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
A Carillon Christmas
Friday, December 19 2025
Featuring thousands of Christmas lights, traditional holiday fare, Santa Claus, live music, historical craft demonstrations, and so much more.
Clifton Mill Christmas Lights 2025
Friday, December 19 2025
One of the country's finest -with millions of Christmas Lights illuminating the mill, the gorge, the riverbanks, trees and bridges.
Dayton Ballet's The Nutcracker
Friday, December 19 2025
Brandon Ragland’s The Nutcracker returns, bringing holiday magic back to Dayton! The Dayton Ballet & the Dayton Philharmonic present The Nutcracker at the Schuster Center.
Deck The Diamond: Winter Spectacular at Day Air Ballpark
Friday, December 19 2025
❄️NEW for 2025❄️ Step into a winter wonderland at Day Air Ballpark—Experience the enchantment of over 1.1 million dazzling lights and enjoy a festive lineup of holiday activities for the whole family!
Holiday Lights at Lost Creek Reserve
Friday, December 19 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.
Homerun the Holidays - Dick's House of Sport
Friday, December 19 2025
🎄Celebrate the season with our Homerun the Holidays! The contest runs November 24-December 20, and each participant gets 3 swings per entry with one entry per day. 💰Entry Fee: $5 per entry and each entry gets 3 swings.
Light Up Middletown
Friday, December 19 2025
A Drive-Through Fantasy Light Display - Open Every Night Thanksgiving Through New Year's Eve
Mommy and Me Yoga at The Well
Friday, December 19 2025
All ages welcome, all levels welcome. Come get in a laid back work out with some relaxation while your little one has fun beside you! Socialize with other parents after!
North Pole Express Train Ride
Friday, December 19 2025
All Aboard Nov & Dec - Experience the Joy of the Holidays! Hop aboard our North Pole Express with Santa and his elves for a magical train ride through beautiful Warren County.
ParkLights at Caesar Ford Park
Friday, December 19 2025
Caesar Ford Park will be transformed into a winter wonderland with over 250 LED light displays covering a mile long driving path.
Pyramid Hill Lights
Friday, December 19 2025
Pyramid Hill's annual holiday light show! The 2-mile drive-through light show includes over 1 million lights as you immerse yourself in a journey to the North Pole filled with art and nature
Rikes Holiday Windows - downtown Dayton
Friday, December 19 2025
Experience the magical Wintergarden Wonderland Windows at the Schuster Center.
Riverscape Ice Skating
Friday, December 19 2025
Sheltered under the covered pavilion at Riverscape, the regions largest outdoor ice rink is located in Downtown Dayton. ⚠️ BE SURE TO CHECK FOR CLOSURE ALERTS BEFORE YOU GO! ⚠️
Scrooge! The Musical
Friday, December 19 2025
La Comedia's unique combination of delicious dining and Broadway-style live entertainment is "A Taste of Broadway" unlike anything else in Ohio! After your meal, your family will enjoy Scrooge! The Musical.
Virginia Ketterings Holiday Train Display
Friday, December 19 2025
View this one-of-a-kind model train display, given to the community by Mrs. Virginia W. Kettering in the Stratacache Tower lobby.
Whispering Christmas
Friday, December 19 2025
Enjoy the spectacular display of 2 million Christmas lights at Whispering Christmas in Eaton, Ohio.
WinterFest at Kings Island
Friday, December 19 2025
More than five million lights and live entertainment throughout the park for Kings Island's holiday-themed festival WinterFest Select Nights November 28 - December 31, 2025 - Join us for Festive Food, Shopping, Rides & More!
Woodland Lights
Friday, December 19 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
Yuletide Village - Season of Lights
Friday, December 19 2025
The holiday season is full of traditions. Make a visit to Yuletide Village one of them. Open this holiday season November 28 – December 20, 2025
An Evening With Peter Billingsley And A Christmas Story
Saturday, December 20 2025
Celebrate the holiday season with an unforgettable evening featuring a screening of the beloved classic A Christmas Story🎄 followed by interview and audience Q&A from its iconic star Peter Billingsley, a.k.a. Ralphie!
Dayton Flyers - Men's Basketball
Saturday, December 20 2025
2024-25 Men's Basketball Schedule - HOME GAMES AT UD ARENA
Family Movie Series at the Neon
Saturday, December 20 2025
Bring the family for fun, festive films this holiday season at The Neon. Merry Christmas!
Family Open Studio at the Dayton Art Institute
Saturday, December 20 2025
Open-ended creativity and art making in the Lange Family Experience Center Classroom on Saturday afternoons!
Front Street Saturdays
Saturday, December 20 2025
Front Street is OPEN EVERY SATURDAY!!! Boutiques, workshops, & studios are open across campus EVERY SATURDAY 11A-4P!
Historic Normandy Mansion Christmas Open House
Saturday, December 20 2025
Dec 20–22, 5:30–8pm: Celebrate “The Colors of Christmas” at the Historic Grant Mansion—50+ dazzling trees, trains, treats, carolers, choir & Santa! Free admission; limited accessibility.
Saturday Night Fox Hollow Rodeo
Saturday, December 20 2025
Family Fun At Fox Hollow Rodeo held every Saturday night year round with Indoor (Oct-April) / Outdoor Arena - Doors open at 6:00 p.m.
The One with Goats & Coffee
Saturday, December 20 2025
Start your weekend with the perfect blend of relaxation and fun at The One with Goats & Coffee! Enjoy a cozy morning on the farm sipping freshly brewed coffee or hot chocolate while spending time with our playful goats.
