>> BEST OF DAYTON: What’s your favorite holiday tradition?
>> 7 of our favorite Dayton holiday traditions
>> The BEST holiday light displays near Dayton
A CARILLON CHRISTMAS
From now through Dec. 30, be sure to check out one of Dayton’s newest holiday traditions at Carillon Historical Park.
At night, the Carillon Tree of Light — Ohio’s tallest tree of light, standing at 200 feet — lights up the Deeds Carillon and the Dayton skyline with more than 20,000 lights.
Cost: $12 per adult (18-59), $10 seniors (60 and older), $8 children (3-17), free for children under 3 and Dayton History members.
Location: 1000 Carillon Blvd., Dayton.
More information: 937-293-2841 | www.daytonhistory.org
>> PHOTOS: Stunning images of the Carillon Tree of Light
Credit: Sarah Franks
Credit: Sarah Franks
Where to eat: Before or afterwards, grab a meal at The Carillon Brewing Co., an 1850s-style brewery and restaurant and the nation's only full-production brewery in a museum. Simple English-, German- and Irish-inspired meals and beers are on the straightforward menu. Entrees include a wurst platter ($12), herb-roasted split chicken ($12), schnitzel ($13) and fish and chips ($13.50). View the full menu here. A meal here is definitely a great way to pair a trip to the park.
Credit: Damon Higgins
Credit: Damon Higgins
LEGENDARY LIGHTS AT CLIFTON MILL
The 4 million lights decorating the grounds on and around Clifton Mill are simply spectacular. To say this is worth the drive would be an understatement. If you are not quite feeling the holiday mood, plan a walk around these grounds and make sure you there at the top of the hour to see the light show. The “Legendary Lights” are on every night from 5-9 p.m. starting Nov. 29. Closes one hour early on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
Cost: $10 per person; children 3 and younger under are free. Parking is free.
Location: 75 Water St., Clifton.
More information: 937-767-5501 or www.cliftonmill.com
Credit: Lisa Powell
Credit: Lisa Powell
Where to eat: Unfortunately, the restaurant inside Clifton Mill closes at 2 p.m. during Christmas lights season and is only open for lunch until they resume dinner hours in March, so eating there as a convenient option is out. If you're with kids, the sure bet is a trip to Young's Jersey Dairy or the Golden Jersey Inn north of nearby Yellow Springs for some sandwiches, ice cream or comfort dishes. But if you are looking for something a little more decadent and adult, book a table at The Winds in downtown Yellow Springs. You won't be sorry.
Credit: HANDOUT
Credit: HANDOUT
WOODLAND LIGHTS
Washington Twp.’s Woodland Lights offers traditional lights and sights people have come to love and a month jam-packed with holiday activities. The half-mile walking path is perfect for a winter stroll with loved ones. Open 6-9 p.m. through Dec. 23.
Cost: $9 per person; free for ages 2 and younger.
Location: 895 Miamisburg-Centerville Road, Washington Twp.
More information: 937-433-0152 | Website
>> How ‘Christmas Fairyland’ got its start 26 years ago
>> 11 photos of Woodland Lights that prove its one of the area's best traditions
Where to eat: Happily, there is no shortage of restaurants in the area closeby. I would suggest doing something different since you are in the area. Nelly's, Sweeney's Seafood, The Paragon Supper Club and Carvers Steaks & Chops would all offer delightful meals that would pair well with the evening's activities.