TOLEDO – The historic Wieting Theatre will ring with holiday melodies and good cheer as it hosts its first-ever Ugly Sweater Sing-Along Night on Saturday, December 14, blending community caroling with variety show performances and a festive soup supper.

“I grew up as a choir kid and have loved singing all my life,” said event organizer Darvin Graham. “Living in a rural community, it can be challenging to find opportunities to do creative activities with a group. The hope with this event is that we can come together and make such an opportunity happen.”

The evening kicks off at 5 p.m. with a community soup supper, followed by the main event at 6 p.m. While admission is free, free-will donations will be accepted. Throughout the night, attendees can join in singing their favorite Christmas carols led by song leaders and a pianist, or simply sit back and enjoy the atmosphere. Special variety show-style holiday performances will be interspersed throughout the evening.

“You don’t need to be a singer to participate – you don’t even need to sing,” Graham said. “Just come be a part of the community and help us celebrate the Christmas season.”

Those feeling festive can don their most eye-catching holiday sweaters for a chance to win prizes in the ugly sweater contest. Christmas treats will be served during intermission.

Graham credits the Wieting Theatre Guild, particularly member Michelle Evans, for helping bring the vision to life. “I approached Michelle earlier this year with a question about availability of the Wieting as a venue,” Graham said. “She expressed that she had hoped to see something like this happen in the community as well and it wasn’t long before we got the ball rolling. It’s been encouraging to see so much support.”

The family-friendly event has evolved into a broader community effort, with guild and community members volunteering to assist with various aspects, from marketing, to playing the piano to helping with the soup supper.

“There’s something a little magical about group singing and the Christmas season,” Graham added.

No tickets or reservations are required. Check out the event page on the Wieting Theatre website or share your Christmas carol song requests on the Wieting Theatre Facebook event page.