Downtown Dayton Partnership

Rike’s Holiday Windows
2025-12-08, 2025-12-07 | The Benjamin & Marian Schuster Performing Arts Center, 1 West Second Street, Dayton, OH, 45402
November 28-January 4
Schuster Center Wintergarden, Second & Main sts.;
Hours of operation vary – for the most up-to-date info, visit daytonlive.org/rikes.
Closed for Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve, and New Year’s Day

Experience a reimagining of the Rike’s department store holiday window displays that once stood at this busy downtown corner. Free. (Not accessible during private events. Call 228-7591 to confirm hours.) Presented by Dayton Live

Virginia Kettering’s Holiday Train Display
2025-12-08, 2025-12-07 | Stratacache Tower, 40 N. Main St., Dayton, OH, 45423
November 28-January 1
Stratacache Tower lobby at the corner of Second & Main sts.
View in building lobby Mon-Sat, or through windows anytime.

View this one-of-a-kind model train display given to the community by Mrs. Virginia Kettering. (Use Second St. building entrance.) Free. 224-1518.

Holly Jolly Social: A Christmas Bar Pop-Up
2025-12-08, 2025-12-07 | Two Social, 123 E. Third St., Dayton, OH, 45402
A festive Christmas pop-up where holiday cocktails, sparkling decor, and cozy seasonal vibes transform the space into a winter wonderland. 2socialdayton.com
Nov. 7-Jan. 15

Polar Bear Express
2025-12-08, 2025-12-07 | Downtown Dayton
Book a ride on the abominably decorated Pedal Wagon for a 2-hour pedaling adventure through the fest streets of Dayton and to the best bars and restaurants. Reservations required. pedalwagon.com/dayton

Exhibit: Appropriate Everything
2025-12-08 | Galleries at Sinclair College, 444 W. Third St., Bldg. 13, Dayton, OH, 45402
The Sinclair Community College Art Department is pleased to present “Appropriate Everything” by Darren Haper and John Sousa in the Burnell R. Roberts Triangle Gallery and Works on Paper Gallery. “Immature poets imitate; mature poets steal.” -T.S. Eliot The large paintings featuring white backgrounds and a knocked-together magazine collage vibe in “Appropriate Everything” takes the “great artists steal” adage and looks at it from several angles. Using a shared set of imagery “appropriated” from the Internet, both Haper and Sousa create their own body of work by “stealing” materials and techniques from the other. Despite covering common visual ground, the work lays bare the stylistic distance between both artists. There will be a virtual artist talk via Zoom on Wednesday, November 19, 2025, at 12pm. Visit www.sinclair.edu/artgalleries for details. The exhibitions will be on display from November 10–December 13, 2025. Galleries are located on the fourth floor of building 13 (located at West Fifth and Perry Streets). The galleries are free and open to the public from 8am–6pm Monday–Friday and 9am–12pm Saturdays. Free and accessible parking is located in Parking Lot K.

Water Street District Pint Path
2025-12-08, 2025-12-07 | 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

Deck the Diamond
2025-12-07 18:00 - 21:00 (America/New_York) | 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
2025-12-07 15:00 | 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

Skinner Pipe Organ Concert
2025-12-07 14:00 - 15:00 | The Dayton Art Institute, 456 Belmonte Park N, Dayton, OH, 45405, United States
Hear the museum’s restored Skinner pipe organ and see the beautifully renovated Mimi and Stuart Rose Auditorium. Matt Dierking from the Dayton Chapter of the American Guild of Organists performs on the 1st & 3rd Sunday of each month at 2 p.m. (unless otherwise noted.) *All performances are an hour unless otherwise noted*

Skinner Pipe Organ Concert
2025-12-07 14:00 | The Dayton Art Institute, 456 Belmonte Park N, Dayton, OH, 45405, United States
Hear the museum’s restored Skinner pipe organ and see the beautifully renovated Mimi and Stuart Rose Auditorium. Matt Dierking from the Dayton Chapter of the American Guild of Organists will perform at 2 p.m. Free to members; included in museum general admission for non-members.

Back To The Future: The Musical
2025-12-07 13:00 | The Benjamin & Marian Schuster Performing Arts Center, 1 West Second Street, Dayton, OH, 45402
Great Scott!
Back To The Future, the beloved, cinematic classic is now a Broadway musical with its destination set for Dayton this December.
Winner of the 2022 Olivier Award for Best New Musical, four WhatsOnStage Awards (including Best New Musical), and the Broadway World Award for Best New Musical, BACK TO THE FUTURE: THE MUSICAL is adapted for the stage by the iconic film’s creators Bob Gale (Back To The Future trilogy) and Robert Zemeckis (Forrest Gump) and directed by the Tony Award® winner John Rando with original music by multi-Grammy® winners Alan Silvestri (Avengers: Endgame) and Glen Ballard (Michael Jackson’s “Man In The Mirror”), alongside hit songs from the movie including “The Power Of Love,” “Johnny B. Goode,” “Earth Angel,” and “Back In Time.”
When Marty McFly finds himself transported back to 1955 in a time machine built by the eccentric scientist Doc Brown, he accidentally changes the course of history. Now he’s in a race against time to fix the present, escape the past, and send himself… back to the future. When BACK TO THE FUTURE hits 88 mph, it’ll change musical theatre history forever.

