Christmas Events for Kids in Bismarck (2026)

Christmas Events for Kids
Written by Kelsey Cecil

8 min read

The Bismarck area has 6 Christmas events for kids we could confirm for the 2026 season, from Mandan Holiday Lights on Main in Mandan on November 27 to Story Time with Santa and Pictures with Santa in Bismarck, which runs through December 20. 2 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 North Dakota, part of our guide for every state.

The short version

  • 6 kids’ Christmas events confirmed in Bismarck for 2026, in Bismarck and Mandan
  • First: Mandan Holiday Lights on Main, Mandan, November 27. Runs latest: Mandan Holiday Lights on Main, Mandan, through January 9
  • Free: Merry Melodies: Featuring Burke on the Piano and Library Movie Night - The Muppet Christmas Carol (G)
  • Checked on each host’s own page; each listing links straight to it

Christmas events for kids in Bismarck

4 confirmed events for kids in Bismarck, soonest first.

Holiday story time

Nutcracker Story Time

  • When: Mon November 30 (6:30 to 7 pm), Tue December 1 (10 to 10:30 am) and Wed December 2 (10 to 10:30 am), 2026
  • Where: Bismarck Veterans Memorial Public Library, Children's Library Story Room, Bismarck
  • Cost: No fee listed (library program)
  • Ages: Children
Details, tips and host

The Bismarck Veterans Memorial Public Library opens the holiday season with a story time built around The Nutcracker ballet. Northern Plains Dance joins Miss Tiffany and Colette in the Children's Library to bring the story to life through storytelling and dance, following Clara and her Nutcracker Prince on their journey through a world of sweets and holiday cheer.

There are three sessions to choose from: an evening session on Monday, November 30 from 6:30 to 7 pm, and morning sessions on Tuesday, December 1 and Wednesday, December 2 from 10 to 10:30 am. Each session is about half an hour, which suits younger children who are not ready for a full ballet. The program is listed for children and takes place in the Story Room.

Parent tip: Sessions are short, about 30 minutes, so arrive a few minutes early to find a spot in the Story Room.

Host
Bismarck Veterans Memorial Public Library (opens in a new tab)
Address
Bismarck Veterans Memorial Public Library, Children's Library Story Room, 515 N 5th St, Bismarck, ND 58501
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked
See dates and detailsfrom Bismarck Veterans Memorial Public Library (opens in a new tab)

Story time with Santa

Story Time with Santa and Pictures with Santa

  • When: Sat December 5, Sun December 6, Sat December 12, Sun December 13, Sat December 19 and Sun December 20, 2026, 1:15 to 4 pm
  • Where: Dakota Zoo, Bismarck
  • Cost: Zoo winter admission applies
  • Ages: All ages
Details, tips and host

Dakota Zoo's 2026 schedule lists Story Time with Santa from 1:15 to 1:45 p.m., followed by Pictures with Santa from 2 to 4 p.m., on six December weekend days: December 5, 6, 12, 13, 19 and 20. The zoo is in Riverside Park in Bismarck.

The zoo is on winter hours in December, so plan to combine the story time with a visit to the animals and a walk through the zoo grounds, which are open to visitors during the day. The schedule is marked subject to change, and the zoo asks visitors to check dakotazoo.org or call 701-223-7543 for updates. The schedule page does not post admission or photo prices for this year, so call ahead if you want to budget for photos.

Parent tip: The schedule says it is subject to change, so call 701-223-7543 or check the zoo site before you go. Photo prices for 2026 were not posted.

Host
Dakota Zoo (opens in a new tab)
Address
Dakota Zoo, 602 Riverside Park Rd, Bismarck, ND 58504
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked
See dates and detailsfrom Dakota Zoo (opens in a new tab)

Story time with Mrs. Claus

Story Time with Mrs. Claus

  • When: Mon December 7 (6 to 7 pm), Tue December 8 (9:30 to 10:30 am), Wed December 9 (9:30 to 10:30 am) and Thu December 10 (9:30 to 10:30 am), 2026
  • Where: Bismarck Veterans Memorial Public Library, Children's Library Story Room, Bismarck
  • Cost: No fee listed (library program)
  • Ages: Children
Details, tips and host

Mrs. Claus comes to the Children's Library Story Room at the Bismarck Veterans Memorial Public Library for four story times in December. Children and families can ask her their questions about life at the North Pole, Santa and holiday traditions, and she shares stories along the way. The library describes her storytelling and personal interactions as a favorite with kids and adults alike.

