Downtown Dayton Partnership

RTA Holiday Bus
2024-12-01 | Downtown Dayton
The Greater Dayton Regional Transit Authority (RTA) is getting into the holiday spirit with the arrival of its winter wonderland-themed December bus and appearances by Santa Claus.

The 2024 December holiday bus features several religious celebrations, including Christmas, Hanukkah and Kwanzaa, along with New Year’s Eve and the first day of winter. It also highlights the RTA’s historic Christmas trolley, which will be on display during special public events throughout the month of December.

Customers who want to ride with Saint Nick on the December bus may do so on the following dates:

Sunday, Dec. 1: Route 12 – 12:39 p.m. to 3:37 p.m.
Tuesday, Dec. 3: Route 16 – 9:42 a.m. to 1:22 p.m.
Wednesday, Dec. 4: Route 17 – 10:10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Friday, Dec. 6: Route 6 – 4:11 p.m. to 5:45 p.m.
Wednesday, Dec. 11: Route 9 – 9:53 a.m. to 12:24 p.m.
Friday, Dec. 13: Route 6 – 9:11 a.m. to 12:11 p.m.
Tuesday, Dec. 17: Route 22 – 9:05 a.m. to 11:57 a.m.
Wednesday, Dec. 18: Route 16 – 10: 42 a.m. to 12:20 p.m.
Friday, Dec. 20: Route 2 – 4:15 p.m. to 6:37 p.m.
Sunday, Dec. 22: Route 22 – 11:31 a.m. to 1:50 p.m.
Tuesday, Dec. 24: Route 1 – 9:32 a.m. to 11:28 p.m.

If you visit Santa, share photos with the RTA on our social media pages by tagging @iriderta on Facebook and Instagram.

The December bus schedule is as follows:

Sunday, Dec. 1: Route 12 – 12:33 p.m. to 3:37 p.m.
Monday, Dec. 2: Route 1 – 5:12 a.m. to 1:19 p.m.
Tuesday, Dec. 3: Route 16 – 6:04 a.m. to 3:08 p.m.
Wednesday, Dec. 4: Route 17 – 8:26A a.m. to 4:57 p.m.
Thursday, Dec. 5: Route 17 – 4:48 p.m. to 1:04 a.m.
Friday, Dec. 6: Route 6 – 10:05 a.m. to 7:05 p.m.
Saturday, Dec.7: Routes 18/19 – 4:44 p.m. to 1:11 a.m.
Sunday, Dec.8 – Route 9 – 12:34 p.m. to 4:20 p.m.
Monday, Dec. 9: Routes 18/19 – 10:54 a.m.to 7:35 p.m.
Tuesday, Dec. 10: West Community Connector – 1:45 p.m. to 11:39 p.m.
Wednesday, Dec. 11: Route 9 – 5:15 a.m. to 1:44 p.m.
Thursday, Dec 12: Out of regular service
Friday, Dec. 13: Route 6 – 5:15 a.m. to 1:48 p.m.
Saturday, Dec. 14: West Connector – 2:07 p.m. to 12:12 a.m.
Sunday, Dec. 15: North Connector – 5:54 a.m. to 3:20 p.m.
Monday, Dec. 16: Routes 18/19 – 5:15 a.m. to 1:40 p.m.
Tuesday, Dec. 17: Route 22 – 5:26 a.m. to 1:47 p.m.
Wednesday, Dec. 18: Route 16 – 5:03 a.m. to 12:28 p.m.
Thursday, Dec. 19: Route 12 – 10:24 a.m. to 7:29 p.m.
Friday, Dec. 20: Route 2 – 2:51 p.m. to 12:37 a.m.
Saturday, Dec. 21: Route 43 – 5:59 a.m. to 11:38 a.m.
Sunday, Dec. 22: Route 22 – 5:23 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Monday, Dec. 23: Route 16 – 12:18 p.m. to 7:39 p.m.
Tuesday, Dec. 24: Route 1 – 5:24 a.m. to 2:35 p.m.
Wednesday, Dec. 25: Route 9 – 4:11 p.m. to 12:47 a.m.
Thursday, Dec. 26: Routes 18/19 – 2:26 p.m. to 7:15 p.m.
Friday, Dec. 27: Route 12 – 10:15 a.m. to 7:20 p.m.
Saturday, Dec. 28: Route 17 – 10:54 a.m. to 7:31 p.m.
Sunday, Dec. 29: Route 2 – 5:01 a.m. to 1:19 p.m
Monday, Dec. 30: Route 28 – 2:42 p.m. to 11:54 p.m.
Tuesday, Dec. 31: North Community Connector – 4:52 a.m.to 2:16 p.m.

