Morning Briefing | What's happening for the holidays in Dayton

It’s the week of Christmas, and there’s a lot going on between now and New Year’s Day.

In today’s Morning Briefing, we’ll give you a roundup of a variety of stories we’ve done surrounding the holiday. From celebrations, holiday light displays, restaurant openings to local ways to ring in the new year, we have you covered.

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The newsletter should take about 2 minutes, 45 seconds to read.

Here are some of the remaining holiday events slated in the region as we approach Christmas

                        

• Put up a tree: It’s not too late to buy live Christmas trees in the Dayton region. Here’s where to find them.

• The Harlem Globetrotters: Watch in awe as players go head-to-head featuring epic dunks, jaw-dropping four-point shots and more. They return to the Nutter Center on Dec. 31.

• Celebrate Christmas Eve: Experience a serene drive through David’s Cemetery, 4600 Mad River Road in Kettering, on Tuesday.

• Restaurants open on Christmas: For those who aren’t planning a meal on Christmas or don’t celebrate and want to go out to eat, there are a few options in the Dayton area.

• Pop-up bar: The owners of Cherry Street Bottle Shop in Troy have transformed its downstairs cocktail lounge into a Christmas pop-up bar “Cheer on Cherry Street” for the holiday season.

• Last minute shopping: Take a stroll through the downtown districts to find several unique gifts for your family and friends. Here’s a rundown of each district’s offerings.

New Year’s Eve things to do in Dayton and the region

                        

The Dayton area is home to many New Year’s Eve events, and here is a guide to some of those:

• Orbit Fun Center in Huber Heights: Throughout New Year’s Eve, Orbit Fun Center will celebrate in a number of ways. Family friendly activities start the day leading to their Adult Skate which begins at 10:30 p.m.

• The Foundry Rooftop: The Foundry Rooftop will kick off 2025 with an age 21 and older event called “Fire and Ice,” featuring variety of gourmet food and alcoholic beverage options.

• Dayton Funny Bone: The Dayton Funny Bone will send off 2024 with performances by two acclaimed comics, Rob Ward and Spencer James.

• Hollywood Gaming at Dayton Raceway: The venue is kicking off 2025 with its annual New Year’s Eve celebration. Music will be provided by LYD at the H-Lounge Stage, featuring a special balloon drop at midnight.

More holiday news

                        

• Holiday travel: It’s expected to be busiest ever: Airport reveals favorite destinations.

• Sensory-friendly holiday experiences: It is estimated that 15 to 20 percent of the world’s population is neurodivergent. Having a form of neurodivergence can often times be accompanied by sensory issues. Lights, sounds, crowds, temperature, clothing, music and more can all become an issue, especially around the holidays. Whether you or someone you know has sensory sensitivities these ideas could come in handy this Holiday Season.

• Cookie Contest: The Dayton Daily News holiday cookie contest returned this year with area bakers submitting nearly 30 of their very best recipes. Here are our top 10.

• Team Santa: Local Santas say it’s a great retirement gig and way to meet other seniors.

• Gift of dining: Suggestions for gifts of Dayton dining and experiences this holiday season.