Christmas Kick Off 2022

DAYTON–Glittering, sparkling, twinkling Christmas lights and Santa Claus-themed decorations, plus a few new activities are in store as the Dayton Chamber of Commerce's Christmas Kick-Off rings in the holidays with a lighted parade and two full days of free activities on November 25–26 in Downtown Dayton.

Christmas traditions become life-long memories when children's eyes dance–or cry–as they line up to visit Santa and whisper their heart's desires to the Man In Red, while adults shop the town's retail stores and a busy Christmas Market in the State's oldest train depot.

One of this year's new events invites parade-goers to linger after the fireworks show in the blocked-off portion of 2nd and Main Street, where the Family Friendly After Party will include live music, dancing, marshmallow roasting around fire pits, hot dogs and hot chocolate. Performing will be Gary and Erica Winston for the public's enjoyment, from 7-9 p.m.

Another new feature of the 2022 Christmas Kick-Off will be prolifically displayed Nativity Scenes in businesses up and down Main Street, courtesy of Nikki Fulbright. Look for them in various store's windows as you stroll around that weekend.

The fun gets underway at 10 a.m. Friday, November 25 with the Festival of Trees and Selfies with Santa at 219 E. Main Street (formerly Wenaha Gallery). The "trees" and "selfies" also take place Saturday morning beginning at 10 a.m.

Ten o'clock is also the time to register for the 5k Ugly Christmas Sweater Dash, which starts at the Columbia County Courthouse at 11 a.m., and is put on by the Backroads Club. Even if you're a walker not a runner, it's still something fun and invigorating to be a part of.

What would Christmas and Santa Claus be without reindeer? Again this year, there will be live reindeer to enjoy on South 1st Street, between Dingle's of Dayton and State Farm Insurance, Avren Childers Agency. Don't miss 'em–they're only there from noon until 3 p.m. Friday.

The Craft Bazaar and Holiday Market is expanding and needs more room, so stroll up 2nd Street to Dayton Elementary's MultiPurpose Room. Its hours are 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Friday and 10 a.m-4 p.m. on Saturday.

Check out the Christmas Market at the Historic Depot. It opens at 10 a.m. on Friday and Saturday, staying on until 6 p.m. Friday and closing at 4 p.m. Saturday.

For a change of pace, climb aboard a modern vintage wagon for a Mule-Drawn Hayride around Dayton. Embark at the Historic Dayton Depot at 222 E. Commercial Avenue. Wagon rides go from noon until 3:30 p.m. on Friday and noon until 3 p.m. Saturday.

The Boldman House Christmas will be open to the public on Friday and Saturday from 1-4 p.m., at its beautiful 410 N. 1st Street location.

See Izzy the Camel again this year, Friday only from 3-7 p.m. on South 1st Street. Izzy will also lend an air of authenticity to the traditional Live Nativity, which is held off S. 1st Street, on the back side of Dingle's of Dayton. There the Christmas Story is re-enacted along with narration from the Gospels. It's a must-see.

Another fun activity at 3 p.m. is the screening of Dr. Seuss's "How the Grinch Stole Christmas," starring Jim Carrey. It's free of charge at the Liberty Theater. Don't miss the Friday screening; Saturday is reserved for the live performance of "The Sound of Music" matinee at 3 p.m.

For those wishing to tantalize their palates, check out the beer and wine tasting with Chief Spring's Brew Pub and Red Band Cellars, at 270 E. Main Street, from 4-6 p.m.

At 6 p.m., you'd better watch out because there'll be the Lighted Christmas Kick-Off Parade, coming down Main Street, with the final entry being ol' Kris Kringle himself.

Following the parade, congregate to the Elk Drug parking lot at 1st and Main for the lighting of the community Christmas Tree and a singalong with the United Brethren Church Choir and the countdown with Santa.

With the tree appropriately lighted, attention turns skyward for the fireworks display, which should be visible from most Main Street vantage points.

The Christmas Lighting Contest and Tour, sponsored by Columbia County Public Transportation, will hold its first lighting tour, setting sail from the Elk Drug parking lot at 7:30 p.m. See the ad in this issue for details on how homeowners may participate, and for bus tour scheduling.

Following fireworks, amble down toward the Historic Dayton Depot for the Family Friendly After Party, and there enjoy toasted marshmallows, hot chocolate, a hot dog and live music.

Remember those less fortunate in our community by checking out the Giving Tree at Dingle's of Dayton. This local program pairs generous people with families and children in the community so everyone's Christmas may be a little brighter.