Carillon Tree of Light & A Carillon Christmas
Since 2015, Dayton History has transformed the Deeds Carillon at Carillon Historical Park into a 200-foot-tall Tree of Light for its annual A Carillon Christmas celebration. Visible for miles, the Tree of Light has quickly become Dayton’s newest holiday tradition and a not-to-be-missed site in November and December.
Carillon Historical Park's entire 65-acre campus becomes a winter wonderland of sparkle, magic and holiday cheer during A Carillon Christmas. In addition to the Tree of Light, it features visits with Santa, Deeds Carillon Christmas concerts, a Christmas Café, model train displays, miniature train rides, a holiday bakery, and much more!
This year, the event kicked off on November 25 and runs through December 30. There is no charge to view or visit the Carillon Tree of Light, but there is an admission fee for A Carillon Christmas inside Carillon Historical Park.
Admission to A Carillon Christmas is $14 per adult (ages 18-59), $12 per senior (ages 60+) and $10 per child (ages 3-17). Admission is free for children 2 and under, as well as Dayton History members. Hours for A Carillon Christmas are Sunday-Thursday, 5-9 p.m. and Friday/Saturday, 5-10 p.m. A Carillon Christmas is closed Christmas Eve and Christmas Day
Carillon Historical Park is located at 1000 Carillon Boulevard, just off Patterson Boulevard. Go to Carillon Historical Park’s website for more about A Carillon Christmas and the Tree of Light.
Washington Township Woodland Lights
The second stop on our tour of area light displays is Washington Township’s annual Woodland Lights, located at Countryside Park, 895 Miamisburg-Centerville Road.
Woodland Lights offers a fantasy land of holiday lights and displays along the half-mile paved path. Visitors can stroll through 10 acres of sparkling lights and whimsical displays or take a ride on the Rieck Express train along a separate path that winds past the Pollinator Garden and the vernal pond. Woodland Lights also features visits with Santa and several specially themed nights.
The month-long festival kicked off November 21 and runs on select dates through December 30. It is open 6-9 p.m. (gates close at 8:30), and general admission is $9 per person (children 2 and under free), and season passes are available for $20 per person.
Visit the Washington Township website and Woodland Lights Facebook page for more information about Woodland Lights.
Deck the Diamond at Day Air Ballpark
New this year, the Dayton Dragons have transformed Day Air Ballpark, located in downtown Dayton, into a winter wonderland of lights with Deck the Diamond. Experience the enchantment of over 1.1 million dazzling lights and enjoy a festive lineup of holiday activities perfect for the whole family. Make unforgettable memories together at this one-of-a-kind holiday celebration. Deck the Diamond began on November 14, and runs on select nights until January 3, 2026. The 45-night event takes place nightly from 6-9 p.m. Admission is $12 for Monday-Thursday dates, $14 for Friday-Sunday dates, or $16 for Flexible Date tickets. A limited number of tickets are available for each Deck the Diamond event – advance purchases are encouraged.
You can head over to the Dragons' Deck the Diamond website for more information, and check out a preview over on our Facebook page!
While you're visiting Dayton/Montgomery County, be sure to explore holiday light shows in many of our suburban communities, as well! You can also check out light shows in our neighboring counties, like Clifton Mill in Greene County and the Holiday Lights at Lost Creek Reserve in Miami County. Making a long weekend of it? Book a stay in one of Montgomery County's many hotels. Be sure to also grab a bit to eat at one of the Dayton area's many restaurants.
What are your favorite local holiday light displays? Is there a house in your neighborhood that rivals Clark Griswold’s from Christmas Vacation? Let us know on social media! Be sure to check out our Dayton holiday shopping guide and visit the Holiday Happenings section of our website for more holiday fun around Dayton.
Images courtesy Dayton History/Carillon Historical Park, Woodland Lights and Dayton Dragons
For more information on things to do in Dayton, contact Destination Dayton at 937-226-8211 (Monday-Friday) or download the free Visit Dayton App from Google Play or the Apple Store. Be in the Know on All Things Dayton!
