Dayton & Springboro Events

Kick off your holiday spirit with this 3-day celebration in charming downtown Springboro. The streets are decked with lights, craft vendors fill the sidewalks, and the scent of hot cocoa and fresh pine fills the air. This festival is one of the largest holiday gatherings in the region — and it’s just a short drive from the Dayton area.

🛍 What to Expect

• 75+ craft vendors with holiday gifts, handmade goods and seasonal décor. 
• 30+ food vendors offering festive treats, warm drinks, and comfort-food favorites. 
• A children’s tent with games, crafts and a visit with Santa Claus. 
• Entertainment tent with live music and holiday shows. 
• 5K Run/Walk on Saturday morning at 9:00 a.m. and the downtown holiday parade at high noon. 
• Beer & drink tent featuring local craft selections for adults. 

📋 Event Details

The festival takes place along the streets of Historic Springboro, Ohio (ZIP 45066). Admission is free — many activities and booths are open to walk-ins. Fest hours begin Friday evening with lights, music and family fun, continuing through Saturday and Sunday with full day programming. 

🎉 Why You Should Go

This festival blends small-town charm with big-holiday cheer. Whether you’re looking for unique holiday gifts, fun for the kids, a cheerful parade, or just a festive afternoon with friends and family, Springboro’s downtown setting offers a cozy and memorable seasonal outing — just 25 minutes from Dayton.

🧭 Insider Tips

• Arrive early on Saturday if you want prime parking or a good spot for the parade.
• Bring reusable shopping bags — many craft vendors carry one-of-a-kind items.
• Layer up — evenings outdoors can feel brisk, even with the festivities.
• Check for weather and use local garages or lots if street parking is full.
• If you have kids, schedule time in the children’s tent before the big parade to avoid the crowds.

Start your holiday season with joy, shopping, and community—see you in Springboro!

Just a short drive southwest of Dayton, Germantown MetroPark feels like a true backcountry escape. With wooded hills, open meadows, wetlands, and the clear waters of Twin Creek, it’s a favorite spot for hikers, campers, and anyone looking to unplug in nature.

🌟 Park Highlights

🚶 Things to Do

• Hike the loops: Choose from shorter family-friendly circuits or longer ridge and creek trails.
• Explore the nature center area: Learn about local wildlife, habitats, and conservation.
• Picnic & relax: Use picnic areas and open fields for a slow afternoon outdoors.
• Connect to the TVT: Ambitious hikers can follow the Twin Valley Trail toward Twin Creek MetroPark for an all-day adventure.
• Watch the seasons change: Spring wildflowers, lush summer greens, and rich fall color all shine here.

🧭 Visitor Tips

• Wear sturdy shoes—some trails are uneven, with roots, rocks, and occasional mud.
• Bring water and a snack if you’re planning longer loops or exploring the Twin Valley Trail.
• Leashed dogs are welcome; please pack out pet waste.
• Arrive early on nice weekends for easier parking and quieter trails.
• Download or snap a photo of the trail map at the kiosk before you head out.

Best seasons: spring for wildflowers and flowing creeks, fall for colorful foliage and crisp hiking weather.

This silky, comforting soup is the ideal way to use leftover turkey — or you can use rotisserie chicken. It’s rich, hearty, and loaded with vegetables and fragrant herbs, making it a perfect seasonal dinner as November gets chillier.

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked turkey, shredded (or chicken)
• 1 cup wild rice blend, cooked
• 2 Tbsp butter
• 1 Tbsp olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 ribs celery, sliced
• 2 carrots, sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 tsp thyme
• 1/2 tsp sage
• 4 cups chicken or turkey broth
• 1 cup milk or half-and-half
• Salt & pepper to taste
• Optional: 1/2 cup cream for extra richness

Instructions

1. Heat butter and olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, celery, and carrots; cook 6–7 minutes until softened.
2. Add garlic, thyme, and sage; cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Pour in broth and bring to a simmer. Add cooked wild rice and shredded turkey.
4. Reduce heat and stir in milk (and cream if using). Simmer gently 10–12 minutes — do not boil.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Add more broth if you prefer a thinner soup.
6. Serve warm with crusty bread or biscuits.

Hearty, warming, and easy — this soup tastes even better the next day.

As November winds down, the Dayton area is entering true winter weather. Before snow, ice, and freezing temperatures fully arrive, now is the perfect time to handle a few small home maintenance jobs that can save you headaches (and money) all season long.

❄️ 1. Check & Store Outdoor Hoses

• Disconnect and drain all hoses so leftover water doesn’t freeze and damage faucets.
• Add insulated covers to exterior spigots — inexpensive and extremely effective.
• Store hoses indoors or in a shed to prevent cracking.

🪵 2. Prepare Your Fireplace or Wood Stove

• Check that the chimney flue opens and closes smoothly.
• Clear any old ashes and vacuum the area around the hearth.
• Stock up on firewood now before prices jump closer to winter.
• If you use a gas fireplace, test the ignition and clean the glass.

🪟 3. Seal Up Drafty Windows

• Use clear insulating film kits for older windows — they make a big difference.
• Add draft snakes or rolled towels to leaky sills.
• Close curtains at night to help trap warmth indoors.

⚙️ 4. Give Your Furnace Some Quick Attention

• Replace the furnace filter (most need replacing every 30–60 days in winter).
• Vacuum floor vents and ensure they’re not blocked by furniture.
• Listen for unusual noises — early signs of issues are easier to fix now.

🚪 5. Winterize Entryways

• Add a heavy-duty mat inside and outside your door to trap snow and salt.
• Place a boot tray near the entrance to protect floors from melting ice.
• Check weatherstripping — if you can see light around the door, replace it.

A few small steps now will help your home stay warmer, safer, and more efficient all winter long.