Your holiday season resource for Springfield is here! Explore our comprehensive guide for all the best events and activities. Whether you're a lifelong resident or just passing through, this guide will show you all the holiday wonders Springfield has to offer.
One highlight of the season is the enchanting Woodland Lights, where visitors can stroll through a stunning display of twinkling lights and holiday scenes. Additionally, the 2024 Dayton Holiday Festival Grande Illumination & Dayton Children's Parade brings together the community with its vibrant parades and festive ambiance. And the Ringing in the Holidays at Carillon Park is something you definitely don't want to miss, featuring historical holiday-themed activities for all ages. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Top Holiday Events In and Around Springfield
- 2024 Dayton Holiday Festival Grande Illumination & Dayton Children's Parade (Dayton)
- Woodland Lights (Dayton)
- Clifton Mill Christmas Lights 2024 (Clifton)
- The Indulge Holiday Event (Dayton)
- Ringing in the Holidays at Carillon Park (Dayton)
- Christmas in Historic Springboro Festival (Springboro)
- Hometown Holiday Walk in the Heart of Centerville (Centerville)
- Centerville Tree Lighting (Centerville)
- Shadrack’s Christmas Wonderland: Dayton (Dayton)
- Lebanon Holiday in Lights (Lebanon)
See these and even more events listed below!
Springfield Holiday Light Displays
Woodland Lights
What to Expect:
Interactive holiday light display with train rides and Santa visits.
Description:
Woodland Lights is an annual holiday event at Countryside Park featuring ten acres of sparkling lights, whimsical displays, and family-friendly activities. Visitors can stroll through the illuminated path, take a ride on the Rieck Express train, and meet Santa in a cozy log cabin. The event includes pet-friendly nights, scavenger hunts, and photo opportunities with costumed characters.
Where: Dayton | More Info: Woodland Lights
Centerville Tree Lighting
What to Expect:
Holiday tree lighting with musical performances and Santa visits.
Description:
The Centerville Tree Lighting ceremony at Benham's Grove features musical performances by the Centerville Community Band and Chorus, along with Miami Valley Dance. The event includes visits with Santa Claus and horse-drawn carriage rides.
Where: Centerville | More Info: Centerville Tree Lighting
2024 Dayton Holiday Festival Grande Illumination & Dayton Children's Parade
What to Expect:
Traditional tree lighting and nighttime parade with over 100,000 lights.
Description:
The 2024 Dayton Holiday Festival Grande Illumination & Dayton Children's Parade features a traditional tree lighting at Courthouse Square, followed by a nighttime parade with over 100,000 lights. The event includes live main stage entertainment, live reindeer, and various holiday activities.
Where: Dayton | More Info: 2024 Dayton Holiday Festival Grande Illumination & Dayton Children's Parade
Clifton Mill Christmas Lights 2024
What to Expect:
Synchronized light and sound show on historic mill and gorge.
Description:
Over 4 million lights illuminate the historic Clifton Mill, gorge, riverbanks, trees, and bridges, including a 100-foot "waterfall" of twinkling lights. The display features a Miniature Village, Santa Claus Museum, and a spectacular synchronized lights and music show.
Where: Clifton | More Info: Clifton Mill Christmas Lights 2024
Lebanon Holiday in Lights
What to Expect:
Running through 2 million lights.
Description:
The Dancing Lights 5K Fun Run/Walk is a family-friendly event where participants run amidst 2 million lights, timed to holiday favorites. The race ends at Santa's Village for hot chocolate and goodies.
Where: Lebanon | More Info: Lebanon Holiday in Lights
Shadrack’s Christmas Wonderland: Dayton
What to Expect:
Synchronized light and sound show with custom-built displays.
Description:
Shadrack’s Christmas Wonderland in Dayton features cutting-edge technology and traditional holiday charm, offering an unforgettable experience with custom-built light displays synchronized to joyful Christmas melodies. Drive through a mesmerizing 300-foot RGB tunnel and gaze at multiple 50-foot-tall Christmas trees, a sprawling carpet of lights, and traditional Christmas scenes.
Where: Dayton | More Info: Shadrack’s Christmas Wonderland: Dayton
Pyramid Hill Lights
What to Expect:
Drive-through holiday light show with local artist installations.
Description:
Pyramid Hill Lights features a unique drive-through holiday experience with over one million lights and installations by local artists, inviting the whole family to enjoy an art and nature-filled route.
Where: Hamilton | More Info: Pyramid Hill Lights
Wildlights at Columbus Zoo
What to Expect:
Holiday celebration in a zoo setting
Description:
Wildlights at the Columbus Zoo features millions of LED lights, animated musical light shows, and various holiday festivities, creating a vibrant holiday experience.
Where: Powell | More Info: Wildlights at Columbus Zoo
Toledo Zoo Lights Before Christmas
What to Expect:
Holiday celebration with extensive light displays and interactive activities.
Description:
The Toledo Zoo Lights Before Christmas features over one million lights, an 85-foot Big Tree, and 200+ illuminated animal images. Enjoy ice slides, live animal encounters, and holiday activities like the Ice Carving Demos and Holly Jolly Express.
