ACROSS
1. Two of the Metro Parks have this river in their name. (6)
3. The name given to the Lord of the Rings. (6)
8. These pantaloon-like flowers looked like the garb of this guy, a _________ (8)
10. Take one of these in a river or a lake to cool down. (3)
11. He rubs the magic lamp. (7)
12. Nature does this in spring and we do it every day. (6)
14. The fruit of the oak. (5)
15. Bird song, fruits, even Christmas deals, all have their own candidate to be called this. (8)
17. The “blue” of this species is the largest creature on Earth. (5)
18. You can throw an atlatl at some Metro Parks programs, which is a kind of _____. (5)
21. It can be worn at ceremonies. (4)
23. These creatures were corrupted elves and served Melkor and the Lord of the Rings. (4)
24. Gotta have it in the morning. (6)
26. It’s bald and has wings. (5)
27. A long extinct bird. (4)
28. We have one of these at one of our parks and it’s high. (4,5)
29. A reptilian means of transportation, and babies do it too. (5)
DOWN
1. Watch out for this Father Christmas – he could rip you to shreds. (5,5)
2. Rare bats found in the parks, and with a state in their name. (7)
4. This head-banging bird has a scarlet noggin, according to the first part of its name. (9)
5. For a quick forty winks, take one of these. (3)
6. If not now, then ____? (4)
7. This northern songbird says ‘Eh!’ (6,7)
9. They are frog wannabes. (8)
13. It lasts for about four weeks and ends on Christmas Day. (6)
16. A mushroom, of the kind some amphibians were said to sit under. (9)
19. Add one letter and it could become edible, but in this form it will help you calculate the size of your baked goods. (2)
20. The land where the Lord of the Rings lived. (6)
21. Continents have them, and unwanted Christmas toys are left on them at the shop. (5)
22. A type of maple tree. (5)
24. One hundred of each in a dollar. (7)
25. Rivers do this. (4)
Crossword compiled and formatted by Virginia Gordon
SOME COMMENTS FROM OUR CROSSWORD CONTESTANTS
This was a really nice way to spend some time when I was feeling under the weather, so thank you for it!
– Lori Schmidt
Thanks for the fun crossword puzzle! I didn’t know about the firetower – the crossword made me find out about it.
– Ann Laubach
Hello and Happy Holidays. Here is my completed winter cross word puzzle. Thanks for a great puzzle! Loved the LOTR questions!
– Gabby Martin
Thank you for providing an enjoyable way to spend the evening. Happy holidays!
– Kelley McCormack