Dayton Holiday Festival
Visitors can gather to watch approximately 50,000 lights illuminate the big holiday tree alongside live musical entertainment on the main stage. The event features hands-on children's crafts, carolers, and the Gingerbread House Contest display inside the rotunda of The Dayton Arcade. Families can also meet Daniel Tiger and friends, participate in a children's scavenger adventure for a free book, and browse local holiday shops.
Fri, Dec 4, 2026 All ages
See more other Christmas activities near Dayton
Plan Your Visit
Tickets
The listed kickoff attractions are marked free, as are Rike’s Holiday Windows, the Whimsical Windows Contest & Elf Hunt, the Gingerbread House Contest Window Display, and Santa photos. The Dayton Holiday History Tours are free but require reservations. Holiday Hot-to-Go involves buying a beverage at participating DORA locations. The Family Movie Series is a separate listing, with free admission for kids 12 and under and $2 for adults.
Hours
Grande Illumination tree lighting: 6:30 p.m.; live main-stage entertainment: 5-7 p.m.; Kid's Crafts & Activities in The Arcade: 5-8 pm; Gingerbread House Contest Display: 5-8 p.m.; North Arcade Shops: 5-8 p.m.; Meet Daniel Tiger & Friends: 5-8 p.m.; Junior League of Dayton's Holiday Adventure: 5-8 p.m.; Special Holiday First Friday: 5-10 p.m.; Dayton Holiday History Tours: 5:15 & 7 p.m.; Santa Saturdays: 10 a.m.-12 p.m.; Family Movie Series: 11 a.m. Rike’s Holiday Windows hours vary.
Neighborhood
Downtown Dayton
Food & Drink
Dayton Arcade shops offer festive treats, and participating downtown DORA bars and restaurants sell hot alcoholic drinks to go December 1–27.
Location
Tips & Advice
- Reserve a place on a Holiday History Tour, since the free guided walks require reservations.
- Visit the Arcade for kickoff crafts and the gingerbread display, and browse its North Arcade shops for gifts and festive treats.
- Bring children to the Holiday Adventure and make time to visit every stop so they can receive the free book.
- Look for Santa Saturdays if you want a free photo, or choose a Family Movie Series showing for free admission for children 12 and under.
- Check the listed holiday windows before visiting, since hours vary and the displays close on several holidays.
Special Events & Promotions
- The 2026 Grande Illumination kickoff moves to the first Friday in December, December 4.
- New this year, the Dayton Arcade joins Courthouse Square as a hub for the Grande Illumination evening.
- Children who visit every stop on the Junior League’s Holiday Adventure receive a free book.
- Free Santa photos are offered on December 5, 12, and 19; the event is for all ages.
- The Family Movie Series runs December 5, 12, and 19, with free admission for children 12 and under.
Links & Contact
Run by Downtown Dayton Partnership
Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide, not the organizer of this event. For tickets, entries, vendor spots or questions, contact the organizer directly through their contact page.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can families do during the festival kickoff?
Enjoy the tree lighting, live music, children’s crafts, carolers, a gingerbread house display, local shops and activities with Daniel Tiger and friends.
Can children take part in a scavenger activity?
Yes. The Junior League of Dayton’s Holiday Adventure sends children to stops around the festival footprint; those who complete every stop receive a free book.
Do the Holiday History Tours require a reservation?
Yes. The free guided walking tours require reservations.
What food and drink options are part of the holiday program?
The North Arcade shops offer festive treats. Participating downtown DORA locations sell hot alcoholic drinks to go during Holiday Hot-to-Go.
Can people enter the Gingerbread House Contest or submit a tree?
Yes. The festival page provides ways to apply for the Gingerbread House Contest and submit a tree for consideration as the 2026 Holiday Festival Tree.
Browse Christmas in Dayton
Always check the official website for the most current information.
We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly. Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide and isn't affiliated with the events we list.