Dayton Invites You to Traditional ‘Christmas Kick-Off’

Your wish for an old-fashioned Christmas is a dream come true, thanks to “the town that still believes.”

A mule-drawn carriage ride, carolers singing in front of the town tree, and businesses serving cookies and cheer. Children eyes twinkling as they line up to visit Santa, while adults shop in the town’s retail stores and at a Christmas Market in a historic train depot. A tree-lighting, fireworks, a lighted parade, reindeer and a Nativity scene with a live camel. It’s all part of Dayton’s annual “Christmas Kick-Off,” always held on the Friday and Saturday after Thanksgiving.

Visit Dayton on Nov. 24 and 25 for this free two-day celebration. Enjoy the Festival of Trees, the Ugly Christmas Sweater 5k Dash or a Christmas movie at the Liberty Theater. And be sure to take a bus ride to view the town’s lighted homes.

Those are just some of the activities this historic town has planned for this event. The Festival of Trees will feature trees decorated by local businesses and organizations. You’ll have the chance to win one of three trees to be raffled off, with proceeds going to the Giving Tree and Project Timothy.

For information, visit historicdayton.com or call the Dayton Chamber of Commerce at (509) 382-4825.