Downtown Dayton Partnership

Christmas With The Petersens
2024-12-07 19:30 (America/Detroit) | Victoria Theatre, 138 N. Main St., Dayton, OH, 45402, United States
CHRISTMAS WITH THE PETERSENS will be a concert full of Christmas classics you love, warm family moments of laughter, and a reminder of what this time of year is truly about.
The Petersens are an American roots music band known for taking the music of the Ozarks to the world and bringing the world to come visit them in the Ozarks. They have toured internationally multiple times entertaining audiences with their tight harmonies and warm sibling humor. The Petersens went viral online in 2019 when their YouTube videos gained international attention and have now reached nearly 250 million views.

Hometown Holidays
2024-12-07 19:30 | The Benjamin & Marian Schuster Performing Arts Center, 1 West Second Street, Dayton, OH, 45402
Associate Conductor Patrick Reynolds and the Philharmonic continue the 2024 holiday season with DPAA’s annual HOMETOWN HOLIDAYS concert! Full of sing-a-longs, toe-tapping holiday melodies, and traditional carols, this festive concert will have even Ebenezer Scrooge humming a merry tune!

Exhibits: Merry Grinchmas: Art of Dr. Seuss’ Holiday Classic & (B)ART! America’s Funniest Animated Family
2024-12-08 | 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
2024-12-08, 2024-12-09 | 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
2024-12-08, 2024-12-09 | 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
2024-12-08, 2024-12-09 | 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
2024-12-08, 2024-12-09 | 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
2024-12-08, 2024-12-09 | 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
2024-12-08, 2024-12-09 | 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
2024-12-08, 2024-12-09 | 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
2024-12-08 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
2024-12-08 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
2024-12-08 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

The Oregon Historic District Grand Holiday Tour of Homes
2024-12-08 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.

Learn to Ice Skate! Youth Course
2024-12-08 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
2024-12-08 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
2024-12-08 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
2024-12-08 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.

The Woman in Black
2024-12-08 15:00 | 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!

O Christmas Tea: A British Comedy
2024-12-08 15:00 | Victoria Theatre, 138 N. Main St., Dayton, OH, 45402, United States
Fans of Monty Python, Mr. Bean, and Dr. Seuss… Grab your teacups!
Combining British propriety with an unabashed love for the unexpected, London’s three-time Impresario Award-winning duo steep an outrageously funny and brilliantly inventive show reminiscent of classic British pantos.
Rich in wordplay, comic physicality, and cleverly crafted interactive elements, O CHRISTMAS TEA is uproarious fun, yet it is the duo’s boundless imagination and endearing chemistry that provide the real magic and heart of this play.
When catastrophe strikes at James and Jamesy’s Christmas tea party, flooding the world with tea, the duo conjure wildly funny solutions to stay afloat, and sweep the audience out to sea in a jolly aquatic escapade brimming with whimsy, action, and ingenuity in a celebration of friendship at Christmas.

The Six Triple Eight
2024-12-08 16:00 - 18:30 | THE NEON, United States
Join Sinclair’s Chief Diversity Officer, Michael Carter, for a private screening of the film The Six Triple Eight. Inspired by the first and only Women’s Army Corps unit of color to serve overseas in WWII. Given an extraordinary mission and united in their determination, these unsung heroes delivered hope and shattered barriers. Almost a full century after the end of World War II, new stories about the quiet heroism of everyday individuals continue to come to light. Tyler Perry is tackling the war with his new film The Six Triple Eight, which stars Kerry Washington as Captain Charity Adams, the story of the war’s only Women’s Army Corps unit of color. Perry wrote and directed the project and produced it alongside Nicole Avant, Angi Bones, Tony L. Strickland, Keri Selig, and Carlota Espinosa. One FREE popcorn & beverage to each guest!

“Christmas Vacation” Movie Party
2024-12-08 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 Christmas Vacation.
Themed Food: Freezing my banquettes of sandwiches, jelly of the month club meatballs, grandma’s casseroles, Aunt Bethany lime jello, electric cat cookies Themed Drinks: The Cousin Eddie (Wild Turkey, Brown Simple Syrup, Top with Ginger Beer – Garnish with Brown Sugar Side of Glass) The Rusty Eggnog (Kraken, Egg Nog – Garnish with Cinnamon/Sugar rim) Plus Holiday craft beer specials!
Themed Attire: Attic granny hats, trapper hat, boots and a robe, Chicago sports team, and definitely time to break out your Dickie! You could also just wear your favorite outfit from 1989 or throw on an ugly sweater
HOW TO GO? December 8, 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/christmas-vacation-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

Season’s Greetings: A Holiday Cabaret
2024-12-08 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!