There is one evening session on Monday, December 7 from 6 to 7 pm, which works well for working parents, and three morning sessions from 9:30 to 10:30 am on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, December 8 to 10. The program is listed for children, and the library's children's staff can answer questions at 701-355-1489. The library is at 515 N 5th Street in downtown Bismarck.

Parent tip: Pick the Monday evening session if weekday mornings are hard. Kids may want to bring a question for Mrs. Claus.

Host
Bismarck Veterans Memorial Public Library (opens in a new tab)
Address
Bismarck Veterans Memorial Public Library, Children's Library Story Room, 515 N 5th St, Bismarck, ND 58501
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked
See dates and detailsfrom Bismarck Veterans Memorial Public Library (opens in a new tab)

Holiday eventFree

Library Movie Night - The Muppet Christmas Carol (G)

  • When: Thursday, December 10, 2026, 6 to 8 pm
  • Where: Bismarck Veterans Memorial Public Library, Bismarck
  • Cost: Free
  • Ages: All ages
Details, tips and host

The Bismarck Veterans Memorial Public Library shows The Muppet Christmas Carol, rated G, on Thursday, December 10, from 6 to 8 p.m. in Meeting Room A. The library describes its movie nights as free and open to all, and the age group is listed as all ages.

The film retells the Charles Dickens holiday story with the Muppets, which makes it an easy pick for families with children who can sit through a full-length movie. The event falls on a weeknight evening, so it works for after-dinner plans. The library is located at 515 N 5th Street, and the page lists Meeting Room A as the screening location. Check the event page for any updates or room changes. The library is downtown on North 5th Street, and the evening start time suits families who want an after-dinner outing.

Parent tip: The movie is rated G. Check the event page for the exact room before you go.

Host
Bismarck Veterans Memorial Public Library (opens in a new tab)
Address
Bismarck Veterans Memorial Public Library, 515 N 5th St, Bismarck, ND 58501
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked
See dates and detailsfrom Bismarck Veterans Memorial Public Library (opens in a new tab)

Look inside the book

Story time with Santa in Bismarck? 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.

Page 1 of 8

Rally Takes the Train book cover: a watercolor corgi peeking from a red train

Like it so far? See the full book

25 hand-painted pages, paperback, $16.99 with fast shipping from Amazon.

Buy on Amazon (opens in a new tab)

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 Mandan

2 confirmed events for kids in Mandan, soonest first.

Holiday lights

Mandan Holiday Lights on Main

  • When: Fri November 27 (5 to 10 pm) and Fri November 27 (6 to 10 pm), 2026
  • Where: Dykshoorn Park and Heritage Park, Main Street, Mandan
  • Cost: Not stated on the page
  • Ages: All ages
Details, tips and host

The Mandan Progress Organization presents Holiday Lights on Main in historic downtown Mandan, just across the river from Bismarck. The 2026 Grand Lighting is Friday, November 27, from 6 to 10 p.m. on Main Street, and the lights then run nightly from November 27 through January 9, from 5 to 10 p.m., at Dykshoorn and Heritage Park.

The page also links to a schedule of activities, directions to the lights, Christmas Trees of Charity, and the North Dakota Santa Run. The page was a short overview, so check the complete schedule for nightly themes and Santa appearances. Ticket or parking details were not listed in the overview. It is a good evening outing for families who want to see lights in a walkable downtown setting.

Parent tip: Use the Complete Schedule link on the Visit Mandan page for nightly details. Dress warmly.

Host
Mandan Progress Organization (Visit Mandan) (opens in a new tab)
Address
Dykshoorn Park and Heritage Park, Main Street, Main St, Mandan, ND 58554 (near Bismarck)
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked
See dates and detailsfrom Mandan Progress Organization (Visit Mandan) (opens in a new tab)

Holiday showFree

Merry Melodies: Featuring Burke on the Piano

  • When: Wednesday, December 2, 2026, 5:30 to 6:30 pm
  • Where: Morton Mandan Public Library, The Nest/Children's Reading Room, Mandan
  • Cost: Free
  • Ages: Everyone
Details, tips and host

Enjoy a little holiday cheer at the Morton Mandan Public Library on Wednesday, December 2, from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. as 12-year-old pianist Burke Fiedler performs on the library's Children's Stage in The Nest, the Children's Reading Room.

