Downtown Dayton Partnership

Holly Jolly Social: A Holiday Pop-Up Experience
2025-01-06, 2025-01-07, 2025-01-08, 2025-01-09, 2025-01-10 | 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
2025-01-06, 2025-01-07, 2025-01-08, 2025-01-09, 2025-01-10 | 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.

Erica Keener and Emily Moores Exhibit Artwork at Sinclair Community College
2025-01-06, 2025-01-07, 2025-01-08, 2025-01-09, 2025-01-10 | Galleries at Sinclair College, 444 W. Third St., Bldg. 13, Dayton, OH, 45402
The Sinclair Community College Art Department is pleased to present works by Erica Keener in the Works on Paper Gallery and Emily Moores in the Burnell R. Roberts Triangle Gallery. Erica Keener is exhibiting a collection of paintings made from pastels. Looking to the ordinary and her everyday surroundings, Keener focuses on observing the extraordinary. Her works often feature the sky, landscapes, and other natural beauty, which she hopes the viewer will find a connection to something larger than themselves. Emily Moores’s large scale collage-style installation features everyday materials like paper, fabric, and plastic. Her bright colors and varied textures create a whimsical space for viewers to experience feelings of joy and play as well as centering them in their physical space. There will be a virtual artist talk via Zoom on Friday, January 17, 2025, at 12pm. Visit www.sinclair.edu/artgalleries for details. The exhibitions will be on display from January 6–February 5, 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.

First Degree Mistletoe
2025-01-06 19:00 (America/Detroit) | 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.

Polar Bear Express
2025-01-07, 2025-01-08, 2025-01-09, 2025-01-10 | 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.

RTA How to Ride Class
2025-01-07 11:00 - 12:00 | Wright Stop Plaza, 4 S. Main St., Dayton, OH, 45402
Join the Greater Dayton RTA for a hands-on “How-to-Ride” class at Wright Stop Plaza, where new, current, and returning riders will gain skills and confidence to navigate Montgomery County’s public transit system.

To create equitable access to RTA’s “How-to-Ride” class multiple dates will be provided for riders to choose from. Participants are asked to register. The class will cover what riders need to know, from what to do before boarding the bus to how to let the driver know you’re ready to exit at your stop. Topics of discussion will include Tapp Pay, fare and fare capping, trip planning via the Transit app, Google, and/or RTA’s website, as well as a brief overview of RTA services.

Class dates are as follows:

Tuesday, Oct. 1, from 11 a.m. to noon
Tuesday, Nov. 5, from 11 a.m. to noon
Tuesday, Dec. 3, from 11 a.m. to noon
Tuesday, Jan. 7, from 11 a.m. to noon

All classes will take place in the multipurpose room at Wright Stop Plaza, 4 S. Main St. Registered participants can enter through the side door of the concourse next to RTA’s parking lot located along Third Street. Signage will be posted indicating where to enter, and a transit ambassador will also be available to assist with directions.

Participants must register in advance due to the limited amount of seating. Attendees must register by contacting Communications Specialist Michael Everman no later than the Thursday at 4 p.m. before their desired class. He can be reached at 937-425-8374 or meverman@greaterdaytonrta.org.

Exhibits: Merry Grinchmas: Art of Dr. Seuss’ Holiday Classic & (B)ART! America’s Funniest Animated Family
2025-01-08, 2025-01-09, 2025-01-10 | 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.

Family Program: Plant an Herb Garden
2025-01-08 16:00 - 17:00 | Dayton Metro Library – Main Library, 215 E. Third Street, Dayton, OH, 45402
Family Program: Plant an Herb Garden, Main Library, Children’s Creativity Space, Wednesday, January 8, 4-5 pm: Create a small indoor herb garden to take home – perfect for beginners or seasoned gardeners.

Color Me Calm: Winter Bookmarks
2025-01-09 17:30 - 19:00 | Dayton Metro Library – Main Library, 215 E. Third Street, Dayton, OH, 45402
Color Me Calm: Winter Bookmarks, Thursday, January 9, 5:30-7 pm, Main Library, Conference Room 1A: This session’s project is coloring winter-themed bookmarks. (Adults)

Wellness Fridays at the Market
2025-01-10 11:30 - 12:30 | 2nd Street Market, 600 E. Second St., Dayton, OH, 45402, USA
During January on Fridays visit the Market for Wellness Fridays 1/3/25 Join the Market book club as they read “How Not to Die” by Michael Greger M.D. 1/10/25 Benefits of Elderberry Syrup: Make your Own Kit 1/17/25 Herbal Teals: How herbs support your overall health 1/24/25 Take a Tai Chi & Qigong class taught by Monica Shultz 1/31/25 Enjoy Passaddhi Yoga with Aleasha Smith

Exhibit: The Future of Female
2025-01-10 12:00 - 17:00 | Dayton Society of Artists, 48 High Street, Dayton, OH, 45402, United States
January 10th – FEBRUARY 22nd
The Dayton Society of Artists (DSA) is pleased to present The Future of Female, an exhibition focused on the ideals, hopes, and experiences of women identifying artists. The call for art was open to any women identifying artists who are 18 years or older and who live, work, or attend school in the state of Ohio. All art in any medium, style, and technique were considered. $600 in prizes will be awarded; the juror is McLean Emenegger.
Opening Reception: Friday, January 10th, 5 – 8 PM. Awards announced at 6:30 PM

Circle of Ice! Theme Skate
2025-01-10 19:00 - 22:00 | RiverScape MetroPark, 237 E Monument Ave, Dayton, OH, 45402, United States
Circle of Ice! Theme Skate
7:00pm – 10:00pm
AGE: All ages | $10.00
This Friday night, come be our guest, for a Circle of Ice Theme Skate! Grab your friends and show them a whole new world of ice skating while you’re chillin’ like a villain to your favorite Disney songs. The RiverScape Cafe 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 75% off admission and skate rental. Weather Dependent.

Beethoven’s Emperor Concerto
2025-01-10 19:30 | The Benjamin & Marian Schuster Performing Arts Center, 1 West Second Street, Dayton, OH, 45402
Inspired by paintings of Georgia O’Keeffe, composer Elena Ruehr’s “Sky Above Clouds” is the middle movement of a musical triptych and perfectly captures O’Keeffe’s flair for contemporary sweeping tableaus. The dramatic evening continues with two orchestral heavyweights: Brahms’s Symphony No. 3 and Beethoven’s “Emperor” Concerto, widely considered to be among his greatest works.
