Downtown Dayton Partnership

The Levys of Monticello
2024-12-11 15:00 - 17:30 (America/Detroit) | Sinclair Conference Center, 301 W. Fourth St., Dayton, OH, 45402, USA
Join us for a discussion and screening of the 2022 documentary, directed by Steven Pressman. This film documents the history of the Levy family and how they saved Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello residence from ruin. Over the course of their 90 years of ownership, the Levy family endured the brunt of antisemitism, while also being confronted by the strain of slavery that existed at Monticello before the Civil War.

Holly Days at the Arcade
2024-12-11 15:00 - 20:00 | Dayton Arcade, 35 W. Fourth St., Dayton, OH, 45402
“Holly Days at the Arcade Presented by AES Ohio and Dayton Daily News” will welcome visitors from around the region to the historic Dayton Arcade complex for the fourth year this December 11, 12, & 13, 2024.
Organized by Friends of the Dayton Arcade and Cross Street Partners, the Rotunda event space will host an artisan market featuring holiday shopping from over 30 vendors. The Tank Inspired by CenterPoint Energy will showcase additional vendors, a community Lego Build hosted by Brixilated, and a cash bar. The Contemporary Dayton will have its CoSHOP available featuring a rotating selection of items curated by their team of art lovers, historians, book nerds, and decor enthusiasts.
The Arcade complex’s full-service restaurants, Gather by Ghostlight at 37 W. Fourth Street and Table 33 at 45 W. Fourth Street, will be open for happy hour, dinner, and drinks during “Holly Days at the Arcade”. Members of the 6888 Kitchen will be serving a diverse limited menu from the Kitchen’s Rotunda entrance during the event. Supporting food trucks will line Fourth Street in front of the entrance to the event.
Live holiday entertainment curated by Culture Works will be a highlight, with local performing arts groups set to perform in the Arcade’s Rotunda and Tank event spaces. These performances will take place throughout the three-day event with a full schedule to be announced the first week of December. Daily holiday character entertainment from Fairy Godmother Events will delight kids of all ages.
New in 2024 is a food drive benefiting The Foodbank, an organization dedicated to fighting hunger in the community. These donations will support 124 hunger relief programs in Montgomery, Greene, and Preble Counties in The Foodbank’s partner agency network. Donations will be accepted in the Rotunda entrance concourse during all three days of “Holly Days at the Arcade”, and a full list of suggested items will be provided on the Dayton Arcade’s website and social media pages.
For the second year, “Holly Days at the Arcade” is partnering with Five Rivers MetroParks’ “Sunset at the Market” at 2nd Street Market to provide a comprehensive downtown holiday shopping experience on Thursday, December 12. To encourage attendees to visit both locations, the Greater Dayton RTA is providing a free shuttle service between the two events from 5:15 to 8:15 pm with a stop at the Oregon District Garage on Fifth Street. Guests can grab a punch card from a volunteer at either event, make a purchase on Thursday, December 12 at both the Arcade and 2nd Street Market, and submit their card at either location for a chance to win a prize basket full of items donated by local vendors.
“The revival of the Dayton Arcade feels like the heart of our city coming alive again,” said Shane Anderson, owner of Arcade tenant Gather by Ghostlight. “This annual Holly Days’ festival is like stepping back into the festive magic of Dayton’s holiday traditions of the past while celebrating all the exciting things ahead. It’s the perfect time to come together, make new memories, and feel the warmth of our community.”
“It’s such an honor to coordinate Holly Days for the fourth year running,” said Megan Dunn Peters, Marketing and Community Partnerships Manager for Cross Street Partners. “From shopping for gifts at local vendor booths to enjoying amazing live entertainment and toasting the holidays with friends and family, there’s nothing like celebrating the holidays at the Dayton Arcade. We’re grateful to our title sponsors AES Ohio and Dayton Daily News as well as numerous other community partners for helping to make Holly Days at the Arcade a magical holiday experience for both local Daytonians and regional visitors.”
“Holly Days at the Arcade Presented by AES Ohio and Dayton Daily News” is free and open to the public from 3:00 pm to 8:00 pm on Wednesday, December 11, Thursday, December 12, and Friday, December 13. For more event information, vendor list, and entertainment schedule, visit arcadedayton.com or the Dayton Arcade’s social media pages.

A Frosty Night
2024-12-11 19:30 | The Human Race Theatre Company, 126 N. Main St., Dayton, OH, 45402
In this world premiere farce, Mark Brown takes on winter with a twist! Sharon Frosty, Frosty the Snowman’s wife, knows that he’s up to no good and follows his trail to the North Pole. Will she catch him in the act? Laugh ‘til you’re blue with this adults-only comedy.

