Downtown Dayton Partnership

Water Street District Pint Path
2025-12-14 | Water Street District
Sip your way through local brews, grab a bite at buzzworthy spots and discover why Water Street District is where Dayton comes to play. Pick up a free Water Street District Pint Path passport from any participating business. Once a passport has been picked up, purchase a menu item of choice at each stop to receive a stamp on the passport. Once you’ve sipped and stamped at all 14 locations, turn in your passport to Water Street District’s leasing office (115 Madison Street) to claim your prize. Pint Path Passport stops can be completed at the leisure of each participant. Cheers! Please remember to drink responsibly. Find a list of participating businesses and more details here: https://www.waterstreetdayton.com/wsdpintpath

Vinyl Vinyl Sundays
2025-12-14 | The Barrel House, 417 E. Third St., Dayton, OH, 45402, United States
Sunday – Vinyl Vinyl Sunday – bring your records, we’ll play ’em

Andrew Gabbard / Motel Beds / Me Time
2025-12-13 19:30 - 23:00 (America/New_York) | The Brightside, 905 E. Third St., Dayton, OH, 45402
Three of Dayton’s most beloved indie rock acts are coming together for one unforgettable night! Don’t miss Andrew Gabbard (Andy & The Dreams), Motel Beds, and Me Time for a special holiday reunion on Saturday, December 13th at The Brightside. ANDREW GABBARD is a staple of the Ohio music scene and a powerhouse multi-instrumentalist. Known for his work as guitarist and vocalist for Buffalo Killers and touring with The Black Keys, Gabbard’s solo work channels the spirit of Neil Young and Brian Wilson through lush, homespun Americana. His most recent release, Ramble & Rave On!, showcases his remarkable ability to play every instrument himself while crafting songs that are both timeless and contemporary. Whether under his own name or as part of The Gabbard Brothers, Andrew’s music is rooted in heartfelt songwriting and ’60s-inspired psychedelia. MOTEL BEDS are Dayton indie rock royalty. The brainchild of songwriting duo PJ Paslosky and Tommy Cooper, Motel Beds spent over a decade creating some of the most compelling garage-pop to come out of Ohio. With praise from NPR’s All Songs Considered, Paste, and MOJO, the band’s breezy, sunshiny sound and high-energy live shows made them one of Dayton’s top draws before they went on hiatus in 2015. Their reunion earlier this year proved the magic is still very much alive. ME TIME, the lo-fi indie-pop project of Andy Smith, is returning after an eight-year hiatus with original members and fresh material. Known for their melodic, Beatles-influenced garage rock and absurdly catchy songwriting, Me Time captures the essence of ’60s British Invasion filtered through a charmingly DIY aesthetic. Recorded on 4-track tape, their songs are intimate, clever, and instantly memorable—the kind of music that sticks with you long after the last note fades. HOW TO GO: Saturday, December 13th The Brightside – 905 E 3rd St, Dayton Doors: 7pm | Show: 7:30pm Tickets: $20 advance / $25 day of show All ages welcome! Limited reserved tables available TICKETS HERE: https://tickets.venuepilot.com/e/andrew-gabbard-andy-the-dreams-motel-beds-me-time-2025-12-13-the-brightside-music-event-venue-dayton-dad3b2 This is a rare chance to see three generations of Dayton’s indie rock scene share one stage. Don’t miss this special holiday gathering of musical friends!

The Nutcracker
2025-12-13 19:30, 2025-12-13 14:30 | The Benjamin & Marian Schuster Performing Arts Center, 1 West Second Street, Dayton, OH, 45402
After a record-breaking run in 2024, Brandon Ragland’s THE NUTCRACKER returns, bringing holiday magic back to Dayton! Set in our very own city, this beloved tale follows Clara on a breathtaking, time-traveling adventure filled with dazzling choreography, enchanting sets, and Tchaikovsky’s iconic score. A heartwarming tradition for all ages, THE NUTCRACKER is the perfect way to celebrate the season with family and loved ones.

