The Woman in Black
2024-12-14 17:00, 2024-12-15 15:00 (America/Detroit) | Dayton Theatre Guild, 430 Wayne Avenue, Dayton, OH, 45410, USA
A solicitor is sent to a remote estate to wind up the affairs of the late hermit. He soon discovers that a woman in black haunts the house, and his life is on the line. Fast-paced and theatrically imaginative, this thriller will frighten and delight you to the very end!

DLCA Performance: Rike’s Holiday Window Spectacular
2024-12-14 17:00 | 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.

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.

A Frosty Night
2024-12-14 19:30, 2024-12-15 14:00 | 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.

The Nutcracker
2024-12-14 19:30, 2024-12-15 14:30 | 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.

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

Exhibits: Merry Grinchmas: Art of Dr. Seuss’ Holiday Classic & (B)ART! America’s Funniest Animated Family
2024-12-15 | The Dayton Art Institute, 456 Belmonte Park N, Dayton, OH, 45405, United States
The Dayton Art Institute (DAI) will close its 2024 Special Exhibition season with an exciting presentation of two combined traveling exhibitions, Merry Grinchmas: Art of Dr. Seuss’ Holiday Classic & (B)ART! America’s Funniest Animated Family, on view now through January 19, 2025. Just in time for the holidays, enjoy these nostalgic exhibitions highlighting two beloved classics that continue to influence the art of animation. View original drawings of Theodor Seuss Geisel (Dr. Seuss) and Chuck Jones, who brought Dr. Seuss’ beloved holiday tale to life in the 1966 animated special How the Grinch Stole Christmas!, then laugh alongside Homer, Marge, Lisa, Maggie and Bart as you experience the original handmade animation cels of the acclaimed series.

“The art displayed in our newest exhibitions explores the significant influence animation has had in pop culture and the worlds of art, entertainment and business,” said DAI Head Curator & Curatorial Affairs Director Jerry N. Smith. “Animation art is beloved worldwide, and for many of us, this medium is our introduction to art. This work showcases how in each animated classic, thousands of individual artworks come together to tell a story and create a larger singular work.”

In 1966, the animation of Chuck Jones brought to life Dr. Seuss’ treasured 1957 children’s book How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The animated story is a true television classic, with generations tuning in annually to watch the story of redemption with the despicable Grinch, the sweet Cindy Lou Who and the innocent dog Max. The exhibition Merry Grinchmas: Art of Dr. Seuss’ Holiday Classic features original cel art used in the cartoon’s production, along with concept drawings by Jones (famous for Looney Tunes) and those by Dr. Seuss.

(B)ART! America’s Funniest Animated Family showcases the often-irreverent antics of Homer, Marge, Lisa, Maggie and Bart—alongside many other unforgettable figures from the longest-running animated series on American television. Since its debut in 1989, there have been more than 770 episodes. Initially crafted through traditional ink-and-paint techniques on transparent acetate cels, the first 13 seasons (1989–2002) were produced by hand before transitioning to cost-effective digital animation. These hand-drawn cels are featured in the exhibition. In the early seasons elements, now vital to the series, were created, including the famous sofa and living room set used to open each episode, which is replicated at the DAI, allowing guests the chance to truly enter the fictional world of Springfield.

Fun and colorful, these two exhibitions showcase the art of illustration. A family-friendly and nostalgic outing, guests will enjoy more than 400 works of original art, as well as interactive sensory stations, educational resources and photo opportunities.

“In addition to learning about the art of animation and illustration, those attending our newest special exhibitions can expect a joyful, playful, and nostalgic experience,” said DAI Director & President Michael R. Roediger. “This artwork was created to bring a smile to your face and brighten your day. We’re excited to offer each guest the chance to slip away from any of life’s stresses and spend time reconnecting with characters they know and love. These two exhibitions are fun, colorful and truly memorable.”

Several related programs will be offered in conjunction with the Merry Grinchmas: Art of Dr. Seuss’ Holiday Classic & (B)ART! America’s Funniest Animated Family. These include:

Community Tour: November 2, 1–2 p.m.; November 23, 1–2 p.m.; December 7, 1–2 p.m.; December 19, 6–7 p.m.; January 18, 1–2 p.m.
Cost: Members: Free, Non-members: Included with the Price of Admission

Family Studio Special: December 7, 12:30–3:30 p.m.
Cost: Members: $20, Non-members: $25, Member Family 4-pack: $70, Non-member Family 4-pack: $90
Adult Studio Special: November 16, 12:30–3:30 p.m.
Cost: Members: $35, Non-members: $45
Ask Me Anything: November 7, 6–7 p.m., December 12, 6–7 p.m. and January 9, 6–7 p.m.
Cost: FREE

These exhibitions are from the collection of Bill Heeter and Kristi Correa. Admission to Merry Grinchmas: Art of Dr. Seuss’ Holiday Classic & (B)ART! America’s Funniest Animated Family is included in the museum’s general admission, which includes access to all Special and Focus Exhibitions currently on view, as well as the museum collection galleries. General admission is $15 adults; $10 seniors (60+), active military and groups (10 or more); $5 students (18+ w/ID) and youth (ages 7–17); and free for children (ages 6 & younger). Admission is free for museum members. Membership information can be found online at www.daytonartinstitute.org/membership.