A complete schedule of the daily routes for the December bus, Santa’s schedule and the dates and times of the special events for the historic Christmas trolley can be found at iriderta.org/holidaybus.

Learn to Ice Skate! Children’s Course
2024-12-01 11:00 - 11:30 (America/Detroit) | RiverScape MetroPark, 237 E Monument Ave, Dayton, OH, 45402, United States
Learn to Ice Skate! Children’s Course
11:00am – 11:30am
AGE: 5-8 | $50.00
This program will teach you ice skating skills, including skating forward and backward edges on a circle, three-turns, backward stops, bunny hop, lunges, and front and back crossovers! The registration fee includes use of skates and lessons on December 1, 8, and 15, with a potential makeup lesson on December 22. Please arrive 15 minutes early to prepare for the lesson. Weather Dependent.

Learn to Ice Skate! Youth Course
2024-12-01 11:40 - 12:10 | RiverScape MetroPark, 237 E Monument Ave, Dayton, OH, 45402, United States
Learn to Ice Skate! Youth Course
11:40am – 12:10pm
AGE: 9-13 | $50.00
This program will teach you ice skating skills, include skating forward and backward edges on a circle, three-turns, backward stops, bunny hop, lunges, and front and back crossovers! The registration fee includes use of skates and lessons on December 1, 8, and 15, with a potential makeup lesson on December 22. Please arrive 15 minutes early to prepare for the lesson. Weather Dependent.

Learn to Ice Skate! Teen/Adult Course
2024-12-01 12:20 - 12:50 | RiverScape MetroPark, 237 E Monument Ave, Dayton, OH, 45402, United States
Learn to Ice Skate! Teen/Adult Course
12:20pm – 12:50pm
AGE: 14 and up | $50.00
This program will teach you ice skating skills, include skating forward and backward edges on a circle, three-turns, backward stops, bunny hop, lunges, and front and back crossovers! The registration fee includes use of skates and lessons on December 1, 8, and 15, with a potential makeup lesson on December 22. Please arrive 15 minutes early to prepare for the lesson. Weather Dependent.

“Elf” Movie Party
2024-12-01 18:00 - 21:00 | The Brightside, 905 E. Third St., Dayton, OH, 45402
We Did It!! The worlds greatest movie party. (congratulations everybody)
Celebrate the Holidays with Music, Meal, Trivia, and Dayton Dinner Theater’s famous interactive movie experience with the classic, heartwarming, and hilarious comedy Elf!
**Themed Food: You smell like beef and cheese sliders, Santa’s Sausage Gravy over a Buddy Biscuit, Maplelicious Chicken & Waffles, potato hash, fresh fruit, sausage, candy canes, candy corns, and donuts!
Themed Drinks: Angry Elf -Jalapeno-infused tequila, triple sec, housemade marg mix. Mailroom Syrup – Bourbon, peach, iced tea Ninnymuggin $5 Beer Special- Shiner Cheer Who Needs a Hug N.A.- Strawberry Lemonade
Themed Attire: Let’s just say that this is one time you can express your affinity for Elf attire and actually be cool.
HOW TO GO? Dec 01, 2024, 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM The Brightside, 905 E 3rd St, Dayton, OH Doors open at 5:45 – Food and live music is available from 6-7 pm – Movie starts at 7 pm. A short intermission for dessert and trivia will start at 8 pm – Movie ends around 9:15 pm.
Alcoholic drinks available for purchase
Tickets $36 – Get tickets here: https://www.daytondinnertheater.com/events/elf-movie-party-1 Table reservations only for parties of 6 or more, otherwise we have open seating. For table reservations or other questions, please email Daytondinnertheater@gmail.com
**These menu items are subject to change

Whimsical Windows Contest
2024-12-02 | Downtown Dayton
Dec. 2-27
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. Free.
Sponsored by Dayton.com

Winter Gift Gallery (Local Artist Nook)
2024-12-02 09:30 - 17:30 | K12 Gallery & TEJAS, 341 S. Jefferson St., Dayton, OH, 45402
Dec. 1-23 • Winter Gift Gallery (Local Artist Nook)
K12 Gallery for Young People & TEJAS, 341 S. Jefferson St.;
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.
Artists will showcase paintings, ceramics, blown glass, prints, and
jewelry for sale. k12tejasgallery.org.

Book Release: American Saunter, Sinclair’s Poet Laureate, Prof. Amanda Hayden, M.A.
2024-12-02 14:00 - 15:30 | Sinclair College, 444 W. Third St., Dayton, OH
Join Sinclair’s Poet Laureate, Prof. Amanda Hayden, M.A., RYT, for a discussion on her debut poetry collection, inspired by her travels across the U.S. The event will feature readings of select poems from the collection and a Q&A session.