Season’s Greetings: A Holiday Cabaret
2025-12-13 19:30 | PNC Arts Annex, 46 N. Ludlow St., Dayton, OH, 45402
SEASON’S GREETINGS: A HOLIDAY CABARET is back for its fifth season! Performers Gina Handy and Philip Drennen, along with Deron Bell and his Merry Melody Makers, have created an unforgettable cabaret experience to celebrate the holidays. Relax with friends, laugh with family, grab a seasonal cocktail, and most importantly, “mail” your song requests to Santa! You never know what surprises are in store when the spirit of the holidays takes over!
Dec. 10-14

Seasonal Shorts
2025-12-13 19:30 | The Human Race Theatre Company, 126 N. Main St., Dayton, OH, 45402
DECEMBER 10 – 21, 2025
Seasonal Shorts
Playwrights: Kelsey Celek, Chris Leyva, Marley Masterson, Aleah Vassell, Torie Wiggins, Robb Willoughby
Director: Heather Wilson-Bowlby
Six short plays celebrating seasonal memories, moments and silliness—for adults only! Featuring all the ups and downs of winter, our local playwrights’ original plays will have your sides splitting and leaving the theatre in a festive mood.
Recommended if you liked… Who’s Holiday, Reindeer Sessions, A Frosty Night

Deck the Diamond
2025-12-13 18:00 - 21:00 | Day Air Ballpark, 220 North Patterson Blvd., Dayton, OH, 45402
Step into a winter wonderland at Day Air Ballpark, where the magic of the season shines bright! Experience the enchantment of over 1.1 million dazzling lights and enjoy a festive lineup of holiday activities perfect for the whole family. Make unforgettable memories together at this one-of-a-kind holiday celebration. Enjoy festive displays, a themed light show, live performances and entertainment, family fun, holiday shopping, delicious treats, photos with Santa, ornament decorating, rides on the North Pole Express, fire pits and s’mores, carnival games, photo opportunities, letters to Santa, the grand tree, and so much more! For tickets and more information, visit dragonsdeckthediamond.com.

Light Sensitive
2025-12-13 17:00 | Dayton Theatre Guild, 430 Wayne Avenue, Dayton, OH, 45410, USA
Navigating loneliness and isolation, two souls find hope—and each other—just when they need it most. Over one extraordinary week, connection flickers, hearts brighten, and something unexpected begins to develop, bringing a little more light to lives that had nearly gone dark.
Dec. 5–14

Sinclair Theatre presents ‘Twas: A Holiday Musical
2025-12-13 16:00 - 18:00, 2025-12-13 14:00 - 16:00 | Blair Hall Theatre – Sinclair, 444 W. Third St., Dayton, OH, 45402
Sinclair Theatre is proud to present ‘Twas: A Holiday Musical, live on stage for ONE WEEKEND ONLY, December 11-14, in Sinclair’s Blair Hall Theatre, Building 2, on Sinclair’s downtown Dayton campus.
Tickets are $10 and are available online at  www.sinclair.edu/tickets. Groups of 20 or more ordering online save all ticketing fees.
Every performance will be interpreted by American Sign Language (ASL) shadow performers.
When the family pets are left alone on Christmas Eve, they are visited by the neighborhood animals who teach them that humans celebrate winter holidays in different ways. They learn about Hanukkah, Kwanzaa and La Posada and discover that while humans have different traditions, ultimately all celebrations are about love and togetherness.
“This production is the result of a lovely collaboration between Sinclair’s Theatre department and Interpreter Education department,” says director Kelsey Celek. “In the same way the play’s characters share their traditions and cultures, these departments are sharing their skills and resources. The result will be a true celebration of community, both on stage and off.”
The cast consists of Ryan Ford, Ryan Hester, William Finnell, Cormari Pullings, Jhoana Novelo, Adalia Gaynier, Tiffany Higgins, Zella Younce, Lucas Caldwell, and Laura Fuentes and featuring ASL shadow performers Tyrone Newsome, Liza Throne, Calli Diehl, Cheyenne “Chey” Reumann, and Hailey Mount.
Where: Sinclair Community College, Blair Hall Theatre (Building 2), 444 W. Third St., Dayton Ticket Information: $10 plus $2 service fee. Tickets can be purchased online at: www.sinclair.edu/tickets
Photo Credit: Scottie Jackson

Family Open Studio
2025-12-13 15:00 - 16:30 | The Dayton Art Institute, 456 Belmonte Park N, Dayton, OH, 45405, United States
Join us in Studio A in the Education Wing of Rike for a time of open-ended creativity and art making. Browse our weekly selection of open studio materials and unleash your inner artist. No Signup Necessary. Drop-ins Encouraged! Sponsored by AES Ohio Foundation. Free with museum admission.

