A Carillon Christmas
Visitors can walk through a historic 65-acre campus decorated with thousands of lights, featuring the Carillon Tree of Light and Deeds Carillon concerts. Families can meet Santa in the Heritage Center, write letters to Santa in Dayton's oldest standing building, and watch puppet shows of The Tailor of Gloucester. The event also offers rides on the Carillon Park Railroad and Midnight Express miniature train, carousel rides, model train displays, and hearth cooking demonstrations.
What to Expect
Carillon Historical Park's 65-acre campus sparkles with thousands of holiday lights.
Event Details
Ages
All ages
Timed Entry
No
Organizer
Dayton History
Food & Drink
Event food and drink options include hot dogs, fries, pretzels, ice cream, s’mores, hot chocolate, popcorn, gingerbread cookies, hot cider, roasted chestnuts, frosted almonds and mulled wine.
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Families with young children
Vibe
Festive and nostalgic
Energy Level
Moderate
Budget
$
Photo Friendly
High
Weather Sensitivity
Moderate
Location
Know Before You Go
- Tickets: $14 per adult (ages 18–59); $12 per senior (ages 60+); $10 per child (ages 3–17); free for children 2 and under and Dayton History Members. Carousel rides cost $1 per person, per ride; Carillon Park Railroad rides cost $5 per person, per ride; Midnight Express rides cost $1 per person, per ride. – Get tickets
- Hours: Sunday–Thursday 5 to 9 p.m.; Friday and Saturday 5 to 10 p.m. All event programming begins at 5 p.m. Holiday activities are open between 5:00pm and 9:00pm. The Tailor of Gloucester puppet show is every half hour starting at 5:30pm. The Carillon Park Railroad runs 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm; the Midnight Express runs 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm. Culp’s Café is open for A Carillon Christmas Thursday through Sunday, 5 to 9 p.m.
- Parking: Free parking is available on the Carillon Historical Park campus.
- Accessibility: A small number of wheelchairs are available to check out from the admission desk, but electric scooters are not offered.
- Pets: Pets are not allowed. Service animals should wear proper identification.
Tips & Advice
- Bring some cash, because several food and activity spots take cash only, though there's an ATM in the Kettering Family Education Center lobby.
- Bring your own camera to the Heritage Center for a complimentary photo with Santa, who is there through December 23.
- Leave coolers and snacks at home because carry-in food and drinks aren't allowed, and you can buy hot dogs, s'mores, chestnuts and mulled wine inside the park.
- Be in line for the Carillon Park Railroad at least an hour before closing, since that's the cutoff for the narrated mile-long ride.
- Come during regular daytime hours and stay on for A Carillon Christmas, since you won't need to leave the park and re-enter.
Special Events & Promotions
- Ringing in the Holidays: A Carillon Christmas Preview Party on November 21, with its own tickets.
- Dayton History Members get in free.
Quick Actions
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bring my own food and drinks?
No, carry-in coolers, food and drinks aren't allowed. The Carillon Christmas Café has hot dogs, fries, pretzels, ice cream, s'mores and hot chocolate. The Morris House has gingerbread cookies, hot cider and chestnuts. The Peppermint Mill has frosted almonds and mulled wine. Carillon Brewing Co. serves full-service dinner just outside the main entrance.
Should I bring cash?
Yes, several food and activity spots take cash only. There's an ATM in the lobby of the Kettering Family Education Center. Cards work at the Museum Store and the Carillon Christmas Café.
Where do we see Santa?
Santa is in the Heritage Center through December 23, in front of the collection of Dayton-made toys. Bring your own camera for a complimentary picture.
Which nights have the most going on?
They're all the same. Every program runs throughout the season, so you can do the same holiday activities any day of the week.
More Christmas Events Near Dayton
More Christmas Events near Dayton
Always check the official website for the most current information.
We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly. Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide and isn't affiliated with the events we list.