The Grande Illumination and Dayton Children’s Parade Spectacular in Lights kicked off the Dayton Holiday Festival this past Friday, but events continue throughout the season as part of this month-long celebration that has been kindling the holiday spirit downtown for 41 years.
In addition, a special holiday edition of First Friday will be held throughout downtown from 5 to 10 p.m. this Friday, Dec. 6. Shop for unique and locally made items, view festive window displays that are part of the first Downtown Holiday Decorating Contest, enjoy live holiday-themed entertainment, and take advantage of discounts and special deals. A complete list of this Friday’s activities is available online.
The Dayton Holiday Festival’s Family Weekends, sponsored by DP&L, include:
Family Movie Series
Dec. 7, 14 & 21 — noon
The Neon, 130 E. Fifth St.
Bring the family for fun, festive films. Enjoy the following movies during this year’s series: Dec. 7 – Rise of the Guardians, Dec. 14 – Home Alone, Dec. 21 – White Christmas. Titles subject to change. Free for kids 12 and younger, $2 for adults. 937-222-7469.
MUSICAL WONDERLAND
Dec. 7 — 10 a.m. to 5:45 p.m.
Dec. 8 — 11:30 a.m. to 5:45 p.m.
Schuster Center DP&L Stage, Second and Main streets
Enjoy several talented music groups performing during the first weekend in December. 937-228-7591.
Uno’s Pizza with Santa
Dec. 7, 14, 21, 22 — 11 a.m.
Dec. 9 and 16 — 6:30 p.m.
Uno Chicago Grill, 126 N. Main St.
Have a meal with Santa before or after visiting The Tike’s Shoppe and other downtown holiday attractions. Reservations required. Call for cost. 937-910-8000.
Virginia Kettering’s Train Display
Through Jan. 6 — Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Chase Bank lobby, Kettering Tower, Second and Main streets
View this one-of-a-kind model train display, given to the community by Mrs. Virginia W. Kettering. The train can be viewed through the building windows at Second and Main streets at any time.
Wonderland Windows
Through Jan. 2 — 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. (closed for private functions some days)
Schuster Center Wintergarden, Second and Main streets
Experience the magical Rike’s holiday displays. 937-228-7591.
The Tike’s Shoppe
Through Dec. 23 — hours vary
Schuster Center Wintergarden, Second and Ludlow entrance
A special shop run by kids, for kids ― and priced within a kid’s budget. Santa is available for pictures from 2-5 p.m. each day of the Tike’s Shoppe. Managed by YES! For Youth. 937-212-1878.
The Dayton Holiday Festival is presented the Downtown Dayton Partnership, the City of Dayton, Montgomery County and the Mrs. Virginia W. Kettering Dayton Holiday Festival Fund. A complete list of festival events is available online, as well as a calendar of other downtown holiday events.
The DDP’s website has a complete list of downtown’s events, a dining guide, parking map and more at www.downtowndayton.org. Follow the DDP on Facebook to keep up with downtown events and news.
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