Fun Things to Do in Dayton for the Holidays 2025

Dayton knows how to bring the holiday magic and this year is no different. Here are some of the fun ways to celebrate the holidays in Dayton.

Holiday Activities in Dayton

A Carillon Christmas

Tuesday, November 25-Tuesday, December 30
Carillon Historical Park, 1000 Carillon Blvd, Dayton, Ohio

Nothing can give me a quick boost of holiday cheer quite like seeing the dazzling Carillon tree this time of year. Seeing the tree itself is as easy as driving to it, parking along the road, and either marveling at a distance or getting a closer view. But the fun doesn’t have to stop there – go to the main entrance to experience a ton of holiday family fun including seeing Santa, enjoying holiday music, mini train rides (for kids only – I know, bah humbug), shopping, puppet shows, and more. Learn more.

Christmas in Historic Springboro – Gnome for the Holidays

Friday, November 21-Sunday, November 23
South Main Street, Springboro, Ohio

For 38 years, this annual festival has drawn crowds from the tri-state for three days of Christmas fun for the family. There will be 30+ food vendors, 75+ craft vendors, live entertainment, children’s activities, and carnival rides. Learn more.

The Nutcracker

Friday, December 12-Monday, December 22
Schuster Center, 1 W Second St, Dayton

In addition to being an iconic holiday ballet performance, The Nutcracker also features the complete soundtrack to the holidays. The Dayton Performing Arts Alliance puts on a phenomenal production each year – you don’t want to miss it! Learn more.

Deck the Diamond

Friday, November 14-Saturday, January, 3
Day Air Ballpark, 220 N Patterson Blvd, Dayton, Ohio

This is the inaugural season of Deck the Diamond at Day Air Ballpark, featuring 1.1 million lights, train rides, activities for kids, holiday treats, live performances, etc. Giftable tickets are available that can be used anytime, if you want to treat your family or friends to an evening of holiday fun. You can even book holiday parties at the new Dragons Diamond Club. Learn more.

The Legendary Lights of Historic Clifton Mill

Friday, November 28-Tuesday, December 30
Clifton Mill, 75 Water St, Clifton, Ohio

If you’ve never visited Clifton Mill to see their 4 million Christmas lights, you should definitely plan a visit this year. Families can take a peek at Santa working in his workshop and periodically going up the chimney to load his sleigh. There’s a a village of miniature buildings and you can shop the mill store for gifts. Learn more.

Holly Days at Dayton Arcade

Wednesday, December 10-Friday, December 12, 3-8 p.m.
The Arcade, 35 W 4th St, Dayton, Ohio

In its fifth consecutive year, Holly Days is back with over 50 vendors, plenty of restaurants, and a new additional entrance in the North Arcade. The event will help benefit Miami Valley Meals, and the Arcade is working with Waste Free Dayton. This is a great opportunity to see the Dayton Arcade dressed up for the holidays just like old times. Learn more.

Grande Illumination Tree Lighting, Parade, & Holiday Festival

Friday, November 28 (and events all season long)
Courthouse Square, Third and Main Streets, Dayton, Ohio

This kickoff to a season of holiday events started in Dayton in 1972 and continues today. The big day is November 28, but there is plenty of fun throughout the season, as well. Plus, you can view the big tree in Courthouse Square all season long.

In addition to the tree lighting, there’s a parade, live entertainment, a gingerbread home contest, street fair, kids activities at the Candy Can Clubhouse (Stratacache Tower lobby), and more. This is a Dayton tradition that hopefully lives on for generations to come. Learn more.

Woodland Lights

Friday, November 21-Tuesday, December 30
Washington Township RecPlex, 895 Miamisburg-Centerville Rd, Washington Township, Ohio

Stroll 10 acres of sparkling lights and displays and enjoy plenty of family fun like visiting Santa in a historic log cabin, riding the train, and more. There are theme nights throughout the season, too. Learn more.

14th Annual Winter Solstice Poetry Reading

Friday, December 5, 7-9 p.m.
Vernet Ecological Center Auditorium, 405 Corry St, Yellow Springs, OH

Twelve poets will step up to the podium to deliver poems – and the mic opens up to anyone else ready to share their own poetry during the wine and cheese reception. This event benefits the Tecumseh Land Trust. Learn more.

Holiday Wreath Making

Tuesday, December 2, 6-8 p.m.
The Silos, 810 E First St, Dayton, Ohio

Sip a festive beverage while learning step-by-step instructions on making your own wreath with guidance by Regenerate Garden Co. All the materials are provided and you leave with your finished wreath you can use to decorate your home. Learn more.

Hauer Swing Band Christmas Party Dance

Saturday, December 13, 7 p.m.
The Hidden Gem, 507 Miamisburg Centerville Rd, Centerville, Ohio

Strut your stuff on the dance floor to live Christmas music by the Hauer Swing Band. Learn more and get tickets.

Christmas Movies with Dayton Dinner Theater

Elf: Wednesday, December 10, 6-9 p.m.
Christmas Vacation: Sunday, December 14, 6-9 p.m.
The Brightside, 905 E Third St, Dayton, Ohio

You have two opportunities to enjoy some classic Christmas movies on the big screen with dinner, drinks, and a little trivia. Learn more.

Holiday Wine Tastings in Dayton

Prepare your palate for my list of holiday wine tastings in Dayton.

Handmade Craft Holiday Markets in Dayton

Check out my list of holiday markets in Dayton and prepare to find something for everyone on your list!

Need some help picking local gifts this season? Check out my gift guide!

Holiday Shopping Events in Dayton

Uptown Holiday Walk

Sunday, November 23, 2-5 p.m.
Franklin and Main Streets, Centerville, Ohio

Uptown Centerville businesses offer special promotions for the Uptown Holiday Walk and the Heart of Centerville will open a special Holiday Pop-Up Shop inside the new Benham’s Grove Event Center, featuring 20 vendors. Learn more.

Ringing in the Holidays with the Shops of Oakwood

Saturday, December 6, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Far Hills and Triangle Avenues, Oakwood, Ohio

The Shops of Oakwood are hosting a shopping event featuring Santa, food trucks, and deals on gifts. Learn more.