A Carillon Christmas Returns with New Attractions; Opens Nov. 24

Information and image courtesy of Dayton History

DAYTON - A Carillon Christmas returns Nov. 24-Dec. 30, 2026, with new attractions, two train-ride experiences, historic holiday traditions and thousands of twinkling lights. Presented by White-Allen for the first time, the monthlong celebration transforms Carillon Historical Park —a 65-acre open-air museum designed by the Olmsted Brothers, sons of Central Park's Frederick Law Olmsted—into a one-of-a-kind holiday destination. With its historic buildings illuminated and its grounds aglow, the park takes on a special kind of magic after dark.

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   At the heart of A Carillon Christmas stands the 200-foot Carillon Tree of Light, made possible by a generous gift from Connie Taylor. Ohio's largest musical tree of light, it has become an iconic centerpiece for the holiday season in Ohio. Beneath its glow, guests can enjoy the new attractions and cherished traditions that make A Carillon Christmas a holiday favorite.

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Attractions:

 

Visit with Santa: Through Dec. 23, meet Santa in front of the Dr. Richard and Dorothy Cummings collection of toys made in Dayton, once a major center of toy manufacturing.

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The Search for Scipio — New for 2026: Embark on a "12 Days of Christmas"-themed scavenger hunt featuring Orville Wright's beloved St. Bernard. Complete the adventure to earn an exclusive commemorative pin. Scavenger hunt maps are $10.

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Victorian Carolers — New for 2026: Enjoy roaming, costumed carolers bringing the sounds of 19th-century Christmas celebrations to the park.

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Merry Melody Stage — New for 2026: Featuring a rotating lineup of talented musicians and ensembles, the stage comes alive with festive holiday classics inside the Kettering Family Education Center.

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Carillon Park Railroad: From 6 to 9 p.m., enjoy a narrated, nearly milelong ride aboard a replica of the 1851 Cincinnati, one of the first passenger trains to arrive in Dayton. Tickets are $5 per person, per ride. Board at Dixon & Shafor Junction Depot.

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Small-Scale Train Rides: From 5 to 9 p.m., ride the park's small-scale trains. Board at the James F. Dicke Family Transportation Center. Rides are free, but donations are appreciated. Guests must be in line at least one hour before closing.

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Carousel of Dayton Innovation: Ride this Ohio-built, hand-carved carousel featuring one-of-a-kind figures inspired by Dayton's history. Tickets are $1 per person, per ride. Riders under 42 inches tall must be accompanied by an adult.

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Letters to Santa: Children can write letters to Santa inside the 1796 Newcom Tavern, Dayton's oldest surviving building and first post office.

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John W. Berry Sr. Wright Brothers National Museum: Explore the world's largest collection of Wright family artifacts, including the original 1905 Wright Flyer III, the first practical airplane and the only one designated a National Historic Landmark. Orville Wright considered it the brothers' most important aircraft.

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Dayton Wright Flyer Co. — New for 2026: Capture the moment with new holiday photo opportunities, including the Dayton Wright Flyer Co.

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Gem City Letterpress: Visit the museum's working 1930s letterpress job shop, featuring equipment representative of an era when Dayton was home to 77 printing companies.

Morris & Hetzel Bakery: Visit two early 19th-century buildings to learn about historic hearth cooking alongside costumed interpreters. Gingerbread cookies and roasted chestnuts will be available for purchase.

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"A Visit From St. Nicholas": Hear Clement Clarke Moore's classic Christmas poem, commonly known as "'Twas the Night Before Christmas," in the lower level of the Miami & Erie Canal Superintendent's Office. The reading will be accompanied by hand-painted glass lantern slides produced by NCR for the company's children's Christmas programs from 1916 through the early 1930s.

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Rike-Kumler Toy Parade Films: Relive Dayton's holiday history through actual footage of the Rike-Kumler Co. Toy Parade, a Thanksgiving Day tradition from the 1920s through 1942, alongside excerpts from popular Christmas cartoons of the era.

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The Tailor of Gloucester Puppet Show: Beginning at 5:30 p.m. and repeating every half-hour, this Christmas-themed puppet show brings Beatrix Potter's 1903 tale to life. The story was published just months before the Wright brothers' first flight at Kitty Hawk, North Carolina.

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Frozen in Time "Ice" Garden — New for 2026: Discover Dayton's rich history through dazzling, ice-inspired displays in the Nancy Houtz Tribute Rose Garden, featuring iconic symbols and landmarks from the city's past.
 

Museum Stores: Find holiday gifts at the Museum Store locations in the Kettering Family Education Center and Gem City Letterpress.

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Food and Beverages: Enjoy light meals, snacks, holiday treats and beverages. Seating is available throughout the park.
 

Holiday Lights — More Added for 2026: Experience the magic of more than 44,000 additional lights illuminating the park's historic buildings and grounds.
 

Dates and Hours:

Nov. 24-Dec. 30, 2026

• Sunday-Thursday: 5-9 p.m.

• Friday-Saturday: 5-10 p.m.

Closed Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

• Adults (ages 18-59): $14

• Seniors (ages 60 and older): $12

• Children (ages 3-17): $10

• Children 2 and younger: Free

• Dayton History members: Free

About Dayton History: Dayton History, a privately funded nonprofit, owns and operates Carillon Historical Park; Hawthorn Hill, Orville Wright's mansion; Patterson Homestead; Carillon Brewing Co.; Culp's Café; and the Mark and Paula Hurd NCR Archive Center. Its mission is to inspire generations by connecting them with the unique people, places and events that changed Dayton and the world.