Breakfast with Santa
2024-12-15 08:30, 2024-12-15 09:45 (America/Detroit) | 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.

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

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.

The Nutcracker
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.

The Woman in Black
2024-12-15 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!

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!

Virginia Kettering’s Holiday Train Display
2024-12-16, 2024-12-17 | 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
2024-12-16, 2024-12-17 | 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
2024-12-16, 2024-12-17 | 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
2024-12-16, 2024-12-17 | 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
2024-12-16 | 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
2024-12-16 | 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
2024-12-16 | 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.

Winter Gift Gallery (Local Artist Nook)
2024-12-16 09:30 - 17:30 | K12 Gallery & TEJAS, 341 S. Jefferson St., Dayton, OH, 45402
Dec. 1-23 • Winter Gift Gallery (Local Artist Nook)
K12 Gallery for Young People & TEJAS, 341 S. Jefferson St.;
Mon.-Thurs. 9:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m., Fri. 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m., Sat. 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
Artists will showcase paintings, ceramics, blown glass, prints, and
jewelry for sale. k12tejasgallery.org.

RTA’s Historic Christmas Trolley
2024-12-16 16:00 - 18:00 | Wright Stop Plaza, 4 S. Main St., Dayton, OH, 45402
Dash away! Dash away! Dash away all—to see the Greater Dayton RTA’s historic Christmas trolley gracing local streets once more in this year’s Dayton Children’s Parade on Friday, Nov. 29, 2024, as well for select special public events throughout the month of December. The 76-year-old trolley – a 1948 Marmon-Herrington TC-48 #559 – is only one of five operable trolleys of its kind in the world today. It is famous for its simulated fireplace, Santa seat, and festive holiday scenes gracing the exterior. It last ran on Dayton streets in 1988, after which it was transferred to San Franciso Municipal Railway in California. It made the 2,300-mile journey back to Dayton in 2021 after RTA CEO Bob Ruzinsky reacquired it for Daytonians to enjoy once again. After the parade, the public will be able to see this piece of nostalgia during several public events. During these events, the trolley will be on display and will offer free rides through downtown Dayton (this historic vehicle is not ADA accessible). Historic information about the trolley will also be presented by local trolley enthusiast Tom Morrow, and Santa Claus will be making an appearance at each event. All events will take place outside of Wright Stop Plaza at the corner of Main and Third streets. Event dates and times are as follows: Saturday, Nov. 30 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Monday, Dec. 2 from 4-6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 7 from 4-6 p.m. Monday, Dec. 9 from 4-6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 14 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Monday, Dec. 16 from 4-6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 21 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Monday, Dec. 23 from 4-6 p.m. Visit www.iriderta.org for details

First Degree Mistletoe
2024-12-16 19:00 | 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.