Holiday Vintage Sale
2024-12-12 12:00 - 17:00 | Edward A. Dixon Gallery, 222 N. St. Clair St., Dayton, OH, 45402
Dec. 12-15 • Holiday Vintage Sale
Edward A. Dixon Gallery, 222 N. St. Clair St.; Thurs. 12-5 p.m., Fri. 3-8 p.m., Sat./Sun. 12-5 p.m.
Vintage artwork and other art will be available for sale at the gallery during this weekend-long pop-up.

Sunset at the Market: Holiday Magic
2024-12-12 17:30 - 20:30 | 2nd Street Market, 600 E. Second St., Dayton, OH, 45402, USA
The Market will open for an evening of Holiday shopping and entertainment this Thursday evening. Roaming Carolers, Artisan, specialty and prepared food will be in a attendance. We will be teaming up with the Arcade and their Holly Days programming and free RTA buses will be available to visit both locations.

Property Fraud Alert, Good Deeds & Veteran ID Card Services
2024-12-12 18:00 - 19:00 | Dayton Metro Library – Main Library, 215 E. Third Street, Dayton, OH, 45402
Property Fraud Alert, Good Deeds & Veteran ID Card Services, Thursday, December 12, 6-7 pm, Main Library, Conference Room 1B: Montgomery County Recorder Stacey Benson-Taylor drops by to present information on the Fraud Alerts Notification System, the Good Deeds Program, and the Veteran ID Card Program, including how to sign up for each one.
The Fraud Alert Notification System is used to notify property owners when a document that references a registered property is recorded. The Good Deeds Program helps homeowners with planning the future ownership of their homes after death. The Veteran ID Card Program is a proactive safety net for veterans to securely record their DD-214s and receive a valid form of state-issued identification that can be used for a variety of beneficial and necessary services.

Jackie O’s Friday the 13th Bash
2024-12-13 11:00 | The Barrel House, 417 E. Third St., Dayton, OH, 45402, United States
It’s the real nightmare before christmas with DJ Dirty Jason Klaus and a bunch of Jackie O’s bangers on tap. Pull through, get spooked, and get down.

HoliDayton featuring Hawthorne Heights
2024-12-13 18:30 - 23:00 | The Brightside, 905 E. Third St., Dayton, OH, 45402
HoliDayton is back, featuring Hawthorne Heights! They will be headlining with a full performance of the Silence in Black in White and more! We are also excited to announce a reunion performance from A Day In The Life. We are excited to host a great selection of bands local to the Dayton, Ohio, area, spread across two stages throughout the evening including A Story Changes, Life in Idle, Better Anyway, Jetty Bones, Nightbeast and more! December 13th 6:30pm Doors All ages are welcome! General admission $21.99 VIP Add On $49.99 (must get general admission ticket too)

DLCA Performance: Rike’s Holiday Window Spectacular
2024-12-13 19:00 | PNC Arts Annex, 46 N. Ludlow St., Dayton, OH, 45402
This original show is a celebration of the iconic Rike’s Department Store holiday windows that go on display each holiday season in the Schuster Center. Join us for a night of merriment! Watch familiar Rike’s characters come to life in this original production created by our cast and crew. The RIKE’S HOLIDAY WINDOW SPECTACULAR is a good time full of music, dance, and lots of holiday memories.

Skate and Scare! Themed Holiday Skate
2024-12-13 19:00 - 22:00 | RiverScape MetroPark, 237 E Monument Ave, Dayton, OH, 45402, United States
Join us for a chillingly fun night of ice skating with A Nightmare Before Christmas themed skate event! Enjoy fun music, decor and a spook-tacular good time – perfect for a Friday the 13th in December. Purchase a penguin for $1 and throw it onto the ice for your chance to win cool prizes! The RiverScape Café will also be open and skaters can even relax in our heated comfort tent where there will be special games for you to play that match our theme. The RiverScape Café will be open and skaters can also relax in our heated comfort tent. Skate admission is $7 and skate rental is $3. Thanks to our Access to Nature Program, residents who receive SNAP/EBT can simply show their card to the rental attendant to receive 50% off admission and skate rental. Weather Dependent.

