DAYTON HOLIDAY FESTIVAL

The Dayton Holiday Festival, presented by AES Ohio, is your source for family-friendly holiday fun in downtown Dayton!

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.

Each year, the festival kicks off Thanksgiving weekend with the Grande Illumination and the Dayton Children’s Parade. The fun continues throughout the month of December with family fun days and other holiday activities.

Mark your calendar to kick off the Dayton Holiday Festival on Friday, November 29, 2024!
Get all the details below.

The Grande Illumination tree lighting

Presented by AES Ohio

Courthouse Square, Third & Main sts. 7 p.m.

Watch the holidays light up during Dayton's traditional tree lighting. At 7:00 p.m., we'll throw the switch and approximately 50,000 lights will brighten the big tree on Courthouse Square! Free.
Holiday tree sponsored by Premier Health
Media sponsor: iHeartRADIO

.

The Dayton Children's Parade Spectacular in Lights

Presented by White Allen Chevrolet

Along Second & Main sts., 7:00 p.m.

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! Watch decorative seasonal floats, horses, drill teams and bands, and some special holiday treats. Free. 
LED parade lights sponsored by NECA/IBEW Electrical Professionals
NOTE: This year's parade has a slightly different route from previous years. See the map at left or here.

Magic Glasses
For a fun and special added touch, grab a pair of free "magic glasses" on Courthouse Square before watching the tree lighting and parade to see the holiday lights in a whole new way! Free.
Sponsored by CareSource

But the tree lighting and parade aren't the only highlights that night!
A full evening of fun holiday entertainment and activities is planned beginning at 3 p.m., including such favorites as:

Live Main Stage Entertainment

Courthouse Square, Third & Main sts., 3-7 p.m.

Enjoy holiday songs and other live entertainment on the Courthouse Square Main Stage leading up to the lighting ceremony. Free.
Sponsored by Sinclair College

3:05-3:30 p.m. - Dayton Celebration Chorus
3:35-4:15 p.m. - SaxTone
4:25-5:05 p.m. - Tori Lee
5:15-5:55 p.m. - Cafe con Leche
6:05-6:55 p.m. - Sam King + The Suspects

.

Live Reindeer

Courthouse Square, Third & Main sts., 3:30-6:30 p.m.

Meet our North Pole ambassadors! Santa's reindeer will be available for photos on Courthouse Square. Don't miss your chance to take your picture on Santa's sleigh! Free.
Sponsored by AES Ohio

Gingerbread Homes for the Holidays Contest

The Old Courthouse, Third & Main sts., 3-7 p.m.

View all the delicious contest entries and the award-winning houses, and vote for your favorite! Free.
(Please note that in order to ensure everyone in line will get to view the houses, it is often necessary to close the line earlier than the scheduled end time.)

Street Fair on Third

Third Street between Main & Jefferson sts., 3-8 p.m.

Enjoy free rides and other activities for kids throughout the evening! Free.

Horse-Drawn Wagon Rides

Second Street near Main Street, 3-6:15 p.m.

Enjoy a ride through downtown on a decorated wagon pulled by horses!
(Please note that in order to ensure everyone in line will get a ride, it is often necessary to close the line earlier than the scheduled end time.)

Candy Cane Clubhouse

Stratachache Tower lobby, 40 N. Main St., 3-7 p.m.

Enjoy festive kids' entertainment, crafts, face painting, balloon twisting, and more! Free. Scheduled to perform: 

3:00-3:50 p.m. - Magic by Dave
4:00-4:50 p.m. - Juggling by Crazy Craig Muhlenkamp
5:00-6:00 p.m. - Disney Princess Sing-Along and Meet & Greet
6:00-7:00 p.m. - River City Puppet Show

 

Holiday Adventure

Start at Courthouse Square, Third & Main sts., 3-7 p.m.

Kids will go on an adventure around the festival footprint. Children who visit all of the stops will receive a free book. Free.
Presented by the Junior League of Dayton. Sponsored by Wright-Patt Credit Union

Food Vendors

Courthouse Square & Third Street near the street fair, 3-7 p.m.

Grab a bite to eat from one of multiple food vendors on Courthouse Square and near the Street Fair on Third. Vendors scheduled to appear include S'more Fun, Courtland Mobile Grill, CupZilla, Hearts Hot Dogs, Wooten's Chuck Wagon, Spin City Concessions, Little Trolley Donuts, Little Z's Concessions, Funnel Cakes & More. (Vendors subject to change.)