If you’re ready to soak up some holiday cheer, the Dayton region has no shortage of light displays this season. From historic parks and stadium shows to cozy walk-through trails, here are some of the best places to see the lights in and around the Miami Valley.

⭐ A Carillon Christmas – Carillon Historical Park (Dayton)

Dates: November 25 – December 30, 2025 • Most evenings from 5–9 or 10 p.m.
Location: Carillon Historical Park, 1000 Carillon Blvd, Dayton, OH 45409
Approx. Cost: About $14 adults, $12 seniors, $10 kids (3–17); 2 and under free.

The whole park transforms into a winter village with tens of thousands of lights, the “Tree of Light” on the Carillon, costumed interpreters, model trains, holiday music, food, and visits with Santa.

⭐ Woodland Lights – Washington Township / Countryside Park

Dates: November 21 – December 14 (Fri–Sun), then nightly December 19–23, 2025, 6–9 p.m.
Location: Countryside Park, 895 Miamisburg–Centerville Rd, Dayton, OH 45459
Approx. Cost: Modest admission per person; check site for nightly details.

A half-mile paved loop through 10 acres of sparkling lights and whimsical displays, plus a small train ride, Santa cabin, and themed nights (including some pet nights). Great for families and stroller-friendly.

⭐ Deck the Diamond – Day Air Ballpark (Downtown Dayton)

Dates: November 14, 2025 – January 3, 2026 (select nights, 6–9 p.m.)
Location: Day Air Ballpark, 220 N Patterson Blvd, Dayton, OH 45402
Approx. Cost: Timed tickets, family pricing; see event site for current rates.

Over 1.1 million lights, synchronized music-and-light shows every 10 minutes, field-level walk-through paths, photo ops, and holiday treats — all set inside the Dragons’ ballpark for a big, immersive experience.

⭐ Dayton Holiday Festival & Grande Illumination (Downtown Dayton)

Key Date: Grande Illumination & Children’s Parade – Friday, November 28, 2025, around 4–7 p.m.
Location: Courthouse Square & downtown Dayton streets
Cost: Free.

The big downtown tree lighting with 50,000+ lights, plus a lighted parade, live entertainment, kids’ activities, and holiday storefronts. Lights and decorations stay up through December, so you can enjoy the tree and displays even after the big kickoff night.

⭐ Holiday Lights at Lost Creek Reserve – Troy (Drive-Thru)

Dates: Weekends November 29 – December 23, 2025; nightly December 12–23, 6–9 p.m.
Location: Lost Creek Reserve, 2645 E State Route 41, Troy, OH 45373
Approx. Cost: Per-vehicle fee; prices listed on Miami County Park District site.

A 1.25-mile drive-through display with more than 60 light scenes, passing through woods, farm lanes, and past the historic Knoop Homestead. Perfect if you want to stay warm in the car and still see a ton of lights.

⭐ Whispering Christmas – Eaton (Drive-Thru)

Dates: Late November through December (evenings, 6–9 or later)
Location: Fort St. Clair Park, 135 Camden Rd, Eaton, OH 45320
Approx. Cost: Traditionally free or donation-based; check current year details.

Known for millions of lights spread throughout Fort St. Clair Park, this long-running drive-through tradition is a local favorite for families who don’t mind a short road trip west of Dayton.

⭐ More Regional Favorites

• Pyramid Hill Holiday Lights (near Hamilton) – Art + lights in a large outdoor sculpture park.
• Local neighborhood displays – Watch social media or neighborhood groups for “best block” recommendations around Kettering, Beavercreek, and Centerville.

🧭 Tips for Your Light-Seeing Night Out

• Check each event’s website for exact dates, hours, and weather updates.
• Weeknights are usually less crowded than Fridays and Saturdays.
• Bundle up for walk-through displays and bring a thermos of hot chocolate.
• For drive-thru events, tune your car radio to the posted station for synchronized music.

Whether you’re walking through Woodland Lights, strolling Carillon’s campus, or cruising Lost Creek Reserve from the warmth of your car, there’s no shortage of ways to enjoy holiday lights around Dayton this season.

