Have a holiday season full of cheer with these festive local events that the whole family will enjoy! From cookies and cocoa to train rides and parties, Findlay has a variety of events to keep your holidays merry and bright!
Wednesday, December 3
Learn to Sing Christmas Carols
6-6:30pm
Findlay-Hancock Public Library,
Children’s Program Room
206 Broadway St., Findlay
419-422-1712, www.findlaylibrary.org
A fun and ‘hands on’ experience! Singing Christmas carols presented by Deb Wickerham. Children, teens, and adults can learn to sign some holiday favorites. Free
December 4-7, 11-14 & 18-21
Scrooge! The Musical
Times vary
Fort Findlay Playhouse
300 W. Sandusky St., Findlay
419-422-4624
This holiday favorite begins on Christmas Eve in Victorian London and follows Ebenezer Scrooge on his journey to understanding the real meaning of life and Christmas. It is a classic redemption story that fills us all with joy, laughter, and that special warmth of the Christmas season. Tickets can be purchased through The Arts Partnership. $15/ticket.
Friday, December 5
“Christmas in Carey”
5-8pm
Downtown Carey, 419-396-7856
The Carey Area Chamber of Commerce will sponsor its annual “Christmas in Carey” celebration with a number of fun family-oriented activities including lighting of the community Christmas tree at the Gazebo, Christmas caroling, visit from Mr. & Mrs. Santa Claus and children’s crafts and refreshments.
December 5-December 7
ONU Holiday Spectacular
December 5&6, 7:30pm; December 6&7, 2pm
Veteran’s Memorial Civic and
Convention Center, 7 Town Square, Lima
419-772-1900, www.onu.edu/freed
This year ONU celebrates the 20th anniversary of this family-favorite holiday performance! With dancing, singing and an assortment of familiar characters, Holiday Spectacular provides energetic entertainment to spread the warmth and joy of the Christmas season. Tickets should be purchased in advance and are available at all three Kewpee Restaurant locations in Lima or at the Freed Center Box Office. $5/ticket.
December 5, 6, 12 and 13
Holiday Lantern Tour
4–8:30pm
Sauder Village
22611 St. Rte 2, Archbold
1-800-590-9755
Historic Sauder Village gives guests a turn of the century tour by lantern light as a costumed guide takes small groups on a pilgrimage to the early 1900’s. Visit the homestead, District 16 Schoolhouse, St. Mark’s Church and Elmira Depot. Guests will experience the holiday customs of the early 1900’s, join in a hymn in the church and receive a small gift consistent with the early century theme. Preregistration and prepayment is required. Tours last about 90 minutes and will begin every 30 minutes between 4 and 8:30 pm.
Saturday, December 6
Pioneer Holiday Tea
10:30am&1:30pm
Litzenberg Memorial Woods, McKinnis House
6100 U.S. Route 224, Findlay
419-425-7275
Join the costumed staff at the 1847 McKinnis House for a holiday tea featuring dulcimer music, pioneer holiday traditions, hot tea and sweet breads. This event is for ages 9 and up. Register at the Hancock Park District Office by Thursday, December 4. $8/person.
Saturday, December 6
Upper Sandusky Parade
5pm, Sandusky Avenue & Cherry Street
419-294-7037
The whole family will delight in the holiday beauty at the Upper Sandusky Christmas Parade. There will be Story Time and Children’s Crafts at the library starting at 10:30am. Free
Saturday, December 6
Superheroes Save Christmas
10am-5pm
Findlay Village Mall
1800 Tiffin Ave., Findlay
419-423-8732
www.shopfindlayvillagemall.com
Santa is having problems at the North Pole! His reindeer are sick, Mrs. Claus ran out of cookie dough and the elves are so hungry they can’t build toys. Superheroes are coming to the rescue with Help-Portrait-Findlay, a volunteer-run chapter that unites the community to serve families in need. Free portraits, clothing, care kits, meals, live music and children’s activities will be available.
Pre-register at 419-701-4044 or visit www.help-portrait-findlay.com.
December 6 & 7
Christmas Open House
December 6, 5-8pm; December 7, 1-4pm
Hancock Historical Museum
422 W. Sandusky St., Findlay
419-423-4433, www.hancockhistoricalmuseum.org
Join the Hull family as they celebrate Christmas in the 1890’s. Musical entertainment, crafts and games, storytelling and a visit by Father Christmas. Refreshments provided. $1/ticket.
December 6, 13, 20, 26
Holiday Movie Series
Movies start at 1:30pm
Findlay-Hancock Public Library
206 Broadway St., Findlay
419-422-1712, www.findlaylibrary.org
Holiday fun for the whole family! Movies include Santa Paws, the Polar Express and Frozen. Adults must be accompanied by a child. All ages welcome. You may bring your own drink and additional snack. Free
Sunday, December 7
Kwanzaa Celebration
3:30-5:30pm
Black Heritage Library and Multicultural Center
817 Harmon St., Findlay
419-429-2566
Learn more about Kwanzaa, the seven-day celebration of hope, harmony, and understanding! Also, learn to give of self through community service and acts of love through hand-crafted gifts.