Learn to Ice Skate! Teen/Adult Course
2025-12-07 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 | Financial Assistance
Want to learn the basics of ice skating? We’ve got you covered with these lessons! Our instructor will teach you key skills including skating forward and backward edges on a circle, three-turns, backward stops, bunny hops, lunges, and front and back crossovers. The registration fee includes use of skates and lessons on 11/30, 12/7, and 12/14, which we ask that you arrive 15 minutes early for each day. Makeup lessons will be held 12/21. Weather Dependent.

Creepy Christmas: A Bizarre for the Strange & Unusual
2025-12-07 12:00 - 17:00 | The Brightside, 905 E. Third St., Dayton, OH, 45402
Creepy Christmas: A Bizarre for the Strange & Unusual Sunday, December 7th | 12 PM – 5 PM Free Admission! As winter’s chill creeps in and the veil between merry and macabre grows thin, join us for a hauntingly festive gathering of artists, makers, and vintage curators who celebrate the darker side of the holiday season. Shop from over 35 artisans and vintage vendors offering handcrafted curiosities, mystical wares, gothic décor, and eerie treasures—perfect for those who find beauty in the shadows. Sip, shop, and soak in the strange holiday spirit beneath the glow of twinkling lights and dark delights. Embrace the magic! Celebrate a Creepy Christmas at The Brightside. Vendor applications for the event are now closed. However, this is an annual event. Feel free to message us to be added to our mailing list for future events

Art For All Day – FREE ADMISSION
2025-12-07 12:00 - 17:00 | The Dayton Art Institute, 456 Belmonte Park N, Dayton, OH, 45405, United States
During “Art For All” Days, the Dayton Art Institute will offer free admission to all museum guests, including special and focus collections. Thank you to our Art For All Sponsors! Patron Sponsors: Ramona & Todd Vikan Supporting Sponsors: Eric and Karen Spina.

Learn to Ice Skate! Youth Course
2025-12-07 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 | Financial Assistance
Want to learn the basics of ice skating? We’ve got you covered with these lessons! Our instructor will teach you key skills including skating forward and backward edges on a circle, three-turns, backward stops, bunny hops, lunges, and front and back crossovers. The registration fee includes use of skates and lessons on 11/30, 12/7, and 12/14, which we ask that you arrive 15 minutes early for each day. Makeup lessons will be held 12/21. Weather Dependent.

Holiday Greenery Crafting
2025-12-07 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!

Learn to Ice Skate! Children’s Course
2025-12-07 11:00 - 11:30 | 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 | Financial Assistance
Want to learn the basics of ice skating? We’ve got you covered with these lessons! Our instructor will teach you key skills including skating forward and backward edges on a circle, three-turns, backward stops, bunny hops, lunges, and front and back crossovers. The registration fee includes use of skates and lessons on 11/30, 12/7, and 12/14, which we ask that you arrive 15 minutes early for each day. Makeup lessons will be held 12/21. Weather Dependent.

RTA Holiday Bus
2025-12-07 | 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.

Breakfast with Santa
2025-12-07 | The Trolley Stop, 530 E. Fifth St., Dayton, OH, 45402, USA
Enjoy a cozy holiday breakfast, festive cheer, and plenty of smiles as the kids meet Santa and share their wishes. Reserve your spot today – seats fill up fast! 461-1101.

RTA Historic Christmas Trolley
2025-12-07 | 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
2025-12-07 | 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
2025-12-07 | 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.

Whimsical Windows & Elf Hunt
2025-12-07 | 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.

Exhibit: The Triumph of Nature: Art Nouveau from the Chrysler Museum of Art
2025-12-07 | The Dayton Art Institute, 456 Belmonte Park N, Dayton, OH, 45405, United States
October 18, 2025–January 11, 2026
The Triumph of Nature presents the refined, ever-popular and elegant curvilinear designs and nature-based motifs of Art Nouveau. From the rich holdings of the Chrysler Museum of Art, more than 120 turn-of-the-20th century treasures are included, with works by Tiffany, Mucha, Gallé, Beardsley and many others. Furniture, paintings, sculpture, mosaics, books, posters, prints, lamps, glass art and more highlight the innovative ways artists made harmonious visual arrangements. The DAI is the exclusive Ohio venue for this major traveling exhibition.

Vinyl Vinyl Sundays
2025-12-07 | The Barrel House, 417 E. Third St., Dayton, OH, 45402, United States
Sunday – Vinyl Vinyl Sunday – bring your records, we’ll play ’em