A Doll’s High Tea
2025-12-13 14:00 - 16:00 | The Dayton Woman’s Club, 225 N Ludlow St, Dayton, OH, 45402, United States
Bring your favorite doll to DWC’s Victoria mansion decorated for the season for a high tea, featuring petite tea confections and desserts. There will be a meet and greet for all the dolls, and a doll parade through the club. Reservations required. Call for cost. 228-1124.

Winter Wonderland at Rabbit Hole Books
2025-12-13 13:00 - 16:00 | Rabbit Hole Books, 27 W. First St., Dayton, OH, 45402
December 6, 14, & 20; 1-4 p.m.
Rabbit Hole Books, 27 W. First St.
Santa’s workshop is coming to downtown Dayton! Little ones are invited to shop for gifts in a kid-sized store, enjoy tasty holiday treats, and take a photo with the big man in red! 999-4092.

Flowers for Fathers: Honoring Our Heroes
2025-12-13 13:00 - 15:00 | Dayton Metro Library – Main Library, 215 E. Third Street, Dayton, OH, 45402
Dayton Metro Library will honor nominated fathers and father figures on Saturday, December 13, during Flowers for Fathers: Honoring Our Heroes, at the Main Library from 1-3 pm. The second annual event celebrates those whose love and commitment extends beyond their households, shaping communities and inspiring future generations. The ceremony will include a candlelight performance by Vibe 5 and Charles Oliver. Honorees were nominated by loved ones earlier this year. Flowers for Fathers is a signature event of DML’s Reading Railroad Initiative, which supports Black boys, young men, and their support systems. For more information, visit DaytonMetroLibrary.org or call the Library’s Ask Me Line at 937.463.2665.

Community Workshop: Sacred Circles: A Mandala Workshop
2025-12-13 11:30 - 13:30 | The Dayton Art Institute, 456 Belmonte Park N, Dayton, OH, 45405, United States
Participants will explore the ancient and symbolic art of mandala making. This is a practice rooted in balance, unity and self-expression. Through guided prompts and intuitive drawing, you’ll create your own unique mandalas using simple tools and soothing techniques. Sponsored by AES Ohio Foundation. $35 Non-Member Cost: $40 (18+ years). Register here: https://dai.ticketapp.org/portal/product/103/packages

Saturday Community Tours
2025-12-13 11:30 - 12:30 | The Dayton Art Institute, 456 Belmonte Park N, Dayton, OH, 45405, United States
Explore the museum and learn more with a guided tour! Come to the DAI for weekly tour themes like: Dayton History, Art and Architecture, Global Celebrations, and Art Basics for Everyone. Free with museum admission! Sponsored by AES Ohio Foundation. Register here: https://dai.ticketapp.org/portal/product/115/events

Holiday Greenery Crafting
2025-12-13 11:00 - 16:00 | Now and Zen DIY Studio, 121 E. Third St., Dayton, OH, 45402
Stop in for a jolly good time with whimsical holiday plant projects, including terrarium snowmen, air plant ornaments, and more!

Saturday Art Workshops
2025-12-13 11:00 - 13:00 | K12 Gallery & TEJAS, 341 S. Jefferson St., Dayton, OH, 45402
Saturday Art Workshops for Kindergarten-12th Grade and Adults. Each month explore a different art medium (Clay, Painting, Printmaking, Sculpture, Mosaics, Drawing, Photography, in a different theme/artistic style (K-12th grade). For Adults classes in Mosaics, Stained Glass, and Glassblowing. Saturday Classes run from September 2025-May 2026. 11:00am-1:00pm. Call for Costs.

Victorian Christmas Ghost Stories
2025-12-13 11:00 - 12:30 | Dayton Metro Library – Main Library, 215 E. Third Street, Dayton, OH, 45402
Victorian Christmas Ghost Stories, 11 am-12:30 pm, Main Library, Dayton Room, 2nd Floor: Local History Librarian Rachael Bussert shares Victorian-era stories once told at gatherings and in newspapers. Registration required. All Ages

Family Movie Series
2025-12-13 11:00 | THE NEON, United States
December 6, 13, & 20; 11 a.m.
THE NEON, 130 E. Fifth St.
Bring the family to THE NEON for fun, festive films. Free admission for kids 12 and under, $2 for adults.
Sponsored by Dayton Children’s and THE NEON
Scheduled Films:
December 6 – The Polar Express (with a pajama party!)
December 13 – Jingle All the Way
December 20 – A Year without Santa Claus

Titles subject to change – call theater for confirmation.

