CommunityCalendar

Through Dec. 21

Dublin Chamber and NextGen Dublin Food & Coat Drive

Dublin Chamber of Commerce, 129 S. High St., www.dublinchamber.org

Drop off food and clothing donations at the Dublin Chamber of Commerce during office hours or at any Dublin Chamber or NextGen Dublin event. Items will be donated to Welcome Warehouse and Dublin Food Pantry.

Through Jan. 1

Wildlights

5-9 p.m. Sundays through Thursdays, 5-10 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, 4850 W. Powell Rd., www.colszoo.org

Join the animals for one of central Ohio’s favorite holiday traditions. The thousands of lights are efficiently powered by AEP Ohio, and a brand new holiday light show will take place each night on Conservation Lake.

Dec. 1

The Nutcracker

11 a.m. and 1 p.m., Abbey Theater, 5600 Post Rd., www.dublinohiousa.gov

Dublin Dance Centre & Gymnastics puts on two performances of the traditional holiday ballet. The show is recommended for children ages 4 and up. Tickets are $7 for adults and $5 for children and seniors

Dec. 1

Chili Cook-Off

1-4 p.m., Historic Dublin, www.historicdublin.org

You are the judge at this tour of six local establishments, all competing for the title of Best Chili in the City. A $5 ticket gets you a taste of chili at all six locations: Brazenhead Irish Pub, Tucci’s, Mezzo, J. Liu, La Chatelaine and the Dublin Village Tavern

Dec. 2

Turtle Time

2 p.m., Glacier Ridge Metro Park, 9801 Hyland-Croy Rd., www.metroparks.net

Meet more than 30 different critters with the Turtle Lady at the park’s maintenance shop.

Dec. 2

Dwight Lenox

3 p.m., Abbey Theater, 5600 Post Rd., www.dublinohiousa.gov

Join Columbus’ premier jazz artist as he sings favorite holiday hits. Tickets are $10 for adults and $7 for children and seniors.

Dec. 4-13

Dine with Santa

6-8 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays, Columbus

Zoo and Aquarium, 4850 W. Powell Rd., www.colszoo.org

Children can meet Santa and have up-close animal encounters at the zoo’s activity pavilion when they attend this kid-friendly dinner. Space is limited, so order your tickets online in advance. Cost is $20 for zoo members or $30 for non-members, with zoo admission included Dec. 6-15

A Christmas Carol

Thursdays through Saturdays, Abbey Theater, 5600 Post Rd., www.dublinohiousa.gov

Delight in a holiday classic with this hourlong version of Charles Dickens’ timeless tale from Abbey Theater. The show is recommended for ages 4 and up, and tickets are $7 for adults or $5 for children and seniors.

Dec. 8

Jack Hanna’s Home for the Holidays featuring Santa Paws

10 a.m.-10 p.m., Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, 4850 W. Powell Rd., www.colszoo.org

Those who bring an approved animal enrichment item from the zoo’s online list receive one free admission to Wildlights. In the evening, Hanna gives two special presentations accompanied by his animal friends at 6:15 and 8:15 p.m

Dec. 9

The Dublin Singers Christmas Concert

3 p.m., St. Brigid of Kildare Catholic Church, 7179 Avery Rd., www.dublinsingers.org

The local singing group presents its annual holiday show, this year titled Here We Come A-Caroling.

Jan. 7

Be a Quitter: Freedom from Smoking

6-7 p.m., Dublin Branch Library, 75 N. High St., www.dublinohiousa.gov

Join this presentation to learn about the process of quitting tobacco use. Included will be discussions on the hazards of nicotine use and the benefits of quitting, as well as lifestyle changes that make quitting easier.

Jan. 8-Feb. 22

Char Norman: Forest Remnants Dublin Arts Council gallery, 7125 Riverside Dr., www.dublinarts.org

Fiber artist and Columbus College of Art & Design Dean of Faculty Char Norman uses natural relics in each of her sculptures.

Through this exhibit, Norman aims to increase appreciation and respect for the environment. A free opening reception is scheduled from 6-8 p.m. Jan. 8.

Jan. 10

Metro Five-0: Level 3 Winter Birding

2 p.m., Glacier Ridge Metro Park, 9801 Hyland-Croy Rd., www.metroparks.net

Those ages 50 and up may catch a glimpse of hawks, owls and other winter birds while getting some exercise on this 2-mile hike. Bring your own binoculars or use extras provided by the park.

Jan. 16-March 20

The Leadership Academy 2013

6-8 p.m. Wednesdays, Dublin Chamber of

Commerce, 129 S. High St., www.dublinchamber.org

Designed for young business professionals, this annual academy offers six sessions of valuable information to help you strengthen your career, community involvement and professional skills. The sessions are taught by area experts and offer a great chance to connect with other young professionals. Register online at www.dublinchamber.org/leadership.

Jan. 27

Owls!

Time TBA, Glacier Ridge Metro Park, 9801 Hyland-Croy Rd., www.metroparks.net

The Ohio Wildlife Center brings live owls to visit with participants. After the presentation, attendees set out on a 1-mile hike to listen for

Dec. 13

District Open House

10 a.m.-8 p.m., Historic Dublin, www.historicdublin.org

If you’re still struggling with gift ideas, browse Historic Dublin’s shops and stores during this event, part of the Holly Days festivities. Free trolley rides through the district will be available from 6-8 p.m.

Dec. 22

Colo’s Birthday Celebration

11:15 a.m., Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, 4850 W. Powell Rd., www.colszoo.org

Colo, the world’s oldest zoo gorilla, is turning 56. To honor her big day, she and the other gorillas will be given a special cake to celebrate the occasion. Watch the great apes chow down and enjoy a slice of birthday cake handed out by the zoo, while supplies last.

Dec. 24-Jan. 4

Winter Break for Dublin City Schools

Dec. 30

Winter Walk and Woof

2 p.m., Glacier Ridge Metro Park, 9801 Hyland-Croy Rd., www.metroparks.net the calls of a barred owl. Advance registration is required.

Bring your canine companion to the park for a 2.5-mile hike through the forest and fields.

Jan. 28

Spring Literacy Program Volunteer Training

11:45 a.m.-12:10 p.m., Riverside Elementary School, 3260 Riverside Green Dr., www.dublinchamber.org

Dublin Chamber and Dublin City Schools have formed the NextGen Dublin Literacy Program, which works with first-graders to improve reading and comprehension skills. To kick-start the program, new volunteers are asked to attend this training session, where lunch will be provided. The program runs Jan. 28-March 22.

Give colorfully

The holidays are just more colorful with Vera Bradley under her tree! From handbags to travel items, decorations and special seasonal styles, there’s something for everyone.

Shown: Great holiday gift ideas in Provençal and new Dogwood