Where: Toledo | More Info: Toledo Zoo Lights Before Christmas
Holiday in the City
What to Expect:
Synchronized light displays and festive decorations.
Description:
Holiday in the City is a festive event featuring beautifully decorated streets, holiday markets, and live entertainment.
Where: Springfield | More Info: Holiday in the City
Magic of Lights
What to Expect:
Interactive holiday light display with digital animations.
Description:
Magic of Lights is a drive-through holiday light display featuring over 2 million lights, classic holiday scenes, and digital animations. Guests can enjoy displays like Winter Wonderland, 12 Days of Christmas, and animated Mattel’s Waving Christmas Barbie.
Where: Middleburg Heights | More Info: Magic of Lights
PNC Festival of Lights
What to Expect:
Holiday celebration with synchronized lights and animal exhibits.
Description:
The PNC Festival of Lights at the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden features 4 million LED lights, 5 Fiona fairies in Fairyland, a blacklight puppet show, and the Wild Lights show on Swan Lake. Visitors can also enjoy seasonal concessions and meet ambassador animals in indoor habitats.
Where: Cincinnati | More Info: PNC Festival of Lights
Christmas at the Castle: A Kingdom of Lights
What to Expect:
Immersive holiday light display with festive atmosphere.
Description:
Stroll through the grounds of Landolls Mohican Castle, immersed in over 150,000 lights and outdoor Christmas trees, accompanied by festive tunes and the possibility of meeting Jolly Old Saint Nick.
Where: Loudonville | More Info: Christmas at the Castle: A Kingdom of Lights
Holiday Lights at Carlisle Reservation
What to Expect:
Drive-through holiday light display with festive activities.
Description:
Holiday Lights at Carlisle Reservation features a mile-long drive-through with classic lighted displays, including Santa's Castle and the Carousel, along with festively decorated trails and activities like Little Green Choo rides and balloon twisting.
Where: LaGrange | More Info: Holiday Lights at Carlisle Reservation
The Joy of Christmas Light Show
What to Expect:
Interactive holiday light displays with Santa's Ice Castle and Gingerbread House.
Description:
The Joy of Christmas Light Show in Columbiana features over 80 holiday-themed light displays, Santa's Ice Castle, and a Gingerbread House with Mrs. Claus Story Time. Enjoy hot chocolate, popcorn, and other treats while taking photos with Santa and exploring the festive atmosphere.
Where: Columbiana | More Info: The Joy of Christmas Light Show
The Christmas Ranch
What to Expect:
Synchronized light and sound show with festive activities.
Description:
The Christmas Ranch in Morrow, Ohio, is a whimsical place featuring 1 million dancing Christmas lights synchronized to holiday music. It includes a scenic drive-thru route, a Christmas Village with shops and a bakery, train and wagon rides, and opportunities to take pictures with Santa. The event also supports local charities.
Where: Morrow | More Info: The Christmas Ranch
Springfield Holiday Markets and Shopping
The Indulge Holiday Event
What to Expect:
Free health screenings and live music.
Description:
The Indulge Holiday Event is a one-stop shopping and indulgence experience featuring free health screenings, live music, silent auctions, and 50 unique businesses offering a variety of lifestyle resources and great foods.
Where: Dayton | More Info: The Indulge Holiday Event
Harvest to Holidays Market Series: Local Gems
What to Expect:
Showcase of local artisans and seasonal products.
Description:
The Harvest to Holidays Market Series: Local Gems is a seasonal event featuring local artisans, farmers, and vendors selling unique gifts and seasonal items.
Where: Centerville | More Info: Harvest to Holidays Market Series: Local Gems
Holiday Arts & Craft Show
What to Expect:
Unique handmade gift items and festive holiday decorations.
Description:
The Holiday Arts & Craft Show features over 100 vendors showcasing handmade gift items and festive holiday decorations at the Lathrem Senior Center and Kettering Recreation Complex.
Where: Kettering | More Info: Holiday Arts & Craft Show
St Peter Christmas Bazaar
What to Expect:
Extensive variety of handmade and vintage items.
Description:
The St Peter Christmas Bazaar features over 100 craft and vendor booths, a Christmas Rummage Sale, homemade food, and a basket raffle. Enjoy unique, high-quality craft items, vintage gently used Christmas items, and delicious homemade soups and sandwiches.
Where: Dayton | More Info: St Peter Christmas Bazaar
St. Matthew Holiday Bazaar
What to Expect:
Holiday shopping and dining event with vendors and food sales.
Description:
St. Matthew Holiday Bazaar features a lunch counter, cookie walk, bake sale, and vendor booths at St. Matthew Lutheran Church, offering a variety of holiday shopping and dining options.
Where: Dayton | More Info: St. Matthew Holiday Bazaar
Christmas Vintage Market - "Comfort & Joy"
What to Expect:
Unique blend of vintage decor and live music.
