DOWNTOWN EVENTS CALENDAR
CHECK OUT WHAT'S GOING ON IN DOWNTOWN DAYTON
Because you’re tired of the same routine...
BE DOWNTOWN
Find something fun to do with our calendar of downtown events.
BECAUSE YOU’RE TIRED OF THE SAME ROUTINE…
BE DOWNTOWN
Find something fun to do with our calendar of downtown events.
There’s always something fun going on downtown! Below you’ll find a list of events scheduled for today. Use the filters at the top to find events by date, keyword, and more. You can also view the calendar by month or as a list of 20 events at a time.
Have an event to submit to our calendar? If it is located downtown (within our service area) and open to the public, it’s likely we’ll include it. Send us your event info using our event submission form.
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Downtown Events Calendar
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Dayton Holiday Festival Kickoff Events: The Grande Illumination & Dayton Children’s Parade Spectacular in Lights
Friday, November 24, 2023 @ 3:00 pm - 8:00 pm
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 24, 2023!
Get all the details below.
NOTE: This year’s kickoff events take place at a new time – 3-8 p.m.
The Grande Illumination tree lighting
Presented by AES Ohio
November 24, Courthouse Square, Third & Main sts. NEW TIME: 3-8 p.m. (tree lighting at 7:00 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.
The Dayton Children’s Parade Spectacular in Lights
Presented by White Allen Chevrolet
November 24, along Second, Main, & Fourth 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
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 from 3 to 8 p.m., including such favorites as:
Live Main Stage Entertainment
November 24, 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
3:05-3:25 p.m. – Dayton Metro Barbershop Chorus
3:30-3:55 p.m. – Berachah Valley
4:05-4:30 p.m. – Gwen Brown
4:40-5:05 p.m. – Tori Adams
5:15-5:40 p.m. – SaxTone
5:50-6:20 p.m. – Reyna Spears Holiday Band
6:30-6:50 p.m. – Dayton Celebration Chorus
6:55 p.m. – Dayton Celebration Chorus (Jingle Bells sing-along)
Live Reindeer
November 24, Courthouse Square, Third & Main sts., 3:30-6:30 p.m.Meet our North Pole ambassadors! Two of Santa’s reindeer will be available to meet 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
November 24, 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.
Street Fair on Third
November 24, Third Street between Main & Ludlow sts., 3-8 p.m.
Enjoy free rides and other activities for kids throughout the evening! Free.
Sponsored by altafiber
Horse-Drawn Wagon Rides
November 24, northeast corner of Second & Main sts, 3-6:30 p.m.
Enjoy a wagon ride through downtown! Plan to come early, as the rides are very popular and lines can be long (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.) Suggested donation: $1 per person.
Sponsored by Dinsmore & Shohl LLP
Holiday Village
November 24, Stratachache Tower lobby, 40 N. Main St., 3-8 p.m.
Enjoy festive activities, music, and lots of surprises for kids. Free. Scheduled to perform:
3:30-4:15 p.m. – Magic by Dave
4:30-5:15 p.m. – Roz Puppet Show
5:30-6:15 p.m. – Juggling: Craig Muhlenkamp
6:30-7:15 p.m. – Young Professionals Choral Collective
Holiday Adventure
November 24, 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