Last updated: November 11, 2024
Experience the best of Dayton during the holidays with our event guide. From Dayton devotees to casual tourists, our guide illuminates the city's festive offerings.
Popular events include the delightful Shadrack’s Christmas Wonderland, where visitors can drive through a spectacular display of lights synchronized to holiday music. Meanwhile, the Wild Winter Lights at the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo offers a unique chance to explore the zoo after dark, all aglow with thousands of festive lights. And the heartwarming performance of Elf: The Musical is something you definitely don't want to miss this season. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Dayton Holiday Light Displays
A Carillon Christmas
Carillon Historical Park transforms into a holiday destination with thousands of lights, live music, Santa Claus, historical craft demonstrations, and various festive activities.
Shadrack’s Christmas Wonderland: Dayton
Shadrack’s Christmas Wonderland in Dayton features cutting-edge technology and traditional holiday charm, offering an unforgettable experience with custom-built light displays synchronized to joyful Christmas melodies. Drive through a mesmerizing 300-foot RGB tunnel and gaze at 50-foot-tall Christmas trees, a sprawling carpet of lights, and traditional Christmas scenes.
Downtown Jingle Lights
Downtown Dayton is illuminated with a free drive-thru light show, choreographed to holiday tunes, along East Monument Avenue and Main Street. The event also features Rike’s Holiday Windows and Virginia Kettering’s Holiday Train Display.
Winter Wonder Lights on Fountain Square
The Winter Wonder Lights on Fountain Square feature a new light display and soundtrack, all themed around the Bengals, creating an immersive and dynamic visual experience.
Dayton Holiday Markets and Shopping
A Winter’s Yuletide Gathering
A traditional shopkeeper's open house that kicks off the holiday shopping season in historic downtown Tipp City, OH, featuring a festive atmosphere and holiday shopping opportunities.
Dayton Holiday Shows and Entertainment
All is Bright Christmas tour
The Gaither Vocal Band's All Is Bright Christmas Tour features gospel music legends Bill Gaither and the Gaither Vocal Band, joined by special guests Mark Lowry, The Sound, and The Hoppers, in a festive celebration of Christmas music.
Elf: The Musical
Buddy, accidentally transported to the North Pole as a toddler, is raised among Santa's elves. This holiday season, Buddy travels to New York to live with his biological father, accompanied by a live symphony orchestra performing John Debney's wonderful score.
Christmas with C.S Lewis
Celebrate the holiday season with a special event honoring C.S. Lewis, featuring readings, discussions, and reflections on his works.
Dayton Other Holiday Activities
Dayton Holiday Festival
The Dayton Holiday Festival is a family-friendly event in downtown Dayton, featuring the Grande Illumination tree lighting, Dayton Children's Parade, live musical entertainment, live reindeer, and various holiday activities.
REACH Fest
REACH Fest is a three-day celebration featuring exciting new programs, with artist Jillian Waterman returning as a fan favorite. The event includes a diverse lineup of performances and activities, offering something for everyone.
Sugarplum Festival of Trees
The Sugarplum Festival of Trees is a holiday event featuring a sneak preview of holiday trees and decor, craft beer and wine tasting, food trucks, an ugly sweater contest, and an online auction. It includes activities like face painting and visits with Santa, as well as a boutique showcasing handmade items and baked goods.
EnterTRAINment Junction's Christmas at the Junction
EnterTRAINment Junction's Christmas at the Junction features a 1950s street scene with nostalgic department store display windows, reindeer stables, and an elf workshop. Visit Mrs. Claus in her kitchen and meet Santa. The event includes the world's largest indoor train display and interactive attractions like the A-Maze-N FunHouse.
Dayton Gift Guide 2024
