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Featured Events:
Family Fun
Frosty 5 and Mistletoe Mile Run/Walk
Wednesday, December 24, 2025 (Christmas Eve morning)
8:15am to 10:45am
Corner of East Main Street and Church Street, Downtown Hudson
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Escape from the hustle and bustle of the holiday season at the 12th annual Frosty 5 and Mistletoe Mile.
- Mistletoe Mile (one mile walk/run) is from 8:15am to 8:45am; registration fee is $15
- Frosty Five (five-mile walk/run) is from 8:45am to 10:45am; registration fee is $35
Both events are walker and stroller friendly – perfect for all ages and abilities. Dress up, be merry, and join us on Christmas Eve morning. For more information and to register, go to www.westernreserveracing.com/races/frosty.
Destination Hudson is proud to be the non-profit partner of the Frosty 5 & Mistletoe Mile. We need COURSE MARSHALS, WATER STOP VOLUNTEERS, AND FINISH LINE ASSISTANTS. By volunteering, you’ll not only join the fun, but you’ll also help Destination Hudson earn a donation from Western Reserve Racing. That support helps cover our operations, community events, and promotion of Hudson all year long.
Sign up to volunteer here: https://runsignup.com/.../OH/Hudson/Frosty5MistletoeMile
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Hudson Trivia Question #1:
What was the name of the airport that operated in Hudson from the mid-1920s to the late 1950s?
(scroll to the end of this email for the answer)
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Hudson Library Noon Year’s Eve Celebration Open House
Wednesday, December 31, 2025 (New Year’s Eve)
10:30am to 1pm
Hudson Library & Historical Society, 96 Library St., Hudson
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Say "Goodbye" to 2025 and "Hello" to 2026 at your library’s annual Noon Year's Eve Celebration!
Families and children of all ages are invited to celebrate the coming of 2026. Discover New Year’s traditions from all around the world -- Mexico, Germany, the Philippines and more. There will be crafts, activities, a dance party and countdown to Noon for a balloon drop! Nate the Great, a balloon artist, will be here from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Register online in the Events section of www.hudsonlibrary.org or call 330/653-6658. This is one of many events, lectures and programs scheduled for adults and children at the Hudson Library & Historical Society. Find out more at www.hudsonlibrary.org.
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Case-Barlow Farm Toboggan Run
Saturday, February 7, 2026 (if no snow on February 7, then Saturday, February 14)
1pm to 3pm
Case-Barlow Farm, 1931 Barlow Rd., Hudson
For tons of wintery fun at any age, Case-Barlow Farm’s annual Toboggan Run event allows children (and adults!) to slide down the barn hill using the farm’s toboggans. Hot chocolate and treats will be served in the historic barn. Registration will be available at casebarlow.com as the event nears.
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Hudson Trivia Question #2:
What downtown business attracted significant positive attention to Hudson in June 2003 for creating a spectacular special event that was covered widely by news media regionally and nationally?
