10 • December 2012 • www.findlayfamily.com

By Rose Roccisano Barto

Holiday Happenings 2012

L e t t h e r e

B e . . .The best holiday events the Findlay area

has to offer

. . . t r e e s CHRistmas tReesThrough Saturday, December 22 Kaleidoscope Farms14841 CR 54, Mt. Cory / 419-722-1154 www.kaleidoscopefarms.comPick a tree from 10 varieties and bring it home to decorate. You can also get your picture taken with a reindeer if you bring your own camera, enjoy hot cider and peanuts, find the cool hiking trails and scavenger hunts, and enjoy a baby animal stable and horse-drawn wagon rides.10am-6pm Saturdays, 2pm Sundays, and 4-6pm weekdays through Saturday. Activities are free.

RiCk & CaRl’s CHRistmas tReesThrough December20354 N. Dixie Highway, Bowling Green419-409-0252bowlinggreenchristmastrees.comExplore a Christmas-time forest of thousands of trees, from Scotch Pine to Douglas Fir. A saw and sled will be provided for those who want to cut down their own tree, and fresh pre-cut trees are also available. Sugar cook-ies, wreathes, and garlands are available too! Weekdays noon-dark, Saturday 10am-dark, Sunday 11am-dark.

. . . s h o p p i n gawakening minds aRt and atHletiCs sHow and auCtionSaturday, December 1 Waldo Pepper’s / 411 S. Main St. 419-302-3892 / www.awakingmindsart.orgStumped for a Christmas present? You might find just the right thing at AMA’s second annual fundraiser, which will include an art auction and sale. Artwork is done by clients of Awakening Minds, which provides thera-peutic experiences for individuals with special needs. 7-10pm. $10.

sHopping eventSaturday, December 1 Knights of Columbus Hall 701 W. Main Cross St. www.findlaymothersandmore.orgThe Mothers & More Third Annual Holiday Shopping Event features 30 booths filled with toys, food gifts, jewelry, vintage costume jewelry, spa products, handmade items, Scentsy, paper crafts, home décor and more. 9am-2pm. Free entry.

one stop CHRistmas sHopSaturday, December 8 StoneBridge Church / 2111 Stonehedge Dr.419-422-6862 /www.stonebridgechurch.orgNothing says Christmas like a church bazaar, and StoneBridge Church promises one of the bigger events. American Girl doll clothes, cook-ies by the pound and gift baskets are just some of the items available for Christmas shopping. Lunch will be served from 11am-1pm. Free admission.

. . . M u s i c , t h e a t r e a n d d a n c e tHe nutCRaCkeRSaturday, December 1 Central Auditorium / 200 W. Main Cross St.419-422-3412 / www.artspartnership.comA new vision of the Christmas classic “The Nutcracker” will dance its way into Findlay for the first time in 10 years. Come see more than 40 local dancers and professionals from Neos Dance Theatre present the classic holiday ballet with a uniquely local twist. 2pm. $15 students, $25 adults, $23 seniors in advance; $30 at the door.

nunCRaCkeRsFort Findlay Playhouse Saturday, December 1 to Sunday December 16 300 W. Sandusky St.419-422-3412 /www.artspartnership.comYou’ve never experienced a holiday musical quite like this one. Go behind the scenes and watch the wacky Little Sisters of Hoboken put on a holiday show for public access television, straight from their convent basement studio, culminating in a wild spoof of the classic Nutcracker ballet. Show times are Saturday and Sunday December 1 and 2; Thursday, December 6 thru Sunday, December 9; Thursday, December 13 thru Sunday, December 16. 8pm Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays; 5pm Sundays. $15.

tuBa CHRistmasSunday, December 2 Ritz Theatre / 30 South Washington St., Tiffin419-448-8544 / www.ritztheatre.orgCheck out Heidelberg University’s Tuba Christ-mas, part of an international movement honor-ing the tuba and euphonium, instruments not often given a place of honor in ensembles. But here, you can listen to holiday classics written and arranged for those instruments. 6pm. Free.

Handel’s messiaHSunday, December 9 Founders Hall, Bluffton University1 University Drive, Bluffton419-358-3000 / www.bluffton.eduHallelujah! Community members and students join in the 117th performance of the holiday classic. That many years — and that many voices — can’t be wrong. 4pm. Free.

osmonds CHRistmas sHowWednesday, December 12 Ritz Theatre / 30 South Washington St., Tiffin419-448-8544 / www.ritztheatre.orgBefore there was Justin Bieber, there were the Osmonds. Merrill, Jay and Jimmy come together to create Osmond Brother memories and spread holiday cheer with classic songs. The brothers have been performing worldwide for almost 50 years, breaking records and warming hearts with their close harmonies and smooth voices. 7:30pm. $65, $50, $35, $20.

silveR Blades CHRistmas exHiBitionThursday, December 20 The CUBE / 3420 N. Main St.419-424-7176 / www.findlayohio.comSilver Bells … no wait, it’s Silver Blades! Come enjoy some of the finest skaters in the area as they present an exhibition featuring routines they’ve worked hard to perfect. Performances will vary from solo to group routines, and include a holiday surprise or two. Skaters range in age from 5 to 18. 6-8:30pm. Free.

toledo sympHony oRCHestRaSaturday, December 22 Ritz Theatre / 30 South Washington St., Tiffin419-448-8544 / www.ritztheatre.org‘Tis the season to fill your hearts with medleys of familiar holiday tunes, expressive musical selections and sing-along classics. Conductor Jeffrey Pollack will lead the orchestra in a tune-ful holiday in keeping with the orchestra’s 68th season. 7:30pm. $50, $35, $25, $15.

