Before You Head Out Today, Toledo

Good morning, Toledo.

This week starts off a little rough around the edges weather-wise, with strong winds and a quick temperature drop expected Monday. After that, things calm down as we head toward New Year’s Eve and the first weekend of January.

If you’re easing back into work, juggling kids still on winter break, or just looking for a low-key way to get out of the house, here’s what’s happening around the city.

Strong winds and slick spots to start the week
Monday has been designated a First Alert Weather Day due to a fast-moving system bringing heavy wind and falling temperatures. Rain overnight may freeze early Monday morning, creating slick spots on bridges, ramps, and side streets. Winds will build through the day, making it feel colder than the forecast high and knocking around loose outdoor items.

Vacant home fire raises safety concerns
Fire crews responded to a fire at a vacant Toledo home late last week. While no injuries were reported, the structure has since been labeled unsafe, highlighting ongoing concerns around vacant properties during winter months when fires can spread more quickly.

Holiday programming continues during winter break
Several major Toledo attractions are extending holiday and winter-break programming this week. Family-focused daytime activities are drawing steady crowds as kids remain out of school through the end of the year.

What Monday’s weather actually means for you
The main thing to watch is timing. Wet roads overnight combined with an early temperature drop could mean icy patches during the morning commute. Winds will increase by late morning and stay gusty through the afternoon, making it a good day to secure trash cans and outdoor decorations.

Christmas tree recycling is now open
The city has opened its annual Christmas tree recycling program. Trees can be dropped off through the end of January and will be mulched instead of sent to the landfill. Decorations, lights, bags, and stands must be removed before drop-off.

Expect busier daytime spots this week
With schools still on winter break, places like the zoo, museums, and Imagination Station are seeing heavier crowds during late mornings and early afternoons. If you prefer quieter visits, earlier openings or later afternoon hours tend to be calmer.

Monday, Dec 29
• Lights Before Christmas — Afternoon & evening at the Toledo Zoo
• Imagination Station Open Play — 10:00 AM – hands-on science exhibits

Tuesday, Dec 30
• Zoo Winter Camps & Lights — Daytime camps plus evening lights
• Imagination Station Winter Break Activities — 10:00 AM

Wednesday, Dec 31 🎉
• New Year’s Eve Eve / Noon-Year Events — Family-friendly celebrations earlier in the day
• Zoo Noon-Year Celebration — Daytime countdown for kids

Thursday, Jan 1
• New Year’s Day Open Hours — Museums and family attractions reopen with holiday hours

All Week
• Great Art Escape — Special winter programming at the Toledo Museum of Art

Thanks for reading The Toledo Dispatch.
We’ll be back soon with more local updates, simple plans, and things worth knowing around the city.

Have a great start to the week.