The Dayton area has 13 Christmas events for kids we could confirm for the 2026 season, from Holiday Puppet Show in Vandalia on November 30 to Book Boogie: Holiday Edition in Huber Heights, which runs through December 19. 13 of them are free, and every listing links straight to the host. It is one stop on our guide to Christmas events for kids in Ohio, part of our guide for every state.
The short version
- 13 kids’ Christmas events confirmed in Dayton for 2026, in Dayton, Beavercreek, Huber Heights, Bellbrook, Englewood, Fairborn, Vandalia and West Carrollton
- First: Holiday Puppet Show, Vandalia, November 30. Runs latest: Book Boogie: Holiday Edition, Huber Heights, through December 19
- Free: Holiday Puppet Show, Family Storytime: Holidays and Celebrations, City of West Carrollton's Holiday Festival, Elf Training, Holiday Magic with Carroll Baker, Jingle Bell Storytimes, Christmas Cards for Kids, Family Storytime - Winter Holidays, Book Boogie: Holiday Edition, Crafty Kids: Keepsakes and Ornaments, Holiday Crafts & Stories, Westside Winter Wonderland! and Gingerbread House Designers
- Checked on each host’s own page; each listing links straight to it
Below is every event we could confirm, grouped by city, with the date, time, cost and the small things parents ask about (sign-ups, ages, what is included). Looking for a Santa train instead? Those are on our Ohio Christmas train rides page.
Dayton Christmas events for kids at a glance
- Kids’ Christmas events
- 13 confirmed for 2026
- Cities
- Dayton, Beavercreek, Huber Heights, Bellbrook, Englewood, Fairborn, Vandalia and West Carrollton
- Season
- November 30 to December 19, 2026
- Free events
- 13
- Kinds of events
- holiday story time, holiday crafts, holiday show and story time with Santa
- Last checked
Plan your December
When each Dayton Christmas event for kids happens
The first is Holiday Puppet Show in Vandalia on November 30; the last runs to December 19. Each bar spans an event’s dates, not every hour in them, so check the host’s page for times.
- Holiday Puppet ShowVandalia · Nov 30
- Family Storytime: Holidays and CelebrationsDayton · Dec 2 to Dec 11
- City of West Carrollton's Holiday FestivalWest Carrollton · Dec 5
- Elf TrainingBellbrook · Dec 5
- Holiday Magic with Carroll BakerBeavercreek · Dec 5
- Jingle Bell StorytimesFairborn · Dec 7 to Dec 11
- Christmas Cards for KidsBeavercreek · Dec 10
- Family Storytime - Winter HolidaysHuber Heights · Dec 12
- Crafty Kids: Keepsakes and OrnamentsDayton · Dec 16
- Book Boogie: Holiday EditionHuber Heights · Dec 16 to Dec 19
- Holiday Crafts & StoriesBeavercreek · Dec 17
- Westside Winter Wonderland!Dayton · Dec 17
- Gingerbread House DesignersEnglewood · Dec 18
Look inside the book
Story time with Santa in Dayton? Bring Rally home.
Rally Takes the Train is a five-minute rhyming picture book about a corgi’s first train ride, hand-painted in real watercolor. It makes a cozy bedtime story after a big day with Santa. Turn a few pages here.
Rally Takes the Train
Eight pages from the book
Turn the page
That's 8 of 25 pages
See who’s waiting at the station
Grandmommy and Papa are at the last stop. Get the full hand-painted book, $16.99 on Amazon.
See the full bookPage 1 of 8
Like it so far? See the full book
25 hand-painted pages, paperback, $16.99 with fast shipping from Amazon.
Every page is real watercolor on paper, painted by hand by Leslie Dunn. Nothing in this book was made with AI.
Christmas events for kids in Dayton
3 confirmed events for kids in Dayton, soonest first.
Dayton: Family Storytime: Holidays and Celebrations
Holiday story timeFreeDayton Metro Library · Dayton
- Host
- Dayton Metro Library (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Burkhardt Branch, 4704 Burkhardt Ave, Dayton, OH 45403
- When
- Wed December 2 (4 to 4:45 pm) and Fri December 11 (10 to 10:45 am), 2026
- Cost
- Free
- Ages
- Children of all ages and caregivers
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
The Burkhardt Branch runs a monthly family story time with a different holiday or celebration theme each month, and the December sessions focus on Nochebuena, the Christmas Eve celebration. Expect books, songs and activities designed so children of all ages and their caregivers can take part together.