Presented by Elizabeth Washington, a Columbus math teacher, poetry reading and music will also be enjoyed. Refreshments will be served and multicultural art prints will be available for purchase ranging from $3 to $50. Free (donations accepted).
Sunday, December 7
Home for the Holidays
3pm
Van Buren High School
217 S. Main St., Van Buren
419-299-3384, www.vbschools.net
The University of Findlay Band will put on their annual performance for the holidays sure to delight all ears and get everyone in the Christmas spirit! Free
Sunday, December 7
Sunday Funday
1:30-3:30pm
The Mazza Museum
1000 N. Main St., Findlay
419-434-4560
Each Funday Sunday event features activities, games and story time around a different theme each month. December’s theme is “Stocking Stuffers.” Free
December 9 & 12
Visits from Santa
10:30-11:30am
Findlay-Hancock Public Library,
Lindamood Room
206 Broadway St., Findlay
419-422-1712, www.findlaylibrary.org
Get into the holiday spirit with some Christmas stories and songs. Featuring special guest, Santa! Open to children of all ages. Be sure to bring your camera! Free
Wednesday, December 10
Elf School
6-7:30pm
Findlay-Hancock Public Library,
Lindamood Room
206 Broadway St., Findlay
419-422-1712, www.findlaylibrary.org
Children in grades 1-8 will be trained to be one of Santa’s Helpers with special guest “Buddy the Elf!” Games and activities will be available and learn skills to become an Elf just like Buddy. Wear red, green and jingle bells. Register online or at the Children’s Service Desk by December 3.
Wednesday, December 10
Animals of Winter
11am-noon
Children’s Museum of Findlay
1800 Tiffin Ave., Findlay
Discover the many ways animals have to survive the chilly winter weather at the Children’s Museum of Findlay. The Toledo Zoo’s Animal Outreach will feature live animals that are built for the cold and those that sleep through it. Recommended for children in grades 3-6. Please pre-register at the Children’s Museum. $6.50/16+, $4.50/3-15, Free/kids under 2, free for all children’s museum members.
December 11 & 18
Christmas Teas
2pm
Wood County Historical Center & Museum
13660 County Home Rd., Bowling Green
419-352-0967
Enjoy a special menu of holiday teas and goodies, live holiday music, and self-guided tours of the beautifully-decorated museum. $12/adult, $10 WCHS member, $3/child.
Saturday, December 13
A Litzenberg Holiday Celebration
6-9pm
Litzenberg Memorial Woods
6100 U.S. Route 224, Findlay
419-425-7275
Ready your family in the spirit of the holiday season at Litzenberg Memorial Woods. Participate in a house tour of the historic 1847 McKinnis House, make a natural holiday ornament, stroll the grounds and peek into the past on a candlelight walk and enjoy cookies and wassail while listening to holiday music provided by The Heritage Minstrels. Register at the Hancock Park District Office by December 11. $5/vehicle.
Saturday, December 13
Christmas Bazaar
9am-3pm
Birchaven Village
15100 Birchaven Lane, Findlay
419-294-7037, www.birchaven.org
Shop for one of a kind gifts for everyone on your Christmas list. Items sold include homemade fudge, hand-crocheted doilies, tree ornaments and more.
Tuesday, December 16
Teen Tuesday: Holiday Gift Edition
6-7pm
Findlay-Hancock Public Library, Lindamood Room
206 Broadway St., Findlay
419-422-1712, www.findlaylibrary.org
Make gifts to give during the holiday season. This event will be registration only and is limited to 20 teens. Registration opens at the children’s desk at the library on November 18. Free
Thursday, December 18
Downtown Findlay Third Thursdays
5-8pm
Multiple Downtown Findlay businesses
419-422-3313
Downtown holiday fun! Family-friendly activities, holiday shopping and great specials at your favorite downtown merchants! Free to attend, pricing specials vary by store.
December 29 & 30
Winter Camp: Ready to Ring in the New Year!
9am-4pm
Oakwoods Nature Preserve, Discovery Center
1400 Oakwoods Lane, Findlay
419-425-7275
Join the Park district in preparing for the New Year with crafts and activities. Come prepared for outdoor play and hiking, so be sure to dress for the weather and bring a lunch and drink. Recommended for children ages 6-12 and medical forms are required (forms can be downloaded at hpdparks@hancockparks.com). Register at the Hancock Park District Office by December 23. $30/child.
Tuesday, December 30
Tween/Teen Frozen Party
5:30-8pm
Findlay-Hancock Public Library, Lindamood Room
206 Broadway St., Findlay
419-422-1712, www.findlaylibrary.org
Do you want to build a snowman? Participate in crafts, singing, food and watch the movie, Frozen. Bring a plain white t-shirt to make an Olaf shirt. Grades 3-12. Free
Wednesday, December 31
Noon Year’s Eve Party
11:30am-12:30pm
Findlay-Hancock Public Library, Lindamood Room
206 Broadway St., Findlay
419-422-1712, www.findlaylibrary.org
Celebrate New Year’s Eve as a family. Join us for a noon celebration. Wear your fanciest party gear and be ready for a story and countdown to noon. The party will then continue with kid-friendly dance tunes. Free
