Season’s Greetings: A Holiday Cabaret in Dayton | Dec. 10
Season’s Greetings brings together the amazing voices of Gina Handy and Philip Drennen, with Deron Bell and his merry melody makers, for festive cabaret experience! Relax with friends, laugh with family, grab a seasonal cocktail, and most importantly, “mail” your song requests to Santa. Tickets are $30. LEARN MORE
The Nutcracker in Dayton | Dec. 10-17
Performed with live orchestra, the beloved holiday tradition returns to the Schuster Center. Travel with Clara as her mysterious Uncle Drosselmeyer sweeps her away to a dreamy Land of Sweets full of mischievous rats, brave soldiers, darling lambs, a Sugar Plum Fairy, life-size confections, and, of course, a dashing Cavalier. Takes place at the Schuster Center. Tickets start at $23.50. LEARN MORE
Holiday Lights at Lost Creek Reserve in Troy | Friday through Sunday through Dec. 23
Be transported into a winter wonderland featuring tens of thousands of lights. This 1.25-mile driving tour takes you through the woods, down charming farm lanes and past the historic Knoop Homestead aglow with lights. Open weekends, plus the week before Christmas, from 6-9 p.m. The cost is $10 per car. LEARN MORE
Holiday Decor at the Troy-Hayner Cultural Center | daily through Jan. 2
Visit the Hayner mansion during regular hours to view the Christmas decor, free of charge. LEARN MORE
Tipp City Park Holiday Tree Lighting | Daily through Dec. 31
Visit City Park to see a variety of Christmas trees decorated for the season, then embark on Tipp City Lights Driving Tour (see below & above). It is free. LEARN MORE
Tipp Monroe Community Services Tipp City Lights Driving Tour | daily through Dec. 25
Stop by the TMCS office for a map or use their online version to tour dozens of elaborate Christmas light displays at private homes in Tipp City and Monroe Township. Vote for your favorite. LEARN MORE
Candlelight Holiday Tours at Malabar Farm State Park | Dec. 10
Tour Louis Bromfield's Big House all decked out for the holidays from 5-8 p.m. Enjoy cookies and warm drinks as part of your ticket price. Purchase tickets at the Visitor Center. $6 for adults and $4 for youths. LEARN MORE
ParkLights at Caesar Ford Park in Xenia | daily through Dec. 31
You’ll wind your way through a Winter Wonderland, North Pole Car Show, Winter Farm, and Festive Festival, then wave to Santa at the North Pole. The event is open every night from 6-9 p.m. and is free. LEARN MOR
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Dynamite Dreams 4th Annual Toy Drive and Christmas Light Display in Eaton | daily through Dec. 24
Bring a new toy and enjoy the lights. Toys will be given to Home Is The Foundation for families in need. View the lights from 6-9 p.m., weather permitting, at 7495 St. Rt. 122 West. LEARN MORE
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Yuletide Village Season of Lights in Harveysburg | Fridays & Saturdays thru Dec. 16
This light display takes place at the grounds of the Renaissance Festival and is described as “A Glowing 16th Century Yuletide Village.” It is open 5-9 p.m. on Fridays and 3-9 p.m. Saturdays, with food service available at 5 p.m. Tickets are required. LEARN MORE
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Legendary Lights of Clifton Mill | daily through Jan. 1
See 4 million lights illuminating the mill, gorge, riverbanks, trees and bridges at Clifton Mill (plus a 100-foot “waterfall” of twinkling lights) from 6-9 p.m. nightly at 75 Water St. and 6-8 p.m. on Dec. 24-25. Admission also includes access to a miniature village, a Santa Claus museum, a toy collection and a spectacular synchronized lights and music show that features the old covered bridge on the property. Admission is $10 Monday-Wednesday and $15 Thursday through Sunday for all guests 4 and older. LEARN MORE
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A Carillon Christmas in Dayton | daily through Dec. 30
A Carillon Christmas at Carillon Historical Park features the Tree of Light, miniature train rides and model train displays, visits with Santa, Candy Cane Slopes, concerts, a Christmas Café, puppet shows, food and more. Takes place from 5-9 p.m. Sunday-Thursday and 5-10 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Admission is $14 for adults; $12 for seniors; and $10 for 3-17. LEARN MORE
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The Christmas Glow at Land of Illusion in Middletown | daily through Dec. 30
More than 3.8 million lights and decorations line a 2-mile Christmas Around the World drive-thru experience, including a 45-foot Christmas tree. Also visit Christmas Village, Santa’s Workshop (for photos) and a gift shop. The lights are closed Nov. 28-30 and Christmas Day. Tickets are $12. LEARN MORE
LIVE MUSIC: Dianne Cobble Ensemble Holiday Concert in Troy | Dec. 10
Enjoy this free holiday concert at 7:30 p.m. at the Troy-Hayner Cultural Center, 301 W. Main St.