Photowalk
2025-12-13 10:00 - 11:00 | The Contemporary Dayton, 25 W. Fourth St., Dayton, OH, 45402, United States
Explore downtown Dayton through your lens, using anything from a camera phone to a box camera, and anything in between. Join fellow artists and photography enthusiasts for a guided walk inspired by the visual language of Xaviera Simmons: Figure Eleven. FREE and open to all.

Members’ Spotlight: Lori Daugherty: Bold Whispers
2025-12-13 | The Contemporary Dayton, 25 W. Fourth St., Dayton, OH, 45402, United States
December 3 – 27, 2025 Opening Reception: December 3, 6 – 8 pm Closing Reception: December 27, 2025, 4 – 6 pm Lori Daugherty: Bold Whispers brings together a series of intimate encaustic works in which color, wax, and heat converge to form small but potent moments of energy. In each piece, Dayton-based artist Lori Daugherty coaxes organic bursts of form and pigment into being—gestures that feel alive, expanding, and quietly insistent. These works reward slow looking: what first appears delicate reveals surprising force, and what seems restrained carries a pulse of movement just beneath the surface. Working with encaustic wax and inks, Daugherty builds her compositions through layered translucency, texture, and the dynamic unpredictability of a torch and flame. The resulting surfaces hover between control and spontaneity, abstraction and suggestion. Together, the paintings in Bold Whispers invite viewers to linger in the space where subtlety becomes powerful and small moments open into larger stories. All artworks in this exhibition are available for purchase. Please visit the reception desk or speak to a staff member to purchase. Proceeds support both the artist and The Contemporary Dayton’s mission to connect artists and audiences through accessible, engaging contemporary art experiences.

RTA Holiday Bus
2025-12-13 | Downtown Dayton
Santa is coming to town aboard the Greater Dayton RTA’s holiday bus! This year’s holiday bus will run along Dayton routes through Dec. 31 with holiday music, free candy canes, and appearances by the big man himself – Santa! For the holiday bus route and schedule information, visit iriderta.org.

Winter Gift Gallery (Local Artist Nook)
2025-12-13 | K12 Gallery & TEJAS, 341 S. Jefferson St., Dayton, OH, 45402
Artists will showcase paintings, ceramics, blown glass, prints, and jewelry for sale. Mon.-Thurs. 9:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m., Fri. 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m., Sat. 11 a.m.-1 p.m.

RTA Historic Christmas Trolley
2025-12-13 | Downtown Dayton
Before nestling the children all snug in their beds, check out the Greater Dayton RTA’s Historic Christmas Trolley – #559! The 1948 Marmon-Herrington TC-48, famous for its simulated fireplace and plush seat for Santa, is back this holiday season for special events featuring photos with the trolley and Santa and a chance to ride through downtown on this piece of Dayton history. Schedule of events at www.iriderta.org.

Ice Skating
2025-12-13 | RiverScape MetroPark, 237 E Monument Ave, Dayton, OH, 45402, United States
Sheltered under the covered pavilion, the MetroParks Ice Rink sets the scene as a perfect winter wonderland in downtown Dayton. While the rink is open, you can enjoy delicious treats from the concession area, including a cup of hot chocolate. Take advantage of fun skating activities, such as lessons, themed skating nights and more. Visit metroparks.org/ice-rink to learn more, find daily open hours, and see a schedule of events. Admission: $7 daily, ice skate rental: $3 daily. Season passes available. Ages 3 and under are free with a paying adult. 278-2607.

