Dayton Area Events

One of the most magical holiday light displays in Ohio, The Legendary Lights of Historic Clifton Mill transforms this historic water-powered grist mill into a breathtaking winter wonderland each year. With millions of twinkling lights, a 100-foot illuminated “waterfall,” festive music, and charming village scenes, it’s a must-see holiday outing for families and visitors across the Miami Valley. 

✨ What to Expect

• More than 5 million lights decorating the mill, gorge, riverbanks, trees, bridges, and a spectacular 100-foot “waterfall” of lights. 
• Special synchronized light and music shows, including the covered bridge display that happens on the hour. Santa’s Workshop and Miniature Village — look for the classic toys, train scenes, and festive displays throughout the grounds.  
• Warm food and drinks most nights, including hot chocolate, soup, BBQ, and seasonal treats (except on Christmas Eve and Christmas).  

📅 When & How to Go

The lights return for the 2025 season starting November 28 and run nightly through December 30. Gates open at 5 p.m., and the lights come on at about 6 p.m., continuing until 9 p.m. (with earlier close on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day). Parking is free. 

Admission: Around $15 per person ages 4 and up; children under age 3 are free. Cash often moves the line faster at the gate, though credit cards are accepted for a convenience fee. 

🌟 Why It’s Worth the Visit

This isn’t just lights on trees — it’s a curated holiday tradition with synchronized shows, historic charm, and a festive atmosphere that feels both nostalgic and magical. Whether you’re capturing photos of the glowing mill or watching Santa at work in his workshop, the Clifton Mill lights make a perfect family night out or special winter memory. 

Make sure to dress warmly — most of the experience is outdoors, and the gorge setting can feel chillier than surrounding areas. A great adventure for families, couples, or anyone looking for a spectacular holiday lights display near 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.

One of Dayton’s most festive winter activities is skating at the MetroParks Ice Rink, located right in downtown’s RiverScape MetroPark. This outdoor rink — sheltered under a pavilion along the Great Miami River — is a longtime seasonal favorite for families, couples, and winter lovers of all ages. 

🕒 Season & Hours

The rink opens each year the Friday after Thanksgiving and stays open daily through late February (weather permitting). Extended holiday hours make it especially fun during December when kids are out of school and visitors flock downtown for seasonal activities. 

🎉 What to Expect

• Open Skating: Drop in any day the rink is open to glide around the ice. 
• Skate Rentals: Available on site — a great option if you don’t have your own.  
• Lessons & Theme Nights: Learn to skate or enjoy themed music nights throughout the season.  
• Hot Cocoa & Snacks: Warm up with treats from the RiverScape Café or by the warming tent between laps. 

💰 Admission & Tips

General admission is about $7 per day, and skate rentals are around $3. Children under 3 skate free with a paying adult. Families on SNAP/EBT can receive discounted admission and rental rates through the MetroParks Access to Nature program. 

✨ Why Go?

Skating at RiverScape is more than just exercise — it’s a festive winter destination right in downtown Dayton. The rink’s riverfront setting, holiday music, and social vibe make it a perfect place to enjoy fresh air and active fun during the colder months. Whether you’re learning to skate for the first time or just spending time with family and friends, it’s a must-do seasonal tradition. :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}

Insider tip: Weekday afternoons and early evenings tend to be less crowded — great for beginners and families. :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}

This classic Christmas breakfast casserole is a holiday lifesaver. It can be assembled the night before, then baked fresh on Christmas morning — leaving you more time to enjoy coffee, family, and opening gifts instead of cooking.

Ingredients

• 1 lb breakfast sausage (pork or turkey)
• 6 cups cubed bread (French or sourdough)
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella
• 6 large eggs
• 2 cups milk
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp dry mustard (optional)
• 1/4 tsp paprika

Instructions

1. Brown sausage in a skillet; drain excess grease.
2. Grease a 9x13 baking dish and spread bread cubes evenly in the bottom.
3. Top with cooked sausage and shredded cheeses.
4. In a bowl, whisk eggs, milk, salt, pepper, dry mustard, and paprika.
5. Pour egg mixture evenly over the casserole.
6. Cover and refrigerate overnight, or bake immediately.
7. Bake uncovered at 350°F for 40–45 minutes, until set and golden.
8. Let rest 5 minutes before serving.

Warm, hearty, and stress-free — this casserole is a Christmas morning classic.

Christmas week is busy enough without worrying about home issues. These practical tips will help keep things running smoothly so you can focus on enjoying time with family and friends.

🔥 1. Keep Walkways & Entryways Safe

• Check sidewalks, steps, and driveways for ice and keep ice melt handy.
• Use outdoor mats and boot trays to reduce slippery floors indoors.
• Turn on porch lights early — winter evenings get dark fast.

🕯️ 2. Practice Candle & Tree Safety

• Keep candles away from wrapping paper, curtains, and decorations.
• Water live Christmas trees daily to reduce fire risk.
• Turn off decorative lights before bed or when leaving the house.

🪟 3. Lock In Warmth During Cold Nights

• Close curtains and blinds at sunset to help insulate windows.
• Block drafts with door snakes or rolled towels.
• Open cabinet doors under sinks during extreme cold to protect pipes.

🍽️ 4. Prepare the Kitchen for Big Meals

• Clear fridge space ahead of time for holiday dishes and leftovers.
• Run the dishwasher before guests arrive so it’s ready to go.
• Have foil, storage containers, and trash bags on hand.

🧯 5. Do a Quick Safety Check

• Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
• Know where your fire extinguisher is — especially in the kitchen.
• Unplug non-essential decorations when not in use.

A few small steps this week will help your home stay warm, safe, and welcoming through Christmas and beyond.