(scroll to the end of this email for the answer)
| Look At How Hudson Shines for the Holidays | On the night after Thanksgiving, a huge crowd of Hudsonites, their families and visitors gathered on the Gazebo and Clocktower Greens for the annual Caroling and Lighting of the Green event. It was all orchestrated by several non-profit groups – the Lighting Committee of the Hudson Community Service Association, Hudson League for Service and Hudson Community Choruses (HCC). Hudson Public Power uses its trucks and crews to string the lights. Shown here is HCC Artistic Director Jon C. Peterson directing the choruses and the crowd in song. | Downtown Hudson dazzled on December 6 as the skies illuminated in a spectacular fireworks display presented by the City of Hudson in celebration of Hudson Community Foundation’s 25th anniversary. The Hudson Community Foundation has privately funded Hudson’s summer and winter fireworks for more than 15 years under a dedicated endowment that was completed in 2017. The fireworks are orchestrated by Hudson’s own American Fireworks. | On December 4 through 7, Case-Barlow Farm hosted its dazzling Tour of Trees, a display of 24 beautiful trees decorated by Hudson community organizations. Congratulations to the Garden Club of Hudson and its volunteers for its winning tree (and cash prize of $1,000). | Western Reserve Academy (WRA)’s spectacular Bicentennial Tree celebrates the 200th anniversary of WRA and the Hudson’s 225th birthday. The iconic oak tree is adorned with more than 75,000 lights and glows daily from dusk on the WRA campus between Darrow Road (Rt. 91) and College Street. Wow! | Hudson Community First’s annual Holiday Gift Shoppe and Craft Fair on December 6 allowed kids to shop in secret for holiday gifts while their parents and community members explored a craft fair with local vendors. More than 350 kids and their parents came to shop. | Hudson Community Choruses, with 120 voices strong, performed two inspiring holiday concerts on December 6 and 7 (one in Hudson at First Congregational Church; one in Cuyahoga Falls) entitled “Sure on this Shining Light”. Everyone was invited to “listen for the light” and the audience sang along to some selections. | Despite the changing weather, local families and visitors came to enjoy Hudson-Landsburg's Christkindlmarkt on December 12 and 13. | | | |
Hudson Trivia Question #3:
At how many Hudson eateries can you sit down for breakfast?
(scroll to the end of this email for the answer)
| | Upcoming Events: Arts & Culture | | |
Peg’s Foundation Gallery – Iterations Rhythm & Reason
Now Through January 31, 2026
Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday 11am to 4pm
Thursday, Friday and Saturday 11am to 7pm
Closed Sundays & Holidays
53 First Street, Hudson
| Peg’s Gallery presents ITERATIONS: Rhythm & Reason, a thought-provoking showcase of contemporary weaving, ceramic and sculpture by professional artists Peter Christian Johnson, Janice Lessman-Moss, and Brinsley Tyrrell. In this exhibit, they examine patterns of continuity and transformation through their chosen mediums. Their work highlights repetition, labor, and change, uncovering the subtle rhythms that shape both material and meaning. Admission to the gallery is free and open to the public. Peg’s Gallery, intertwined with the mission of Peg’s Foundation, is dedicated to cultural enrichment and community engagement. From its inception, the gallery has been a crucial part of this vision, evolving alongside the foundation to better serve our community. | | |
Hudson Society of Artists
Exhibition
Now through Friday, January 2, 2026
Laurel Lake Retirement Community, 200 Laurel Lake Dr., Hudson
Works by members of the Hudson Society of Artists are currently on exhibition at the Laurel Lake until Friday, January 2. The paintings, which are for sale, are hung in the main entrance hall. There is no admission charge and purchases will be made directly with the artists.
Meeting
Monday, January 5, 2026
7pm
Barlow Community Center, 41 South Oviatt St., Hudson
The Hudson Society of Artists’ next meeting, which is open to the public at no charge, will be at 7pm on Monday, January 5, in the Barlow Community Center. The event will feature a presentation by Meaghan Reed, a multi-media artist whose work is created using wood, acrylic and plexiglass. The community is encouraged to come and see this amazing artist.
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Hudson Trivia Question #4:
How many currently valid U.S. passports have been issued to individuals with addresses in zip code 44236?
(scroll to the end of this email to see how you can win a prize by guessing at the answer to this question)
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Hudson Community Choruses Rehearsals
Tuesday, January 6, 2026
7pm
First Congregational Church, 47 Aurora St., Hudson
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Hudson Community Choruses (Adult, Youth & Children) begin rehearsals for their next concert—Unclouded Day. Artistic Director Dr. Jon C. Peterson shared: “We’re excited to welcome back returning members and new voices alike. Our goal is to create a joyful, inclusive space where music brings the community together.”
- Adult Chorus: Ages 18+
- Youth Chorus: Grades 6–12
- Children’s Chorus: Grades 2–5
Rehearsals are held Tuesdays; no auditions are required. The concert program will feature traditional, gospel, and contemporary choral works. Details on registration, rehearsal schedules, and fees: www.hudsonsings.org or email hello@hudsonsings.org.