There are two December sessions: Wednesday, December 2, from 4 to 4:45 pm, and Friday, December 11, at 10 am. No registration is listed. It is a gentle option for families with mixed ages, since the program is built for siblings to attend together rather than being split by age group. The Burkhardt Branch is at 4704 Burkhardt Avenue on Dayton's east side, and the program is listed in the library's events for young children and families.
Parent tip: Pick the Wednesday after school slot or the Friday morning slot. All ages can attend together.
See dates and details from Dayton Metro Library (opens in a new tab)Dayton: Crafty Kids: Keepsakes and Ornaments
Holiday craftsFreeDayton Metro Library · Dayton
- Host
- Dayton Metro Library (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Southeast Branch, 21 Watervliet Ave, Dayton, OH 45420
- When
- Wednesday, December 16, 2026, 3:30 to 4:30 pm
- Cost
- Free, registration required
- Ages
- Families of all ages
- Sign-up
- Required ahead of time
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Crafty Kids at the Southeast Branch is a hands on craft program designed for families of all ages, and the December session is themed around keepsakes and ornaments. Families work together on projects, try new techniques and materials, and bring home finished pieces for the tree or to give as gifts.
The program runs from 3:30 to 4:30 pm on Wednesday, December 16. Registration opens 30 days ahead and the session is capped at a small group of about 10, so signing up early matters. The branch offers a social story for families who want to prepare a child ahead of the visit. Projects go home the same day. The branch is at 21 Watervliet Avenue on Dayton's southeast side, near Kettering.
Parent tip: Register early, since the session is capped at about 10 spots.
See dates and details from Dayton Metro Library (opens in a new tab)Dayton: Westside Winter Wonderland!
Holiday craftsFreeDayton Metro Library · Dayton
- Host
- Dayton Metro Library (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- West Branch, 300 Abbey Ave, Dayton, OH 45417
- When
- Thursday, December 17, 2026, 5 to 6 pm
- Cost
- Free, registration
- Ages
- Families
- Sign-up
- Required ahead of time
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
The West Branch of Dayton Metro Library invites families to bundle up and celebrate the winter season with an hour of winter fun activities, crafts and more on Thursday, December 17, from 5 to 6 pm.
A community giveaway follows right after in the branch's Community Room, so families can plan to stay for both. The calendar shows online registration with a waitlist, so signing up ahead is the safest way to secure a spot. Questions can go to the library's Ask Me Line at 937-463-2665, which can transfer callers to the West Branch. The West Branch is at 300 Abbey Avenue, and the after school timing makes this an easy weekday outing for families on Dayton's west side who want a festive hour together.
Parent tip: Register online, since the event has a capacity limit and waitlist. Stay for the giveaway that follows.
See dates and details from Dayton Metro Library (opens in a new tab)Christmas events for kids in Beavercreek
3 confirmed events for kids in Beavercreek, soonest first.
Beavercreek: Holiday Magic with Carroll Baker
Holiday showFreeGreene County Public Library · Beavercreek
- Host
- Greene County Public Library (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Carol Graff Beavercreek Library, 3618 Dayton-Xenia Rd, Beavercreek, OH 45432 (near Dayton)
- When
- Saturday, December 5, 2026, 1 to 2 pm
- Cost
- Free, no registration
- Ages
- All ages
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Greene County Public Library welcomes Columbus comedy magician and mentalist Carroll Baker to the Carol Graff Beavercreek Library for a holiday show on Saturday, December 5, from 1 to 2 pm. The show mixes comedy magic and mind reading, and Baker invites helpers from the audience to become the stars of each trick, so both kids and grown ups get in on the fun.
Baker has performed more than 10,000 shows for schools, libraries and families since 1991. The show is for all ages and no registration is needed, so families can simply arrive a little early to find seats. The show lasts about an hour. The library is at 3618 Dayton-Xenia Road in Beavercreek, an easy drive from east Dayton.
Parent tip: No registration needed. Arrive early for good seats, since kids may be picked as helpers.
