Dayton Holiday Festival
Event Details
The Dayton Holiday Festival 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 tree lighting and parade. The fun continues throughout the month of December with family fun days and other holiday activities.
The Grande Illumination tree lighting and parade
Mark your calendar to kick off the Dayton Holiday Festival on Friday, November 28, 2025!
Watch the holidays light up during Dayton’s traditional tree lighting on Courthouse Square, followed immediately by a nighttime parade, 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! Leading up to those events, a full evening of fun holiday entertainment and activities is planned, 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.
Gingerbread Homes for the Holidays Contest
View all of the delicious contest entries and the award-winning houses.
Candy Cane Clubhouse
Visit a magical fantasy village, 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.
Rike’s Holiday Windows
Experience a reimagining of the Rike’s department store holiday window displays that once stood at this busy downtown corner.
Virginia Kettering’s Holiday Train Display
Visitors of all ages can view this beloved, one-of-a-kind model train display that was given to the community by Mrs. Virginia Kettering. The display can also be viewed through the building windows at Second and Main anytime.
Family Movie Series
Bring the family to The Neon for fun, festive holiday films. Free admission for kids 12 and under, $2 for adults.
Whimsical Windows
This annual contest shows off the creativity of downtown Dayton’s collection of small businesses. Enjoy shopping, dining, and exploring downtown Dayton in this fun and festive atmosphere!
MetroParks Ice Rink
Sheltered under the covered pavilion, the MetroParks Ice Rink sets the scene as a perfect winter wonderland in downtown Dayton. Patrons may skate daily. While the rink is open, you can enjoy delicious treats from the concession area, including a cup of hot chocolate. Take advantage of fun skating activities, such as lessons, themed skating nights and more.