To celebrate the season, more than 150 local families will receive free zoo memberships thanks to the Toledo Zoo’s community partner program and Huntington Bank.
TOLEDO, Ohio — The Toledo Zoo & Aquarium is partnering with Huntington Bank for this year’s Lights Before Christmas celebration, marking the 40th anniversary of the holiday tradition with new features, expanded community access and the debut of a 400-drone light show.
Huntington Bank joins as the presenting sponsor of the event, which begins Nov. 21 with the annual Tree Lighting Ceremony. The partnership also includes the donation of more than 150 zoo memberships to families through the Zoo’s Community Partner Membership Program.
Announced Wednesday in a press release, a spokesperson for the Toledo Zoo said memberships will be distributed through local organizations including Art Tatum Zone, Believe Center Inc., Great Lakes Community Action Partnership, Lucas Metropolitan Housing and the Monroe County Opportunity Program.
“The holiday season is about creating lasting memories and giving back to our community,” said Eric Heintschel, Huntington’s market president in Toledo. “We are honored to join the cherished tradition of Lights Before Christmas and provide families across Toledo the opportunity to experience all the Zoo has to offer.”
The sponsorship supports the zoo’s ongoing mission to “Enjoy. Inspire. Educate. Act.” and extends its reach into the community, a spokesperson for the Toledo Zoo said.
“This year, we’ve celebrated a monumental milestone of 125 years of connecting our community with wildlife,” said Shayla Moriarty, the Zoo’s chief operating officer and executive vice president. “As this commemorative year comes to a close, we’re proud to mark another beloved tradition with the 40th edition of Lights Before Christmas. We are deeply grateful for dedicated partners like Huntington Bank.”
The Toledo Zoo will also host its first-ever drone show during Lights Before Christmas. A display of 400 synchronized drones will kick off the Tree Lighting Ceremony on Nov. 21, at 6 p.m. with a second show around 8:30 p.m. to close out the night. The shows are best viewed near the amphitheater and formal gardens.
In the Winter Village on the southside of the zoo in the amphitheater, you can get a festive beverage at Twinkle Tavern, shop seasonal items at Enchanted Gifts, and warm up by a firepit and roast s’mores from The Sweet Shoppe. You can also stop by Yuletide Food and Spirits, another popular concession spot, for seasonal beverages, snacks and desserts.
Festivities also include special giveaways, roaming holiday characters and performers, caroling by Masterworks Chorale and ice carving demonstrations.
More information about Lights Before Christmas, the Community Partner Membership Program and sponsorship opportunities can be found at toledozoo.org.
Be sure to watch WTOL 11 the evening of Nov. 21 for our annual Toledo Zoo Lights Before Christmas special, celebrating the kickoff of one of the area’s most beloved holiday celebrations and lighting of the award-winning 85-foot Norway spruce.
This article was published by Diane Woodring (WTOL) on 2025-11-05 16:09:00
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