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Door2 Art Studio – Open Studio
Most Wednesdays, including January 7, 14, 21 and 28, 2026
4pm to 8pm
5374 Darrow Rd, Hudson
Door2 Art Studio hosts an Open Studio most Wednesdays from 4pm to 8pm. It is free and open to everyone ages 14+. Door 2 provides artistic opportunities for people to engage with others while being creative. Art can be used to transcend cultural barriers, inspiring unity and hope. We offer free materials and instruction in painting, drawing, sculpture, ceramics, and more. Adult, college and high school artists are welcome. Beyond these Open Studio dates, Door2 Studio hosts community events, an artist speaker series, art classes, artist forums and more. A session with Akron artist Micah Kraus is scheduled for 5:30pm to 6pm on January 14, 2026, Find out more at www.Door2Art.com
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Hudson Players – The Cottage
February 6, 2026, through February 28, 2026
Friday and Saturday evenings at 7:30pm with Sunday matinees at 2pm
Barlow Community Center, 41 South Oviatt St., Hudson
| | The Hudson Players will be back in February with The Cottage by Sandy Rustin. A riotous romantic farce in the spirit of Noël Coward, The Cottage delivers mistaken identities, scandalous secrets, and nonstop hilarity. It’s a whirlwind of witty chaos and charming mischief with love (mostly) conquering all. Admission is $15 and $13 for students and seniors. Season tickets are available for $36. Now in its 81st season, The Hudson Players have performed many acclaimed productions and received multiple Ohio Community Theatre Association awards. For more information, visit www.hudsonplayers.com. | | |
Hudson Trivia Question #5:
How long did famed abolitionist John Brown live in Hudson?
(scroll to the end of this email for the answer)
| | Upcoming Events: Learning & Education | | |
Hudson Heritage Association Speakers
January 8, 2026
7pm
Barlow Community Center, 41 South Oviatt St., Hudson
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John P. Debo, Jr., who for 21 years served as Superintendent of Cuyahoga Valley National Park, will speak about the park's complex history over the 50 years since its establishment in December 1974. The vision of Congressman John F. Seiberling, CVNP weathered controversy in its early years, but has grown to become a treasured community asset and hugely popular destination for visitors throughout our nation and the world. How this park and the entire National Park System will confront challenges posed in the 21st century will be addressed by Mr. Debo, who will encourage questions and observations from the audience.
February 12, 2026
7pm
Barlow Community Center, 41 S Oviatt Street, Hudson
A presentation on the book, Native Americans of the Cuyahoga Valley by Linda Whitman, MS, and Peg Bobel, MS, will cover essential aspects of the complex history of Native peoples of the region, from pre-contact times to today. The book includes essays on archaeology, history, and contemporary issues in today’s Native American communities.
For anyone who has walked the paths of the beautiful Cuyahoga Valley and wondered about the original inhabitants, this book will bring readers full circle to the present to explore the complexity of Indigenous history and culture. The narratives compel readers to look beyond myths, legends, and misconceptions to consider the contributions of Native Americans in the Cuyahoga Valley and northeastern Ohio, which continue to the present day.
Hudson Heritage Association meetings are free and open to the public and generally held at Barlow Community Center. Visit www.hudsonheritage.org to learn more, join HHA or subscribe to its email list.
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Hudson Trivia Question #6:
What vehicle from a Hudson company has been among America’s best-selling cars since the early 1980s?
(scroll to the end of this email for the answer)
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Hudson Community First Programs
As part of Hudson Community First’s Community of Care series, two sessions are planned in the coming weeks (see below). Community of Care is a series of speakers and panels focused on building key developmental assets such as: Family Support & Positive Communication, Other Adult Relationships, Caring, Integrity, and Interpersonal Competence. These assets grow when kids connect face-to-face. These relationships spark empathy, trust, and a true sense of belonging, giving our youth the foundation they need to thrive.
These events are free and open to the public but registration is requested.
