The Dayton Holiday Festival, presented by AES Ohio, is your source for family-friendly holiday fun in downtown Dayton. Started by Mrs. Virginia Kettering in 1972 so that all children could enjoy the holiday season regardless of their economic means, the festival continues today with free attractions for the community.

Each year, the festival kicks off Thanksgiving weekend with the Grande Illumination and the Dayton Children's Parade. The fun continues throughout the month of December with family fun days and other holiday activities.

The Grande Illumination Tree Lighting and The Dayton Children's Parade Spectacular In Lights

Watch the holidays light up during Dayton's traditional tree lighting on Courthouse Square, followed immediately by a nighttime parade for children, sparkling with more than 100,000 lights! Enjoy decorative seasonal floats, horses, drill teams and bands, and some special holiday treats.

But the tree lighting and parade aren't the only highlights that night! A full evening of fun holiday entertainment and activities including such favorites as:

Live Main Stage Entertainment
Enjoy holiday songs and other live entertainment on the Courthouse Square Main Stage leading up to the lighting ceremony.

Live Reindeer
Meet our North Pole ambassadors! Two of Santa's reindeer will be available to meet on Courthouse Square. Don't miss your chance to take your picture on Santa's sleigh!

Gingerbread Homes For The Holidays Contest
View all of the delicious contest entries and the award-winning houses on display inside The Old Courthouse on November 24.

Click here to Download Gingerbread Contest rules and info

Click here to Gingerbread Contest online application

Street Fair On Third
Blinking lights and whirring sounds are just a small part of the wonder you'll find at the Street Fair on Third Street. Enjoy free carnival rides for kids throughout the evening!

Horse-Drawn Wagon Rides
Enjoy a wagon ride through downtown!

Holiday Village
Visit a magical fantasy village inside the Stratacache Tower, featuring free crafts, games, live holiday music, and lots of other surprises for kids.

Junior League Of Dayton's Holiday Adventure
Kids will go on an adventure around the festival footprint. Children who visit all of the stops will receive a free book.

Date:
November 24, 2023

Hours:
3:00pm to 8:00pm

Location:
Downtown Dayton, OH 45401

Click here for More Information