Skate & Scare! Themed Holiday Skate
2024-12-13 19:00 - 22:00 | RiverScape MetroPark, 237 E Monument Ave, Dayton, OH, 45402, United States
Skate & Scare! Themed Holiday Skate
7:00pm – 10:00pm
AGE: All ages | $10.00
Join us for a chillingly fun night of ice skating with A Nightmare Before Christmas themed skate event! Enjoy fun music, and a spook-tacular good time – perfect for a Friday the 13th in December. Attendees will also be able to purchase penguins for $1 to participate in the Penguin Toss and a chance to win a themed tic-tac-toe set, a large penguin plush, or an Owala water bottle. The RiverScape Cafe will also be open with delicious food and beverages. Skate admission is $7 and skate rental is $3. Thanks to our Access to Nature Program, residents who receive SNAP/EBT can simply show their card to the rental attendant to receive 50% off admission and skate rental. Weather Dependent.

The Nutcracker
2024-12-13 19:30 | The Benjamin & Marian Schuster Performing Arts Center, 1 West Second Street, Dayton, OH, 45402
Don’t miss the world premiere of the much-anticipated new production of Dayton’s most beloved holiday tradition, THE NUTCRACKER! From the creative minds of Artistic Director and choreographer Brandon Ragland, costume designer Lyn Baudendistel, and scenic designer Ray Zupp, the timeless story of Clara’s magical Christmastime journey returns to the stage, set to Tchaikovsky’s gorgeous score performed live by the Dayton Philharmonic.

Femininomenon Rave with DJ Kim
2024-12-13 20:00 | Yellow Cab Tavern, 700 E 4th St, Dayton, OH, 45402, United States
Join us December 13th for our Femininomenon Rave! Dj Kim will be spinning all of your favorite femme artists all night long.
$5 cover starts at 8pm with music starting at 9pm

Victorian Christmas Ghost Stories
2024-12-14 14:00 - 15:00 | Dayton Metro Library – Main Library, 215 E. Third Street, Dayton, OH, 45402
Wear your holiday finest and learn about an old holiday tradition. In the Victorian era a very popular way to celebrate Christmas was through the telling of ghost stories. Local History Librarian Rachael Bussert will share stories from Dayton and around the United States that were told in gatherings and in local newspapers in the celebration of Christmas.

Holiday Mini Market
2024-12-14 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 Maria’s Unique Foods and Silver Maple Ranch! Please note, skating admission is not required to attend the Holiday Mini Market. Weather dependent. Weather Dependent.

Queer Romance Mixer: A Heartsiq Event
2024-12-14 20:00 | The Barrel House, 417 E. Third St., Dayton, OH, 45402, United States
Heartsiq and Barrel House Present: The Queer Romance Mixer
It’s cold out and time to find someone to cuddle this holiday season. Who’s ready to mix and mingle?! Join us for this FREE event!
Come alone, or bring your friends and meet local queers looking for connection!
FREE ENTRY!
There will be ice breakers and games, chances to win free drinks, and live music by Dayton’s own DJ Ru!
Saturday, Dec 14 at 8pmThe Barrel HouseDayton, Ohio

Lab Partners, Anya Van Rose, & Quiet Signals
2024-12-14 20:00 | Yellow Cab Tavern, 700 E 4th St, Dayton, OH, 45402, United States
Join us for a night of live music featuring Lab Partners, Anya Van Rose and Quiet Signals!December 14th $10 cover starts at 8pm, Music at 9pmQuiet Signals is an instrumental post-rock collaboration project created by Nick Kizirnis. The current line-up features Matt Shultz (Holy F***, Savak, Enon) and Bryan Lakatos (Shrug, Heather Redman, Jesse Remnant). Quiet Signals new album also includes Victor Krummenacher (Camper Van Beethoven) is due out in 2025.
Anya Van Rose – Anya Van Rose brings you Bubblegrunge with dreamy, lush vocals and fierecly feminine grit. Her recent record Lucky Stars was recognized by NPR Shuffle as one of the top albums of 2023. Currently, Anya tours the Midwest with her band Austin Wolfe (bass), Austin Popovich (drums) and Devin Johnson (guitar) and also takes the stage as a solo act with Jake Trombetta (pedal steel).
Lab Partners – Lab Partners first formed in Dayton in 1998 by Mike Smith, Amy Smith and Matt Schultz of the band Honeyburn and Kevin Parrett of Ten O’Clock Scholar. After releasing two EPs in 1999 and 2002, drummer Matt Schultz left the group to join Let’s Crash, and later, Enon. He was replaced with Ian Kaplan, and the group released its first full-length, Daystar, in 2002 to critical acclaim. After Daystar’s release, Mike Volk (another Honeyburn veteran) replaced Parrett on guitar and Todd Carll took over for Kaplan on drums. Appearances at SXSW and several tours around the US followed over the next several years, as well as another LP and EP. Moonlight Music was released in 2010 and featured Kevin Vaughn (Heartless Bastards) on drums

Breakfast with Santa
2024-12-15 08:30 | 2nd Street Market, 600 E. Second St., Dayton, OH, 45402, USA
Join Santa and his Elves for a tasty buffet breakfast obtained from and prepared by 2nd Street Market vendors. This is a registration only event, please see the Market’s webpage to register. There are two dates available, December 15th or December 22nd.

