DAYTON–The Friday after Thanksgiving, this fair city will usher in the holidays with the return to its traditional Christmas Kick Off, complete with Holiday Lighted Parade, fireworks, the lighting of the Community Christmas Tree and more on November 26–27. Christmas Kick Off, back in business after a one-year hiatus due to coronavirus, is sponsored by the Dayton Chamber of Commerce in cooperation with a sleighful of local supporting businesses, individuals and organizations helping make Dayton festive.
In the "Town That Still Believes, many of the time-honored and traditional events will again entertain locals and visitors alike, including mule drawn carriage rides, carolers wishing everyone a Merry Christmas in front of the storefronts of shops and businesses serving holiday cookies and cheer.
The line-up of fun begins on Friday, November 26, and again on Saturday, November 27 for this FREE, two-day community festival. Of course, while perusing these community attractions, most local businesses are open for the convenience of holiday shoppers.
Events exclusively on Friday, November 26 include the Ugly Sweater 5K Dash at 11 a.m., live reindeer from noon until 4 p.m., Boldman House Christmas from 1-4 p.m., Izzy the Camel 3-7 p.m., Live Nativity (behind Dingle's) at 4 and 5 p.m., Lighted Parade at 6 p.m., Community Christmas Tree Lighting and fireworks following the parade, and the Home Lighting Contest Bus Tour.
Available for enjoyment on both days will be the Festival of Trees from 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m., Christmas Bazaar (Church Parish) 9 a.m.-5 p.m., mule-drawn hay rides noon-3:30 p.m. (weather permitting), Christmas Market at Historic Dayton Depot 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Friday/10 a.m-4 p.m. Saturday, and "Clifford the Big Red Dog at the Liberty Theater 7:30 p.m. Friday/2 p.m. Saturday.
Visitors will have the chance to win one of three trees that will be raffled off with proceeds going to the Giving Tree.
For information, visit http://www.historicdayton.com or call 509-382-4825.