the museum will receive FREE admission to the museum thanks to the generosity of The University of Toledo Medical Center. 1-4pm. National Museum of the Great Lakes, 1701 Front St. nmgl.org

[markets & shopping]
Holiday Night Market
Celebrate the holiday season with a unique shopping experience. Two levels filled with local artisans, one-of-a-kind gift ideas, food, drinks, music, and a whole lot of holiday cheer! Admission $5. 4-10pm. Fifth Third Building, One Seagate. toledonightmarket.com

SUNDAY 3

[floristry, lessons & classes]

Holiday Wreath Making Workshop

The Toledo Zoo horticulture staff will provide all the materials and guidance needed to create a beautiful evergreen wreath. No experience is necessary. The price of this program includes admission to the Toledo Zoo and complimentary parking in the Anthony Wayne parking lot. $70 members, $75 nonmembers. The Toledo Zoo, 2 Hippo Way. toledozoo.org

[nature & wildlife, photography]

Wildlife Workshop & Photo Shoot

Learn how Nature’s Nursery supports our amazing native creatures through wildlife rehabilitation. Students also have the opportunity to visit and photograph animal ambassadors throughout the grounds during the workshop. $50. 577 Foundation, 577 E. Front St., Perrysburg. 577foundation.org

[seniors, food]

Senior Hour: Cookie Decorating

Enjoy some simple cookie decorating (and eating!) Cookies and decorating items will be provided. 2-3pm. Oregon Branch Library, 3340 Dustin Rd., Oregon. toledolibrary.org

WEDNESDAY 6

[caregiving]

Caregiver Coffee with MemoryLane Staff- Open Discussion / Caregiver Tips

Join MemoryLane Care Services and learn from others who face the same challenges while sharing insights, advice and encouragement. Join by video conference or phone. Contact MemoryLane Care Services to enroll at 419-720-4940 or cconley@memorylanecare.org. Tuesdays, 2-3pm. MemoryLane Care Services, 2500 N. Reynolds Rd. areaofficeonaging.com

THURSDAY 7

[nature & wildlife]
Nature’s Nursery: Mammal Mania at Trilby Park
Learn all about mammals with Nature’s Nursery’s ambassador animals at this free, open to the public, program at the Trilby Park shelter house. Register online. 5-7pm. Trilby Park, 3125 Shawnee Rd. toledo.oh.gov/events

SATURDAY 9

[markets & shopping]
Market & Merry: A Pop-Up Holiday Shopping Event

Stock up on Bittersweet art, cookies, and produce, all while enjoying festive activities at Bittersweet Farms beautiful 80-acre farmstead. 9am-3pm. Market at Bittersweet Gardens, 12660 Archbold-Whitehouse Rd., Whitehouse. bittersweerfarms.org

SUNDAY 10

[handicraft markets]

Winter Festival of Crafts

Shop for quality hand-crafted items at this juried craft show hosted by Toledo Craftsman’s Guild. Free admission and parking. 10am-4pm. Franciscan Center at Lourdes University, 6832 Convent Blvd., Sylvania. toledocraftsmansguild.org

MONDAY 11

[cooking classes]

Fabulous Fudge

Get hands-on to help make a delicious Candy Cane Fudge, while enjoying a variety of delectable fudge samples as you explore the history of chocolate and fudge making. $35. 6-8pm. 577 Foundation, 577 E. Front St., Perrysburg. 577foundation.org

TUESDAY 12

[civic benefit, environmental causes]

Food Waste Composting Kick-Off

Compost your food waste at one of the new free food waste drop-off sites located throughout the city. Residents of Toledo are invited to stop by at any time during this 2-hour event to learn what can and cannot be placed in the bins, how composting benefits our environment, and where to find the collection bins at Swan Creek Preserve Metropark. 2-4pm. Swan Creek Metropark, 4301 Airport Hwy. metroparkstoledo.com

WEDNESDAY 13

[caregiving]