. . . r i d e s noRtH pole expRessWeekends thru Sunday, December 30. Northwest Ohio Railroad Preservation, Inc.11600 County Rd. 99419-423-2995 / www.nworrp.orgTake a ride on a quarter-scale North Pole Ex-press train that will take young and old through a track decorated with sparkling lights and holi-day decorations. Warm up inside with a cup of

hot chocolate, fresh-popped corn and other goodies. The train runs twice around a half-mile track, and departs every 15 minutes. Fridays 6-9pm, Saturdays 5-9pm, Sundays 5-8pm. $2 adults, $1 children under 12.

. . . F e s t i v i t i e s tHe ligHts BefoRe CHRistmasOngoing through Monday, December 31 Toledo Zoo2 Hippo Way (off Anthony Wayne Trail), Toledo419-385-4040 /www.toledozoo.orgDuring the holiday season, the Zoo is trans-formed into a winter wonderland. The Lights Before Christmas holiday event features over one million lights, over 200 images of some of your favorite animals, ice-carving demonstrations on Thursday evenings, carol-ers, holiday treats, the Swanton Area Railroad Club’s model trains, and visits with Santa in the Indoor Theatre. The event is closed Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. 3-8pm Sundays thru Thursdays 3-8pm; Fridays and Saturdays 3-9pm. Adults (age 12-59): $12; Seniors (age 60+): $9; Children (age 2-11): $9; Children under age 2: free. Additional charges may apply for some attractions.

santa’s House/ winteRfestOngoing through December 17 St. Andrew’s United Methodist Church Welcome Center / 101 W. Sandusky St. (Welcome Center is on the Crawford St. side across from the Municipal Building) 419-422-4845 / www.saumcfindlay.orgIt’s Christmas time in the city, or at least downtown, as Findlay continues a holiday tradition. This year Santa’s House is St. An-drew’s United Methodist Church, where Santa and Mrs. Claus can’t wait to hear little ones’ holiday wishes. Every child receives a small gift bag and all are welcome to hot chocolate and cookies. Adults may bring cameras, but photos will also be available for purchase. 6-8pm every Monday and Friday. Free.

Charlotte Haase, 8 months, of Findlay

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Christmas FestFriday, December 7 YMCA Downtown Branch 300 E. Lincoln St.419-422-4424 /www.findlayymca.orgEnjoy some holiday cheer courtesy of the Findlay YMCA. Games, crafts, snacks and live entertainment will be featured, as well as a visit from Santa. 6-7:30pm. Free.

holiday PrinCess PromenadeSaturday, December 22 TRENDS!Too / 515 S. Main St.419-672-0040 for reservationsWhat Christmas would be complete without a chance to show off your holiday dresses? Here’s the chance for princesses to debut their silver bells and sparkly shoes — and get their hair, makeup and nails done to boot! A craft, games and snacks are also provided. Ages 4 through 12. $14 per child.

. . . c r a f t s mom and me CraFtSaturday, December 1 TRENDS!Too / 515 S. Main St. 419-672-0040 for reservationsCome to a Christmas craft event, just you and your favorite girls! All materials will be provided. 9-10:30am. $8.

sleigh ride and Cookie deCoratingFriday, December 21 TRENDS!Too / 515 S. Main St., Findlay419-672-0040 for reservationsCraft, games and cookie items provided for this outdoor event — so dress warmly! Who knows, you might get the chance to meet the most famous reindeer of all. Ages 7 through 12. 6-8pm. $12 per child.

s a n t a s i g h t i n g sPhotos With santaTuesday, December 4 to Monday, December 24 Santa Land in front of Sears Findlay Village Mall /1800 Tiffin Ave.419-423-8732 www.shopfindlayvillagemall.comSanta will be there from 4-8pm Monday thru Thursday; noon-8pm Friday & Saturday; noon-5pm Sundays thru Dec. 9. Starting Dec. 10, hours are noon-8pm Monday thru Saturday and noon-7pm Sunday. Santa will also be available 10am-5pm Monday, Dec. 24. On Tuesdays, pets can get their pictures taken with Santa, too! They must be Santa-friendly and leashed or carried. 6-8pm. No personal cameras permitted, but photos are available for purchase.

Visits From santaDecember 4 to December 12 Findlay Hancock County Public Library206 Broadway St.419-422-1712 /www.findlaylibrary.orgSanta will appear at the library from 10:30-11:30am on Tuesday December 4 & Thursday, December 6; 6:30-7:30pm Wednesday, December 12. Free.