See dates and details from Greene County Public Library (opens in a new tab)Beavercreek: Christmas Cards for Kids
Holiday craftsFreeGreene County Public Library · Beavercreek
- Host
- Greene County Public Library (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Carol Graff Beavercreek Library, 3618 Dayton-Xenia Rd, Beavercreek, OH 45432 (near Dayton)
- When
- Thursday, December 10, 2026, 6 to 7 pm
- Cost
- Free, registration required
- Ages
- Ages 6 to 12
- Sign-up
- Required ahead of time
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Miss Sophie leads an evening of card making at the Carol Graff Beavercreek Library for kids ages 6 to 12. Children try a variety of techniques and materials to create wintry greeting cards they can give to family and friends or display as holiday decor around the house.
The program runs from 6 to 7 pm on Thursday, December 10. Registration is required, opens two weeks ahead and closes a day before. The group is capped at about 12, with a waitlist once it is full, so it is worth signing up as soon as registration opens. Cards go home that night. The library is at 3618 Dayton-Xenia Road in Beavercreek, and the evening time works well for school age kids after homework.
Parent tip: Register as soon as it opens two weeks ahead, since only about 12 spots are available.
See dates and details from Greene County Public Library (opens in a new tab)Beavercreek: Holiday Crafts & Stories
Holiday story timeFreeGreene County Public Library · Beavercreek
- Host
- Greene County Public Library (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Carol Graff Beavercreek Library, 3618 Dayton-Xenia Rd, Beavercreek, OH 45432 (near Dayton)
- When
- Thursday, December 17, 2026, 10:30 to 11:30 am
- Cost
- Free, registration required
- Ages
- Ages 4 to 7
- Sign-up
- Required ahead of time
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
At the Carol Graff Beavercreek Library, Mr. Tim shares a couple of his favorite holiday stories and then helps children make a couple of holiday themed crafts to take home. His fall and winter series moves through spooky season and turkey season, and this December session lands in what he calls Santa season.
The program is for ages 4 to 7 and runs from 10:30 to 11:30 am on Thursday, December 17. Registration is required, opens two weeks before, and closes a day ahead. The group is small, about 15 people, and there is a waitlist when it fills. Kids go home with their crafts. The library is at 3618 Dayton-Xenia Road in Beavercreek, and the morning time suits preschoolers and kindergartners.
Parent tip: Registration opens two weeks ahead and closes the day before. Space is about 15 people.
See dates and details from Greene County Public Library (opens in a new tab)Christmas events for kids in Huber Heights
2 confirmed events for kids in Huber Heights, soonest first.
Huber Heights: Family Storytime - Winter Holidays
Holiday story timeFreeDayton Metro Library · Huber Heights
- Host
- Dayton Metro Library (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Huber Heights Branch, 6243 Brandt Pike, Huber Heights, OH 45424 (near Dayton)
- When
- Saturday, December 12, 2026, 10:30 to 11 am
- Cost
- Free
- Ages
- Children of all ages and caregivers
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
The Huber Heights Branch of Dayton Metro Library hosts a half hour family story time on Saturday morning, December 12. The session celebrates the many winter holidays that happen in and around December, with books, songs and activities that children of all ages and their caregivers can enjoy together.
It runs from 10:30 to 11 am and no registration is listed. Because it is on a Saturday, it is a good choice for working parents and for families who want to pair it with errands or other weekend holiday plans. The same branch also hosts Book Boogie holiday dance parties later in the month. The branch is at 6243 Brandt Pike in Huber Heights, and the cozy half hour format is ideal for little ones with short attention spans.
Parent tip: A short 30 minute session, so it works well for toddlers and preschoolers.
See dates and details from Dayton Metro Library (opens in a new tab)Huber Heights: Book Boogie: Holiday Edition
Holiday story timeFreeDayton Metro Library · Huber Heights
- Host
- Dayton Metro Library (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Huber Heights Branch, 6243 Brandt Pike, Huber Heights, OH 45424 (near Dayton)
- When
- Wed December 16 (10 to 10:30 am) and Sat December 19 (10:30 to 11 am), 2026
- Cost
- Free
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Book Boogie at the Huber Heights Branch pairs a story with a dance party, and the December editions have a holiday twist. Children listen to a story first, then stick around to move and dance to festive music, a fun way to burn off energy in the busy week before Christmas.