First Degree Mistletoe
2024-12-02 19:00 | Spaghetti Warehouse, 36 W. Fifth St., Dayton, OH, 45402
Holidays can be killer, especially for Detective Garnet Frost. She follows a trail of puzzles to solve what happened to her beloved Aunt Coco. The townspeople of Mistletoe, so named because of all the bushes that grow in the area, seem to be hiding something. Join the cast of First-Degree Mistletoe at the Spaghetti Warehouse in downtown Dayton. Mayhem & Mystery performs Monday evenings at 7:00 PM through January 27, 2025. Additional performances added on Wednesday, December 11 and Friday, December 27, 2024, and January 24, 2025. Three-course dinner and interactive mystery show only $39.95 plus tax and gratuity. Reservations are required. Call 937-461-3913 to make reservations.

What Does Allyship Look Like?
2024-12-03 14:00 - 15:30 | Sinclair College, 444 W. Third St., Dayton, OH
Join Sinclair’s Chief Diversity Officer, Michael Carter, in an intimate view and discussion of historical images and the individuals who have shown great courage in supporting the African American Journey in America. Journal and discussion with group members on what Allyship might look like today.

Small Business Financial Document and Tax Prep Workshop
2024-12-03 17:30 - 19:30 | Dayton Metro Library – Main Library, 215 E. Third Street, Dayton, OH, 45402
Small Business Financial Document and Tax Prep Workshop, Tuesday, December 3, 5:30-7:30, Main Library, Opportunity Center: Local business advisors will present information on how to prepare financial statements and taxes for small businesses and answer questions. Registration is required.

Dayton Celebration Chorus Celebration of Winter Concert
2024-12-03 19:00 - 20:00 | St. John’s Lutheran Church, 141 S. Ludlow St., Dayton, OH, 45402
The Dayton Celebration Chorus will present its Celebration of Winter concert on Tuesday, December 3, 2024 at St. John’s Lutheran Church in downtown Dayton. The concert will be from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the church which is located at 141 S. Ludlow at the corner of 5th and Ludlow streets. The concert is free and open to the public. There is free parking in the lot behind the church. Enter the lot from 5th Street.

Guided House Tours
2024-12-04 13:00 | The Dayton Woman’s Club, 225 N Ludlow St, Dayton, OH, 45402, United States
Dec. 4, 7, 11, 14, & 18 • Guided House Tours
Dayton Woman’s Club, 225 N. Ludlow St.; Weds. 1 p.m., Sat. 1, 3, & 4 p.m.
Take a guided tour of DWC’s historic Victorian mansion, circa 1850!
Learn about the building’s history and the founding women who
were community leaders and used the Club to promote music, art,
education, civil rights, and suffrage

College and Career Fair
2024-12-04 15:00 - 17:00 | Dayton Metro Library – Main Library, 215 E. Third Street, Dayton, OH, 45402
Dayton Metro Library will host its annual College and Career Fair on Wednesday, December 4, from 3-5 pm at the Main Library. Teens and their families are invited to attend the fair to ask questions and receive information from area organization representatives about attending community college or universities, joining the Armed Forces, participating in apprenticeship programs, or working in public service. Registration is not required. The Main Library is located at 215 E. Third Street, Dayton, 45402. Ample metered street and free garage parking (on the St. Clair side of the Library) is available. For more information, visit DaytonMetroLibrary.org or call the Library’s Ask Me Line at 937.463.2665.

Culture Works’ Sweet Indulgence
2024-12-04 19:00 - 21:30 | Dayton Arcade, 35 W. Fourth St., Dayton, OH, 45402
Dec. 4 • Culture Works’ Sweet Indulgence
The Dayton Arcade, 35 W. Fourth St.; 7-9:30 p.m.
Enjoy an evening of indulgence with Winans Chocolates, savory bites, live
musical performances, visual art presentations from talented local artists,
and romantic wine tastings. Tickets available at cultureworks.org

Season’s Greetings: A Holiday Cabaret
2024-12-04 19:30 | PNC Arts Annex, 46 N. Ludlow St., Dayton, OH, 45402
SEASON’S GREETINGS is back! Once again, 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!

Adult Craft Club: Shrinky Dink Ornaments
2024-12-05 18:30 - 20:00 | Dayton Metro Library – Main Library, 215 E. Third Street, Dayton, OH, 45402
Adult Craft Club: Shrinky Dink Ornaments, Thursday, December 5, 6:30-8 pm, Main Library, Conference Room 1A: Color plastic then shrink it down in a toaster to make a custom ornament – perfect for gifting or decorating a tree.