Christmas tea With santaSaturday, December 15 TRENDS!Too / 515 S. Main St. 419-672-0040 for reservationsCrafts, games and breakfast are all part of the meet and greet with Santa himself. Ages 4 through 12. 9:30-11am. $10 per child.

Check out more holiday happenings at

www.findlayfamily.com!

. . . h i s t o r y hayes train sPeCialTuesday, December 4 to Sunday, January 6 Rutherford B. Hayes Presidential CenterSpiegel Grove, Fremont419-332-2081 / www.rbhayes.orgCome enjoy the beauty of Christmas past by observing the Hayes Train Special, an elaborate model train exhibit that includes miniature Victorian villages, ice skates and fireworks. Also part of the display is an exhibition of the snowflake art of Mary Graynier of Toledo. While you are there, check out the decked-out home and museum of Ohio native and 19th President of the United States Rutherford B. Hayes. Admission to train exhibit included with museum admission. Tuesdays through Satur-days 9am-5pm; Sundays noon-5pm. Closed Mondays, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. $7.50 adults, $6.50 seniors over 60 & $3 children 6 thru 12.

Candlelight at the mCkinnis houseSaturday, December 8 Liztenberg Memorial Woods6100 U.S. 224419-425-7275 / www.hancockparks.comJoin the 1840s McKinnis family and friends for a fireside visit and find out why they will or won’t be celebrating the upcoming holidays. The program offers a glimpse of pioneer living by candlelight — before iPhones! 6-9pm. Free.

. . . B a B y s i t t i n ghoW the grinCh stole Christmas sCreeningSunday, December 9 TRENDS!Too / 515 S. Main St.419-672-0040 for reservationsHe’s a mean one … but you don’t have to be! Let your kids watch a movie while you shop downtown without them. A craft and snack round out the fun afternoon. Ages 5-12. 1-3pm. $7.

holiday shoP and droP WorkshoPSaturday, December 15 & Saturday, December 22 Imagination Station / 1 Discovery Way (at Summit & Adams streets), Toledo419-244-2674 www.imaginationstationtoledo.orgHaving a hard time getting your holiday shop-ping done with your kids in tow? Drop them off at Imagination Station for an afternoon of awesome science fun while you finish! While here, they’ll participate in a series of cool science activities, watch a demonstration, take a ride in the Simulator Theater, snack on deli-cious liquid nitrogen ice cream and even make a special gift to give the holidays, wrapped and ready to place under the tree! 10am-1-pm. Grades 1 thru 7. $12 members, $14 non-members and RSVP is required.

. . . M o v i e s the santa Claus Saturday, December 1 Findlay Hancock County Public Library206 Broadway St. 419-422-1712 / www.findlaylibrary.orgGet your fill of Tim Allen and other notable ac-tors in the role of Santa with the library’s holi-day movie series Saturdays during the month

of December. The film for December 1st is The Santa Clause. All children under 8 must be accompanied by an adult. 1:30pm. Free, but admission tickets are necessary from the Children’s Desk.

the santa Clause 2Saturday, December 8 Findlay Hancock County Public Library206 Broadway St.419-422-1712 / www.findlaylibrary.orgThe library’s holiday movie series will feature the Santa Clause 2. All children under 8 must be accompanied by an adult. 1:30pm. Free, but admission tickets are necessary from the Children’s Desk.

the santa Clause 3Saturday, December 15 Findlay Hancock County Public Library206 Broadway St.419-422-1712 / www.findlaylibrary.orgThe library’s holiday movie series will feature the Santa Clause 3. All children under 8 must be accompanied by an adult. 1:30pm. Free, but admission tickets are necessary from the Children’s Desk.

Fred ClausSaturday, December 22 Findlay Hancock County Public Library206 Broadway St.419-422-1712 / www.findlaylibrary.orgSchedule a fun winter break outing with the library’s holiday movie series, which features Fred Claus. All children under 8 must be accompanied by an adult. 1:30pm. Free, but admission tickets are necessary from the Children’s Desk.

BeethoVen’s Christmas adVentureSaturday, December 29 Findlay Hancock County Public Library206 Broadway St.419-422-1712 / www.findlaylibrary.orgSchedule a fun winter break outing with the library’s holiday movie series, which features Beethoven’s Christmas Adventure. All chil-dren under 8 must be accompanied by an adult. 1:30pm. Free, but admission tickets are necessary from the Children’s Desk.

Christmas CartoonsFridays through December 21 Findlay Hancock County Public Library206 Broadway St.419-422-1712 / www.findlaylibrary.orgTake a break with your children and enjoy a half-hour of short holiday cartoons at the library. Pick up free admission tickets at the Children’s Desk the morning of the show. Children under 8 must be accompanied by an adult. 10:30-11am. Free.

Frosty moVie nightFriday, December 14 TRENDS!Too / 515 S. Main St. 419-672-0040 for reservationsStill need some time to shop? Here is your chance, and keep the kids busy with a craft and snack, too. Ages 5-12. 6:30-8pm. $7.

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12 • December 2012 • www.findlayfamily.com