Discover the Magic: December Events and Festivals in Dayton

by Luxe Omni

 
As the holiday season approaches, Dayton comes alive with a variety of festive events and activities that promise to bring joy to residents and visitors alike. From enchanting light displays to unique markets, there’s something for everyone to enjoy this December. Here’s a roundup of the most exciting events happening throughout the month.
 
 
 

Dayton Turkey Trot

Date and time: Sun, Dec 01 2024 7:00am

Venue: Welcome Stadium

Address: 1601 S Edwin C Moses Blvd, Dayton, OH 45417 

Website: https://ohioruns.com/daytonturkeytrot

Details: Thanksgiving is the peak season for running, and what better way to celebrate than by participating in the Dayton Turkey Trot? Join fellow runners along the scenic Riverfront of Dayton, and reward yourself with delicious Bill's Donuts at the finish line!

Race Details
5K Time Limit:1 hour 20 minutes
Half Marathon Time Limit:3 hours 30 minutes

 
 
 

Art Jumble

Date and time: Thu, Dec 05 2024 1:00pm - 4:00pm

Venue: Yellow Springs Arts Council

Address: 111 Corry Street, Yellow Springs, OH 45387

Cost: FREE

Website: https://www.ysartscouncil.org/

Details: The Yellow Springs Arts Council is thrilled to announce the return of the Art Jumble on Saturday, November 16th! This beloved secondhand sale is perfect for your holiday shopping, featuring donated items like jewelry, glassware, collectibles, and art from around the world and local artists.

Gallery Hours: Thursday & Friday 1PM-4PM and Saturday & Sunday 12PM-5PM

YSAC is always accepting donations for the Art Jumble, so feel free to reach out if you’d like to contribute your own treasures!

 
 
 
 
Riverscape Ice Skating
 

Time and date: Fri, Dec 06 2024 4:00pm - 10:00pm

Event by: Five Rivers MetroParks

Venue: Riverscape MetroPark

Details: The largest outdoor ice skating rink in the region opens on Friday, November 29, along the picturesque Great Miami River in downtown Dayton. Enjoy family-friendly fun throughout the season!

Hours may vary, so pleas check the MetroParks website or call (937) 278-2607 for updates, especially during severe weather.

The rink offers a variety of activities, including lessons, open skating, broomball, and curling. Visitors can also warm up in the Comfort Tent and enjoy hot chocolate from the café.Don’t miss out on this winter tradition—grab your skates and join the fun!

 

 
Light Up Middletown

Date and time: Fri, Dec 06 2024 6:00pm - 10:00pm

Venue: Smith Park

Address: 500 Tytus Ave, Middletown, OH 45042

Cost: FREE

Cost: Admission by cash donation - you set the price!

Website: https://www.lightupmiddletown.org/

Details: Light Up Middletown is a drive-through light display set in a 100-acre park, open nightly from Thanksgiving to New Year’s Eve from 6 PM to 10 PM, rain or shine.Visitors can enjoy various themed displays, including a tunnel of lights and animated scenes featuring everything from penguins to leaping deer.

Important Note: Hours may change, so check the MetroParks website or call (937) 278-2607 for updates.Don't miss the special Balloon Glow event on December 11, weather permitting!

 

 

 

Clifton Mill Christmas Lights 2024

Date and time: Sat, Dec 07 2024 6:00pm - 9:00pm

Venue: Clifton Mill

Address: 75 Water St, Clifton, OH 45316

Cost: Admission is $15 per person for everyone age 4 and older. Children 3 and under always get in free!

Details: The event opens its gates at 5 PM, with lights turning on at 6 PM and closing at 9 PM (lights off at 9:30 PM). On Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, hours are from 6 PM to 8 PM. Parking is free, and while Santa will not be available for photos, admission is $15 per person for ages 4 and up, with free entry for children under 3. Mastercard and Visa are accepted for payment, though a convenience fee will apply at the gate

 

 

 
 

ParkLights at Caesar Ford Park

Date and time: Sun, Dec 08 2024 6:00pm - 9:00pm

Event by: Greene County Parks & Trails

Venue: Caesar Ford Park

Cost: FREE

Contact number: Be sure to make this a holiday tradition! For more information call (937) 562-6440.

Details: Skip the traditional decorations—our park is aglow with stunning lights! Enjoy a scenic drive through our Winter Wonderland, North Pole Car Show, Winter Farm, and Festive Festival. Don’t forget to wave to Santa at the North Pole! One drive through and you'll want to come back for more!

 

Pyramid Hill Lights

 

Date and time: Fri, Dec 13 2024 6:00pm - 10:00pm

Venue: Pyramid Hill

 Address: 1763 Hamilton Cleves Rd., Hamilton, OH 45013

Cost: $25/carload for non-members & $15/carload for park members

Website: https://www.pyramidhill.org/signatureevents

Details: Join us this holiday season for the Pyramid Hill Lights, a spectacular drive-through light show! Experience a unique route through our sculpture park, featuring over one million lights, local artist installations, and interactive games.

Event Details:

Dates: November 17 - December 31

Hours: 

Tuesday to Thursday: 6PM - 9PM

Friday to Sunday: 6PM - 10PM

Closed on Mondays

Bring your family and enjoy this magical holiday experience from the comfort of your car!

