Published November 6, 2023
Celebrate the Holidays in Your Five Rivers MetroParks
As the weather cools down, holiday spirit winds up. Your Five Rivers MetroParks offers numerous activities to help you celebrate the season. Shop for holiday gifts from local vendors at the 2nd Street Market, celebrate the splendor of Christmases past at Carriage Hill MetroPark, or start a new winter tradition at the region’s largest outdoor ice rink at RiverScape MetroPark.
Listed below are just a few of the events MetroParks is hosting this winter. Visit metroparks.org to find a complete list of holiday and other programs.
- Ice Rink Opening Weekend
When: Friday, Nov. 24, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Saturday, Nov. 25, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; and Sunday, Nov. 26, 1 to 5 p.m.
Where: RiverScape MetroPark, 237 E. Monument Ave.
Cost: $10 for admission and skate rental; Montgomery County residents who use EBT/SNAP benefits can show their card for a 50% discount, thanks to the Five Rivers MetroParks Foundation.
All ages
Looking for a fun activity during Thanksgiving weekend? Start the holiday season creating a core memory at RiverScape MetroPark ice skating with friends and family. Find more information about events and hours at the MetroParks Ice Rink online. - Aullwood Winter Luminary Walk
When: Saturday, Dec. 2, 5 to 7 p.m.
Where: Aullwood Garden MetroPark, 955 Aullwood Rd.
Cost: Free
All ages
Celebrate Aullwood’s 100th anniversary with an evening walk through luminary-lit pathways and a tour of the John and Marie Aull house. Enjoy music and refreshments and the year-round beauty of Aullwood. - Christmas on the Farm
When: Saturday, Dec. 9, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: Carriage Hill MetroPark Historical Farm, 7850 E. Shull Rd.
Cost: Free
All ages
Christmas is when family and traditions form memories. A Victorian Christmas and its many traditions will be presented, from cards to holiday foods. - Christmas on the Farm: A Holiday Evening
When: Saturday, Dec. 9, 5 to 7 p.m.
Where: Carriage Hill MetroPark Historical Farm, 7850 E. Shull Rd.
Cost: Free
All ages
Continue the holiday fun during a candlelit Christmas evening. Stroll through the farm and experience what it was like at night during the 1880s. Bonfires will also make the evening complete as an old-fashioned Victorian Christmas comes to life.
Holidays at the 2nd Street Market
- Global Artisan Market
When: Sunday, Nov. 19, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Where: 2nd Street Market, 600 E. Second St.
Cost: Free
All ages
The Market has partnered with Welcome Dayton and others to invite guest artisans who recently arrived in this country to share their cultures. Join us for music and shop for artisan wares from New Daytonians and others. - Stock Up Wednesday
When: Wednesday, Nov. 22, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Where: 2nd Street Market, 600 E. Second St.
Cost: Free
All ages
Stop by the Market during these extended hours to support local small businesses and shop for all your Thanksgiving celebration essentials, including fresh produce and flowers, kitchen staples, prepared food, and one-of-a-kind gifts. - Sunset at the Market
When: Thursday, Dec. 7, 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Where: 2nd Street Market, 600 E. Second St.
Cost: Free
All ages
The Market, in collaboration with The Arcade’s Holly Days and Dayton RTA, will host a special evening of holiday shopping and entertainment downtown. Roaming carolers, artisans, and specialty and prepared food will be at this event. An RTA shuttle will stop at both locations, as well as the Oregon District Parking Garage, between 5:30 and 9 p.m. Shop both locations for a chance to win a holiday basket from the Market’s vendors. - Artisan Night
When: Thursday, Dec. 14, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Where: 2nd Street Market, 600 E. Second St.
Cost: Free
All ages
Join us for an evening of holiday workshops, such as tabletop decorative arrangements, stamped jewelry, fused glass and more.