The Great Miami River Trail is one of the Miami Valley’s most loved outdoor routes, offering smooth pavement, beautiful riverfront scenery, and convenient access to parks, restaurants, and historic downtowns. The section between Miamisburg and Dayton is especially popular with cyclists, runners, and walkers thanks to its flat terrain and scenic views along the Great Miami River.

🌟 Highlights of This Trail Section

📏 Distance & Route Overview

The full stretch from Miamisburg Riverfront Park to Dayton’s RiverScape MetroPark is approximately 12 miles one way (24 miles round trip). The route is paved, mostly flat, and well-marked, making it ideal for:

• Cyclists of all experience levels
• Joggers and runners
• Families with strollers
• Rollerbladers and casual walkers

🚩 Notable Stops Along the Way

• Miamisburg Riverfront Park: Trailhead, parking, river access, and easy downtown access.
• Medlar Conservation Area: Quiet natural scenery and open river views.
• Carillon Historical Park: A beautiful historic campus with restrooms and attractions.
• UD River Campus: Smooth, scenic stretches along the river.
• RiverScape MetroPark (Downtown Dayton): Fountains, café, bike rentals, winter ice rink, and trail connections.

🧭 Trail Tips

• Early mornings offer the quietest, most peaceful experience.
• Bring water — there are fountains at major parks but not between them.
• Use caution in windy conditions; gusts can be strong along open river sections.
• Parking is easiest at Miamisburg’s Riverfront Park or RiverScape MetroPark.
• The trail is well-maintained year-round, but be mindful of fallen leaves in late fall.

Whether you're riding for fitness, exploring local parks, or enjoying the riverfront scenery, this stretch of the Great Miami River Trail is one of the Miami Valley’s true treasures.

This classic beef & barley stew is pure comfort in a bowl. Tender beef, vegetables, rich broth, and chewy pearl barley come together to make a warm, filling meal ideal for cold December days in the Miami Valley. Even better — it cooks low and slow while you go about your day.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 lbs stew beef, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 cup pearl barley, rinsed
• 4 cups beef broth
• 3 carrots, sliced
• 2 ribs celery, chopped
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
• 1 tsp thyme
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt & pepper to taste
• Optional: 1 cup sliced mushrooms

Instructions

1. Add beef, barley, vegetables, and garlic to the slow cooker.
2. Pour in beef broth and tomatoes.
3. Season with thyme, paprika, salt, pepper, and add bay leaf.
4. Cover and cook on Low for 6–8 hours or High for 3–4 hours, until beef is tender and barley is cooked.
5. Stir, taste, and adjust seasoning before serving.
6. Serve warm with crusty bread or biscuits.

As we head deeper into December, this is the perfect time to handle a few winter maintenance tasks that often get overlooked. These simple steps will help keep your home running smoothly through the coldest months in the Miami Valley.

🧤 1. Check Weatherstripping on All Exterior Doors

• If you can see daylight around a door, warm air is escaping.
• Replace worn weatherstripping — it’s cheap and makes a huge difference.
• Add a draft stopper for extra protection on windy nights.

🧯 2. Do a Quick Fire-Safety Scan

• Move candles away from curtains and holiday greenery.
• Check that fire extinguishers are charged and not expired.
• Vacuum around space heaters and keep them 3 feet from furniture.

💡 3. Add Warm Lighting for Cozier Evenings

• Swap bright white bulbs for warm-toned LEDs.
• Add small lamps in dark corners to instantly warm up a room.
• Use smart plugs or timers for holiday lights to reduce energy use.

❄️ 4. Prepare for the First Real Snowfall

• Move snow shovels and ice melt to the garage entry for quick access.
• Check that exterior lights work for safer nighttime steps.
• Lay down a boot tray to control salt, snow, and mud indoors.

🧺 5. Freshen Up Guest Spaces Before Holiday Visits

• Wash guest bedding and add an extra throw blanket for warmth.
• Place a small basket with travel toiletries, tissues, and a night-light.
• Ensure your Wi-Fi password is easy for guests to find.