Good morning, Dayton.

This morning, For the Love of Children donated gifts to 1,000 kids in Montgomery County (hats, coats, toys) to celebrate early Christmas.

Today, the Dayton Arcade began Holly Days featuring local vendors, food trucks and a food drive for Miami Valley Meals during the holiday season.

Several Dayton firms appear among Military Times’ Best for Vets: 2025 employers, with downtown Infinity Labs + CareSource featured alongside GE Aerospace, Booz Allen Hamilton and Total Quality Logistics as they are praised for veteran-friendly hiring and training programs.

Cox Enterprises, which owns local newspapers, earned fifth place nationally.

Nifty Thrifties Bargain Bins on Dayton Springfield Road in Enon offers mystery containers for $60 and bins where prices drop from $10 on Saturdays to $1 on Wednesdays (a model shared by three other local bin stores) as shoppers hunt for bargains.

Fairborn City Schools board member Jerry Browning is stepping down on Jan.

1 to pursue other opportunities, and the board will review applications for his replacement (available from Wednesday on East Whittier Avenue and due Dec. 19) with interviews planned in late December.

In honor of America's 250th anniversary in 2026, students in grades 3-12 across Dayton are invited to enter a national writing and art contest reflecting on what America means.

A total of 250 winners will earn behind-the-scenes field trip experiences next summer + cash prizes.

Dayton is set to launch its Violence Interruption Program as Felons with a Future teams with Cure Violence Global to curb community violence.

The Greater Dayton-area Hospital Association will begin training next month.

A State Farm study found that nearly 60% of Dayton drivers reported increased stress during holiday travel, with nearly half planning out-of-town trips; expert Jon Wey (security and driving specialist) discussed road safety tips on Wednesday morning via Zoom.

Veterinarian Dr. Susan Kimmel warned local pet owners about hidden holiday hazards during the busy season and shared her tips live via Zoom with Dayton 24/7 Now yesterday at 10:04 a.m.

Dayton Children’s Hospital is now running its second neonatal intensive care unit at Kettering Health Main Campus.

The new NICU (managed by Ginny Dalton, the senior director) will care for critically ill newborns as part of efforts to lower maternal and infant mortality.

Ventura Foods is recalling over 4,000 cases of salad dressings and sauces sold at local retailers after the FDA found black plastic pieces, which pose a choking hazard.

Consumers should return these products for a refund, and no injuries have been recorded.

The Littlest Angel by DCDC

7:30-9:00 p.m. — University Of Dayton Kennedy Union Boll Theatre — $35 — Experience the magical retelling of a holiday classic through stunning dance that celebrates Black heritage and the true spirit of giving.

The Nutcracker

Dec 13-22 — Benjamin & Marian Schuster Performing Arts Center — Prices vary — Experience the magic of Tchaikovsky’s tale of Clara and her enchanting adventure in this holiday classic.

Breakfast with Santa

8:30-9:30 a.m. — 2nd Street Market — Check event page for cost — Enjoy a festive morning with Santa while indulging in breakfast treats.

Gumdrop Gingerbread House Workshop

5:30-7 p.m. — Painting with a Twist — $27-$38 — Create a festive gingerbread house with gumdrops and glitter to celebrate the holiday season.

Erika Wennerstrom - Up Close & Personal

7-10 p.m. — The Brightside Music & Event Venue — $30 — Experience an intimate hometown performance by lead singer of Heartless Bastards, Erika Wennerstrom, with special guest Eleanor Dakota.

Seasonal Shorts Performance

7:30-9 p.m. — The Loft Theatre — Tickets from $44 — Experience an unforgettable performance filled with seasonal delights.

Candlelight Christmas Carols on Strings

4:00-5:00 p.m. — Dayton Masonic Center — Tickets required — Experience the enchanting sounds of Christmas carols performed by a string quartet in a beautifully candlelit setting.

Candlelight: Christmas Carols on Strings

6:15-7:15 p.m. — Dayton Masonic Center — Check event page for pricing — Experience the magic of Christmas carols performed by the Listeso String Quartet in a captivating candlelit setting.

A Berry Merry Market

11 AM – 3 PM — The Blue Berry Cafe Kettering — Free entry — Experience festive fun with local vendors and sweet treats for the holiday cheer.

Dayton Ohio Eurogamers Meetup

6:30-11:55 p.m. — Bell, Book & Comic — Free entry — Engage in an evening of board games with fellow enthusiasts of all skill levels.