Many local holiday traditions are returning so we can end the year on a high note

The holiday season is in full swing, with decorations popping up around town since before Thanksgiving. But this year is unique and different from any other in our lifetimes. Thinking about ways to keep the jolly in holiday this year? We’re got you covered with our guide to 2020’s holiday attractions.

For 32 years, the Legendary Lights of Historic Clifton Mill has helped visitors add a little magic to their holidays. With more than 4 million lights decorating the historic grist mill, the banks of the Little Miami River, surrounding trees and bridges, this holiday tradition is sure to add joy and wonder to the season.

Since this is a ticketed event, guests should expect a longer-than-normal wait at the ticket booth so Clifton Mill can comply with COVID-19 safety regulations and limit the number of guests. General Manager Jessica Noes says that the outside areas, including Santa’s workshop, the miniature train and village display and covered bridge will be easier to operate safely. The inside areas, such as the restaurant and Santa Claus collection, will require mask wearing.

“The Santa Claus collection already has one entrance and one exit door so we can control the stream of people going in,” Noes says.

Clifton Mill is located about 30 minutes from Dayton in the village of Clifton and is open through Dec. 30. The gates open at 5 p.m.

For families who don’t consider their holidays complete without a trip to the theater, there is some good news! La Comedia Dinner Theatre in Springboro has reopened for the holidays after a six-month closure due to COVID-19. A Christmas to Remember will run through Dec. 30 with the dining room adjusted so guests will not sit at the same table as other parties. Groups of up to eight may purchase tickets together. Masks are required unless actively dining.

If cutting down the Christmas tree is part of your family holiday traditions, several local tree farms have made a few changes to help keep everyone safe during the pandemic. Advent Christmas Tree Farm in Englewood has more than 15,000 trees planted over 47 acres and is open by appointment only. Masks should be worn, and guests are asked to maintain the 6-foot physical distancing requirement. The farm is open Fridays and Saturdays through Dec. 12.

Carl & Dorothy Young’s Christmas Trees in Yellow Springs is also open for families who want to choose and cut their own trees this year. In business since 1985, Carl and Dorothy Young began planting trees in the early ‘80s and today their son, Ben, has taken over the operations of the farm. Masks are required when physical distancing is not possible.

If you are a fan of luminaries and don’t mind bundling up, you will want to reserve your spot in the Hidden Valley Orchard Luminary Walk and Live Nativity, coming up Dec. 13. This event is touted as a “live nativity farm experience,” and will feature self-guided walking tours of the beautiful grounds of Hidden Valley Orchard. A map with QR codes will help guests see all the components of this event. A live nativity with animals will run through 8 p.m. and the event concludes at 8:30 p.m. This year, visitors can enjoy the new COOP Cocoa Barn, the Hot Cider Hut and handheld treats. Reservations are required and masks should be worn inside and in areas where physical distancing isn’t possible, such as concession lines.

Shopping at the mall may look different this year, but Santa will still be doing his job by visiting with children, physical-distance style, at malls and events throughout the Miami Valley.

At the both the Mall at Fairfield Commons and the Dayton Mall, reservations for Santa visits are “strongly encouraged” with walk-up visiting possible as space allows each day. According to a statement from the Fairfield Commons, “Guests will have the opportunity to engage in conversation and take a photo with Santa while maintaining physical distance.” There is a mask-wearing requirement while inside both malls.

Santa will also be greeting children and their families in Lebanon in the Bicentennial Park Gazebo, corner of East Mulberry and Cherry streets. The remaining dates for social distancing pictures with Santa are Dec. 5, 12 and 19 from 1-3 p.m.

A fantastic drive-thru light display that has become a local tradition is the Christmas Ranch in Morrow. With more than a million lights, synchronized to holiday music, this event is a great way to enjoy the sights and sounds of the holidays while remaining safe and warm in your car. You can even preorder cookies and hot chocolate that you can pick up at the welcome center. If you choose to linger, there are shops, bonfires and, of course, an opportunity to visit with jolly old Santa himself. Concessions will be sold but dining is outdoors only this year and capacity restrictions are in place so grab your tickets early. The Christmas Ranch is open through Dec. 23.