Description:
The Christmas Vintage Market - "Comfort & Joy" offers a charming open-air market featuring handmade and vintage home decor, holiday party-worthy clothing and accessories, and live music. Participants can also enjoy DIY classes and paint project demonstrations, as well as lunch at the charming outdoor food court.
Where: Dayton | More Info: Christmas Vintage Market - "Comfort & Joy"
Sugar Plum Holiday Market
What to Expect:
Unique blend of art, crafts, and gourmet gift foods.
Description:
The Sugar Plum Holiday Market at Roberts Centre in Wilmington, Ohio, offers a delightful shopping experience with a wide selection of art, crafts, gourmet gift foods, boutiques, and vintage items. This event supports talented local entrepreneurs and provides a great place to create new family traditions.
Where: Dayton | More Info: Sugar Plum Holiday Market
Christkindl Market
What to Expect:
Traditional German market with handcrafted goods and festive atmosphere.
Description:
The Christkindlmarkt at Dayton Liederkranz-Turner offers an old-world-style Christmas Market with traditional food, drink, and Gluhwein. Quality vendors sell handcrafted ornaments, beer steins, German collectibles, antiques, unique jewelry, note cards, and gifts. Delicious traditional food and beverages are available for carry-out.
Where: Dayton | More Info: Christkindl Market
Gifts To Go Holiday Bazaar
What to Expect:
Unique holiday shopping with donated items benefiting a local museum.
Description:
Gifts To Go Holiday Bazaar at Museum Friends Home features new, donated items from local businesses and residents, with proceeds benefiting the museum. The event includes raffles and holiday activities.
Where: Dayton | More Info: Gifts To Go Holiday Bazaar
Springfield Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Ringing in the Holidays at Carillon Park
What to Expect:
Annual holiday gala with live music and gourmet food.
Description:
Ringing in the Holidays at Carillon Park is an annual holiday gala featuring live music, gourmet hors d'oeuvres, delicious desserts, specialty cocktails, and a silent auction. This event has become a longstanding tradition at Carillon Historical Park, with a theme that changes each year and a highlight being the Dayton's Most Delicious Dessert contest.
Where: Dayton | More Info: Ringing in the Holidays at Carillon Park
Elf in Concert
What to Expect:
Live symphony orchestra performance accompanying the film Elf.
Description:
Buddy, accidentally transported to the North Pole as a toddler, travels to New York with a live symphony orchestra. The full film of Elf plays on the big screen while the Dayton Philharmonic performs John Debney's wonderful score.
Where: Dayton | More Info: Elf in Concert
Englewood Holiday Celebration
What to Expect:
Holiday music and children's entertainment with Santa visit.
Description:
Englewood's annual Holiday Open House Celebration features holiday music by the Englewood Civic Band, ongoing children's entertainment, balloon animals, and a visit from Santa Claus. Cookies will be served, and the event is open to everyone.
Where: Englewood | More Info: Englewood Holiday Celebration
Springfield Other Holiday Activities
Hometown Holiday Walk in the Heart of Centerville
What to Expect:
Complimentary horse-drawn carriage rides and a festive Vendor Village.
Description:
The Hometown Holiday Walk in the Heart of Centerville is a family-friendly event featuring horse-drawn carriage rides, visits with Santa, and a Vendor Village with local vendors. Enjoy holiday caroling, cookie decorating, and children's activities while exploring the shops of Uptown Centerville.
Where: Centerville | More Info: Hometown Holiday Walk in the Heart of Centerville
Winter Fest at Austin Landing
What to Expect:
Interactive holiday activities with Santa and festive fireworks.
Description:
Winter Fest at Austin Landing is a family-friendly event featuring live entertainment, food trucks, and holiday activities like ice skating, Santa's arrival, and a Christmas tree lighting ceremony.
Where: Miami Township | More Info: Winter Fest at Austin Landing
Christmas in Historic Springboro Festival
What to Expect:
Unique blend of shopping, entertainment, and family activities in a historic downtown setting.
Description:
The Christmas in Historic Springboro Festival is a 3-day holiday celebration featuring 76+ craft vendors, 29+ food vendors, a children’s tent, entertainment tent, and family fun activities. Downtown businesses are decorated with lights and holiday cheer, making it a special event for the entire family.
Where: Springboro | More Info: Christmas in Historic Springboro Festival
Festive Fun in Nearby Cities!
Discover Holiday events in hundreds of cities worldwide. Check out these nearby locations for more festive fun!
- Fairborn (13 miles)
- Huber Heights (18 miles)
- Xenia (18 miles)
- Riverside (19 miles)
- Beavercreek (20 miles)
- Troy (22 miles)
- Dayton (23 miles)
- Kettering (25 miles)
- Piqua (28 miles)
- Centerville (28 miles)
- Trotwood (28 miles)
- Sidney (31 miles)
- Marysville (32 miles)
- Miamisburg (32 miles)
- Hilliard (35 miles)
- Grove City (38 miles)
- Dublin (39 miles)
- Lebanon (40 miles)
- Upper Arlington (40 miles)
- Middletown (42 miles)
- Columbus (43 miles)