TOLEDO, OH – Nov. 5, 2025 – The Toledo Zoo & Aquarium is thrilled to welcome Huntington Bank as the new sponsor of Lights Before Christmas, the Zoo’s iconic annual holiday tradition, celebrating its 40th year of dazzling lights and festive experiences. Huntington Bank’s support, combined with its continued commitment to the Community Partner Membership Program, will bring joy and opportunity to local families throughout the holiday season.

As part of the Zoo’s Community Partner Membership Program, Huntington Bank is gifting more than 150 families with free memberships to the Toledo Zoo. Through local supporting agencies including Art Tatum Zone, Believe Center Inc., Great Lakes Community Action Partnership, Lucas Metropolitan Housing and the Monroe County Opportunity Program, these memberships will give underserved families in the Toledo area a full year of wildlife adventures, educational experiences and unforgettable memories.

“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. Partnerships like these are a true asset to our community, helping enrich lives, inspire curiosity and create shared experiences that strengthen neighborhoods.”

Local partnerships play a pivotal role in supporting all pillars of the Zoo’s mission to Enjoy. Inspire. Educate. Act. Reaching far beyond the Zoo’s gates, the impact of Huntington Bank’s generous gift helps to spark lasting connections that inspire children and families to care for the world around them.

“This year, we’ve celebrated a monumental milestone of 125 years of connecting our community with wildlife,” said Shayla Moriarty, chief operating officer and executive vice president at the Toledo Zoo. “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, whose continued support helps us carry our mission forward for generations to come.”

To culminate this historic year, the Toledo Zoo is introducing a stunning 400-drone show, adding an exciting new dimension to Lights Before Christmas. The drone show will debut during the annual Tree Lighting Ceremony on Nov. 21 to officially kick off the holiday season.

In addition, guests can look forward to a second drone show later in the evening, providing a unique and memorable finale to the night’s festivities. The exact timing and details for the shows will be announced closer to the event.

Visitors of all ages can enjoy the 40-year festivities, including illuminated animal displays, seasonal food and family-friendly entertainment.

For more information about Lights Before Christmas, the Community Partner Membership Program or sponsorship opportunities, visit toledozoo.org.