The library describes Burke as a sixth grader from Turtle Lake-Mercer Public School who started piano lessons in kindergarten, plays on his great grandmother's piano, and has begun composing his own songs. The program is listed for everyone, and the page does not require registration. Watching a young musician perform can be inspiring for school-age children who are learning an instrument. The library is on West Main Street in Mandan, a short drive from Bismarck, and the Children's Reading Room is a bright space designed for young readers, so families can browse books before or after the show.

Parent tip: The library page does not list a registration requirement.

Host
Morton Mandan Public Library (opens in a new tab)
Address
Morton Mandan Public Library, The Nest/Children's Reading Room, 609 W Main St, Mandan, ND 58554 (near Bismarck)
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked
See dates and detailsfrom Morton Mandan Public Library (opens in a new tab)

Every event above was confirmed on the host’s own page, 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 North Dakota Christmas train rides page.

Bismarck Christmas events for kids at a glance

Kids’ Christmas events
6 confirmed for 2026
Cities
Bismarck and Mandan
Season
November 27, 2026 to January 9, 2027
Free events
2
Kinds of events
holiday lights, holiday story time, holiday show and story time with Santa
Last checked
See every event on a December calendar

Plan your December

When each Bismarck Christmas event for kids happens

The first is Mandan Holiday Lights on Main in Mandan on November 27; the last runs to December 20. Each bar spans an event’s dates, not every hour in them, so check the host’s page for times.

Looking further afield? Our North Dakota Christmas events for kids guide lists every confirmed event in the state, and we have city guides for Fargo and Grand Forks. 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.

Rally Takes the Train book cover: a watercolor corgi peeking from a red train

A bedtime story after seeing SantaRally Takes the Train is a five-minute rhyming picture book about a corgi’s first ride on a California train, hand-painted in watercolor. $16.99 on Amazon, ages 0 to 8.

Buy on Amazon (opens in a new tab)

2026 Christmas events are coming in late November

More Christmas events arrive in late November: unlock the list and we'll email you as soon as we confirm them.

The story of Christmas in Bismarck

Every December, Bismarck's tallest building turns into a Christmas tree. The North Dakota Capitol has glowed with a red and green tree made of window shades since the 1930s, and the city has called itself a Christmas city for more than 100 years.

How Bismarck celebrates

Bismarck's Christmas story starts with a community tree in 1913. The city sponsored it, the Bismarck Tribune led a fundraising drive, and it stood in the Northern Pacific park from Christmas Eve to New Year's Eve, lit with many colored electric lights. The Tribune began calling Bismarck the Christmas City of the Dakotas. In 1922 the first Community Christmas was held on December 26 at the city auditorium. The Capitol's window tree followed in 1935, a year after a star of Bethlehem was mounted on top of the new building.

Christmas last year in Bismarck

In 2025 the Capitol's Christmas window display turned 90 years old. The tree is made of 88 colored plastic shades, 48 green and 40 red, and five facilities staff install them each year after Thanksgiving. Custodial staff pull the shades down on the correct windows every night. On December 7 and 14, 2025, the State Historical Society of North Dakota held a free Holiday Open House at the Former Governors' Mansion from 1 to 4 p.m. Families could visit Santa, make a craft, enjoy cookies and hot cider and take a self-guided tour of the decorated mansion.

Fun facts about Christmas in Bismarck

The first Capitol star in 1934 was about 16 feet across and had 120 lights. A Bismarck blogger wrote that the display covers 18 stories plus the star, and recalled that a National Guard helicopter once lifted the star into place. In 1922, Santa arrived at the station by train, and about 1,500 children came to meet him. At the first Community Christmas, he stepped out of a small snow house on stage and handed every child candy and an apple. In 1913, the Elks Club gave $75 toward the tree.

Trains and Christmas in Bismarck

Trains were part of Bismarck's Christmas from the start. In 1913 the Northern Pacific allowed the community tree to stand in its park, and in 1922 Santa Claus arrived in Bismarck by train on December 22, greeted by about 1,500 children at the station. Today, Bismarck Railroad History points families to the city's historic station. The North Dakota State Railroad Museum, about 8 miles away near Mandan, has five acres of railroad cars, the 1890 Steele Depot and free admission, though it opens on summer afternoons.