Tea Time at the Market
2024-12-06 11:30 - 12:30 | 2nd Street Market, 600 E. Second St., Dayton, OH, 45402, USA
Join Pat Frock with Sweet Emmy Herbals, a Market vendor, as she instructs you how to use base, additions and your own special blends to make a tea that represents you. She will bring herbs to discuss and recipes to hand out.

First Friday Exhibits
2024-12-06 15:00 - 20:00 | Edward A. Dixon Gallery, 222 N. St. Clair St., Dayton, OH, 45402
The gallery will have two exhibitions showing during First Friday 3pm-8pm including Works Of Art – (Fall Edition) featuring 6 amazing artists from the Dayton and Cincinnati area and the pop-up exhibition Bob Coates – Selections from his Direction of Evolution Series. Free on-street parking and light refreshments provided.

First Friday at Front Street
2024-12-06 17:00 - 21:00 | Front Street Galleries, 1001 E. Second St., Dayton, OH, 45402
Enjoy an evening of live music, food trucks, studio and gallery hopping, shopping, and more! It is always free to attend and park at our art hops. We are a family and pet friendly community. With artwork and handmade goods from more than 250 artists, you’re going to want to get here early!

Handmade Holiday Dayton
2024-12-06 17:00 - 22:00 | Yellow Cab Tavern, 700 E 4th St, Dayton, OH, 45402, United States
Handmade Holiday returns to Yellow Cab Tavern this December 6 and 7th! Shop from 23 different vendors all selling handmade items. We will also have themed cocktails, and some special surprises! As always its free entry to this event.
Hours:Friday December 6th 5-10pmSaturday December 7th 11am-4pm
This year’s vendors:1. Tasha’s Common Scents2. Berning Sun Candles3. Sadass Co.4. I Sew Cute5. Finders Retro6. Valkyrie Originals7. Wonderland Orginials8. Wonderful Sunshine Studio9. Handmade by Allison10. Pop Cycle11. Stephanie Shields Fiber Arts12. Lucky Rabbit Curios13. Cathartic Slant14. Chaotic Collective15. Stasienko’s Artwork16. Bright Star Fiber Crafts17. Handyjan18. Pollinators & Posies19. About a Thing20. Weezy’s Garlic Spices and More21. Autonomous Crafts and Services22. Redolfi’s Fiber Fantasies 23. Rusty Clementine

Menotti’s Amahl And The Night Visitors
2024-12-06 19:30 | The Benjamin & Marian Schuster Performing Arts Center, 1 West Second Street, Dayton, OH, 45402
AMAHL AND THE NIGHT VISITORS tells the story of three mysterious kings following a star to bring gifts to a wonderful child. They stop for a rest at the home of Amahl, a shepherd boy who lives with his mother, and when Amahl offers his simple gift to the child, a miracle happens. A heartwarming story of kindness and generosity, AMAHL AND THE NIGHT VISITORS is the perfect beginner’s opera and a joyous way to usher in the holiday season for the entire family!

Saturday Nude Figure Drawing
2024-12-07 09:30 - 12:00 | Dayton Society of Artists, 48 High Street, Dayton, OH, 45402, United States
Join us for our Saturday Nude Figure Drawing session. $5 modeling fee, and make sure to bring your own supplies. We have easels and drawing horses available to use. Free street parking or in the lot across the street – we hope to see you there!

Family Movie Series
2024-12-07 11:00 | THE NEON, United States
December 7, 14, & 21; 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 7 – Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory
December 14 – Happy Feet
December 21 – Santa Claus: The Movie

Titles subject to change – call theater for confirmation.

The Oregon Historic District Grand Holiday Tour of Homes
2024-12-07 11:00 - 16:00 | Oregon District, Fifth Street, Dayton, OH, 45402
The Oregon Historic District Society (OHDS) is excited to invite the community to the neighborhood in the heart of downtown Dayton for a tour inside of some of their beautiful, historic homes at the annual Grand Holiday Tour of Homes. The event will take place on Saturday, December 7, and Sunday, December 8. Tickets are on sale now, and can be purchased here or at oregondistrict.org/events.
At the tour, guests will enjoy a guided tour through five beautifully decorated historic homes to kick-off the holiday season in classic, Victorian style. The OHDS is proud to partner with Glasshouse Realty as the presenting sponsor of the 2024 event.
Tour participants will start at the Glasshouse Realty offices to check-in and receive a tour book, detailing the history and architectural features of each home. Guests will then be able to explore the participating homes with their tour groups, enjoying the historic architecture and holiday decor at each stop. After your tour is complete, guests are invited to stop back at The Armory to enjoy themed refreshments and holiday cheer served by neighborhood volunteers.
The tour is the primary fundraiser for the OHDS. The OHDS is a 501c3 nonprofit run by the neighborhood to cover community expenses such as the costs of upkeep in Newcom Park, Oregon District residential street lighting and the street lighting maintenance. These are all expenses paid by the residents of the neighborhood, but add a welcoming and safe atmosphere for all guests to visit the Oregon District. Watch a video on this nonprofit here.
WHAT: The Oregon Historic District Grand Holiday Tour of Homes
WHEN: December 7 and December 8
TIME: Tour times can be selected between 11 a.m. and 3:15 p.m. each day
COST: Tickets are $25 per person and can be purchased here.
For more information on the Oregon Historic District Society, visit www.oregondistrict.org.