There are two chances to go: the Holiday Edition on Wednesday, December 16, from 10 to 10:30 am, and the Holiday Weekend Edition on Saturday, December 19, from 10:30 to 11 am. No registration is listed for either. The library calendar files it with its programs for young children and families. Come ready to move. The branch is at 6243 Brandt Pike, and both sessions are short enough for toddlers and preschoolers.
Parent tip: Dress kids in clothes they can dance in. The Saturday session suits working parents.
See dates and details from Dayton Metro Library (opens in a new tab)Christmas events for kids in Bellbrook
1 confirmed event for kids in Bellbrook, soonest first.
Bellbrook: Elf Training
Holiday eventFreeGreene County Public Library, Winters-Bellbrook Community Library · Bellbrook
- Host
- Greene County Public Library, Winters-Bellbrook Community Library (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Bellbrook Sugarcreek Park District Headquarters, 2751 Washington Mill Rd, Bellbrook, OH 45305 (near Dayton)
- When
- Saturday, December 5, 2026, 10 to 11 am
- Cost
- Free, registration required
- Ages
- Families
- Sign-up
- Required ahead of time
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
The Winters-Bellbrook Community Library is holding tryouts for Santa's workshop. At Elf Training, families test their skills with package balancing, speed present wrapping, candy cane mini golf and more, a playful, active hour for kids who like games more than sitting still.
The program takes place off site at the Bellbrook Sugarcreek Park District Headquarters, 2751 Washington Mill Road, on Saturday, December 5, from 10 to 11 am. It is for families and registration is required. Registration opens Saturday, November 21, at 8 pm, and the session holds about 50 people. The program is listed for whole families, not only children. Because the program is active, comfortable shoes and layers are a good idea. Families from Centerville, Kettering and Beavercreek are within a short drive.
Parent tip: Note the location is the park district headquarters, not the library. Registration opens Nov 21 at 8 pm.
See dates and details from Greene County Public Library, Winters-Bellbrook Community Library (opens in a new tab)Christmas events for kids in Englewood
1 confirmed event for kids in Englewood, soonest first.
Englewood: Gingerbread House Designers
Holiday craftsFreeDayton Metro Library · Englewood
- Host
- Dayton Metro Library (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Northmont Branch, 700 W National Rd, Englewood, OH 45322 (near Dayton)
- When
- Friday, December 18, 2026, 4:30 to 5:30 pm
- Cost
- Free, registration required
- Sign-up
- Required ahead of time
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
At the Northmont Branch in Englewood, kids can decorate gingerbread houses that look good enough to eat, just in time for the holidays. The twist is that nothing is edible: the library uses cardboard gingerbread house molds, plastic decorative candies, paint markers and paint, so children with food allergies can join in without worry and the finished house will last.
The program runs from 4:30 to 5:30 pm on Friday, December 18. Registration opens 30 days before and space is limited, with a waitlist when full. The branch offers a social story for families who want to prepare a child for the visit. Paint is part of the project, so dress for a little mess. The branch is at 700 W National Road in Englewood.
Parent tip: Allergy friendly, since no real food is used. Register early, as space is limited.
See dates and details from Dayton Metro Library (opens in a new tab)Christmas events for kids in Fairborn
1 confirmed event for kids in Fairborn, soonest first.
Fairborn: Jingle Bell Storytimes
Holiday story timeFreeGreene County Public Library · Fairborn
- Host
- Greene County Public Library (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Fairborn Community Library, 1 E Main St, Fairborn, OH 45324 (near Dayton)
- When
- Mon December 7 (10:30 to 11:30 am), Tue December 8 (10:30 to 11 am), Wed December 9 (10:30 to 11 am), Thu December 10 (10:30 to 11:30 am) and Fri December 11 (10:30 to 11 am), 2026
- Cost
- Free, no registration
- Ages
- Ages 0 to 5, by session
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
The Fairborn Community Library turns its regular story times into Jingle Bell editions for one week in December, and the library invites families to dress little ones in a festive outfit. Each weekday morning at 10:30 has a different focus: S.T.E.M. stories and experiments for ages 3 to 5 on Monday, music and movement with rhythm instruments for ages 2 to 5 on Tuesday, toddler story time for ages 2 to 3 on Wednesday, preschool songs and stories for ages 3 to 5 on Thursday, and baby story time for ages 0 to 2 on Friday.
