Dayton-area communities plan Christmastime celebrations
‘Tis the season to gather friends and family to celebrate the holidays. Many communities around the region will kick off holiday-oriented festivals and programming this week. Here’s a quick snapshot of yuletide festivities taking place over the next couple weeks:
A Carillon Christmas, Carillon Historical Park (Nov. 21-Dec. 30)
Beginning the Tuesday before Thanksgiving, families can visit Dayton History’s interactive park to enjoy Christmas concerts, puppet shows, historical interpretation, miniature train rides, lighted displays and much more during A Carillon Christmas. Of course, the iconic Carillon Tree of Light will also be on display. Check out the website for special programming, ticketing prices and more information. 5-9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, 5 – 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Carillon Historical Park, 1000 Carillon Blvd., Dayton.
Dayton Holiday Festival, Downtown Dayton (Nov. 25)
Started by Mrs. Virginia Kettering in 1972 so that all children could enjoy the holiday season regardless of their economic means, the festival continues today with free attractions for the community. Watch the holidays light up Third and Main streets during Dayton’s traditional tree lighting at 7 p.m.on Courthouse Square. Immediately following the tree lighting, the Children’s Parade will round the corner of Second and Main streets to start its route through downtown, sparkling with more than 100,000 lights. Calendar of events and more information available online. 3-8 p.m. Friday, Nov. 25.
Englewood Holiday Open House, Englewood Government Center (Nov. 25)
Holiday music will be performed by the Englewood Civic Band starting around 6:30 p.m. There will be ongoing entertainment for the children including balloon animals and a visit from Santa Claus. Santa will arrive around 7 p.m. 333 W. National Road, Englewood,6-8 p.m.
Front Street’s Christkindl Market (Nov. 26)
Shop small this holiday season. On Small Business Saturday, dozens of artists and vendors at Front Street will open their doors with special sales and holiday-themed activities. Enjoy fire-roasted chestnuts and hot cocoa outside, and don’t miss photos with Santa. For a list of artists and programs, visit the website. 1001 E. Second St., Dayton, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
Kettering Mayor’s Tree Lighting, Lincoln Park Civic Commons (Dec. 1)
Kettering Christmas Tree will light up for the season. The Kettering Children’s Choir will be there to sing favorite carols, and hot chocolate and cookies will be available. Pets are welcome at the Santa Paws photo booth. The fun continues the next day from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Rosewood Arts Center for the Rosewood Holiday Arts Festival. More information about these and other holiday activities can be found online. 675 Lincoln Park Blvd., Kettering, 6 – 8 p.m.
Fairborn Hometown Holiday Event and Tree Lighting (Dec. 1)
Enjoy Candy Cane Lane from 4 – 7 p.m. with kids activities, Santa and Mrs. Claus, train rides, inflatables and more! The Tree Lighting will happen following Candy Cane Lane, with the Fairborn Civic Band and other community groups bringing in the holiday cheer. Check out the Facebook event page for more information. 103 W. Main St., Fairborn, 4-7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 1.
West Carrollton Holiday Festival, (Dec. 2)
The City Beautiful Commission hosts this annual tradition, which includes horse-drawn wagon rides, performances by the West Carrollton High School choir and orchestra groups, a candy cane hunt, letter writing to Santa, ornament making and a tree-lighting ceremony. Santa will be available for free pictures; bring your own camera. Hot chocolate and cookies will be served. Civic Center, 300 E. Central Ave., West Carrollton. 4-6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 2.
Vandalia Tree-lighting Ceremony and Holiday Market, (Dec. 3)
The City of Vandalia will ring in the holiday season by conducting a tree lighting ceremony at the Vandalia Recreation Center at 6 p.m. on Dec. 3. There will be a Holiday Market running from 4-7:30 p.m. inside the gym. Enjoy refreshments, food trucks, music, a bell ensemble, arts and crafts, and visit Santa. 1111 Stonequarry Road, Vandalia. 4 – 7:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 3.
