The First Friday celebration takes place at businesses throughout downtown from 5 to 10 p.m. today, Dec. 1. You’ll find unusual and locally made items, enjoy live holiday-themed entertainment, and find plenty of sales events and special offers.
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New this year: Downtown’s popular multi-passenger bicycles are making rounds to different downtown destinations. The Sugarplum Shuttle operates Friday and Saturday nights from 6-8 p.m., starting Dec. 1. Look for special signs for the hop on/hop off stations. Dec. 1, the route will be in the Oregon District, with hop-on/hop-off stations at either end of Fifth Street. Dec. 8-9, the route will be in the Oregon District and a route connecting RiverScape MetroPark to the Schuster Center. Check the Facebook event for this week’s schedule. (Shuttle rides will cancel under inclement weather.)
First Friday is also the official start of the Whimsical Windows display contest. Participating businesses can win a cash prize if they collect the highest votes on the website, or collect the most “likes,” shares and comments on their designated social media post. Visit www.DaytonHolidayFestival.org for more information.
Other events include:
FAMILY MOVIE SERIES
Dec. 2, 9 and 16 — noon.
The Neon, 130 E. Fifth St.
This year’s series: Dec. 2, “Prancer”; Dec. 9, “Miracle on 34th Street”; and Dec. 16, “Home Alone.” Titles subject to change. Free for kids 12 and younger, $2 for adults. (937) 222-7469.
UNO’S PIZZA WITH SANTA
Dec. 2, 3, 9, 10, 16 and 17; 11 a.m.
Uno Pizzeria & Grill, 126 N. Main St.
Have a special lunch with Santa and then visit The Tike’s Shoppe and other downtown holiday attractions. Reservations required. Call for cost. (937) 910-8000.
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VIRGINIA KETTERING’S TRAIN DISPLAY
Nov. 24-Jan. 2; Mon.-Fri. 8:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m.
Kettering Tower lobby, Second and Main streets
Visitors can view this one-of-a-kind model train display that was given to the community by Mrs. Virginia Kettering. This community treasure has been refurbished thanks to the Virginia W. Kettering Foundation, Schultz Electric Train Layouts & Hobbies and the Miami Valley Garden Railway Society. The display can also be viewed through the building windows at Second and Main anytime. (937) 224-1518.
WINTERGARDEN WONDERLAND
Nov. 24-Dec. 31; Mon.-Fri.: 8:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m.; closed on non-performance Sundays
Schuster Center Wintergarden, Second and Main streets
Come see one of the area’s longest-running holiday traditions — the magical Rike’s department store holiday window displays! Animated elves, woodland animals, violinists and skaters fill the corner of Second and Main streets in downtown Dayton, where these displays delighted people beginning more than 70 years ago. (Not accessible during private events. Call to confirm hours.) 228-7591.
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THE TIKE’S SHOPPE
Dec. 1 - CLOSED
Dec. 2 - 10 a.m.-4 p.m. (Santa 2-4 p.m.)
Dec. 3 - noon-6 p.m. (Santa 2-5 p.m.)
Dec. 8 - 2-6 p.m. (Santa 2-5 p.m.)
Dec. 9 - 10 a.m.-6 p.m. (Santa 2-5 p.m.)
Dec. 10 - noon-6 p.m. (Santa 2-5 p.m.)
Dec. 11-14 - CLOSED
Dec. 15 - 2-7 p.m. (Santa 2-5 p.m.)
Dec. 16 - 10 a.m.-7 p.m. (Santa 2-5 p.m.)
Dec. 17 - noon-6 p.m. (Santa 2-5 p.m.)
Dec. 18 - CLOSED
Dec. 19-22 - noon-7 p.m. (Santa 2-5 p.m.)
Dec. 23 - 10 a.m.-7 p.m. (Santa 2-5 p.m.)
Schuster Center Wintergarden, Second and Ludlow entrance
A special shop run by kids, for kids ― and priced within a kid’s budget. Santa is available for pictures from 2-5 p.m. each day of the Tike’s Shoppe. Managed by YES! For Youth. (937) 750-3076.
NOONTIME ENTERTAINMENT
Dec. 6-16
Various downtown buildings
Downtown is ringing with the sound of music this holiday season. Groups from throughout the Miami Valley will perform holiday selections during the 2017 Dayton Holiday Festival’s Noontime Entertainment Program. Starting at noon, performing groups will present their holiday selections as lunchtime entertainment in selected building lobbies. Take a break from your chaotic schedule to get in the holiday spirit and enjoy the carols and instrumental sounds.
Ribbon
p.m. foredition’s
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