Downtown Dayton Holiday Hop
2025-12-13 | Downtown Dayton
Downtown Dayton’s small businesses need our help now, more than ever! This holiday season, while you’re celebrating and shopping small and local, you can Play, Shop, & Dine your way to some easy money to spend on yourself!
How to Play
1. Visit three of the 40+ participating businesses between November 29 and December 22, 2025.
(See participating businesses here: https://downtowndayton.org/hop/)
2. Collect three different stamps by making a purchase – one for each category of Play, Shop, and Dine – to complete the Hop.
3. After collecting three stamps, turn in your completed card to one of the drop-off locations to get $25 in Downtown Dollars*.
(See drop-off locations below)
Drop-off Locations
Base Camp Outdoors – 420 E. First St.
Downtown Dayton Partnership Office – 10 N. Ludlow St., Suite 901
Heart Mercantile – 601 E. Fifth St.
Omega Music – 318 E. Fifth St.
Rabbit Hole Books – 29 W. First St.
RiverScape MetroPark – 237 E. Monument Ave.

*While supplies last. Purchase required to get stamps. Must provide an email address to receive Downtown Dollars. $25 prize will be emailed after Dec. 12 or Dec. 29, 2025. Limit one entry per person. Limit one stamp per business. Submit by December 22, 2025.

The CoSHOP Holiday Shopping
2025-12-13 | The Contemporary Dayton, 25 W. Fourth St., Dayton, OH, 45402, United States
The Contemporary Dayton’s CoSHOP gets a holiday refresh of new handmade ornaments, cards, decor, and all sorts of giftables from a selection of local artists and artisans.

Whimsical Windows & Elf Hunt
2025-12-13 | Downtown Dayton
Dec. 5-29
Select businesses throughout downtown
This annual contest shows off the creativity of downtown Dayton’s collection of small businesses as they decorate their storefront windows for the holidays in their own unique ways. Enjoy shopping, dining, and exploring downtown Dayton in this fun and festive atmosphere! Vote for your favorite window display online at DaytonDailyNews.com starting Dec. 5. YOU can be the winner in the Elf Hunt contest! Simply find elves hidden among holiday decorations in first-floor storefront windows and text a photo of it to 937-304-4041. Each photo taken of a different elf counts as one entry toward a weekly drawing for $100 in Downtown Dollars! Free.
Sponsored by Dayton Daily News
Whimsical Windows Locations:
Art + Soul Maison, 135 E. Main St. – Blind Bob’s, 430 E. Fifth St. – Clash Dayton, 521 E. Fifth St. – CrossFit Dayton, 150 S. Patterson Blvd. – The Dayton Arcade, 23 & 25 S. Main St. – Dayton Area Chamber of Commerce, 8 N. Main St. Ste. 100 – The Dublin Pub, 300 Wayne Avenue – Golden Hour Piercing, 411 E. Fifth St. – Joui Wine, 117 E. Third St. – League of Women Voters, 127 N. Ludlow St. – Lisse Beauty Bar, 21 W. First St. – Rabbit Hole Books, 29 W. First St. – Reduce & Reuse Refillery, 133 E. Fourth St. – Secret Beauty Hats & Boutique, 131 N. Ludlow St. #129 – Space Three, 39 S. St. Clair St. – Val’s Bakery, 25 S. St. Clair St. – Wild Whiskers, 33 S. St. Clair St.
Elf Hunt Locations:
Art + Soul Maison, 135 E. Main St. – Blind Bob’s, 430 E. Fifth St. – Chairapy, 605 E. Fifth St. – Clash Dayton, 521 E. Fifth St. – CrossFit Dayton, 150 S. Patterson Rd. – The Dayton Arcade, 23 & 25 S. Main St. – Dayton Area Chamber of Commerce, 8 N. Main St. Ste. 100 – Dayton Church Supply, Inc., 136 E. Third St. – Dayton Live, PNC Arts Annex, 46 W. Second St. – The Dublin Pub, 300 Wayne Avenue – Edward A. Dixon Gallery, 222 N. St. Clair St. – Golden Hour Piercing, 411 E. Fifth St. – Hotel Ardent Dayton Downtown + Bistecca, 137 N. Main St. – Joui Wine, 117 E. Third St. – Lucho, 37 W. Fourth St. – Rabbit Hole Books, 29 W. First St. – Reduce & Reuse Refillery, 133 E. Fourth St. – Secret Beauty Hats & Boutique, 131 N. Ludlow St. #129 – Space Three, 39 S. St. Clair St. – Table 33, 45 W. Fourth St. – Tony & Pete’s, 19 E. Third St. – Val’s Bakery, 25 S. St. – Clair St. – Wild Whiskers, 33 S. St. Clair St. – Winans Coffee & Chocolate, 221 N. Patterson Blvd.