No registration is required for any of the sessions. Most last 30 minutes, while the Monday and Thursday sessions run about an hour. Arrive a few minutes early.
Parent tip: Choose the day that matches your child's age. Festive outfits are encouraged.
See dates and details from Greene County Public Library (opens in a new tab)Christmas events for kids in Vandalia
1 confirmed event for kids in Vandalia, soonest first.
Vandalia: Holiday Puppet Show
Holiday showFreeDayton Metro Library · Vandalia
- Host
- Dayton Metro Library (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Vandalia Branch, 330 S Dixie Dr, Vandalia, OH 45377 (near Dayton)
- When
- Monday, November 30, 2026, 11 am to noon
- Cost
- Free
- Ages
- Ages 3 to 5
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
The Vandalia Branch of Dayton Metro Library hosts a hand puppet show that teaches preschoolers about the December holidays, followed by a craft that children can take home. It is designed for ages 3 to 5, so the pace and length suit little ones who are new to library programs.
The show takes place on Monday, November 30, from 11 am to noon, which makes it a nice weekday morning outing for families with children not yet in school. No registration is listed on the library calendar. The branch is at 330 S Dixie Drive in Vandalia, north of Dayton, and families with older siblings in school will find the morning timing works best for little ones at home. It is a calm way to introduce small children to the season.
Parent tip: Best for ages 3 to 5. Plan on staying for the craft after the show.
See dates and details from Dayton Metro Library (opens in a new tab)Christmas events for kids in West Carrollton
1 confirmed event for kids in West Carrollton, soonest first.
West Carrollton: City of West Carrollton's Holiday Festival
Story time with SantaFreeDayton Metro Library and City of West Carrollton City Beautiful Commission · West Carrollton
- Host
- Dayton Metro Library and City of West Carrollton City Beautiful Commission (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- West Carrollton Branch, 300 E Central Ave, West Carrollton, OH 45449 (near Dayton)
- When
- Saturday, December 5, 2026, 4 to 5:45 pm
- Cost
- Free
- Ages
- Families
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
The West Carrollton Branch Library joins the city's City Beautiful Commission for this annual family tradition on Saturday, December 5. The festival includes horse drawn wagon rides, performances by West Carrollton High School choir and orchestra groups, a candy cane hunt, letter writing to Santa and a tree lighting ceremony. Hot cocoa and cookies are served.
Santa is available for free photos, so bring a camera or phone. Inside the library, families can walk an interactive Story Stroll in the Community Room, and kids and teens can make ornaments in the children's and teen areas from 4 to 5:45 pm, with all supplies provided. No registration is listed. It is one of the area's busiest free family nights. The branch is at 300 E Central Avenue in West Carrollton.
Parent tip: Bring your own camera or phone for the free Santa photos, and dress for both indoor and outdoor activities.
See dates and details from Dayton Metro Library and City of West Carrollton City Beautiful Commission (opens in a new tab)Looking further afield? Our Ohio Christmas events for kids guide lists every confirmed event in the state, and we have city guides for Cincinnati, Columbus, OH, Cleveland, Akron and Toledo. The national search sorts every event by distance from your town.
A story for the drive home
A morning with Santa or an evening of holiday stories tends to end the same way: tired kids, a long drive and one more book before bed. Our picture book follows Rally the corgi on his first train ride to see his grand-paw-rents, and every page is painted by hand. If your family is spending December missing someone, it was written for that too. For the car, print our free corgi and train coloring pages.
A bedtime story after seeing SantaRally Takes the Train is a five-minute rhyming picture book about a corgi’s first train ride, hand-painted in real watercolor by Leslie Dunn. $16.99 on Amazon, ages 0 to 8.
Buy on AmazonDayton Christmas events for kids: questions parents ask
What Christmas events for kids are in Dayton in 2026?
