When: Dec. 13-22; 7:30 p.m. Fridays, 2:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Saturdays, and 2:30 p.m. Sundays
Where: Schuster Center, 1 W. Second St., Dayton
Details: The Dayton Performing Arts Alliance’s world premiere of the Dayton Ballet’s all-new presentation is the first to be conceived and conceptualized by the company with a fresh artistic vision in choreography (Dayton Ballet Artistic Director Brandon Ragland), sets (Ray Zupp) and costumes (Lyn Baudendistel) since 2013.
Cost: $8-$108
Tickets and more info: 937-228-3630 or daytonperformingarts.org
2. “The Littlest Angel”
When: 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 14
Where: University of Dayton’s Kennedy Union Boll Theatre, 300 College Park, Dayton
Details: The Dayton Contemporary Dance Company’s adaptation of Charles Tazewell’s endearing 1946 children’s story is back by popular demand for the eleventh time. Choreographed by DCDC Associate Artistic Director Crystal Michelle, this touching account concerns giving and humility accented with narration and traditional holiday tunes. The story concerns a little angel whose mischievous ways captures the hearts of everyone around her and reveals the true spirit of giving. Company member Countess V. Winfrey is reprising the titular role for the sixth time as well.
Cost: $25
More info: Call 937-228-3232 or visit dcdc.org
Credit: SCOTT ROBBINS
Credit: SCOTT ROBBINS
3. HoliDayton 2024
When: 6:30-11:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 13
Where: The Brightside Music and Event Venue, 905 E. Third St., Dayton
Details: Hawthorne Heights will headline with a full performance of the “Silence in Black in White” album.
Cost: $21.99 for general admission. $49.99 for VIP add-on tickets.
More info: 937-410-0450 or thebrightsidedayton.com
4. “The Woman in Black”
When: 8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 13, 5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 14 and 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 15
Where: Dayton Theatre Guild, 430 Wayne Ave., Dayton
Details: David Shough’s outstandingly atmospheric presentation of Stephen Mallatratt’s adaptation of novelist Susan Hill’s introspective thriller about a haunted British estate would’ve been perfect programming around Halloween but it’s still a major player this holiday season. Jim Walker (Kipps) and Matt Meier (Actor), a dynamically cohesive duo, are expertly expressive storytellers as the line between reality and imagination blurs with spooky finesse as the Woman (Caitlin Larsen Deer) ominously flows in and out of the action, which incorporates fog effects. Meier’s breakthrough portrayal is particularly remarkable due to his emotional depth and astute grasp of the script’s play-within-a-play structure. Shough’s terrific lighting and sound design, Red Newman’s Victorian set and L. Lynn Brown’s period costumes accent one of the finest community theater productions of 2024. Do not miss this opportunity to catch a prime example of what the Dayton Theatre Guild does best.
Cost: $19-$26
More info: 937-278-5993 or daytontheatreguild.org
5. Christkindlmarkt
When: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 14 and Noon to 4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 15
Where: Dayton Liederkranz Turner, 1400 E. Fifth St., Dayton
Details: The German Christmas Market returns with numerous vendors offering handcrafted ornaments, beer steins, German collectible items, antiques, unique jewelry, note cards and gifts.
Cost: Free
More info: daytongermanclub.org
Credit: Rick Flynn
Credit: Rick Flynn
6. Hot Chocolate Festival
When: 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 14
Where: Hobson Freedom Park, 2910 Trebein Road, Fairborn
Details: Enjoy food trucks, vendors, music and Santa.
Cost: Free
More info: E-mail hungerdaysftr@gmail.com
7. “Christmas in the Air”
When: 4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 15
Where: Arbogast Performing Arts Center, 500 S. Dorset Road, Troy
Details: This Broadway-style song and dance variety revue is wrapped up in a warm, fun and feel-good holiday storyline told by two of Santa’s favorite elves. Organizers describe the production as a family “snow globe come to life” experience.
Cost: $30-$55
More info: arbogastpac.com
8. Miami Valley Symphony Orchestra Holiday Concert
When: 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 15
Where: Dayton Masonic Center, 525 W. Riverview Ave., Dayton
Details: Special guests include the Gem City Ballet, Jennifer Fair (soprano) and Robert Rhodes (tenor). Santa will be available for photos from 4:30-7 p.m.
Cost: Free
More info: daytonmasoniccenter.org
Credit: Jamie K Morton
Credit: Jamie K Morton
9. Mistletoe Magic Holiday Marketplace
When: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 14 and 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 15
Where: Montgomery County Fairgrounds, 645 Infirmary Road, Dayton
Details: Get presents for loved ones from the many vendors and bring the kids to visit with Santa.
Cost: $6. Free for children 12 and under.
More info: montcofair.com
10. Victorian Christmas
When: 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 15
Where: Carriage Hill Farm, 7800 E. Shull Road, Huber Heights
Details: From cards to holiday foods, various aspects of Christmas will be presented in this festive event.
Cost: Free
More info: metroparks.org
Credit: CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
Credit: CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
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