Christmas in July! at Cozy Book Nook (July 18)
Celebrate the season early with a cozy Christmas in July event at The Cozy Book Nook on Wednesday, July 15, from 11:00AM - 4:00PM! Browse the shelves while enjoying holiday-themed surprises, exclusive sales, giveaways and fun for the whole family. Visitors can also meet local authors Jessica Booth and Amy Tackett during special book signings throughout the day, making it the perfect opportunity to discover your next great read.
Be sure to arrive early because the first 15 customers to make a purchase will receive a special Christmas in July gift. Whether you're shopping for yourself or getting a head start on holiday gift-giving, this festive event is sure to spread plenty of Christmas cheer.
Christmas in July Sale at Lula Bell (July 21-25)
Get into the holiday spirit with holly-jolly summer savings during Lula Bell's Christmas in July Sale!
Shoppers can enjoy 30% off products storewide, including Christmas cards, boxed note cards, and more. This sale is available in store and online at LulaBellShop.com, from July 21-25. Stock up on festive decor, thoughtful gifts, and beautiful stationery at amazing prices. Use code XMASJULY to receive your discount!
For more information, visit their website here.
Christmas in July! Skateworld of Kettering (July 24-26)
Lace up your skates and celebrate the holidays with a summertime twist at Skateworld of Kettering's Christmas in July celebration! From July 24-26, the rink will be transformed with festive decorations, Christmas music and plenty of holiday cheer. Keep an eye out for special appearances from Santa and even the Grinch throughout the weekend!
Event Schedule:
🛼Friday, July 24 10:00 AM - 10:00 PM
🛼Saturday, July 25 10:00 AM - 9:30 PM
🛼Sunday, July 26 10:00AM - 9:00 PM
Admission is $11 on Friday and Saturday and $12 on Sunday, with skate rentals available for an additional fee.
Visit Skateworld's website for more information.
Looking Ahead to the Holidays
Dayton Performing Arts Alliance Xmas in July Bundle (July 8-25)
If Christmas in July has you counting down the days until the holiday season, now is the perfect time to plan ahead. The Dayton Performing Arts Alliance is helping audiences get a jump on two beloved holiday traditions with its Christmas in July Bundle & Save promotion.
Purchase tickets to both The Nutcracker and Handel's Messiah in the same order between July 8 and July 25, and you'll automatically receive 20% off eligible adult tickets (no promo code required). It's a great opportunity to secure some of the best available seats before the holiday rush and experience two timeless performances that have become cherished seasonal traditions for many Dayton families.
For more information, visit the Dayton Performing Arts Alliance's website.
A Carillon Christmas (November 24)
Mark your calendar for Tuesday, November 24, as Carillon Historical Park transforms into a dazzling holiday destination during A Carillon Christmas! Stroll through the beautifully decorated 65-acre campus as thousands of twinkling lights create a festive winter wonderland filled with seasonal activities for all ages.
Visitors can enjoy visits with Santa, ride the Carillon Park Railroad and the Midnight Express miniature train, watch Christmas concerts and puppet shows, browse model train displays and museum store shopping, and stop by the Carillon Christmas Cafe or Culp's Cafe for seasonal treats and drinks. You'll also find holiday favorites like the Carillon Tree of Light, letters to Santa, the Gristmill Christmas Village and Peppermint Mill, Morris and Hetzel Bakery, and plenty of festive cheer throughout the park.
Event Schedule
November 24 - December 30, 2026
🎄Sunday - Thursday | 5:00 - 9:00 PM
🎄Friday & Saturday | 5:00 - 10:00 PM
*Closed Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day
For more admission details and information, visit Carillon Historical Park's event page.
Dayton Dragons' Deck the Diamond
One of Dayton's newest holiday traditions returns this winter as Deck the Diamond transforms Day Air Ballpark into a magical walk-through holiday experience! With more than 1.1 million twinkling lights, festive displays and synchronized light shows, the ballpark becomes a winter wonderland for visitors of all ages.
Guests can enjoy photos with Santa, roast s'mores around the fire pits, play holiday-themed carnival games, browse the Merry Market for unique gifts and take in countless festive opportunities throughout the ballpark. Deck the Diamond is sure to become a highlight of the holiday season. Keep an eye out for ticket information and event dates for the 2026 holiday season.
Other Ways to Bring Some Christmas Fun to Your Summer:
- Make s'mores gingerbread houses 🏠
- Slip 'n slide instead of sledding 🛷
- Make frozen hot chocolate ☕
- Watch Christmas movies on Hallmark 🎬
- "Melted" snowball fight with water balloons 💧
- Christmas cookie decorating 🍪
- Pool party with Christmas decorations and floaties 🦩
- Make Christmas ornaments ✨
Whether you're making memories with family, supporting local businesses or simply embracing the holiday spirit a little early, there's something for everyone to enjoy. Be sure to check back with Destination Dayton this fall and visit our Holiday Happenings page for even more ways to celebrate the holiday season across the Miami Valley!
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Be sure to request a FREE Destination Dayton Visitors Guide and download the FREE Destination Dayton App for more about things to see and do in Dayton. Look for the special Holiday Happenings button on the app to map out your holiday fun.
