Kettering Christmas Events & Things to Do 2025
Your complete guide to the best christmas events in Kettering and surrounding areas
Kettering welcomes the Christmas season with Holiday lights and community gatherings around Oak Creek and the Fraze Pavilion area for an inviting winter experience. The Mayor's Tree Lighting kicks off seasonal festivities, while local Christmas markets and winter festivals provide plenty of things to do for families. Enjoy holiday activities, seasonal concerts, and evening lights tours that turn neighborhoods into sparkling holiday scenes ideal for cozy outings and gift hunting.
Find the best Kettering Christmas happenings this year!
Start Here
Christmas Lights
30 eventsTwo horse-drawn carriage parades, one by day and one by candlelight.
Christmas Markets
27 eventsEuropean-style German-American Christmas market with a Cincinnati twist.
Christmas Parties
6 eventsDual firework countdowns and ice skating on New Year's Eve.
Other Christmas Activities
16 eventsMayor's Tree Lighting with Santa Paws
Editor's Picks (6)
-
PNC Festival of Lights
(Cincinnati)
Millions of lights and animal lanterns at a renowned zoo.
-
Cincinnati Christkindlmarkt
(Cincinnati)
European-style German-American Christmas market with a Cincinnati twist.
-
Lebanon Horse-Drawn Carriage Parade & Festival
(Lebanon)
Two horse-drawn carriage parades, one by day and one by candlelight.
-
Deck the Diamond Winter Spectacular
(Dayton)
Over 1.1 million dazzling lights at a ballpark.
-
New Year's Eve Blast
(Cincinnati)
Dual firework countdowns and ice skating on New Year's Eve.
-
Holiday Junction featuring the Duke Energy Holiday Trains
(Cincinnati)
79th season of Duke Energy Holiday Trains
This Week / Coming Up (6)
Christmas Giving Opportunities Near Kettering
Give back this holiday season with volunteering and charitable opportunities in Kettering.
The Giving Tree
Community gift drive for local children.
View Our Interactive Map for More Events Around Kettering
Discover thousands of christmas events across the country
Also Near Kettering
Dayton
- The Foundry's New Year's Eve Masquerade
- MJ's on Jefferson New Year's Eve Celebration
- Dayton Holiday Festival
Miamisburg
See all in Miamisburg →Trotwood
See all in Trotwood →Kettering Christmas FAQ
The Mayor’s Tree Lighting at Lincoln Park Civic Commons and the "Kettering is Home to the Holidays Tour of Lights" are among the biggest annual Christmas events, drawing the community together to celebrate the season.
Kettering’s community-driven Tour of Lights, where residents and businesses submit their displays for a city-wide map, and the Santa Paws photo event during the Mayor’s Tree Lighting are unique local traditions.
Neighborhoods participating in the "Kettering is Home to the Holidays Tour of Lights" are the best spots to see festive displays, as these areas feature a variety of decorated homes and businesses across the city.
Local Christmas markets and artisan fairs are held at community centers and event spaces throughout Kettering, offering vendor stalls with handmade goods and seasonal food & drink options.
Enjoy free activities like visiting the Lincoln Park Civic Commons light display, attending the Mayor’s Tree Lighting, and exploring neighborhood light displays on the Tour of Lights map for budget-friendly holiday fun.
Family-friendly events include the Mayor’s Tree Lighting with caroling and Santa Paws photos, holiday craft fairs, and walkable light displays at Lincoln Park, all designed to engage children and families in festive celebrations.