10 of the best things to do in Dayton this week

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1) CHRISTMAS GLOW

Land of Illusion, 8762 Thomas Road, Middletown, first gained attention for its over-the-top Halloween attraction. Now, the venue is embracing the Yuletide season with the Christmas Glow.

The attractions include visits from Santa Claus, the Christmas Around the World drive-through experience with more than 3 million lights and a Christmas village. Christmas Glow, which opened on Nov. 17, is open from 6 to 11 p.m. nightly through Dec. 30. Land of Illusion is closed on Christmas day.

Santa Claus will be available for $10 5-by-7 photos from 6:30 to 10:30 p.m. each night. No personal cameras allowed. Cost: $16 per vehicle, $2 off with canned good to benefit Hope House Mission. $45 for vehicles of 10 passengers or more. Call 513-423-9960 or visit www.landofillusion.com.

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2) BELL BIV DEVOE

Ricky Bell, Mike Bivins and Ron Devoe first hit the charts as members of New Edition in the 1980s. They carried that commercial success over to their next group Bell Biv DeVoe in the 1990s. The trio released its fourth album, "Three Stripes," in January 2017, which was its first new studio album since "BBD" in 2001. Bell Biv Devoe, currently on tour supporting that new album, perform at the Schuster Center, Second and Main streets, Dayton, at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 27. Cost: $42-$72. Call 937-228-3630 or visit www.ticketcenterstage.com.

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3) LEGENDARY LIGHTS OF CLIFTON

If you're itching to get your family out of the house for a holiday outing, there is still time left to pack up the car for a visit to the Legendary Lights of Clifton. Despite sustaining massive damage from a recent storm, the holiday display at Clifton Mill, 75 Water St., Clifton, opened as scheduled on for its 30th season on Friday, Nov. 24. The Legendary Lights of Clifton, which features more than 3.5 million lights illuminating the mill, the gorge, the riverbanks, trees and bridges, is open 5 to 9 p.m. daily through Dec. 31. Cost: $10, free for children 6 and younger. Call 937-767-5501 or visit www.cliftonmill.com.

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4) WOODLAND LIGHTS

Another yearly holiday favorite, Woodland Lights at Washington Township Recreation Center, 895 Miamisburg-Centerville Road, Washington Twp., also opened Thanksgiving weekend. The annual holiday display, which features a half-mile of lights, a laser light show, trackless train ride and other activities. Woodland Lights is open through Dec. 30. The display is open from 6 to 9 p.m. nightly. Cost: $8 admission, free ages 2 and younger. Call 937-433-0130 or visit www.washingtontwp.org.

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5) HOLIDAYTON

Much of Mark McMillon's time is spent focusing on his work as guitarist for Hawthorne Heights. However, when he isn't touring the world or in the studio recording, he still finds time to lead his own band the Story Changes. Each year at this time, no matter what is going on, McMillon hosts HoliDayton, which returns to Blind Bob's, 430 E. Fifth St., Dayton, at 8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 23. Cost: TBD. This year's lineup features Jasper the Colossal, Lioness, Yardboss, the Boxcar Suite, Cricketbows, C. Wright's Parlour Tricks, Joe Anderl, Tino and R.I.N.D. Call 937-938-6405 or visit www.blindbobs.com.

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6) HOLIDAY SKATE

A lot of places are closed over the holidays, but not the Ice Rink at RiverScape MetroPark, 111 E. Monument Ave., Dayton, on Sunday and Monday, Dec. 24 and 25. It's the perfect spot for folks interested in getting outside to work off those Christmas calories with the Holiday Skate from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday and 1 to 8 p.m. Monday. Cost: $7. All ages are welcome. No registration is required. Call 937-278-2607 or visit www.metroparks.org.

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7) CARMEN LYNCH

Unlike many comedians, Carmen Lynch didn't grow up dreaming of being a stand-up. In fact, she didn't know that was a job option until she moved to New York City in 2000 in the hopes of being an actress. Nearly two decades later, the Virginia native has amassed some high profile credits such as appearances on "The Late Show with David Letterman," "A Prairie Home Companion" and "Inside Amy Schumer." Lynch performs at the Funny Bone Comedy Club, 88 Plum St., The Greene, Beavercreek, Thursday through Saturday, Dec. 28 through 30. Show times are 7:30 p.m. Thursday, and 7:30 and 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Cost: $10-$40 Thursday, $15-$45 Friday and Saturday. Call 937-429-LAFF (5233) or visit www.daytonfunnybone.com.

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8) ALEXIS GOMEZ

Alexis Gomez has been building a growing fan base since becoming a semifinalist on season 14 of "American Idol" in 2015. However, the Wright State University graduate hasn't forgotten about her hometown of Dayton. Gomez, who still performs frequently around the area, presents A Country Christmas at W.O. Wright's Pub & Grill, 3979 Colonel Glenn Hwy., Beavercreek, at 8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 23. Special guests Ashley Knapp and Chad Cremeans & Ethan Miller will also perform. Cost: $5 in advance, $7 at the door. This show is 21 and older. Call 937-427-0101 or visit www.wowrights.com.

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9) KINGS ISLAND WINTERFEST

On Nov. 24, Kings Island, 6300 Kings Island Drive, Mason, revived its Kings Island Winterfest, which has been dormant since the 1990s. The event, which is currently open evenings from 5 to 10 p.m. through Dec. 30, features more than 15 rides, including the new Mystic Timbers. Kings Island Winterfest is closed on Christmas Eve and Christmas. Cost: Tickets start at $25. Call 513-754-5700 or visit www.visitkingsisland.com.

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10) YELLOW CAB CHRISTMAS PARTY

The staff at Yellow Cab Bldg., 700 E. Fourth St., Dayton, is ringing in the holidays with two very different seasonal events this weekend. Andy Gabbard of Buffalo Killers, who released his second solo album, "Plenum Castle," earlier this year, is presenting Andy's Holiday Special at 8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 22. Tyler Randall of Dawg Yawp, Randy Cornet and Luke Tandy are also on the bill. Cost: $5. On Saturday, Dec. 23, it's the first Yellow Cab Christmas Party at 6 p.m. The event features specialty cocktails, craft beer, Christmas movie screenings and cards against humanity. Cost: Free. Visit www.yellowcabtavern.com.

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