Traditions today

  • The Capitol Christmas tree windows: Each December the North Dakota Capitol's windows form a red and green tree, a tradition since 1935 that turned 90 in 2025.
  • Shades by hand: Five staff install 88 colored shades after Thanksgiving, and custodians pull them down on the right windows each night.
  • The star on top: A star sits above the Capitol's window tree, a tradition that goes back to a star of Bethlehem in 1934.
  • Holiday Open House at the Former Governors' Mansion: A free afternoon with Santa, crafts, cookies, hot cider and a tour of the decorated mansion.
  • A community Christmas for all: Bismarck's early Community Christmas shared candy, apples and songs with children, along with a drive to help families in need.

A fact for kids

In Bismarck, a whole building turns into a Christmas tree. The Capitol uses 88 red and green window shades to make the tree, and a crew pulls them down by hand.

Questions about Christmas in Bismarck

When did the Capitol Christmas tree windows start in Bismarck?

The Christmas tree design first appeared in the Capitol windows in 1935, and a 1936 Bismarck Tribune article describes it as red and green. The Capitol had opened in 1934 after a fire destroyed the earlier building in 1930. A star of Bethlehem was mounted on top in 1934.

How is the Bismarck Capitol Christmas tree made?

It is made of 88 colored plastic window shades, 48 green and 40 red, on select north and south windows. Staff follow a floor-by-floor map to place colored or blank shades, and the tree design has stayed nearly the same for decades.

Who puts up the Capitol Christmas tree in Bismarck?

Five facilities department staff install the shades each year after Thanksgiving. Custodial staff then pull the colored shades down on the correct windows every night so the tree glows after dark. It is a hands-on tradition, with no lights strung and no tree to cut, only careful work by a small team.

How old is the Bismarck Capitol Christmas display?

It turned 90 in 2025. A star of Bethlehem about 16 feet across with 120 lights was mounted on top of the new Capitol in 1934. The tree followed in the windows in 1935, making it one of the city's oldest Christmas traditions, and it is still put up by hand each year.

What is the star on the Bismarck Capitol?

The first Capitol star in 1934 was a star of Bethlehem about 16 feet across with 120 lights, mounted on top of the building. A Bismarck blogger wrote that a National Guard helicopter lifted a star into place many years ago, and that the display covers 18 stories plus the star.

When did Bismarck get its first community Christmas tree?

Bismarck's community tree was set up in 1913, according to a Bismarck Tribune report from December 14, 1913. The city sponsored it, and it stood in the Northern Pacific park from Christmas Eve to New Year's Eve, decorated with many colored electric lights.

Who paid for Bismarck's 1913 community tree?

The Bismarck Tribune led a fundraising drive. The Elks Club gave $75, Hughes Electric agreed to provide the lights, and W. A. MacDonald of the Northern Pacific allowed the tree to stand in the railroad's park. Churches and the Women's Central Christmas committee also took part, collecting toys, clothing, books and food for poor families.

Why is Bismarck called the Christmas City of the Dakotas?

The nickname comes from 1913, when the Bismarck Tribune called the city the Christmas City of the Dakotas after it sponsored a lighted community tree and a drive to help poor children and families. Aberdeen, South Dakota, and large cities like New York and Minneapolis had adopted the new custom too.

What was Bismarck's first Community Christmas in 1922?

It took place on December 26, 1922, at the city auditorium, with songs, recitations and dialogues. The Bismarck Community Council and the Goodfellows charity group organized it. Santa came out of a small snow house on stage and handed each child candy and an apple, and 85 Salvation Army Sunday School children performed.

How did Santa arrive in Bismarck in 1922?

Santa arrived by train on December 22, 1922, and about 1,500 children met him at the station. Trains were part of Bismarck's Christmas from the start, since the Northern Pacific had let the community tree stand in its park in 1913. It was a big moment for Bismarck's youngest residents.

How did the Salvation Army help Bismarck's Christmas in 1922?

The Salvation Army and local businesses delivered baskets of goods to families, paid for by donations in the Christmas kettles on city streets. Eighty-five Salvation Army Sunday School children also performed at the Community Christmas. The charity work was part of a wider effort to make sure every child had a holiday.

What happens at the Holiday Open House at the Former Governors' Mansion?

In 2025 the free open house was held on Sundays, December 7 and 14, from 1 to 4 p.m. for all ages. Children could visit Santa, make a Christmas craft, enjoy cookies and hot cider, and take a self-guided tour of the decorated mansion. The State Historical Society of North Dakota organized it.

Where is the Former Governors' Mansion in Bismarck?