Caregiver Coffee with MemoryLane Staff- Tips on What to Do After a Fall

Every year, more than one out of four older Americans falls. A fall can cause serious injuries to an older adult. You can discuss this topic and other issues with MemoryLane Care Services. Attend in person or online. 2-3pm. MemoryLane Care Services, 2500 N. Reynolds Rd. memorylanecareservices.org

[astronomy]

Geminid Meteor Shower Viewing
If cloud conditions allow, Metroparks hosts self-guided viewing opportunities to experience the dark skies at Howard Marsh Metropark and enjoy the Geminid Meteor Shower. No Reservations Required. Keep an eye on the Metroparks program calendar and Facebook several days before. Howard Marsh Metropark, 401-621 S. Howard Rd., Curtice. metroparkstoledo.com

THURSDAY 14

[tea, talks & lectures]

Tea & Talk Series: Fashion After Dark

The monthly tea & talk begins with a catered luncheon, warm tea and a unique presentation. Please make your reservations by Friday before each tea. $25-$30. 2-4pm. Wood County Museum, 13660 County Home Rd., Bowling Green. woodcountyhistory.org

FRIDAY 15

[theater]

My Fair Lady

My Fair Lady tells the story of Eliza Doolittle, a young Cockney flower seller, and Henry Higgins, a linguistics professor who is determined to transform her into his idea of a “proper lady.” Runs through Sunday, Dec. 17. $39-$94. Thursday, Dec. 14, 7:30pm. Friday, Dec. 15, 8pm. Saturday, Dec. 16, 2pm and 8pm. Sunday, Dec. 17, 1pm and 7pm. Stranahan Theater, 4645 Heatherdowns Blvd. americantheatreguild.com

[nature & wildlife, birdwatching]

Nature at Night: Owls

Take a peaceful evening hike while listening out for owls. The Great Horned Owls are asking, “Are you awake? Me too!” $3. 6-7:30pm. Secor Metropark, 10001 W. Central Ave.. Berkey. metroparkstoledo.com

SATURDAY 16

[book clubs]

December Silent Book Club: Holiday Book Swap Edition

Readers that are taking part in the swap should bring a wrapped new or gently used book that you love and think everyone should read or a book you loved reading in 2023. 9am-11am. BREW Coffee Bar, 1440 Secor Rd. 

[Christmas, history]

Free Wolcott House Christmas Tour & Family-Friendly Christmas Sing-Along

Take part in an old-fashioned sing-along at the old church on the complex after touring the Christmas-themed 1840 Wolcott House. Anyone can sing, play an instrument, recite a poem, tell a story, dance, etc. The festivities will be joined by Santa. 6-9pm. Wolcott Heritage Center, 1035 River Rd., Maumee. Free

SUNDAY 17

[floristry, lessons & classes]

Evergreen Arrangement Workshop

A beautiful evergreen arrangement is the perfect way to celebrate this month of merriment. Toledo Zoo’s horticulture staff will provide all the materials and guidance necessary to create these seasonal showstoppers. No experience is necessary. $60 members, $65 nonmembers. Noon-3pm. The Toledo Zoo, 2 Hippo Way. toledozoo.org

[choral, craft beer]

Carols & Ales presented by whateverandeveramen.

Join whateverandeveramen. for an evening of Christmas carols, traditional drinking songs, and all the holiday spirit you can handle, as we ring in the season. $20. 6-9pm. Also on Monday, Dec. 19, 6:30-9:30pm. Earnest Brew Works Downtown, 25 S. St. Clair St. whateverchoir.org

MONDAY 18

[wine, holidays]

Wine & Wrapping

Gather with friends & family to wrap some gifts and drink some wine (or festive cocktails). Your ticket includes access to a build-your-own mini charcuterie and cheese tray buffet. Beverages will be available for purchase. All the trimmings will be supplied. Ticketed event. $48.50. 5:30-9pm. Cork & Knife Provisions, 224 S. Erie St. corkandknifeprovisions.com

[religion & spirituality, caregiving]

