Illustration of an indoor Christmas market hall with tables of candles, wreaths and ornaments under garlands (Vandalia Tree Lighting Ceremony & Holiday Market)
Christmas Markets

Vandalia Tree Lighting Ceremony & Holiday Market

Guests can celebrate the season surrounded by twinkling lights, holiday music, refreshments, and seasonal activities. Families can visit with Santa Claus and gather outdoors for the annual tree lighting ceremony. Inside the gymnasium, visitors can browse and shop for gifts from a variety of local market vendors.

Sat, Dec 5, 2026 All Ages Welcome

Plan Your Visit

Hours

Event: 4:00pm-7:00pm; Tree Lighting Ceremony: 6:00 PM; Holiday Market: 4:00–7:00 PM.

Food & Drink

Refreshments are offered.

Location

Vandalia Recreation Center · 1111 Stonequarry Rd, Dayton, Ohio 45414 Get Directions

Local Insight & Ratings

Family Friendly

🎄 🎄 🎄 🎄 🎄 (5/5)

Best For

Families with young children

Vibe

Festive and family-friendly

Energy Level

Low

Photo Friendly

High

Weather Sensitivity

Moderate

Tips & Advice

  • Bring cash or a card, because you'll need one for purchases from Holiday Market vendors and for buying raffle tickets.
  • Shop the Holiday Market in the gymnasium before the tree lighting, since the lights, music and Santa visit all build up to that ceremony.
  • Dress warmly for the outdoor tree lighting outside the Recreation Center, even if you spend part of the evening shopping indoors.
  • Local vendors and groups can join the evening by sending in the Jingle Fest vendor or activity applications.

Special Events & Promotions

  • Raffle tickets on sale during the evening (cash or card)

Links & Contact

Run by Vandalia Parks & Recreation Department

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 is there to do?

There are twinkling lights, music, refreshments, activities and a visit with Santa Claus. Everything builds up to the Tree Lighting Ceremony.

Where is the Holiday Market?

It's inside the Vandalia Recreation Center Gymnasium, with a variety of local vendors.

What should I bring?

Bring cash or a card for vendor purchases and raffle tickets.

Can kids see Santa?

Yes. Santa Claus visits during the evening, before the tree lighting.

How can I take part as a vendor or activity host?

Vendors can apply through the Jingle Fest Vendor Application. Groups that want to run an activity can use the Jingle Fest Activity Presence Application.

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.

Contributors & Updates

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