Other current and upcoming Exhibitions at the museum include Captivating Clay: Contemporary Japanese Ceramics from the Horvitz Collection (on view until September 2025), Devil’s Promenade (on view until January 5, 2025), Making Faces: 18 Essential Kabuki Plays (on view until March 30, 2025) and The Need for Beauty (on view from November 30, 2024–May 18, 2025).

For more information about planning a visit, including current museum hours and updates, go to www.daytonartinstitute.org/visit or call 937-223-4ART (4278). Connect with the Dayton Art Institute on Facebook, X, Instagram, YouTube and Pinterest for additional information, behind-the-scenes photos and videos, and exclusive offers.

Virginia Kettering’s Holiday Train Display
2024-12-15 | Stratacache Tower, 40 N. Main St., Dayton, OH, 45423
November 29-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.

Rike’s Holiday Windows
2024-12-15 | The Benjamin & Marian Schuster Performing Arts Center, 1 West Second Street, Dayton, OH, 45402
The holiday season is here and one of Dayton’s most beloved traditions is visiting the Rike’s Holiday Windows!
The RIKE’S HOLIDAY WINDOWS’ animated elves and animals first appeared in NCR’s New York office windows in 1943, but many Daytonians remember them from their annual holiday pilgrimage to the Rike’s Department Store which sat on the corner of Second and Main Streets (where the Benjamin & Marian Schuster Performing Arts Center now sits). They’ve been on display in the Schuster Center’s Wintergarden during the holidays for more than 20 years.
In 2018, the displays were redesigned by critically acclaimed theatre and opera scenic designer and Dayton native Adam Koch, reconstructed by internationally acclaimed set and stage designers Scenic Solutions from West Carrollton, Ohio, and the characters were recostumed by the Dayton Sewing Collaborative.
SANTA’S SECRET
Santa and his magical team of crafty reindeer make a special stop each year to the Schuster Center to hide a special something in each of the Rike’s Holiday Windows. Can you guess what it is this year? It’s tiny, often at a child’s eye level, and has something to do with Dayton!
If you’re right, you’ll be entered to win a special gift certificate from Dayton Live. The winning entry will be notified after the new year begins!
You’ll be able to submit your entry when the RIKE’S HOLIDAY WINDOWS open for the season!

Windows are generally available for viewing Monday-Friday 6 a.m.-6:30 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday 8 a.m.-5 p.m. The windows will be closed Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve, and New Year’s Day, and will not be available for public viewing during private events.
Presented by Dayton Live

Whimsical Windows Contest
2024-12-15 | 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

Polar Bear Express
2024-12-15 | Downtown Dayton
Thru Feb. 28 • Polar Bear Express
Routes throughout downtown; call for dates, times, and cost.
Book a ride aboard the abominably decorated Pedal Wagon for a 2-hour pedaling adventure through the festive streets of Dayton and to the best bars and restaurants. Reservations required. pedalwagon.com/dayton. 388-3006.

Holly Jolly Social: A Holiday Pop-Up Experience
2024-12-15 | Two Social, 123 E. Third St., Dayton, OH, 45402
Get ready to celebrate the season at Holly Jolly Social! We’re decking the halls and transforming Two Social into a festive haven with cheerful décor, seasonal cocktails, and plenty of holiday spirit. Join us for a cozy and merry time this holiday season! (11/8-1/12)

Ice Skating
2024-12-15 | 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.

RTA Holiday Bus
2024-12-15 | 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.

Breakfast with Santa
2024-12-15 08:30, 2024-12-15 09:45 | 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.

Learn to Ice Skate! Children’s Course
2024-12-15 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
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.

Church of Funk
2024-12-15 11:00 - 14:00 | Oregon Express, 336 E. 5th Street, Dayton, OH, 45402, USA
Cooley the Curator, *Aka Pastor Cooley,* will be presiding over the wheels of steel between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. on Sundays. Entry is free! He’ll be offering up the finest Funk, Soul, & Reggae during our Sunday lunch service! Join us for the Funk but stick around for special themed drinks and food specials.

Holiday Greenery Crafting
2024-12-15 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!
Thursdays through Sundays, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. through Dec. 22

Learn to Ice Skate! Youth Course
2024-12-15 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.

Holiday Vintage Sale
2024-12-15 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.

Learn to Ice Skate! Teen/Adult Course
2024-12-15 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.

Skinner Pipe Organ Concert
2024-12-15 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 will perform on the 1st & 3rd Sunday of each month at 2 p.m. (unless otherwise noted).
April 7 and 21
May 12 and 19
June 9 and 16
July 7 and 21
August 4 and 18
September 1 and 15
October 6 and 20
November 3 and 17
December 1, 8 and 15

A Doll’s High Tea
2024-12-15 14:00 - 16:00 | The Dayton Woman’s Club, 225 N Ludlow St, Dayton, OH, 45402, United States
Dec. 8 & 15 • A Doll’s High Tea
Dayton Woman’s Club, 225 N. Ludlow St.; 2-4 p.m.
Bring your favorite doll to DWC’s Victorian 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.

Home for the Holidays: Miami Valley Symphony Orchestra
2024-12-15 15:00, 2024-12-15 19:00 | 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!
