“Chestnuts roasting on an open fire, Jack Frost nipping at your nose, yuletide carols being sung by a choir, and folks dressed up like Eskimos.”
If you think that sounds like a line from a classic Christmas song — it is! And the small town of Dayton will bring it all to life the Friday and Saturday after Thanksgiving, Nov. 28 and 29.
From “The Town That Still Believes,” Dayton’s Christmas Kickoff delivers all the wonder and merriment you expect from small-town America. Memories of simpler times come alive there — tree trimming, eggnog, chestnuts, family and friends gathered around a fire, and children with “eyes all aglow” trying to catch a glimpse of Santa.
This year’s festivities include mule-drawn carriage rides, the Ugly Sweater 5K Dash, the Festival of Trees, the Holiday Market, a Christmas movie at the Liberty Theater, appearances by live reindeer and Rizzy the camel, a live Nativity event, a lighted Christmas Parade, tree-lighting, fireworks, and selfies with Santa. Kids can also write letters to Santa, and you can visit the shops and historic buildings, including the Dayton Depot and the Boldman House.
For information and a schedule, check the Dayton Chamber of Commerce Facebook page, send email to chamber@historicdayton.com, or call (509) 382-4825.