Dayton Family Events Calendar
Looking for fun things to do with the kids? Here's a little help finding events the whole family can enjoy, right here in Dayton!
Family-friendly events in Dayton
Christmas Tree Lighting at The Greene
Friday, November 21 2025
Celebrate the holiday season at The Greene! Join us for our Annual Christmas Tree Lighting Celebration & Santa Arrival Parade on Friday, November 21.
Experience the majesty of Handel's Messiah with the University of Dayton
Friday, November 21 2025
Mark your calendars! đź Handel's Messiah (Selections) is coming to UD! Featuring the UD Vocal Performance Ensemble, University Chorale, and University Orchestra for an unforgettable evening!
Fall Of Freedom
Friday, November 21 2025
FALL OF FREEDOM is a nation-wide call to the arts community to unite in creative resistance. Come participate!
Movie in the Pool
Friday, November 21 2025
Float, relax, and enjoy a family-friendly movie right in the pool it's fun for all ages!
Woodland Lights
Friday, November 21 2025
Walk the path to holiday fun at Woodland Lights - a half-mile wonderland of holiday lights, displays, and festivities! November 21-December 30, 2025
Downtown Tipp City Christmas Parade & Tree Lighting Event
Saturday, November 22 2025
Join us Nov. 22 at 6 PM for Tipp Cityâs Christmas Parade & Tree Lighting! The parade travels down Main Street with the theme âTwinkling Tidings in Tipp,â followed by the tree lighting and sing-along at 7 PM downtown.
The Grazing Ground Market
Saturday, November 22 2025
Welcome to The Grazing Ground Market, your local destination for farm-fresh eggs, seasonal produce, and handcrafted items.
The Great Turkey Trek
Saturday, November 22 2025
We need your help for this Thanksgiving adventure. Follow the clues along the routes and help us find the turkeys during an interactive walk or hike!
Global Artisan Market at 2nd Street Market
Sunday, November 23 2025
The 2nd Street Market has partnered with Welcome Dayton to invite special guest artisans who recently arrived in this country to share their cultures with the Market community.
A Carillon Christmas
Tuesday, November 25 2025
Featuring thousands of Christmas lights, traditional holiday fare, Santa Claus, live music, historical craft demonstrations, and so much more.
Feast of Giving - Thanksgiving in Dayton
Thursday, November 27 2025
FREE Thanksgiving meal and celebration! Join us for our annualđŚ "Feast of Giving", a traditional Thanksgiving meal with fellowship, live music and engaging activities for kids all day long.
Light Up Middletown
Thursday, November 27 2025
A Drive-Through Fantasy Light Display - Open Every Night Thanksgiving Through New Year's Eve
2025 Dayton Holiday Festival Grande Illumination & Dayton Children's Parade
Friday, November 28 2025
The Grande Illumination Dayton Holiday Festival traditional tree lighting and Dayton Children's Parade Spectacular in Lights - November 28.
Clifton Mill Christmas Lights 2025
Friday, November 28 2025
One of the country's finest -with millions of Christmas Lights illuminating the mill, the gorge, the riverbanks, trees and bridges.
McPherson Town Holiday Home Tour
Friday, November 28 2025
Ring in the holidays with a tour of historic Dayton homes during the 2025 McPherson Town Holiday Home Tour.
Riverscape Ice Skating
Friday, November 28 2025
Sheltered under the covered pavilion at Riverscape, the regions largest outdoor ice rink is located in Downtown Dayton. â ď¸ BE SURE TO CHECK FOR CLOSURE ALERTS BEFORE YOU GO! â ď¸
Yellow Springs Thanksgiving Funk and Wine Party
Friday, November 28 2025
Crowd favorite DJ Radio Basim spins retro funk, soul, R&B jams while partygoers enjoy a curated wine tasting list of delightful whites and joyous reds. It's a post-Thanksgiving get-down at Emporium Wines in Yellow Springs!
Christkindl Market at Front Street
Saturday, November 29 2025
Shop small and local this holiday season! On Small Business Saturday, bring your friends and family to Front Streetâs 6th Annual Christkindl Market! Dress up for FREE selfies with Santa!
Holiday Lights at Lost Creek Reserve
Saturday, November 29 2025
An enchanting holiday tradition! This one-mile driving tour transports you into a winter wonderland filled with illuminated landscapes and over 60 light displays at Lost Creek Reserve.
Hometown HoliDazzle Illuminated Parade & Festival
Saturday, November 29 2025
Downtown Wilmington closes its streets and opens its doors for everyone to see the annual Illuminated Festival and Parade.
Monster Jam at WSU Nutter Center
Saturday, November 29 2025
Monster Jam returns to the Nutter Center featuring the world's premier monster trucks.
Dear Santa
Monday, December 01 2025
A special mailbox right here in the lobby of the Civic Center is waiting for your letters to Santa!
Angel Night Drive Thru: An Evening of Song & Celebration
Thursday, December 04 2025
Join Calvary Cemetery for our annual Christmas time celebration, "Angel Night." This is a free, family-friendly drive-thru event.
First Friday Art Hop and Saturday Open Studios at Front Street
Friday, December 05 2025
Explore 150+ artists, studios, vintage vendors, food trucks, and more at Front Street's First Friday Hart Hop and Saturday open studios
Gingerbread House Decorating Contest
Friday, December 05 2025
Join Us for a Gingerbread House Decorating Party! This is a free event but does require registration as there is limited space.
Handmade Holiday 2025
Friday, December 05 2025
The best handmade festival of the year with dozens of local makers and one-of-a-kind handmade gifts, with food trucks, cocktails and so much more.
Kettering Mayors Christmas Tree Lighting
Friday, December 05 2025
Join us for the traditional lighting of the Kettering Mayor's Christmas Tree in Lincoln Park. All activities are free and open to all.
Visit with Santa at the Springboro Performing Arts Center
Friday, December 05 2025
Visit with Santa at the Springboro Performing Arts Center, 5-7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 5; noon -2 p.m. and 5-7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6; and noon to 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 7.Make a craft. Free event
