As you go about checking your holiday lists, don’t forget to consider supporting the numerous downtown Dayton retailers across five business districts: Fire Blocks District, Historic Inner East District, Oregon District, Water Street District and Wright Dunbar District. The perfect gift may be waiting for you where you least expected. Check out our recommendations for shopping through the districts.
In addition the Normandy Christmas Open House, taking place at the Historic Grant Mansion in Dayton from 6-8 p.m. Dec. 21 and 22, is the final notable holiday bazaar of the season. The event features more than 50 Christmas trees, model trains, cookies and hot chocolate, carolers, Kettering Children’s Choir, Santa Claus and more. Admission is free. Read more here.
This week’s edition also spotlights how to give the gift of local experiences, the year in local theater, rock icon Kim Deal’s upcoming tour launch in Dayton, and a variety of New Year’s Eve events.
Let us know what you think. If you have thoughts, feedback or news tips, please email me at Russell.Florence@coxinc.com.
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😊Around Town: 10 great things to do in Dayton this weekend
Credit: Tom Gilliam
Credit: Tom Gilliam
In addition to La Comedia Dinner Theatre’s entertaining local premiere of “Irving Berlin’s Holiday Inn” and Human Race Theatre Company’s naughty world premiere of “A Frosty Night,” you’ll want to consider basking in the holiday glow of A Carillon Christmas at Carillon Park which ends Dec. 30. Here’s a look at other notable events happening this weekend.
🎭Stage Notes: 2024 in review: 10 best theater performances in Dayton - and some throughout the U.S.
Credit: CONTRIBUTED
Credit: CONTRIBUTED
It was another strong and inspiring year for theater across the Dayton region from professional companies to community theaters. Here’s a rundown of some of the best productions locally and nationally.
⛸️Get Active: Skating, skiing, climbing, cycling, hiking: How to give the gift of local experiences this Christmas
Giving the gift of adventure is always a satisfying alternative during the holidays. There are many indoor and outdoor experiences across the region offering season passes and memberships as well as gift cards. Here are some ideas to consider.
🎄Around Town: Where to buy live Christmas trees in the Dayton region
Still searching for the perfect Christmas tree? Take a look at our list of tree farms across multiple counties.
🎭Theater: ‘’‘Twas’ holiday show returns to Sinclair with new music, dance
Credit: SCOTTIE JACKSON
Credit: SCOTTIE JACKSON
Sinclair Community College presents the children’s holiday musical “Twas” Dec. 19-22 in Blair Hall Theatre. Written by local playwright Patti Frankhouser Celek, “‘Twas” is based loosely on the poem “Twas the Night Before Christmas” and concerns family pets left home alone on Christmas Eve. Read more about the show, which is returning for a second year with new music and dance.
🍾Around Town: New Year’s Eve things to do in Dayton and the region
Credit: David A. Moodie
Credit: David A. Moodie
From comedy and music to food and drink, there’s a lot to enjoy around Dayton on New Year’s Eve. Check out our list of what’s in store.
🎵Music: Kim Deal kicking off ‘Nobody Loves You More’ Tour in Dayton
Tickets are on sale for Kim Deal’s solo tour, which will kick off Feb. 20 at The Brightside. The legendary Dayton rock icon is hitting the road in support of her acclaimed debut album, “Nobody Loves You More,” which was released on Nov. 22. Deal, known for her work with alternative rock bands The Pixies and The Breeders, was recently inducted into the Dayton Region Walk of Fame. Read more about her new music.
🎬Film: ‘Six Triple Eight’ lands on shortlist for the 97th Academy Awards
Credit: Bob Mahoney/Perry Well Films 2/Courtesy of Netflix
Credit: Bob Mahoney/Perry Well Films 2/Courtesy of Netflix
“The Six Triple Eight,” the inspiring story of World War II’s first and only Women’s Army Corps unit of color led by Daytonian Charity Adams Earley, has made the shortlist of contenders for the 97th Academy Awards, which will take place March 2, 2025. Aaron Zigman’s original score is among the 20 scores that will advance in the Original Score category and Diane Warren’s original song “The Journey” is among the 15 songs that will advance in the Original Song category. Nominations for the 97th Academy Awards will be announced Jan. 17, 2025.
The film, terrifically led by Kerry Washington, continues at The Neon and also arrives Dec. 20 on Netflix. Read more about the film and Earley’s legacy.
🎵Music: Rumpke Mountain Boys band brings ‘jamgrass’ back to Dayton
Cincinnati string band Rumpke Mountain Boys, known for blending traditional Appalachian roots music with a punk rock energy, is performing at Yellow Cab Tavern on Dec. 20. Read more about their unique take on bluegrass.
⭐A Day in the Life: Vaniti Byrd, owner of Baba Love Organics, is an ‘Edu-maker’
Credit: Contributed
Credit: Contributed
Meet Vaniti Byrd of Beavercreek, a mom and business woman who has created Baba Love Organics, a natural skincare line. Read more about the impact she’s making in the community, including the opening of Baba Love Organic’s new location at 200 Wayne Ave. in Spring 2025.
📷Photos: Christkindlmarkt at Dayton Liederkranz-Turner German Club, Christmas on the Farm at Carriage Hill MetroPark, and A Dickens of a Christmas St. Anne’s Hill Holiday Home Tour
Credit: Tom Gilliam
Credit: Tom Gilliam
The Dayton Liederkranz-Turner German Club’s Christkindlmarkt took place Dec. 14-15 at their clubhouse in the St. Anne’s Hill Historic District.
Five Rivers MetroParks hosted its annual Christmas on the Farm event at Carriage Hill MetroPark’s Daniel Arnold Historical Farm in Huber Heights on Dec. 15.
The A Dickens of a Christmas St. Anne’s Hill Holiday Home Tour took place Dec. 13-15.
🎄ICYMI: Gem City Family: Sensory-friendly holiday experiences in the Dayton area
Credit: Nick Graham
Credit: Nick Graham
Gem City Family columnist Pamela Chandler provides holiday options for those with sensory sensitivities including drive-thru Christmas lights and the Dec. 20 matinee performance of Dayton Ballet’s world premiere of “The Nutcracker.” Read more about these events.
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Thanks for taking the time to read this newsletter. I encourage you to keep in touch. Share story tips or feedback about this newsletter by emailing me at Russell.Florence@coxinc.com.
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