Credit: Tom Gilliam
Credit: Tom Gilliam
Holly Days, which opened Dec. 11, continues from 3 to 8 p.m. through Dec. 13 at the Arcade, 35 W. Fourth St. There’s also a huge incentive this year: free parking! Be sure to park inside the Reibold Garage, 25 W. Fifth St. Read more about the Holly Days programming.
This week’s edition also highlights Dayton Ballet’s world premiere of “The Nutcracker,” Dayton Contemporary Dance Company’s charming presentation of “The Littlest Angel,” and free events to enjoy at local libraries.
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 things to do in the Dayton area this weekend
Credit: Rick Flynn
Credit: Rick Flynn
Typically ghost stories around the holidays concern Ebenezer Scrooge but the Dayton Theatre Guild wonderfully resets the narrative with “The Woman in Black,” Stephen Mallatratt’s eerie British play (starring an outstanding Matt Meier) about a haunted Victorian estate and examining the horrors of the past.
This weekend also sees the return of HoliDayton headlined by rockers Hawthorne Heights, a hot chocolate festival in Fairborn, and a Broadway-style song and dance variety revue at the Arbogast Performing Arts Center in Troy. Check out our list of things to do.
🩰Dance: Dayton Ballet’s “Nutcracker” reimagined for a new generation
Credit: ron valle
Credit: ron valle
There’s an all-new version of “The Nutcracker” happening Dec. 13-22 at the Schuster Center courtesy of Dayton Ballet featuring choreography by artistic director Brandon Ragland. Read more about the show’s development and Ragland’s desire to bring a fresh perspective to the classic work.
🎄Around Town: Liederkranz-Turner German Club to host authentic German Christkindlmarkt holiday event
Credit: Tom Gilliam
Credit: Tom Gilliam
The Dayton German Club’s Christkindlmarkt returns Dec. 14 and 15 featuring handmade German collectables such as beer steins, antiques and jewelry. You can also expect traditional German food and beverages as well as a raffle. Read more about this year’s event.
🪽Dance: Dayton Contemporary Dance Company presents “The Littlest Angel”
Credit: SCOTT ROBBINS
Credit: SCOTT ROBBINS
The Dayton Contemporary Dance Company presents their adaptation of Charles Tazewell’s 1946 children’s story Dec. 14 at the University of Dayton. Back by popular demand for the eleventh time and choreographed by DCDC Associate Artistic Director Crystal Michelle, this endearing story of giving and humility is accented with narration and traditional holiday tunes. Company member Countess V. Winfrey also portrays the titular role for the sixth time. Read more about the production.
🎄Around Town: All the things to see as part of the ongoing Dayton Holiday Festival
The Dayton Holiday Festival began Thanksgiving weekend featuring the lighting of the Christmas tree at Courthouse Square but there are many events still happening to celebrate the season. Here’s a rundown of activities through the end of December.
📚 Literati: Local libraries have lots of free events for month of December
Credit: Andy Snow
Credit: Andy Snow
Libraries across the Dayton region are always an enjoyable refuge whenever cold weather dominates. There are several free events happening for all ages that are themed to the holiday season, including concerts, craft seminars and movie nights. Read more about what’s in store.
🎵 Music: Levitt Pavilion’s secret concert series continues through March
Credit: CONTRIBUTED PHOTO SCOTTYDFOTO
Credit: CONTRIBUTED PHOTO SCOTTYDFOTO
Levitt Pavilion Dayton’s UpClose concerts provide a unique opportunity for concertgoers to purchase tickets without knowing the performer or venue details until just before the event. Previous UpClose concerts have taken place in unexpected locations around Dayton such as Joui Wine, a studio at ThinkTV and Front Street Artists. Attendees only discover the exact location 36 hours before the performance and the artists are revealed as they step on the stage. At each concert, audiences get a musical tasting menu with three artists from varying genres. Tickets are $45 for the next Levitt UpClose concert slated Jan. 16, 2025. For tickets, visit levittdayton.com. Read more about the series.
⛪ Around Town: Nativity scenes from around the world on display at University of Dayton
Credit: Jim Noelker
Credit: Jim Noelker
The 30th anniversary exhibition of the nativity displays at the University of Dayton’s Marian Library is free and open to the public through Jan. 17, 2025. Read more about this year’s collection curated with the theme “Joy to the World!”
🎵 Music: What is a liquid light show? Here’s how to see one in Dayton
Dayton percussionist Billy Gruber enjoys collaborating with bands in the form of liquid light shows, a throwback to the genre of experimental rock music in the 1960s. He’ll be at The Brightside Music and Event Venue on Dec. 21 for a Pink Floyd tribute. Read more about his artistry.
⭐A Day in the Life: Mychaelyn Michalec is a local artist who creates daily on her ‘island’
Credit: Hannah Kasper
Credit: Hannah Kasper
Dayton artist Mychaelyn Michalec’s creations are made of fiber in the needle punching technique. She’s also represented by three galleries — K Contemporary in Denver, Sarah Gormley in Columbus, and CAMP Gallery in Miami. Read more about her artistic passions and projects.
📷 Photos: Kettering Mayor’s Tree Lighting at Lincoln Park Civic Commons, Lebanon Horse-Drawn Carriage Parade & Festival and Oregon Historic District Grand Holiday Tour of Homes
Credit: Tom Gilliam
Credit: Tom Gilliam
The Kettering Mayor’s Tree Lighting took place Dec. 6 at Lincoln Park Civic Commons.
The 35th annual Lebanon Horse-Drawn Carriage Parade & Festival happened in Historic Downtown Lebanon on Dec. 7.
The Oregon Historic District’s Grand Holiday Tour of Homes returned Dec. 7 and 8.
🍷 ICYMI: Wondering which vintage compliments a niche romance novel? Swoon Books & Wine can tell you
Credit: Contributed
Credit: Contributed
Swoon Books & Wine, a romance bookstore and wine bar co-owned by CMS Certified Sommelier Lauren Gay of Joui Wine and Lindsay Woodruff of fair trade boutique Maraluna, is slated to open in February 2025. Here’s a preview of what to expect.
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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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