 

Whispering Christmas

Date and time:  Sun, Dec 15, 2024 6:00pm - 9:30pm

Venue: Fort Saint Clair Park

Address: 135 Camden Road, Eaton, OH 45320 

Details: Join us for the 38th season of Whispering Christmas, featuring a stunning drive-thru light display with nearly 2 million lights!We are always looking for volunteers to help with this amazing event. If you have any questions, please contact the Whispering Christmas Committee at 1whisperingchristmas@gmail.com or visit us on Facebook.

 

Land of Illusion Christmas Glow

Date and time: Tue, Dec 17, 2024 6:00pm - 10:00pm

Venue: Land of Illusion Adventure Park

Address: 8762 Thomas Rd, Middletown, OH 45042

Cost: From $12 - see website for details

Website: https://www.landofillusion.com/glow/

Details: Celebrate the season at The Christmas Glow, featuring over 3.8 million lights along a 2-mile drive-thru experience called Christmas Around the World. Visit Santa at the Christmas Village Workshop and enjoy the stunning 45-foot Christmas Tree while warming up by the gas fire pits.

 

 
Awana

Date and time: Wed, Dec 18 2024 6:30pm - 8:00pm

Venue: Grace Community Church

Address: 5001 Fishburg Road, Huber Heights, OH 45424

Cost: FREE

Register here: https://hhgcc.breezechms.com/form/awana

Details: Details: AWANA provides a fun space for kids to grow and learn! Our weekly meetings include teaching time, Bible verse memorization and games. Fun events throughout the year include the AWANA Grand Prix, holiday celebrations, and more! 

 

Sinclair Theatre presents ‘Twas

Date and time: Thu, Dec 19 2024 Noon - 1:00pm

Event by: Sinclair College Music, Theatre & Dance

Venue: Blair Hall Theatre

Address: 444 West Third Street, Dayton, OH 45402 

Cost: $8.00

Register here: https://brushfire.com/sinclair/events/

Details: Join us for a family-friendly musical that explores the holidays from the perspective of pets left alone on Christmas Eve. As they learn about Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, and La Posada, they discover that while humans celebrate differently, we all need to "rescue" each other throughout the year.All performances are ASL shadow interpreted for an inclusive experience.

Tickets are $8 plus a $2 fee and can be purchased online at www.sinclair.edu/tickets. Everyone, including infants, must have a ticket and assigned seat.

 

A Carillon Christmas 

Date and time: Fri, Dec 20, 2024 5:00pm- 10:00pm

Venue: Carillon Park

Address: 1000 Carillon Blvd, Dayton, OH 45409

Cost: FREE to Dayton History Members! $14 per adult / $12 per senior / $10 per child (3-17) / Free to children 2 and under

Register here: https://www.daytonhistory.org/events/special-events/a-carillon-christmas/

Details: Join us for A Carillon Christmas and experience the Carillon Historical Park transformed into a winter wonderland with over 3.8 million lights! Enjoy festive activities including visits with Santa, live music, puppet shows, and holiday treats.

Event Details:

Dates: November 21- December 30

Hours:

Sunday-Thursday: 5PM - 9PM

Friday & Saturday: 5PM - 10PM

Admission:

$14 for adults

$12 for seniors

$10 for childern (ages 3-17)

Free for children under 2

 

The Ugly Sweater Oh What Fun Run

 

Date and time: Sat, Dec 21 2024 10:00am - 11:30am

Event by: Centerville-Washington Park District

Venue: Forest Field Park

Address: 2100 E. Centerville Station Road, Dayton, OH 45458

Cost: FREE

Details;  Celebrate National Ugly Sweater Day on December 20 with a fun run that embraces one of the quirkiest holiday traditions! Wear your ugliest sweater (or create your own) and discover some of nature's "ugly sweaters." You can also vote for the ugliest sweater in nature to enter a raffle. The 100-meter dash starts at 10:30 AM. This event is part of the Tools to Trek program and is sponsored by Dayton Children's Hospital.

 
 
 
 
Breakfast with Santa at 2nd Street Market

Date and time: Sun, Dec 22 2024 9:45pm - 10:45pm

Venue: 2nd Street Market

Address: 600 E 2nd Street, Dayton, OH 45402

Cost: $15

Register here: https://www.metroparks.org/?s=santa&type=program

Details: Join Santa and his elves for a delicious buffet breakfast prepared by vendors from 2nd Street Market! Keep an eye on the Market's Facebook page for more details. To allow more children to participate, please limit attendance to two adults per child.

 
 
 
Woodland Lights

Date and time: Fri, Dec 26, 2024 6:00pm - 9:00pm

Event by: Washington Township Rec Plex

Venue: Countryside Park

Address: 895 Miamisburg Centerville Rd, Washington Township, OH 45459 

Cost: General Admission Tickets: $9.00 Children 2 & Under Tickets: Free

Details: Guests can explore ten acres filled with dazzling lights and enchanting displays or hop on the Rieck Express train, which accommodates up to sixteen passengers. This vibrant train offers a scenic ride that winds through the Pollinator Garden and around the vernal pond, providing a memorable experience for everyone. Please be aware that the train will take the place of the amusement rides this season.

 
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