Dayton, Ohio — Events by Date

One of Dayton’s most beloved holiday traditions, A Carillon Christmas transforms Carillon Historical Park into a glowing winter village filled with lights, music, and old-fashioned holiday charm. Each year, thousands of visitors stroll the park’s pathways to enjoy festive displays set against historic buildings and the iconic Deeds Carillon.

✨ What Makes It Special

• The Tree of Light: A towering, illuminated tree wrapped around the Carillon itself — a signature Dayton holiday sight.
• Historic Village Glow: Dozens of 19th-century buildings decorated with lights, wreaths, and seasonal accents.
• Warm Holiday Atmosphere: Twinkling paths, period music, and glowing lanterns create a cozy, nostalgic feel.
• Model Trains & Exhibits: Indoor train displays and museum buildings are open on select nights.

🎅 Family-Friendly Fun

A Carillon Christmas is especially popular with families. Kids can visit Santa, enjoy festive treats, and explore interactive displays throughout the park. Horse-drawn carriage rides are sometimes offered on select evenings, adding to the old-time holiday charm.

🕯️ Food, Drinks & Festive Treats

Guests can warm up with hot chocolate, cider, and seasonal snacks available for purchase. Several indoor spaces offer a chance to step out of the cold while enjoying holiday décor and exhibits.

🧭 Planning Your Visit

• Dates: Typically runs late November through late December on select evenings.
• Time: Evenings only; arriving early helps avoid crowds.
• Dress Warm: Most of the experience is outdoors — layers are key.
• Tickets: Advance tickets are recommended, especially on weekends.
• Accessibility: Main paths are paved and stroller-friendly.

Whether you’re starting a family tradition or revisiting a longtime favorite, A Carillon Christmas captures the warmth, history, and holiday spirit that make the season special in Dayton.

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.

⭐ Clifton Mills

Dates: Late November through December (evenings, 6–9) 
Location:  75 Water St. Clifton, OH 45316
Approx. Cost: Admission is $15 per person for everyone age 4 and older. Children 3 and under always get in free!

For 38 years Clifton Mill has celebrated the Christmas season in a very special way. Our light display, featured in Midwest Living, Ohio Magazine, USA TODAY, The Great Christmas Light Fight on ABC and more is one of the country’s finest with now over 5 million lights illuminating the mill, the gorge, the riverbanks, trees and bridges. There is even a 100 foot “waterfall” of twinkling lights.

⭐ 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.

Hills & Dales MetroPark has been a beloved natural refuge for Daytonians since the early 1900s, offering a peaceful and picturesque escape close to home. Restored and enhanced by Five Rivers MetroParks, this park blends lush woodland, rolling hills, wetlands, and historic landscape design into one scenic destination. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}

🌟 What You’ll See & Do

• Trails for All Abilities: A mix of paved paths and natural surface trails weave through woodlands, meadows, and alongside creeks — perfect for walking, running, biking, or birdwatching. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
• Dogwood Pond & Wetlands: Enjoy peaceful water views and scenic boardwalks that bring you closer to wildlife and nature. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
• Historic & Unique Spots: Look for the stone tower known locally as “Frankenstein’s Castle,” plus monuments and scenic overlooks that make great photo stops. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
• Picnic & Play Areas: Open lawns, shelters, and benches offer inviting spots for family outings or a relaxed lunch outdoors. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}

🌿 What Makes It Special

Originally part of an Olmsted Brothers landscape design commissioned over a century ago, Hills & Dales was later restored by MetroParks to preserve its natural and historic character. Visitors enjoy a cherished combination of peaceful nature, local history, and accessible recreation just minutes from Dayton. :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}

🧭 Visitor Tips

• Wear comfortable shoes — trails vary from paved and rolling to natural surfaces that can be uneven. :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}
• Bring water and snacks if you plan to explore multiple areas, especially during warmer months. :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}
• Leashed dogs are welcome — it’s a great spot for a nature walk with your pup. :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}
• Weekday mornings tend to be the quietest times to visit; weekends can bring local families and walkers. :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}
• Don’t miss the unique landmarks like the stone tower or peaceful pond views — great for photos and short exploration loops. :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}

Open daily from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., Hills & Dales MetroPark is a perfect destination year-round — from vibrant spring greenery and summer shade to fall foliage and winter walks. :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}

This chicken pot pie casserole has all the classic flavors people love — tender chicken, vegetables, and creamy sauce — without the fuss of rolling out pie dough. It’s warm, filling, and perfect for winter evenings in the Miami Valley.

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked chicken, diced or shredded (rotisserie works great)
• 1 (12 oz) bag frozen mixed vegetables
• 1 can cream of chicken soup
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp poultry seasoning
• 1 can refrigerated biscuits, quartered
• 1 Tbsp butter, melted

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F and lightly grease a 9x13 baking dish.
2. In a large bowl, mix chicken, frozen vegetables, soup, milk, garlic powder, pepper, and poultry seasoning.
3. Spread mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
4. Toss biscuit pieces with melted butter and scatter evenly over the top.
5. Bake uncovered for 30–35 minutes, until biscuits are golden and filling is bubbling.
6. Let stand 5 minutes before serving.

Hearty, comforting, and family-friendly — this casserole is a winter dinner winner.

With colder nights, holiday gatherings, and more time spent indoors, this week is a great opportunity to take care of a few simple home tasks that improve comfort and help prevent winter problems later on.

❄️ 1. Protect Indoor Plumbing from Freezing

• Open cabinet doors under sinks on very cold nights to allow warm air to circulate.
• Wrap exposed pipes in basements, crawl spaces, or garages with foam insulation.
• Know where your main water shutoff valve is — just in case.

🔥 2. Use Space Heaters Safely

• Keep heaters at least three feet away from furniture, curtains, and bedding.
• Plug heaters directly into wall outlets — never extension cords.
• Turn heaters off when leaving the room or going to bed.

🪟 3. Stop Heat Loss Around Windows

• Close curtains and blinds at night to keep warm air inside.
• Use removable window film kits if you notice drafts.
• Place draft blockers along windowsills in older homes.

🧹 4. Prepare for Holiday Guests

• Clear walkways and entryways to avoid tripping hazards.
• Set out a boot tray or extra mat to manage snow and salt.
• Do a quick safety check on stair railings and porch lights.

💡 5. Reduce Winter Energy Costs

• Lower your thermostat a few degrees overnight.
• Replace furnace filters if you haven’t in the last 30–60 days.
• Use LED lights for holiday décor to save energy and reduce heat buildup.

A few simple tasks this week can make your home more comfortable, safer, and ready for the rest of winter.