Good morning, Toledo.

Let’s Build Beds will host its 8th annual Christmas Bed Build at Glass City Center (from 9 a.m. to noon on Dec.

13) where volunteers will help build 150 beds and gather twin-size sheets, comforters, blankets, and pillows for over 100 children on the waiting list.

Local shelters in Toledo struggled—facing rising demand for homeless services as cold weather set in.

The increase in need reflected a nationwide trend driven by the affordability crisis.

The Salvation Army is set to help 3,500 kids in Toledo and serve 4,059 children as part of its Hope for the Holidays Toy Drive this season.

A single mother named Christine Steiger said the aid eases the heavy load of holiday tasks — from buying a tree to cooking dinner.

Toledo Zoo has updated its animal care routines as cold weather settles in, with outdoor animals like tigers getting heated rocks and extra food while sensitive species such as tortoises and giraffes move indoors—keepers also enrich elephant routines by crafting snowy exhibits.

Visitors should plan to arrive earlier today to see active animals before sunset.

Schmucker’s restaurant at 2103 N Reynolds Rd reopens today after 103 days of repairs following an August fire — owner Doug Schmucker said he looks forward to welcoming customers Monday through Saturday from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Toledo will host several festive events this December including a Holiday Speakeasy at Wolcott Heritage Center on December 5, Libbey House Winterfest Weekend from December 5 to 7, and art fairs at the Botanical Garden.

Residents will also enjoy live magic, comedy shows and a time-travel drag show — events offering varied entertainment throughout the month.

TourismOhio has released the Ohio Holiday Events Guide which lists 440 events in every county to highlight local traditions for the season.

The guide offers residents choices such as tree lightings, parades, and craft fairs—helping communities connect and support local business.

Gas prices in Toledo dropped as the average fell to $2.59 per gallon plus the decline is more than 26 cents from last week, 34 cents lower than last month and 37 cents lower than last year.

Prices ranged from $2.17 to $3.01 per gallon.

UToledo’s Institute of American Constitutional Thought and Leadership — which received an $866,372 award from the U.S. Department of Education — will launch a three-year program to help regional middle and high school teachers strengthen civics lessons.

Online applications are open now through Dec. 5 and the cohort will consist of 25 teachers and five administrators who will participate in weekend colloquia, a summer institute, and an annual civics summit.

Toledo native Noma Aguebor will earn her doctor of nursing practice on Dec.

13. After a positive B.S.N. experience at UToledo, she overcame project challenges with help from Dr. Heidi Shank—keeping her on track—to plan for work as a primary care nurse practitioner.

The Central Catholic football team will face Bishop Watterson on Friday at 3 p.m. at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium (Canton) as they prepare for their third straight state title game appearance.

The Toledo women’s volleyball team will face No. 4 seeded Indiana in the first round of the NCAA Tournament tomorrow in Bloomington, Indiana.

The Rockets earned a 23–10 record and claimed the Mid-American Conference Championship on Nov 23 to secure their first NCAA bid.

The Toledo City League Legends Committee will host a two-day basketball tournament at Rogers High School starting Friday and continuing Saturday — teams from Ohio, South Carolina, Illinois and Florida will compete.

The event will honor past players and coaches during a Saturday recognition ceremony.

High school state championships will be broadcast live on Spectrum News 1 starting Thursday with Anderson versus Avon at 7 p.m. and continuing on Friday and Saturday with games scheduled at 10:30 a.m., 3 p.m., and 7:30 p.m.—giving local fans a full weekend of live high school football action.

Area Office On Aging Holiday Party

11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. — The Premier — Free entry — Celebrate the season with friends and community at a festive holiday gathering.

Heralding the Holidays 2025

Dec 5-7 — Toledo Botanical Garden — Free entry — Celebrate the festive season with community activities and beautiful garden displays.

Holiday Night Market

9 AM – 3 PM — Fifth Third Building - One Seagate — Free entry — Celebrate the season in a nostalgic wonderland filled with festive activities.

Champions Of Magic: Holiday Spectacular

7:30-9 p.m. — The Stranahan — Ticket prices vary — Experience a magical holiday celebration with dazzling illusions and festive surprises for the entire family.

Local Authors Spotlight at Voodoo Brewing

6-8 p.m. — Voodoo Brewing Co — $20 entry — Celebrate local authors and enjoy literary trivia while supporting community literacy programs.

Disney On Ice - Frozen & Encanto

7-8:30 p.m. — Huntington Center — Pricing starts at $24.00 — Experience the enchanting tales of Frozen and Encanto come to life on ice with beloved Disney characters.

Children's Wonderland Holiday Event

11 a.m. - 8 p.m. — Sylvania Exhibition Center at Tam-O-Shanter — $7 for children, $9 for adults — Step into a festive wonderland with classic exhibits, train rides, and photos with Santa.

Toledo Ballet - The Nutcracker

2-3:30 p.m. — The Stranahan — Tickets available — Celebrate 85 years of a beloved holiday tradition with a magical performance of The Nutcracker.

Disney On Ice: Frozen & Encanto

1-2:30 p.m. — Huntington Center — Starting at $24.00 — Experience the enchanting worlds of Frozen and Encanto brought to life on ice with dazzling performances.

Cindy Kaza Comedy Show

7-8:30 p.m. — Funny Bone Comedy Club — $78 — Experience a night of laughs with Cindy Kaza at this local comedy venue.