Children and Pet Photos with Santa at the Piqua Center | Dec. 10
Come bring your kids and get a picture with Santa at Piqua Center, 987 E. Ash St., from 12-5 p.m. Pets welcome for pictures from 4-5 p.m. LEARN MORE
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The Hip Hop Nutcracker in Dayton | Dec. 10
Directed and choreographed by Tony and Olivier Award-nominated Jennifer Weber, this contemporary dance spectacle is a re-mixed and re-imagined version of the classic, smashing hip hop dance and Tchaikovsky’s timeless music together into a heart-stirring and inspirational holiday event. Takes place at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. at Victoria Theatre. Tickets start at $35. LEARN MORE
LIVE MUSIC: LeAnn Rimes: Christmas Tour in Troy | Dec. 10
Multi-platinum-selling artist LeAnn Rimes brings her Christmas Tour to Arbogast Performing Arts Center, 500 S. Dorset Rd., starting at 7 p.m. TICKETS
Mistletoe Magic Holiday Marketplace in Dayton | Dec. 10-11
Christmas shopping in two temperature-controlled buildings, dining at the Claus Café and activities for children, including pictures with Santa. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday. Admission is $6 and children 12 and under are free. LEARN MORE
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Grinch Skate in Piqua | Dec. 12
36 Skate Club, 4845 W. US Rt. 36, hosts Skating with the Grinch from 6-8 p.m. Admission applies and skate rental is $4. LEARN MORE
West Liberty Village Christmas Lights Contest & Viewing | Dec. 13
Residents in West Liberty and the surrounding countryside decorate their homes and residents and visitors view them and vote for their favorite. LEARN MORE
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Handel’s Messiah in Dayton | Dec. 13
With powerful and, at times, heartbreakingly beautiful music, Handel’s Messiah and its popular “Hallelujah Chorus” has become a beloved holiday tradition featuring orchestra, chorus, and soprano, mezzo-soprano, tenor, and bass soloists. The show is at 7:30 p.m. at the Schuster Center Tickets start at $23.50. LEARN MORE
Date Night Series “Sweetheart Stroll” in Troy | Dec. 14
Register in advance ($5 per couple) to enjoy a Sweetheart Stroll at Lost Creek Reserve, east of Troy, home to the Holiday Lights display. Times are available at 6, 7 or 8 p.m. For more information, call (937) 335-6273.
Beer and Hymns in Piqua | Dec. 14
Crooked Handle Brewing Co. and Westminster Presbyterian Church partner up from 7-9 p.m. to offer a night of pub style singing for the Christmas Season. This event is free and open to all. A donation will be collected to support Christmas for Others, an effort to support a local family in need. Located at 123 N. Main St. LEARN MORE
Cirque Dreams Holidaze in Dayton | Dec. 15-17
Imaginative and fun for children to seniors and everyone in between, Cirque Dreams Holidaze features a world-renowned cast of performers accompanied by an ensemble of aerial circus acts, sleight-of-hand jugglers, fun-loving skippers, breath-catching acrobatics, and much more. An original music score includes new twists on seasonal favorites such as “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” and “Carol of the Bells.” Singers, dancers, penguins, toy soldiers, and reindeer invoke the dreams behind a child’s eye on the most magical of nights. Amidst a backdrop of new sets, scenery, and storylines, this family-friendly production is sure to put a twinkle in your eye. Takes place at Victoria Theatre. Tickets start at $42.50. LEARN MORE
BMI’s Free Christmas Laser Light Show in Versailles | Dec. 15-23
See one of three shows of laser lights set to Christmas-inspired music at 3 p.m., 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. each day. Show last about an hour. Donations are appreciated. LEARN MORE
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​Winter Solstice (Luminary Lit) Hike in Beavercreek | Dec. 21
Follow the soft glow of luminaries and enjoy the calmness of the woods in winter on the Winter Solstice, the longest night of the year. Hot chocolate and holiday treats will be available for those participating in the hike. This is a self-guided hike that can be taken between 7-9 p.m. at Russ Nature Reserve, 2380 Kemp Rd. LEARN MORE
LIVE MUSIC: Trans-Siberian Orchestra: Ghost of Christmas Eve in Fairborn | Dec. 28
The multi-platinum rock group presents "The Ghosts of Christmas Eve – the Best of TSO & More" at the Nutter Center, 3640 Colonel Glenn Hwy., at 3 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. TICKETS