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Monday, January 26, 2026
7pm
Hudson Middle School Auditorium, 83 North Oviatt St., Hudson
TEDx and international motivational speaker Tanner Clark inspires and encourages parents to better connect with their children by finding their “One Second of Strength” to help overcome distractions and pursue what matters most. Register at: api.leadconnectorhq.com/widget/bookings/tannerclark
Wednesday, February 4, 2026
7pm
Hudson Middle School Auditorium, 83 North Oviatt Street, Hudson
The Hudson Police Department informs and educates parents on how to help children navigate and respond to the challenges and threats in the ever-changing world around them. Register at: api.leadconnectorhq.com/widget/bookings/hpd
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Hudson Community First’s Toast to Hudson
Friday, February 27, 2026
6:30pm
Lake Forest Country Club, 100 Lake Forest Drive, Hudson
| | Toast to Hudson is Hudson Community First’s annual gala fundraiser. Enjoy fine food and drink, amazing auction items, jewelry raffles, wine pull, a portraitist and live music! Proceeds support programming that promotes positive youth development at all schools in Hudson. Tickets begin at $130 and will be available beginning January 1 at www.hudsoncommunityfirst.com. | | |
Destination Hudson’s Chocolate Walk: Sold Out!
Destination Hudson’s 12th annual Chocolate Walk, a popular (and tasty) way to sample sweets and the offerings of the merchants of Hudson, is being planned for Saturday, January 24, 2026. Tickets went on sale on December 1 and are now entirely sold out. If you missed out on this event, you can expect more chocolate fun next year!
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#1: The airport, located on Darrow Road in southern Hudson, was initially called Issoudon Mid-City Airport in honor of a legendary World War I pilot aviation training center in France. The name was eventually shortened to Mid-City Airport and served as a base for experimental aircraft, private aviation and civilian pilots in training. The airport closed in 1957 when the land was purchased to build the Terex division of General Motors. It later became the headquarters site of Joann Stores.
#2: The Learned Owl, whose owner Liz Murphy created a huge downtown Harry Potter street festival to celebrate the launch of Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, the fifth book in the famed series by author J.K. Rowling.
#3: You can sit down for breakfast food at 14 eateries in Hudson – Bruegger’s, Everbowl, Good Grief!, Heartwood, Hudson Library’s Brewster Café, Johnny’s Diner, Open Door, Panera, Peace Love & Little Donuts, McDonald’s, Perkins, Restore, Starbucks and Yours Truly. We hope you come hungry!
#4: To guess at this answer, email us at celebratehudson@myhcf.org. A fabulous prize will be awarded to the person whose guess is closest to the correct answer.
#5: John Brown, along with his family, moved to Hudson in 1805 when he was age 5. With some comings and goings over the years, he lived in and around Hudson until about 1840.
#6: More than 10 million Cozy Coupe cars have been sold by Hudson’s Little Tikes since being introduced in 1979 – to the delight of children (and their parents) worldwide.
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The answer from last month’s trivia contest (from our November 18, 2025, issue):
We asked you to submit guesses for the answer to Hudson Trivia Question #5 in our November 18 issue:
What well-known packaged food product sold widely in grocery stores and online says “Hudson, Ohio 44236” on its label?
There were actually two correct answers – Stadium Mustard, distributed by Hudson’s Otis Foods, and Snackn Waffles, made in Hudson by Arlington Valley Farms. See below for photos of the package labels on those two products carried in various stores and sold online. Among other places, you can find Stadium Mustard at Acme, Heinen’s and Discount Drug Mart. Snackn Waffles can be found in the freezer section at Giant Eagle on Norton Road and at Heinen’s in Aurora.
Congratulations to the seven readers who answered correctly and received prizes.
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Email us at celebratehudson@myhcf.org with comments, questions or to add your Hudson non-profit organization’s event to future issues of Celebrate Hudson!
Thank you for reading Celebrate Hudson! To receive future issues of this monthly eNewsletter, be sure you subscribe.
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