We confirmed 13 Christmas events for kids in Dayton for 2026 on each host’s own page: Holiday Puppet Show in Vandalia (November 30), Family Storytime: Holidays and Celebrations in Dayton (December 2), City of West Carrollton's Holiday Festival in West Carrollton (December 5), Elf Training in Bellbrook (December 5), Holiday Magic with Carroll Baker in Beavercreek (December 5), Jingle Bell Storytimes in Fairborn (December 7), Christmas Cards for Kids in Beavercreek (December 10), Family Storytime - Winter Holidays in Huber Heights (December 12), Book Boogie: Holiday Edition in Huber Heights (December 16), Crafty Kids: Keepsakes and Ornaments in Dayton (December 16), Holiday Crafts & Stories in Beavercreek (December 17), Westside Winter Wonderland! in Dayton (December 17) and Gingerbread House Designers in Englewood (December 18). Every one is listed below with times, cost and a link to the host.
What Christmas events for kids are in Dayton, Ohio?
For families in and around Dayton, the confirmed Christmas events for kids this season are: Family Storytime: Holidays and Celebrations (Wed, Dec 2, 4 pm, and Fri, Dec 11, 10 am, free); Crafty Kids: Keepsakes and Ornaments (Wed, Dec 16, 3:30 to 4:30 pm, free, registration required); Westside Winter Wonderland! (Thu, Dec 17, 5 to 6 pm, free, registration). Details and the host’s link for each are in the Dayton section of this page.
What Christmas events for kids are in Beavercreek, Ohio?
For families in and around Beavercreek, the confirmed Christmas events for kids this season are: Holiday Magic with Carroll Baker (Sat, Dec 5, 1 to 2 pm, free, no registration); Christmas Cards for Kids (Thu, Dec 10, 6 to 7 pm, free, registration required); Holiday Crafts & Stories (Thu, Dec 17, 10:30 to 11:30 am, free, registration required). Details and the host’s link for each are in the Beavercreek section of this page.
What Christmas events for kids are in Huber Heights, Ohio?
For families in and around Huber Heights, the confirmed Christmas events for kids this season are: Family Storytime - Winter Holidays (Sat, Dec 12, 10:30 to 11 am, free); Book Boogie: Holiday Edition (Wed, Dec 16, 10 am, and Sat, Dec 19, 10:30 am, free). Details and the host’s link for each are in the Huber Heights section of this page.
What Christmas events for kids are in Bellbrook, Ohio?
For families in and around Bellbrook, the confirmed Christmas events for kids this season are: Elf Training (Sat, Dec 5, 10 to 11 am, free, registration required). Details and the host’s link for each are in the Bellbrook section of this page.
What Christmas events for kids are in Englewood, Ohio?
For families in and around Englewood, the confirmed Christmas events for kids this season are: Gingerbread House Designers (Fri, Dec 18, 4:30 to 5:30 pm, free, registration required). Details and the host’s link for each are in the Englewood section of this page.
What Christmas events for kids are in Fairborn, Ohio?
For families in and around Fairborn, the confirmed Christmas events for kids this season are: Jingle Bell Storytimes (Mon to Fri, Dec 7 to 11, 10:30 am, free, no registration). Details and the host’s link for each are in the Fairborn section of this page.
What Christmas events for kids are in Vandalia, Ohio?
For families in and around Vandalia, the confirmed Christmas events for kids this season are: Holiday Puppet Show (Mon, Nov 30, 11 am to noon, free). Details and the host’s link for each are in the Vandalia section of this page.
What Christmas events for kids are in West Carrollton, Ohio?
For families in and around West Carrollton, the confirmed Christmas events for kids this season are: City of West Carrollton's Holiday Festival (Sat, Dec 5, 4 to 5:45 pm, free). Details and the host’s link for each are in the West Carrollton section of this page.
Are there free Christmas events for kids in Dayton?
Yes. 13 of the 13 events here are free: Holiday Puppet Show in Vandalia, Family Storytime: Holidays and Celebrations in Dayton, City of West Carrollton's Holiday Festival in West Carrollton, Elf Training in Bellbrook, Holiday Magic with Carroll Baker in Beavercreek, Jingle Bell Storytimes in Fairborn, Christmas Cards for Kids in Beavercreek, Family Storytime - Winter Holidays in Huber Heights, Book Boogie: Holiday Edition in Huber Heights, Crafty Kids: Keepsakes and Ornaments in Dayton, Holiday Crafts & Stories in Beavercreek, Westside Winter Wonderland! in Dayton and Gingerbread House Designers in Englewood. Some free events still ask you to register, so check each listing.
Where can kids see Santa in Dayton this December?
Santa appears at City of West Carrollton's Holiday Festival in West Carrollton (December 5). Times and booking rules are in each event’s listing above.