The Former Governors' Mansion is at the corner of Fourth Street and Avenue B in Bismarck. The State Historical Society of North Dakota manages the site, and it opens for a free holiday open house in December. Families can check our Bismarck Christmas events guide on this page for this season's dates.

How can I explain the Capitol tree to my kids?

Tell them the Capitol is so tall that people turn its windows into a Christmas tree. Workers pull red and green shades down in just the right windows, and the tree glows after dark. Kids can count the colors, 48 green and 40 red, and look for the star above.

Where can kids see a giant Christmas tree in Bismarck?

The biggest Christmas tree in Bismarck is on the North Dakota Capitol, where red and green window shades form a tree that covers many stories. It has been a tradition since 1935. For this season's viewing tips and dates, see our Bismarck Christmas events guide on this page.

Can kids visit Santa in Bismarck?

Yes, Santa has been part of Bismarck's Christmas for over a century. In 1922 he arrived by train, and in 2025 he visited children at the Former Governors' Mansion's Holiday Open House on December 7 and 14. Our Bismarck Christmas events guide on this page lists this season's confirmed visits.

Where can kids see Christmas decorations in Bismarck?

The Former Governors' Mansion is decorated for the holidays and opens for a free open house in December, and the Capitol's window tree glows after dark. Both are tied to the state's history. Our Bismarck Christmas events guide on this page lists this season's confirmed dates.

Where can kids see trains near Bismarck at Christmas?

Bismarck Railroad History points families to the city's historic station. Santa arrived at the station by train in 1922, according to a Prairie Public radio history. The North Dakota State Railroad Museum near Mandan, about 8 miles away, has five acres of railroad cars, but it opens in summer afternoons, so check its schedule before visiting.

Where did Santa go after he arrived in Bismarck in 1922?

After arriving by train on December 22, 1922, Santa spent several days answering mail and visiting children, starting with those who were ill or in need. About 1,500 children had met him at the station. He then appeared at the first Community Christmas on December 26, where each child received candy and an apple.

Is there a railroad museum near Bismarck?

Yes. The North Dakota State Railroad Museum sits just north of Mandan, about 8 miles from Bismarck. It has five acres of railroad cars, the 1890 Steele Depot and a Railroad Hall of Fame. Admission is free and donations help. It opens on summer afternoons, so check its schedule for the season's dates.

Sources

  1. North Dakota Capitol Christmas display turns 90 this year, KVRR
  2. A Community Christmas in Bismarck, Dakota Datebook, Prairie Public
  3. Oh Christmas Tree, Dakota Datebook, Prairie Public
  4. Holiday Open House at the Former Governors' Mansion, State of North Dakota
  5. Another favorite part of Christmas in Bismarck-Mandan, Bismarck-Mandan Blog
  6. Bismarck Railroad History, Rally Takes the Train
  7. North Dakota State Railroad Museum, Rally Takes the Train

Bismarck Christmas events for kids: questions parents ask

What are the best Christmas events for kids in Bismarck this year?

We confirmed 6 for the 2026 season, and 2 of them are free. Good places to start: Merry Melodies in Mandan (Dec 2), Library Movie Night - The Muppet Christmas Carol (G) (Dec 10) and Story Time with Mrs. Claus (Dec 7 to Dec 10). Every event on this page has the times, the cost and a link to the host.

Are there free Christmas events for kids in Bismarck?

Yes, 2 of the 6. Some free events still need a reservation, so check the listing before you go.

Where can kids meet Santa in Bismarck?

2 events here include a visit with Santa. Popular picks are Story Time with Santa and Pictures with Santa (Dec 5 to Dec 20). Bring your own camera; most visits allow photos.

Are there Christmas story times for kids in Bismarck?

Yes. Try Nutcracker Story Time (Nov 30 to Dec 2). Library story times are usually free and walk-in; ones with a meal or a show are ticketed.

Is anything on for kids in Bismarck on Christmas Eve or after Christmas?

Yes. Mandan Holiday Lights on Main runs through Jan 9.

Do we need tickets or reservations?

For 4 of the 6 events, yes: they sell tickets or ask you to sign up ahead. Meals with Santa and ticketed shows fill up first. Most library and park events are walk-in, and each listing says which is which.

Are there Christmas train rides for kids in Bismarck?

Yes, but they have their own guide. Santa trains and holiday train rides are listed in our Bismarck 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 4, 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.

Kelsey Cecil
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