Dayton, Ohio — Events by Date

Whether you’re looking for family-friendly fun, festive skating, lively parties, or elegant dinners, the Dayton area has plenty of ways to celebrate New Year’s Eve and welcome 2026 with style and joy. Here’s a roundup of events worth checking out:

⛸️ 1. New Year’s Eve Skate at RiverScape MetroPark

Glide into the New Year at the MetroParks ice rink in downtown Dayton! Skating all day and into the evening provides a memorable and active way to mark the day — plus you can warm up with treats from the RiverScape Café or in the heated tent. 

🎧 2. New Year’s Eve Silent Disco & Ball Drop — The Brightside

Dayton’s annual New Year’s Eve Silent Disco and Ball Drop returns with music from multiple DJs, a countdown to midnight, and an energetic downtown setting. It’s a great pick for adults and groups who love dancing and a vibrant atmosphere.

🎩 3. Roaring ’20s New Year’s Eve Party — The Foundry

Dress up for a swingin’ Roaring ’20s celebration with gourmet food, a DJ, dancing, and a champagne toast at midnight. This themed event is 21+ and offers a fun, nostalgia-filled way to ring in 2026.  

🍾 4. Turn Back Time at the Marriott at the University of Dayton

Celebrate with a “Turn Back Time” party featuring dueling pianos, dancing through the decades, fun photo ops, and a champagne toast. Guests are encouraged to dress from their favorite era for a festive night.  

🍽️ 5. Dinner & Celebrations Around Town

If you prefer celebrations with food and drink, several local venues are hosting New Year’s Eve events:

• New Year’s Eve Bash at The Presidential: Multiple DJs, dancing, and party favors for an all-night event in Kettering.  
• Oregon Express — Down the Rabbit Hole: A themed NYE buffet with DJs and champagne toast at midnight.  
• Mudlick Tap House Boozy Brunch: Brunch menu with mimosas and cocktails earlier in the day.  
• American Czechoslovakian Club Celebration: Early evening cultural event and dance with a European-style countdown. 

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 6. Family & Kid-Friendly Options

If you’re celebrating with kids, consider a **Noon Year’s Eve party** with a balloon drop and crafts — aimed at making the countdown fun for younger guests without staying up until midnight.  

No matter your style — family-friendly, casual skating, or upscale celebration — Dayton has plenty to offer for a memorable end to 2025 and a joyful start to 2026.

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.

Lights ONLY December 26-30
 
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.

Carriage Hill MetroPark is one of the Dayton region’s most unique outdoor destinations — a blend of peaceful nature trails, prairie landscapes, and a fully restored 1880s working farm. Visitors can watch historically-dressed farm interpreters, meet horses, pigs, and chickens, and get a hands-on feel for what rural life was like more than a century ago. It’s scenic, educational, and a favorite for families year-round.

🌾 What You’ll See & Do

• The Historic Farm: Horses, farm animals, old barns, and live demonstrations of blacksmithing, woodworking, and daily chores.
• Hiking & Riding Trails: Gentle trails through woods, fields, and prairies — great for walking or a peaceful winter stroll.
• Visitor Center & Museum: Exhibits on pioneer life, artifacts, hands-on displays, and seasonal programming.
• Fishing Pond: A quiet spot for catch-and-release fishing (seasonal).
• Horseback Riding: Bridle trails available — bring your own horse to explore the park in a whole new way.

🐮 Great for Kids & Families

This is a park that brings history to life — kids love seeing the horses pull wagons, watching bread baked in the wood-fired oven, or saying hello to the sheep and chickens. In summer, there are often hands-on activities and living-history demonstrations. In winter, it’s a peaceful and charming place to wander.

🧭 Visitor Tips

• The farm area is mostly flat and easy to walk — great for all ages.
• Bring your camera — the barns and fields make beautiful photo spots.
• Perfect for a couple of hours outdoors, or pair with lunch in nearby Huber Heights.
• Check MetroParks’ website for special programs, craft demos, and seasonal events.

Carriage Hill is open year-round — perfect for a quiet winter walk, a spring farm visit, or summer history experience. A true Dayton-area gem.

Nothing warms up a chilly Dayton winter evening like a mug of homemade hot chocolate. This version is extra cozy — flavored with cinnamon and a splash of vanilla for a rich winter twist. Top with fresh whipped cream and a sprinkle of nutmeg and you’ve got the perfect fireside drink.

Ingredients

• 2 cups milk (whole or 2% works best)
• 2 Tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2 Tbsp sugar (adjust to taste)
• 1/4 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/4 tsp cinnamon
• Optional: pinch of nutmeg or cayenne for heat

Whipped Cream Topping

• 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
• 1 Tbsp powdered sugar
• 1/2 tsp vanilla

Instructions

1. Heat milk in a saucepan over medium heat until warm (not boiling).
2. Whisk in cocoa powder, sugar, and chocolate chips until smooth and melted.
3. Add vanilla and cinnamon; stir and simmer 1–2 minutes.
4. Whip cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla until soft peaks form.
5. Pour hot chocolate into mugs, top with whipped cream, and finish with cinnamon or nutmeg.

Perfect for snowy evenings, movie nights, or winding down after a long winter day.

January in Dayton means cold nights, dry air, and high heating bills — but a few quick home tweaks can make winter feel much more comfortable. Try these easy ideas this week:

❄️ 1. Reverse Your Ceiling Fans

• Flip the switch to run your fan on **low, clockwise**.
• This gently pushes warm air down and keeps rooms more evenly heated.
• It can lower heating costs up to a few dollars a day in colder homes.

💧 2. Add Moisture Back Into Winter Air

• Winter air is dry — causing static, dry skin, and sore throats.
• Use a humidifier or place bowls of water near heating vents.
• Bonus: Home will feel warmer at lower thermostat settings.

🪟 3. Stop Heat Loss at the Windows

• Close curtains at night and open them on sunny days to naturally warm rooms.
• Use thermal curtains or temporary film kits for older windows.
• Draft snakes or rolled towels work in a pinch.

🚪 4. Check Weatherstripping on Doors

• If you can see light around the door, heat is escaping.
• Replace worn strips or add adhesive foam for a quick fix.
• Great weekend DIY project — takes less than 20 minutes.

🔥 5. Create a Cozy Warm Spot

• Layer throw blankets in the living room for comfort and style.
• Add warm lighting — lamps with soft bulbs make rooms feel instantly cozier.
• Keep slippers or warm socks by the door for that “ahh” moment when you get home.

A few small updates can make your home warmer, cozier, and more efficient all winter long.