Spiritual Support for Persons Who Have Dementia and their Caregivers

This program will reflect on the spirituality of dementia, how to connect deeply and how to support the person and the caregiver. Call ahead for access information or visit their website. (419) 720-4940. 6-7:30pm. areaofficeonaging.com

THURSDAY 21

[caregiving, art museums]

Meet Me at TMA – Exploring the Senses
Older adults suffering from Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia can gain meaningful museum experiences at the Toledo Museum of Art. Registration is required. For more information or to register, email gtoth@toledomuseum.org. 2-3pm. Toledo Museum of Art, Herrick Lobby, 2445 Monroe St. memorylanecareservices.com

[Hanukah]

Downtown Menorah Lighting

Join Chabad House in lighting the menorah. Latkes, donuts, music and more. 4:30pm. One Government Center. chabadtoledo.com

[holidays, classical music]

Candlelight: Holiday Special featuring “The Nutcracker” and More

Enjoy music inspired by the winter and holiday spirit at The Summit under the gentle glow of candlelight. $32. Two performances, 6:30-8:30pm and 8:45-10:45pm. The Summit, 23 N. Summit St. feverup.com

FRIDAY 22

[wine]

Christmas Cookie & Wine Pairing

Find a perfect pairing with some delicious Christmas cookies and Benfield Wines! They will have plenty of recommendations for pairings, or pick your own. 3-9pm. Benfield Wines, 104 N. Main St., Swanton. benfieldwines.com

TUESDAY 26

[caregiving]

Dementia Friends (virtual session)

The goal is to help everyone in a community understand how dementia impacts individuals and families. Join Dementia Friends for a free, virtual session with optional Dementia Friends Champions training. These sessions are now offered twice a month for individuals who work and live in Ohio. Pre-registration is required. 6-8:30pm. Ocfch.org

SATURDAY 30

[New Years, wine]

New Years Eve Eve Party

Join Benfield Wines for music, munchies and a ball drop at the crack of 9pm to celebrate the new year. 6-9pm. Benfield Wines, 104 N. Main St., Swanton. Benfieldwines.com

SUNDAY 31

[dinner, theater]

New Years Eve! The Elf Who Knew Too Much 

Get Away With Murder, Inc. presents an audience participation whodunit. There’s turmoil at the North Pole. Enjoy the live performance with a complete package of a 3-course dinner, soft drinks, gratuity & tax included. Cash Bar is available. Tickets are available on Eventbrite. $60-$65. 6:30-9:30pm. The Spaghetti Warehouse, 42 S. Superior St.

JANUARY

THURSDAY 4

[talks & lectures, lunch]

First Thursday: Sonia Quin: The World of the Mentally Ill

The First Thursday Series is an interfaith coalition of local peace and justice advocates. Each month features a different speaker and topic. Sonya Quin is the Community Engagement Coordinator for NAMI Greater Toledo. Reservations are not required. $5 or $15 with lunch. Cash or check at the door. Noon. Monroe Street United Methodist Church, 3613 Monroe St. 

FRIDAY 5

[games]

Game Gathering

Enjoy a laid-back coffee while playing board games or cards. 2-4pm. Reynolds Corner Branch Library, 4833 Dorr St. toledolibrary.org. Free

FRIDAY 12

[film]

Casablanca

The Silver Screen Classic selection brings Rick and Ilsa back to the silver screen. $5. The Valentine Theatre, 410 N. Superior St. valentinetheatre.com

FRIDAY 19

[theater, musical]

Bowling Green Opera Theatre presents Brigadoon

The Bowling Green Opera Theater presents the classic tale of two American buddies encountering a magical village in Scotland. $10. 8pm. Also on Sunday, Jan. 21 at 3pm. Moore Musical Arts Center, 420 Willard Dr., Bowling Green. bgsu.edu/the-arts

SUNDAY 21

[beer, choral]

Robert Burns Night presented by whateverandeveramen.

Join whateverandeveramen. for an evening of song & drink celebrating the Scottish Bard. Ticket includes a pint of beer from Earnest Brew Works. $20. 6-9pm. Earnest Brew Works Downtown, 25 S. St. Clair St. whateverchoir.org