5 early holiday events to help you kick off the festive season

Here are five terrific events happening over the next week that are worth seeking out to give your holiday season the kick-off it deserves.

BEER-RY CHRISTMAS

When: 4-7 p.m. Nov. 21

Where: Kettering Tower Lobby, 40 N. Main St., Dayton

Why: Because it's the most wonderful time for a beer! The winter season holds many gifts for beer lovers in the form of big, bold ales designed to fend off the cold chill of a long winter's night. From Belgians and Barleywines to Stouts and Sours, these beers are rich, robust and full of complex flavors.This inaugural event will gather up a couple dozen of these winter warmers for a joyous holiday celebration to benefit the House of Bread, a non-profit community kitchen serving hot, nutritious, lunchtime meals to those in need.

How: Click here to purchase tickets

Cost: $20 in advance with a $2 processing fee

DAYTON LIEDERKRANZ TURNER’S FALL-WINTER BIERFEST

When: 6 p.m. Nov. 20

Where: 1400 E. Fifth St., Dayton

Why: Since 1890, Dayton Liederkranz-Turner has been promoting and preserving German culture and traditions in the Miami Valley. Enjoy the next edition of the Liederkranz's beer-tasting parties. Sample some 10 different seasonal imported and craft beers in the Rathskeller. The Bierfest will include snacks and door prizes. Food, including brats and metts, and a variety of beers and other drinks will be available for purchase.

How: Preregister by Nov. 18 for a discount by calling 937-429-9251. Designated drivers get in free of charge. Visit www.daytongermanclub.org for more information.

Cost: $20 at the door

RINGING UP THE HOLIDAYS

When: 6:30-10 p.m., Nov. 21

Where: Carillon Historical Park, 1000 Carillon Blvd., Dayton

Why: Carillon is unveiling a beautiful new collection of rare NCR cash registers at its 21st annual Ringing in the Holidays party. In celebration, they've titled the event Ringing Up the Holidays (in previous years it was Ringing in the Holidays). With live music, food, signature cocktails, a dessert contest and a silent auction, there's plenty to see and do.

How: For reservations call 937-293-2841, ext. 127 or visit www.daytonhistory.org

Cost: $75 for members, $85 for non-members

VINE & CANVAS

When: 6:30 p.m. Nov. 19

Where: The Dayton Art Institute, 456 Belmonte Park N., Dayton

Why: Arrow Wine and Dorothy Lane Market hold incredible Champagne tastings in late December, but here's your opportunity to toast the start of the holiday season with an all-Champagne tasting in November. Along with bubbly and snacks, there will be a themed docent-led tour of celebratory objects in The Dayton Art Institute's permanent collection. It's a one-of-a-kind tasting where visual art meets the best of the bubbly.

How: Visit www.daytonartinstitute.org/events or call 937-223-4ART (4278)

Cost: Advance tickets for each tasting are $30 for museum members and $35 for non-members. All tickets purchased the night of the tasting are $40.

WAFFLE SHOP

When: 11 a.m.- 2 p.m. Nov. 17-20

Where: Christ Episcopal Church, 20 W. First St. Dayton

Why: Every fall, Waffle Shop at Christ Episcopal Church opens for a wonderful four consecutive days offering up homemade waffles, sausage, soups, sandwiches, salads, desserts and drinks. Now in it's 86th year, it is still packing in people, and for good reason — it's delicious. There's a craft bazaar, bake sale, raffle and much more. The church shares 75 percent of the funds raised with local charities and programs and the remainder goes to help the church. It's delicious food at a great price and definitely the best place to lunch downtown from Nov. 17-20.

How: Call 937-223-2239 or visit www.daytonchristepiscopal.com. Lunch orders can be faxed in at 937-223-2416

Cost: Depends on what you buy — the pricing is reasonable and you can dine in or carry-out.

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