Happy Tuesday, Toledo. In today’s edition: Pump prices keep easing, Home for the Holidays Festival, Christmas at the Peristyle, and more.

Let’s get to it — Cait Baker

📰 In the news

Pump prices keep easing: Toledo gas prices have continued to slide, averaging $2.59 per gallon after a drop exceeding 26 cents, with stations ranging from $2.17 to $3.01 as the national average is $2.95 — see the full breakdown.

Rising need, steady resolve: As grocery prices remain high, Toledo-area pantries see rising demand, with Toledo Northwestern Ohio Food Bank citing 10 to 15 percent and Food for Thought seeing 20 to 30 percent — read the full story.

City hall leadership shake-up: Chelsea Ziss was sworn in Dec. 1 as Maumee mayor, becoming the city’s first woman and youngest at 36. Two council vacancies now follow her elevation and a prior resignation — see what’s next for council.

Compare rates for free: The national average for car insurance is around $175 per month. Paying more than that? Same, so I did some shopping around and ended up cutting my premium in half. If you haven’t checked in a while, you’re probably overpaying too — here’s the comparison tool I used.

Scams are rampant: My step-dad recently got a call from someone pretending to be his grandson, all beat up and asking for bail money. They knew his grandson’s name, how old he is, and what city he lives in. How? Data brokers. They sell your info to anyone willing to pay for it (yup… anyone). Incogni removes your info from all of those sites so scammers can’t use it against you. Cyber Monday discounts are available all week — check ’em out here.

Highlights this week

• Watch Santa deliver trees by tugboat
• Celebrate handmade holiday art and gifts
• Enjoy a free sensory Snowy Social
• Celebrate 85 years of The Nutcracker
• Need new windows? Check out RBA’s latest deals

🫶 We got your back

Magical night sky voyage: Ritter Planetarium is screening Santa’s Secret Star through Dec. 20, a kid-friendly holiday show where Rudolph helps Santa learn constellations. Catch it Fridays at 7:30 p.m. and Saturdays at 1 p.m. Tickets are $8 for adults, $6 for kids, seniors, and UToledo community; ages 3 and under free. See showtimes, prices, and parking.

Seasonal treats for a cause: Toledo Helps Ukraine’s 4th annual Cookie Walk is set for Saturday, Dec. 13, 9–11 a.m. at the Rossford Rec Center, with proceeds supporting its humanitarian work. Expect kolachy, nut rolls, sweet raisin bread, and hundreds of cookies. One dozen is $12. Bakers can donate treats Friday, Dec. 12, 3–6 p.m. Get all the details.

Your burrito night sorted: Craving a burrito that hits? Poco Loco blends Mexi-Cuban flavors with hefty Sancho and Mijas burritos, plus a legit vegan burrito bowl. Cozy for midweek, lively for catch-ups. You’ll leave full, and a little proud of your order.

An emergency vet visit could cost you $7,000+ (ask me how I know 🙃). From the initial fee just to be seen to x-rays, surgery, medicine, and aftercare, it adds up quicker than a chew toy turns into a crime scene. The good news? You could get up to 90% cash back on your vet bill with this pet insurance plan.

Wellness on easy mode: Most probiotics don’t work because they dissolve too early. Seed’s double capsule design means all the right stuff gets delivered to all the right places… at the right time. After decades of gut issues, it’s one of the few things that’s actually helped. Their Daily Essentials Duo covers nutrient gaps and supports everyday health + it’s 40% off right now so it’s a great time to give it a try.

📆 Around town this week

All events are subject to change without notice. This is entirely outside our control. Please check official event pages and social media for the most up to date information.

This week

🦉 Wildwood 50th: All About Owls @ Wildwood Preserve | Tuesday (12/2) at 5:30pm – Wildwood is marking 50 years with a guided, after-dark stroll to meet the real night shift, our native owls. Expect quiet trails, owl calls, and actual stars. Reservations required, $3, adults and kids 8+, dress for the weather, comfy shoes recommended.