Home for the Holidays: Miami Valley Symphony Orchestra
2024-12-15 15:00 | Dayton Masonic Center, 525 W. Riverview Ave., Dayton, OH, 45405-4702, United States
Gather with your loved ones as we come together to celebrate the joy of the Christmas season in this annual tradition at the Dayton Masonic Center. This year’s holiday concerts feature Gem City Ballet, Jennifer Fair, soprano, and Robert Rhodes, tenor. Awadagin Pratt conducts. Make this concert a part of your holiday memories with these festive and family-friendly performances. Be sure to visit Santa’s Workshop between shows, 4:30-7:15pm for a free photo!

Tell Me Another Story
2024-12-17 15:00 - 17:30 | Sinclair Conference Center, 301 W. Fourth St., Dayton, OH, 45402, USA
Join us for a discussion and screening of this 2021 documentary directed by Damani Baker. An inspiring 30-minute portrait of the power of picture books. It’s a compelling overview of diversity in children’s literature that brings home the enormous need for us to tell our children another, more inclusive story. This film highlights the creators, past and present, whose focus has uplifted children’s literature from W.E.B. Du Bois, Augusta Baker, Pura Belpré, and Ezra Jack Keats, to Pat Cummings, Marley Dias, Grace Lin, Christopher Myers, and Andrea Davis Pinkney.

Holiday Soirée for Freelancers and Entrepreneurs
2024-12-17 17:30 - 20:30 | The Brightside, 905 E. Third St., Dayton, OH, 45402
Freelancers, solopreneurs, and small business owners—you spend all year grinding, hustling, and making it happen. But let’s be real: when it comes to holiday parties, there’s no company to throw one for you, right? That’s where Launch Dayton comes in. We’re hosting a festive celebration to bring together the innovators, the dreamers, and the self-starters who deserve a party of their own. Come mingle with your fellow entrepreneurs, enjoy food and drinks, and soak in the holiday spirit with people who get it.This holiday celebration will take the place of our usual open coworking day, so come join the festive fun instead! HOW TO GO? Tue, Dec 17th Mix & Mingle from 5:30pm – 8:30pm at The Brightside 905 E 3rd St, Dayton Free parking on-site

“A Christmas Story” Movie Party
2024-12-18 18:00 - 21:00 | The Brightside, 905 E. Third St., Dayton, OH, 45402
Celebrate the Holidays with Music, Meal, Trivia, and Dayton Dinner Theater’s famous interactive movie experience with the classic, heartwarming, and hilarious comedy A Christmas Story!
**Themed Food: Mashed potato bar/play station, Chop Suey Christmas dish (rice, veggies, bourban chicken, salad (seseame dressing), leg lamp cookies Themed Cocktails: The Pink Bunny (Bacardi, Pink Lemonade – Garnish with Pink Sugar and Bunny toothpick), Ovaltini (Tito’s, Kahlua, Half&Half – Hot Cocoa rim) Holiday Craft Beer Specials!
Themed Attire: Drab colored old timey midwest winter garb, If you stuff yourself in an arm restricting one-piece puffy coat we will try to turn the temp. down, Also, just so you know, we are hoping to break the world record for most pink bunny outfits under one roof.
BYOLL (Bring your own leg lamp)
HOW TO GO? Dec 18, 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/a-christmas-story-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

Erika Wennerstrom – Up Close & Personal
2024-12-18 19:00 | The Brightside, 905 E. Third St., Dayton, OH, 45402
Don’t miss the chance to experience the incredible Erika Wennerstrom, hailing from Dayton, as she returns home for the holidays! Join us for an exclusive, intimate performance at our VodVil Bar, where only a few seats are available. This is the holiday show of the season, and it promises to be unforgettable! Secure your spot and be part of this special event! Tickets $30 each – general admission seated All ages welcome!

Handel’s Messiah
2024-12-18 19:30 | The Benjamin & Marian Schuster Performing Arts Center, 1 West Second Street, Dayton, OH, 45402
Hallelujah! Take a break from the holiday hustle and bustle and celebrate the reason for the season with Handel’s glorious oratorio, MESSIAH. The masterwork tells the complete story of Christ, from prophecy, birth, and passion to crucifixion, resurrection, and second coming. As one of the most performed oratorios of all time, MESSIAH features a breathtaking orchestral score for orchestra and chorus and culminates in the popular “Hallelujah Chorus.”