Whiskey Rebellion Day – Bottle Release & Draft Tapping
2024-12-07 11:00 - 23:59 | Warped Wing Brewing Company, 26 Wyandot St., Dayton, 45402, United States
A rebellion is coming…. save the date for Saturday, December 7th for the return of Whiskey Rebellion Imperial Stout aged in bourbon barrels! Not only are we bringing you Whiskey Rebellion bottles & draft – but also our 2024 Reserve Edition plus FOUR NEW FLAVOR VARIANTS! Enjoy live music & a specially curated event menu throughout the day. Don’t miss this legendary release! Bottle sales begin at 11am when the doors open. Bottle line forms outside at the back of the brewery. Additional details TBA.

Winter Wonderland at Rabbit Hole Books
2024-12-07 13:00 - 17:00 | Rabbit Hole Books, 27 W. First St., Dayton, OH, 45402
December 7, 14, & 21; 1-5 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.

Dayton Gay Men’s Chorus Holiday Concert
2024-12-07 14:00 | Westminster Presbyterian Church, 125 N. Wilkinson St., Dayton, OH, 45402
Celebrate the season with holiday songs and frivolity, featuring the voices of area men who are sure to entertain. $30. daytongaymenschorus.org.

Ginny Baughman: Ukrainian Egg Decorating (Pysanky)
2024-12-07 17:00 - 19:30 | Dayton Society of Artists, 48 High Street, Dayton, OH, 45402, United States
Ginny Baughman: Ukrainian Egg Decorating (Pysanky)
When: Sat. Dec. 7th, 5 PM – 7:30 PM
Where: Dayton Society of Artists, 48 High St.
Cost: $25 Per Person
Join the DSA in a workshop lead by Ginny Baughman on the art of pysanky.
Students will enjoy learning how to create the beautiful Pysanky or Ukrainian egg. In this one-day workshop, students will learn the history of this art form. Then they will create one egg to take home with them at the end of the class. Supplies to make one egg will be included in the price of the class.

This is an adult class ages 16 and up can attend on their own. Students under the age of 16 can attend if accompanied by an adult, but they must pay separately. No children under the age of 10 please.

Please note this class requires using the open flame of a candle. Safety precautions will be taken to insure the safety of the students.

About Ginny: Ginny Baughman is a visual artist who has lived and worked in Ohio her entire life. She was born and raised in Dayton and obtained a BFA from the University of Dayton and an MA in Art Education from Ohio State University. After college Ginny moved to central Ohio and gained notoriety as an artist there with her traditional architectural portraits and landscapes of the area. Then she moved into contemporary multidimensional artwork which has been featured in many shows throughout Ohio and the US. She continues to work in both traditional and contemporary styles with a variety of media. Ginny has also worked as a teaching artist for over 25 years now teaching a variety of classes including Ukrainian Egg Decorating, which is a part of her heritage. About 5 years ago Ginny moved back home to the Dayton area. In 2021 Ginny received the Montgomery County Artist Grant to complete a Dayton Coloring Book. She now works as a scenic charge artist at the Town Hall Theater in Centerville, Ohio.

Holiday Mini Market
2024-12-07 17:00 - 20:00 | RiverScape MetroPark, 237 E Monument Ave, Dayton, OH, 45402, United States
Holiday Mini Market
5:00pm – 8:00pm
AGE: All ages | FREE
Head down to the MetroParks Ice Rink on the first three Saturdays in December for a fun day of ice skating and holiday shopping, all in one visit! Our Holiday Mini Markets are back and will feature a variety of 2nd Street Market vendors each evening in the comfort tent… this week we will be hosting Nixxi + Co, and The Words Faire! Please note, skating admission is not required to attend the Holiday Mini Market. Weather dependent. Weather Dependent.
