DAYTON–The Chamber of Commerce sponsored "The Town That Still Believes" Christmas Kickoff 2023 is a community event on the Friday and Saturday after Thanksgiving, November 24 and 25.

"Chestnuts roasting on an open fire, Jack Frost nipping at your nose, yuletide carols being sung by a choir, and folks dressed up like Eskimo's" are well known lyrics from a 1945 holiday favorite, The Christmas Song by pianist Mel Torme and lyricist Bob Wells. Dayton resembles the sentiments, sounds and timeless traditions depicted in that song!

"The Town That Still Believes," Christmas Kickoff brings you all the wonder and merriment you can find in small town America. Traditions and memories etched into our minds as we remember a simpler time of tree trimming, eggnog and treats of roasted chestnuts, family and friends gathered around a fire and of course, children with their "eyes all aglow" trying to stay awake to catch a glimpse of Santa Claus delivering their presents under the tree. These are the memories families continue to make in our town.

Join us on Friday, November 24 at 10 a.m. while our town comes alive with holiday festivities of mule drawn carriage rides, an Ugly Sweater 5k Dash, peruse the Festival of Trees, see what's new at the Holiday Market, watch a Christmas movie at the Liberty Theater, gather to watch the live nativity event behind Dingle's and featuring Izzy the Camel.

See real reindeer, make and take kid crafts, carolers, the lighted Christmas Parade, tree lighting, fireworks and of course Santa Claus then stop by the Wenaha Gallery for Selfies with Santa. Kids will also have an opportunity to write a letter to Santa and leave it in the Santa mailbox. Be sure to stop by all the shops in town and let them know you live and shop local. Include a visit to the Historic Dayton Depot and the Boldman House for seasonal displays and traditions.

Christmas Kick-off gets rolling around 10 a.m. Friday, November 25 with the Festival of Trees, and "Selfies with Santa" at 219 E. Main Street (formerly Wenaha Gallery). The "trees" and "selfies" also take place Saturday morning beginning at 10 a.m.

Find the schedule of events for this year's Christmas Kick-off in the Dayton Chronicle's November 16, 2023 edition in print of online.

For specific information, please email [email protected] or call the Chamber office at 509-382-4825.