DOwntown Merry & Bright

Merry & Bright is a celebration of our community’s favorite holiday traditions, all wrapped up in one joyful season. From twinkling lights and festive markets to heartwarming concerts and visits with Santa, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

Whether you’re finding the perfect gift, laughing with friends on the Santa Bar Crawl, or creating lasting memories with photos of the kids and Santa, Downtown BG is the place to be this holiday season.

Join us as we shop local, gather with friends and family, and light up our Downtown with the warmth and wonder of the holidays. Your Merry & Bright adventure awaits!

2025 Merry & Bright Schedule of Events

November 21

Holiday Tree Lighting Celebration & Concert

6:00 PM - 8:30 PM

Wood County District Public Library

6:00 pm - Holiday Storytime in The Children's Place
7:00 pm - Lights On! With Mayor Mike Aspacher and the BGHS Madrigals
7:15 pm - BGHS Madrigals Performance in the Atrium

Learn More

November 22

November 21

Bowling Green Community Holiday Parade

10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Main St.

Downtown Bowling Green

Northwest Ohio’s largest holiday parade with floats, bands, candy, Santa!

Learn More

November 23

November 21

December 4-6

OLIVERS AND MAX

3rd ANNUAL PET PHOTOS WITH SANTA

2:00 PM - 5:00 PM

Olivers and max

192 S Main St.

Celebrate the season with the 3rd annual Pet Photos with Santa! For $15, Bring your furry friends and join in the holiday cheer!

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December 4-6

OAK GROVE COLLECTIVE Holiday Market

9:00 AM - 7:00 PM

Oak Grove Collective

186 S Main St.

Oak Grove's Monthly Market

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December 6

December 4-6

December 6

GROUNDS FOR THOUGHTS

13th Annual Holiday Boutique

10:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Grounds For Thoughts & Myla Marcus Winery

174 S Main and 133 S Main

Featuring local artists & crafters.

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December 6

December 4-6

December 6

SANTA ON MAIN

5:00 PM - 8:00 PM

at The Millie Venue

105 S Main St

Visits with Santa

Professional Photos

Carriage Rides

Free to the Public

December 6

December 13

BGOPRIDE Holiday Trivia & Drag Show

TBA

Grumpy Dave's Pub

104 S Main St.

Learn More

December 13

SANTA PUB CRAWL FOR TOYS FOR TOTS

5:00 PM

Downtown Bowling Green

Santa Pub Route TBA

Bring a $20 or an unwrapped toy and wear your festive costumes for a chance to win some great prizes. And be sure to end the crawl with the live band at the last stop.

Learn More

December 15

December 13

December 15

2nd Annual Merry and Bright Courthouse Concert

3:00 PM - 4:30 PM

Wood County Courthouse

Caroling Performances TBA

the nice list

Thank you to all our 2024 Merry & Bright Sponsors!

Gold Sponsors

For Keeps

Silver Sponsors

Dick & Andy Newlove - Newlove Realty; The Union Bank Company; Randall J. Roberts, CPA; Wood County Hospital; The Union Bank Company; Ben's; State Bank

Red Sponsors

Grifols Plasma; Rachel & Ryan Phipps; Marsh & Rothenbuhler; Greenbriar, Inc.; Barbara & Rogelio Sanchez; Brookdale of Bowling Green; Doug & Karen Simmons - Wood County Insurance Agency, Inc.; Jeff & Lee Anne Snook; Premier Vision Group; Juniper Brewing Company;

Green Sponsors

John & Alice Calderonello; Dunn Funeral Home; Roger & Betty Jean Anderson; Tabby & Fidos; Phipps, Shevlin, Hebeka Family Dentistry; Bob Midden; Carol Peper Sawyer; James D Eckert Agency Inc.; Bowling Green Title, Ltd.; Carol Kinsey; Lee & Margaret Meserve; Rebecca Ferguson; Congressman Bob & Marcia Latta; Tom & Kim Sockman; Richard & Nadine Edwards; Bob & Winnie Rex; Judy Ennis; Wendy & Thomas Headley