Heralding the Holidays is this weekend at Toledo Botanical Garden

The annual Hayes Train Special exhibit at the Rutherford B. Hayes Presidential Center in Fremont, Ohio.

Toledo Botanical Garden's Heralding the Holidays event kicks off Friday. It will feature a variety of holiday gifts for sale, live music, horse-drawn wagon rides, and children's crafts. It will run from 5 to 9 p.m. opening night and feature story-telling at the Pioneer Cabin and performances by troupes from Dance FX in the strolling garden. Music by Donny Ray begins at 6 p.m. in the conference center, followed by strolling carolers from Inspire Dance Co. at 7:30 p.m. Saturday's activities will run from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and include live music from the Northview High School carolers at 10 a.m. and the Ottawa Hills High School Carolers at 11:30 a.m. The Dickens Singers will perform at noon. Garden gates will be open from noon to 5 p.m. Sunday, with Whiteford High School carolers as the opening entertainment. Singer/guitarist Angel Cody will perform from noon to 2 p.m. in the conference center. Collaborations Acappella Singers will close out the event. Guests can make crafts in the educational building or shop for art in the garden buildings all weekend. Toledo Botanical Garden is at 5403 Elmer Dr. Admission and parking are free. Information: 419-536-5566.

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Miniature trains are chugging along the tracks of the Hayes Presidential Center's Hayes Train Special model train display. Eight model trains -- all styles that have significance to 19th President Rutherford B. Hayes and his family -- travel through a course that includes mountains, tunnels, countryside, and villages. The three-tiered display rises to the ceiling and includes 19th century trolleys and a decorated Christmas tree. Visitors can control the trains' movements and some of the display's animated features. Also, a display of the snowflake art of Toledoan Mary Gaynier is at the center. Admission, which includes both displays, is $7.50 for adults, $6.50 for seniors age 60 and older, and $3 for children ages 6-12. Both exhibits will be on display from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and noon to 5 p.m. Sunday through Jan. 6.

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The Maumee Valley Historical Society plans a holiday tea at the Wolcott House at noon and 2 p.m. Wednesday.

Christmas music will fill the air as guests enjoy one another's company at each of the formal sit-down affairs in the historic home at 1031 River Rd. in Maumee. Each of the eight rooms and the staircase will be decorated for the season.

Tickets are $10 each; proceeds help to fund upkeep and artifacts for the Wolcott House. For more information, call 419-893-9602.