Santa Claus is in town! Here's when, where to pay him a visit in Dayton
Dec. 17—It's that time of year again... Santa Claus is intown!
Luckily for us, Dayton has plenty of places you can visit Santa with your kids this year. Make this holiday a special one for your children and bring them out to experience a beloved holiday tradition with the jolly old man himself.
For your convenience, we have compiled a list of the places where St. Nick is hanging out this holiday season.
The Mall at Fairfield Commons
Santa's Village Presented by Dayton Children's Hospital
Catch him before his sleigh takes off! Dayton Children's Hospital has made it possible for children to spend time with Saint Nicholas inside Santa's Village throughout November and December. Those anxious to visit Santa right away can purchase a FastPass to simplify the Santa experience. Visit mallatfairfieldcommons.com for more information.
Where: Center Court on the lower level at the Mall at Fairfield Commons, 2727 Fairfield Commons Drive, Beavercreek
When:
Dates: Through Dec. 23
Times: 9 a.m. — 9 p.m.
Date: Christmas Eve
Time: 9 a.m. — 6 p.m.
Cost: Free — Photo packages are available for purchase
More info: Website
Dayton Mall
Photos with Santa
St. Nick will be in the building taking photos with children and asking what they want for Christmas until Christmas Eve.
Where: Center Court at Dayton Mall, 2700 Miamisburg Centerville Road, Dayton
When: Through Dec 24. Times vary; see full schedule here.
Cost: Visit is free, photo packages are available with purchase.
More info: Website
Other locations
Cupcakes with Santa
Twist Cupcakery is hosting its annual Cupcakes with Santa at their bakery on Saint Clair St. in Dayton. Parents can take photos of their child with Santa and they will also receive a free mini cupcake and a special treat from Santa. Other treats will also be available for purchase.
Where: Twist Cupcakery, 25 S. St. Clair St., Dayton
When: Noon to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 18
Cost: Free
More info: Facebook
Ohio Renaissance Festival's Yuletide Village: Season of Lights
Over the course of four weekends in November and December, the Ohio Renaissance Festival will host a Yuletide Village. This celebration of the holiday season will include visits with Woodland Santa Claus and Krampus, a Yuletide Market with plenty of potential gift ideas, from jewelry to classic wooden toys, themed lit areas, a colorful Gum Drop Alley, costumed carolers, cheery food and beverage menu and live entertainment.
Where: Renaissance Park, 10542 OH-73, Waynesville
When: Every Friday and Saturday from Nov. 26 through Dec. 18. Hours are 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Fridays and 3 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Saturdays.
Cost: Admission is $15 per person. Children 12 years of age and younger get in for free. Tickets can be purchased online and at the gate.
More info: yuletidevillage.com
Land of Illusion Christmas Glow
Celebrate the season at the Christmas Glow, a mile of 3 million lights at the Christmas Around the World drive-through experience. A petting zoo, gift shop, Santa's Workshop and Christmas Village will also be available for visits.
Where: Land of Illusion, 8762 Thomas Rd., Middletown
When: Through Dec. 30. Closed on Christmas Day. Hours are 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Cost: $7 per person, children 3 years and under get in for free.
More info: www.landofillusion.com/glow/attractions/christmas-drive-thru
Woodland Lights
Woodland Lights is a beloved holiday lights display offering a half-mile-long paved path of lights and holiday displays. This year's event will include train rides, but not amusement park rides that have been featured annually through 2019. Carriage rides and Santa Claus will be a part of this year's event, but white-tailed deer will not. Special nights include Pet Night on Dec. 3 and 21, offering visitors a chance to bring their friendly pups on a leash to stroll through the park and get their picture with Santa.
Where: Countryside Park on the campus of the Washington Twp. RecPlex, 895 Miamisburg-Centerville Rd.
When: Through Dec. 19 and nightly from Dec. 20-30, except for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Hours are 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Gates close at 8:30 p.m.
Cost: Tickets may be purchased for $9 at www.woodlandlights.org or at the gate. Children 2 and under are admitted free. The admission price covers all expenses except for concessions.
More info: www.washingtontwp.org/recreation/woodland_lights
A Carillon Christmas
During the holiday season, Carillon Historical Park is transformed into a winter wonderland with the dazzling 200-feet-tall Carillon Tree of Light lighting up the sky each night and the remaining acres of land lit up with holiday lights. Visitors will also be able to visit with Santa Claus through Dec. 23, tour acres of magical lights displays, go holiday shopping and indulge in holiday-inspired treats.
Where: Carillon Historical Park, 1000 Carillon Blvd., Dayton
When: Through Dec. 30. Closed on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Hours are 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Cost: $12 per adult (ages 18-59); $10 per senior (ages 60+); $8 per child (ages 3-17) and free to children under 3 and Dayton History members.
More info: www.daytonhistory.org/events/special-events/a-carillon-christmas