‘Twas: A Holiday Musical
2024-12-19 12:00 | Blair Hall Theatre – Sinclair, 444 W. Third St., Dayton, OH, 45402
More music and dance added to this family-friendly story of holidays explained by pets left alone on Christmas Eve. Understanding Hanukkah, Kwanzaa and La Posada opens their eyes to possibilities other than a “visitor in red”. They discover that humans may celebrate in different ways, but ultimately, we must “rescue” each other all year through. All performances are ASL shadow interpreted offering a unique experience to all audiences! All tickets $8, plus $2 ticketing fee. Please purchase tickets online at www.sinclair.edu/tickets. All patrons, regardless of age, must have a ticket and an assigned seat (including infants).

DAI presents Holiday Classic Trivia with the Rubi Girls
2024-12-19 18:00 - 20:00 | The Dayton Art Institute, 456 Belmonte Park N, Dayton, OH, 45405, United States
Spend an evening with The Rubi Girls at the DAI. dai.ticketapp.org/portal/product/90/events Test your knowledge of holiday animated classics, pop culture and more, featuring Dana Sintell, India Summer and Ileasa Plymouth, AND play to win tickets to the DAI’s newest signature event! December 19, 2024, from 6–8 p.m. $150 includes team admission, four drink tickets, a holiday snack basket and a private table. Teams are limited to four people and MUST preregister by December 16 to attend. The winning team will receive four tickets to the DAI’s newest signature event, “Curated,” a craft cocktail party happening on April 3, 2025. ️️Holiday Classics Trivia with The Rubi Girls is presented in conjunction with the DAI’s newest Special Exhibitions: Merry Grinchmas: Art of Dr. Seuss’ Holiday Classic & (B)ART! America’s Funniest Animated Family. Guests attending trivia may arrive early to view the special exhibitions, which are included in the cost of the event. #thingstodoindayton #daytoninspires #rubigirls #daytonartinstitut

Noonday Carol Sing and Lunch
2024-12-20 12:00 | Westminster Presbyterian Church, 125 N. Wilkinson St., Dayton, OH, 45402
A fun and festive community event with carol singing by all and music by the choirs of Xenia High School. A quick lunch for $7 (cash) will be served following the Carol Sing. Invite your friends!

Homeless Persons Memorial Vigil
2024-12-20 12:00 | Courthouse Square, Third & Main Streets, Dayton, OH, 45422, USA

Santa is Coming! Themed Holiday Skate
2024-12-20 19:00 - 22:00 | RiverScape MetroPark, 237 E Monument Ave, Dayton, OH, 45402, United States
Lace up your skates and channel your inner Elf! at our upcoming theme night! Dress up as Buddy or don your favorite holiday sweater for a fun evening on the ice with music and decorations straight out of the movie. Take a selfie with Santa as he greets the skaters, then purchase a penguin for $1 to toss onto the ice and win cool prizes! The RiverScape Café will be open and skaters can also relax in our heated comfort tent which will have games that match the theme. Skate admission is $7 and skate rental is $3. Thanks to our Access to Nature Program, residents who receive SNAP/EBT can simply show their card to the rental attendant to receive 50% off admission and skate rental. Weather Dependent.

ENMY at The Brightside
2024-12-20 19:00 - 23:00 | The Brightside, 905 E. Third St., Dayton, OH, 45402
Rock fans! You’re invited to an electrifying night of music with ENMY at The Brightside (Dayton, Ohio). ENMY (pronounced “Enemy”) is a four-piece Hard Rock band originating from Cincinnati, OH. ENMY brings a fresh and energetic sound to modern-day rock and Metalcore by crafting a unique blend of soaring vocals, groove-oriented instrumental play, and electronic melodies. Joining them on stage are the powerhouse acts Before The Day, Southbound Beretta, and Noohra. This is a rock lineup you won’t want to miss! HOW TO GO? Date: Friday, December 20, 2024 Location: The Brightside, 905 E 3rd St, Dayton (Ballroom) Time: Doors open at 6 PM, Show starts at 7 PM Tickets: $15 presale tickets available now! / $20 at the door (cash or credit) Ticket link: https://www.venuepilot.co/events/enmy-2024-12-20-the-brightside-music-event-venue-dayton-cb4e69/orders/new Age: All ages welcome (under 18 with parental supervision_ Secure your spot and be part of this unforgettable night. Grab your tickets and get ready to rock out like never before!
