Dayton knows how to celebrate the holidays. So much that we had to create TWO Holiday Events Guides. This guide breaks out the FREE holiday events in Dayton, so that you can start planning your holiday fun, today!
Christmas at Austin Landing
When: Saturday, Nov. 14 from noon until 8:00 pm and Sunday, Nov. 15 from noon until 4 pm
Where: Austin Landing, Springboro
Join us for our first annual Winter Market! We will feature several unique holiday vendors from around the Dayton area. Don’t leave the kids at home because Santa and his friends will be at Austin Landing waiting to hear your Christmas wishes. There will be activities for the whole family all weekend long including a photo booth, face paint, and special holiday magic from Ranger Vic. Witness the best Christmas tree lighting in town, Saturday night at 6:30 in The Park.
Dayton Holiday Festival
When: Kick off Friday, Nov.27, 2015 4:00 PM – 9:00 PM; Activities continue weekends through December
Where: Courthouse Square; Third and Main Streets, Dayton, OH 45402
The Dayton Holiday Festival is your source for family-friendly holiday fun in downtown Dayton. Started by Mrs. Virginia Kettering more than 40 years ago, the Festival continues today with free attractions for the community. The holiday fun continues through December with Family Weekends and other activities, including The Tike’s Shoppe and Wintergarden Wonderland Windows at the Schuster Center, a family movie series, pizza with Santa, a holiday train display, noontime entertainment in downtown’s office buildings, and much more.
Santa’s Calling
When: Tues 12/1 (6-7:30pm) and Tues. 12/2 (6-7:30pm)
Fee: Free
The Vandalia Senior Citizens are assisting Mr. & Mrs. Claus again this holiday season by providing them with a direct phone line into our community. Parents who would like their children to receive a phone call from Santa should pick up a form at the Vandalia Recreation Center or the Vandalia Senior Citizens Center beginning November 2. Completed forms must be returned to Santa’s mailbox at the Vandalia Recreation Center no later than Friday, November 27. Since this is the busiest time of the year for the Clauses, they’ll have time for only one call to each family. It’s very important that you’re home during the time your call is scheduled!
Sensory Storytime
When: Saturday, December 5th, 2015; 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Where: Centerville Library – Cynthia Klinck Community Room
A storytime that engages children by movement, body awareness, and other sensory activities. This storytime serves children with autism, language delay, sensory processing disorder, and children with disabilities. Parents, caregivers, siblings, and therapists welcome.
Christmas Walk in Dayton
When: Sat. Dec. 5, 9:00 am-3:00 pm
Where: 2nd Street Market: Pavilion; 600 E. Second St., Dayton, OH 45402
This outdoor community recreation opportunity is sponsored by Ohio Wander Freunde Volkswalk Club. Start between 9am and 12pm, finish by 3pm.
Waynesville Christmas in the Village
When: Dec 4-6, 2015
Where: Waynesville
Visit Waynesville this holiday season and capture the spirit of the holidays! Stroll in and out of retail and dining storefronts, while listening to barbershop quartets, choirs and musicians. You will be able to take a carriage ride and feel that the holiday spirit in the air with the clip clapping of the horses hooves and jingle bells. Costume characters will be throughout the weekend to help bring a smile to your face. Don’t forget jolly old St. Nick he will be here all weekend long to listen to the requests of all the good boys and girls.
Christmas on the Farm
When: Sun. Dec. 6, 12:00-4:00 pm
Where: Carriage Hill Historical Farm; 7850 E. Shull Rd., Dayton, OH 45424
String cranberries and popcorn for the farm-grown cedar tree just like families did a century ago. Enjoy fresh baked gingerbread and sample chestnuts hot from the fireplace. Play some period parlor games. At our Visitor Center you can make a Victorian Christmas decoration to take home.
Christmas Tree Lighting and Celebration
When: Sun. Dec. 6 at 6pm
Where: Vandalia Recreation Center
The City of Vandalia proudly presents this FREE annual event. Please join us on Sunday, December 6th at 6:00pm for entertainment, cookies, hot chocolate, the lighting of the tree, a kid’s holiday craft and an opportunity to tell Santa Claus your Christmas wish.
Fall Luminary Walk
When: Thursday, December 10 at 7:00pm – 8:30pm
Where: Pondview Park; 320 Pondview Dr, Kettering, Ohio 45440
Stroll down candlelit trails through the gardens and woods around Pondview Park. Your family will enjoy the luminaries and small activities on a chilly December evening in the park.
Elephant & Piggie Takeover!
When: Saturday, December 12, 2015; 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM OR 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM (Program repeats)
Where: Centerville Library – Cynthia Klinck Community Room
Come to the library to meet the famous Gerald & Piggie! Enjoy a story, play some silly games, and make some cute crafts! Don’t forget to say “Hi” and take a picture with Gerald & Piggie! (Mo not included). Registration is not required, space is limited. Don’t forget your camera. Numbers will be given upon arrival to meet the characters. For Preschool – Grade 5.
A Holiday Evening at Carriage Hill
When: Sat. Dec. 12, 6:00-8:30 pm
Where: Carriage Hill Historical Farm; 7850 E. Shull Rd., Dayton, OH 45424
Come join us for a candlelit stroll through the farm and experience what it was like at night. Listen to holiday music, play some parlor games or watch some historic crafts. An old fashioned Victorian Christmas will come to life. Concessions will be available.
Christkindlmarkt (German Christmas Market)
When: Saturday, Dec.r 12 (10 a.m. to 5 p.m.) and Sunday, Dec. 13 (12 pm to 4 pm)
Where: Dayton Liederkranz Turner German Club; 1400 E 5th St, Dayton, Ohio 45402
Visit the Liederkranz for the annual celebration of the centuries old Christmas market tradition that originated in Nuernberg, Germany. Quality vendors will offer hand crafted ornaments, hand made bath soaps and accessories, beer steins, amber jewelry from the Baltic, German collectible items, antiques, stained glass items, unique jewelry, note cards & gifts, paper cut outs, etc. The annual Liederkranz Christmas Raffle will also feature many wonderful items. A variety of German foods and holiday beverages will be available.
Winter Break Activity Center
When: Saturday, December 19, 2015 – Sunday, January 03, 2016
Where: Both Centerville and Woodbourne Libraries Children’s Rooms
Drop-in and create fun crafts during Winter Break! Sponsored by Friends of the Washington-Centerville Public Library. For Preschool – Grade 5.
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