Where are there Christmas story times for kids in Dayton?
Holiday story times on this page: Family Storytime: Holidays and Celebrations in Dayton, City of West Carrollton's Holiday Festival in West Carrollton, Jingle Bell Storytimes in Fairborn, Family Storytime - Winter Holidays in Huber Heights, Book Boogie: Holiday Edition in Huber Heights and Holiday Crafts & Stories in Beavercreek. Library story times are usually free; story times with a meal or show are ticketed.
Which Dayton Christmas events are best for toddlers?
These are aimed at babies, toddlers and preschoolers: Jingle Bell Storytimes in Fairborn (Ages 0 to 5, by session).
How much is Holiday Puppet Show in Vandalia?
Free. Holiday Puppet Show is on Monday, November 30, 2026, 11 am to noon at Vandalia Branch. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
How much is Family Storytime: Holidays and Celebrations in Dayton?
Free. Family Storytime: Holidays and Celebrations is on Wed December 2 (4 to 4:45 pm) and Fri December 11 (10 to 10:45 am), 2026 at Burkhardt Branch. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
How much is City of West Carrollton's Holiday Festival in West Carrollton?
Free. City of West Carrollton's Holiday Festival is on Saturday, December 5, 2026, 4 to 5:45 pm at West Carrollton Branch. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
How much is Elf Training in Bellbrook?
Free, registration required. Elf Training is on Saturday, December 5, 2026, 10 to 11 am at Bellbrook Sugarcreek Park District Headquarters. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
How much is Holiday Magic with Carroll Baker in Beavercreek?
Free, no registration. Holiday Magic with Carroll Baker is on Saturday, December 5, 2026, 1 to 2 pm at Carol Graff Beavercreek Library. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
How much is Jingle Bell Storytimes in Fairborn?
Free, no registration. Jingle Bell Storytimes is on Mon December 7 (10:30 to 11:30 am), Tue December 8 (10:30 to 11 am), Wed December 9 (10:30 to 11 am), Thu December 10 (10:30 to 11:30 am) and Fri December 11 (10:30 to 11 am), 2026 at Fairborn Community Library. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
How much is Christmas Cards for Kids in Beavercreek?
Free, registration required. Christmas Cards for Kids is on Thursday, December 10, 2026, 6 to 7 pm at Carol Graff Beavercreek Library. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
How much is Family Storytime - Winter Holidays in Huber Heights?
Free. Family Storytime - Winter Holidays is on Saturday, December 12, 2026, 10:30 to 11 am at Huber Heights Branch. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
How much is Book Boogie: Holiday Edition in Huber Heights?
Free. Book Boogie: Holiday Edition is on Wed December 16 (10 to 10:30 am) and Sat December 19 (10:30 to 11 am), 2026 at Huber Heights Branch. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
How much is Crafty Kids: Keepsakes and Ornaments in Dayton?
Free, registration required. Crafty Kids: Keepsakes and Ornaments is on Wednesday, December 16, 2026, 3:30 to 4:30 pm at Southeast Branch. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
How much is Holiday Crafts & Stories in Beavercreek?
Free, registration required. Holiday Crafts & Stories is on Thursday, December 17, 2026, 10:30 to 11:30 am at Carol Graff Beavercreek Library. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
How much is Westside Winter Wonderland! in Dayton?
Free, registration. Westside Winter Wonderland! is on Thursday, December 17, 2026, 5 to 6 pm at West Branch. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
How much is Gingerbread House Designers in Englewood?
Free, registration required. Gingerbread House Designers is on Friday, December 18, 2026, 4:30 to 5:30 pm at Northmont Branch. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
Are there Christmas train rides for kids in Dayton?
Yes, but they have their own guide. Santa trains and holiday train rides are listed in our Dayton Christmas train rides guide, so this page sticks to story times, Santa visits and other events off the rails.
How do you confirm these events?
We list an event only after we find this season’s date on the host’s own website or an official city or tourism calendar. We last checked every listing on November 2, 2026. Hosts change details, so always confirm on the host’s page before you go.
Event names belong to their hosts. Rally Takes the Train is a family picture book and is not affiliated with, sponsored by or endorsed by any host listed here. Confirm dates, times and prices on each host’s own site before you go.