🌿 Winter Wreath Making Workshop @ Cork & Knife Provisions | Tuesday (12/2) at 6:00pm – Take a break from the holiday rush and unwind with some hands-on wreath-making. Debbie from The Flower Mercantile hosts a cozy night at Cork & Knife where you’ll craft a rustic evergreen wreath, graze well, sip seasonal drinks, and enjoy holiday cheer. Real branches, better snacks, zero glitter.

❄️ Leading Families Home – Winter Wonderland @ Temple Shomer Emunim | Thursday (12/4) at 6:00pm – If you’re looking to add a little good to your week, this is a great place to start. Winter Wonderland with Leading Families Home brings good cheer, impact, and a silent auction seeking gift cards, baskets, and fun one-offs. Tickets are $25, or grab a table for $200.

🏠 Home for the Holidays Festival @ Downtown Perrysburg | Friday (12/5) at 3:00pm – Think holidays peaked with the tree lighting? Downtown Perrysburg goes full festive with Santa and the Grinch mugging for photos, ice sculptures, and a donut-plus-cocoa stroll to Toth for the parade, then a drone show over the Maumee River that makes tangled lights feel quaint.

🎻 Trans-Siberian Orchestra @ Huntington Center | Friday (12/5) at 3:00pm – Whether you’ve air-guitared to Carol of the Bells since the CD era or just want stadium-sized holiday goosebumps, Trans-Siberian Orchestra is back with all the lasers. Two shows, afternoon or evening, so you can get your epic fix, avoid bedtime meltdowns, and still find parking.

This weekend

🎄 Winterfest: Libbey House Christmas Tour @ Libbey House | Saturday (12/6) at 11:00am – Nothing says holiday curiosity like wandering all three floors of the Libbey House, free, and peeking at every garlanded nook. Then refuel in the Tea Room with tea or hot chocolate and cookies for five bucks at the door, no reservations, no fuss.

🛍️ Holiday Night Market @ Fifth Third Building | Saturday (12/6) at 4:00pm – Fifth Third’s Grand Lobby is becoming a two-level holiday wonderland, with escalator nostalgia, local artisans, tasty bites, craft drinks, and music. Expect free hot cocoa, free parking, a gift-wrap station, and 419 Santa. Five bucks gets you in, food trucks are ready.

🎶 Christmas at the Peristyle @ Toledo Museum of Art | Saturday (12/6) at 4:00pm – Whether you’ve been humming carols since Halloween or holding out, the Toledo Symphony at the Peristyle is the upgrade your holiday playlist deserves. Big sound, beloved carols, a little sing-along, and that Peristyle acoustic you brag about to out-of-towners.

🎁 3rd Annual Essence of Giving Holiday Gala @ Aria Banquet Hall | Saturday (12/6) at 6:00pm – Toledo dresses up for a good cause at a holiday gala inside Aria Banquet Hall, formal attire required. Expect dinner from Kay’s Soul Food Kitchen, live music, DJ Jay Roc, and yes, a real red carpet. It all benefits MSNC Freedom School Toledo.

✨ Champions of Magic: Holiday Spectacular @ Stranahan Theater | Sunday (12/7) at 7:30pm – Trade another caroling playlist for a night of big-stage illusions and festive surprises. Champions of Magic bring big-stage illusions, cheeky humor, and festive surprises the kids will talk about, and you will pretend were for them. High energy, interactive, genuinely impressive, and delightfully sparkly.

Wanna see more? Browse our full events calendar →

🎶 Live music & entertainment

• 12/2 Ray Arthur and Company @ Lucille’s Jazz Lounge – 6 pm
• 12/3 A Magical Cirque Christmas @ Stranahan Theater – 7:30 pm
• 12/3 Adult Game Night @ Bier Stube – 7:30 pm
• 12/4 Christmas Holiday Concert @ One SeaGate – 7 pm
• 12/4 Musical Theatre Cabaret @ Lucille’s Jazz Lounge – 7 pm
• 12/4 Mike Bonner @ TolHouse – 8 pm
• 12/5 David Janeway @ Lucille’s Jazz Lounge – 7:15 pm
• 12/5 A Christmas Carol @ Notre Dame Academy – 7:30 pm
• 12/5 Bored Teachers @ Stranahan Theater – 7:30 pm
• 12/6 14th Annual Christmas Bazaar @ St. Clements Hall – 11 am