The Boulder area has 11 Christmas events for kids we could confirm for the 2026 season, from Holiday Open House at Callahan House in Longmont on December 3 to Noon Year's Party in Longmont, on December 31. 8 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 Colorado, part of our guide for every state.
The short version
- 11 kids’ Christmas events confirmed in Boulder for 2026, in Longmont and Louisville
- First: Holiday Open House at Callahan House, Longmont, December 3. Runs latest: Noon Year's Party, Longmont, through December 31
- Free: Holiday Open House at Callahan House, Parade of Lights Treat Bag Giveaway, Snowed In: First Friday at the Library, Winter Fest, Best Books of 2026 Storytime, New Year's Eve Crafts and Cocoa, Noon Year's Eve and Noon Year's Party
- Checked on each host’s own page; each listing links straight to it
Below is every event we could confirm, grouped by city, 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 Colorado Christmas train rides page.
Boulder Christmas events for kids at a glance
- Kids’ Christmas events
- 11 confirmed for 2026
- Cities
- Longmont and Louisville
- Season
- December 3 to December 31, 2026
- Free events
- 8
- Kinds of events
- holiday crafts, holiday parade, holiday story time and Santa visit
- Last checked
Plan your December
When each Boulder Christmas event for kids happens
The first is Holiday Open House at Callahan House in Longmont on December 3; the last runs to December 31. Each bar spans an event’s dates, not every hour in them, so check the host’s page for times.
- Holiday Open House at Callahan HouseLongmont · Dec 3
- Crafts and Cocoa at the LibraryLongmont · Dec 4
- Parade of Lights Treat Bag GiveawayLouisville · Dec 4
- Snowed In: First Friday at the LibraryLouisville · Dec 4
- Winter FestLouisville · Dec 6
- Santa Visit at Callahan HouseLongmont · Dec 10
- Longmont Lights Holiday ParadeLongmont · Dec 12
- Best Books of 2026 StorytimeLongmont · Dec 21
- New Year's Eve Crafts and CocoaLouisville · Dec 30
- Noon Year's EveLouisville · Dec 31
- Noon Year's PartyLongmont · Dec 31
Look inside the book
Story time with Santa in Boulder? 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.
Rally Takes the Train
Eight pages from the book
Turn the page
That's 8 of 25 pages
See who’s waiting at the station
Grandmommy and Papa are at the last stop. Get the full hand-painted book, $16.99 on Amazon.
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25 hand-painted pages, paperback, $16.99 with fast shipping from Amazon.
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 Longmont
6 confirmed events for kids in Longmont, soonest first.
Longmont: Holiday Open House at Callahan House
Holiday craftsFreeCity of Longmont Callahan House · Longmont
- Host
- City of Longmont Callahan House (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Callahan House, 312 Terry St, Longmont, CO 80501 (near Boulder)
- When
- Thursday, December 3, 2026, 4:30 to 7:30 pm
- Cost
- Free
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Callahan House is a city-owned historic home in Longmont, and each year it is decorated for the holidays and opened to the public for an evening. The annual Holiday Open House runs from 4:30 to 7:30 pm on Thursday, December 3, 2026.
Visitors tour the rooms on their own at their own pace. Historical handouts are provided so families can read about the house as they walk through. There is no charge and no registration, so you can drop in any time during the evening. Because this is a self-guided walk through a historic house rather than an organized children's program, it suits families with kids who enjoy looking at decorations and can move through rooms calmly. Plan on a short visit, since the tour is at your own pace.
Parent tip: Free and drop in. Self-guided, so younger children will need to stay with an adult in the historic rooms.
See dates and details from City of Longmont Callahan House (opens in a new tab)Longmont: Crafts and Cocoa at the Library
Holiday craftsLongmont Public Library · Longmont
- Host
- Longmont Public Library (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Longmont Public Library, 355 Emery St, Longmont, CO 80501 (near Boulder)
- When
- Friday, December 4, 2026, 1 to 4 pm
- Cost
- Free, registration required
- Sign-up
- Required ahead of time
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Longmont Public Library holds a semi-annual Craft and Cocoa program, and the December edition takes place on Friday, December 4, 2026, from 1 to 4 pm in the library meeting rooms. The listing says details about this year's craft are coming soon.
The program is offered in English and Spanish. Registration is required and attendance is limited to 125 people, so sign up through the city calendar link before you go. The city page does not state a price or a specific age range, and it does not describe the craft as Christmas themed. It is a seasonal library activity with cocoa, so it can fit into a December outing with school age and younger children. Check the listing again closer to the date for the craft details.
Parent tip: Register ahead because attendance is capped at 125. Craft details were still to come on the listing.
See dates and details from Longmont Public Library (opens in a new tab)Longmont: Santa Visit at Callahan House
Santa visitCity of Longmont Callahan House · Longmont
- Host
- City of Longmont Callahan House (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Callahan House, 312 Terry St, Longmont, CO 80501 (near Boulder)
- When
- Thursday, December 10, 2026, 3:30 to 7:30 pm
- Cost
- Registration required, lottery based (cost not stated)
- Sign-up
- Required ahead of time
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
The City of Longmont hosts a Santa visit at Callahan House on Thursday, December 10, 2026, from 3:30 to 7:30 pm. Space is limited, so the city uses a lottery for registration instead of first come, first served sign up.
The lottery registration window runs from November 9 through November 15, 2026, and the city's Callahan House special events page links to the online registration system. The event listing says more details will follow, so check the city page before you go for arrival times, what is included and any cost. Plan ahead, because the registration window is short and a spot is not guaranteed. If you win a time, bring your own camera if you want photos, and confirm your arrival details on the city page.
Parent tip: Register during the lottery window, Nov 9 to 15. Check the city page for the latest details.
See dates and details from City of Longmont Callahan House (opens in a new tab)Longmont: Longmont Lights Holiday Parade
Holiday paradeCity of Longmont · Longmont
- Host
- City of Longmont (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Main Street and Roosevelt Park, 700 Longs Peak Ave, Longmont, CO 80501 (near Boulder)
- When
- Saturday, December 12, 2026, 5 to 7 pm
- Cost
- Not stated
- Ages
- All ages
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
The Longmont Lights Holiday Parade, titled Merry Memories this year, starts at 5 pm on Saturday, December 12, 2026, on Main Street. Local organizations enter floats decorated with lights, and the city lists the event from 5 to 7 pm. The city's page links to the parade route.
The same city listing also describes a holiday lights display at Roosevelt Park, 700 Longs Peak Avenue. The colorful lights twinkle nightly beginning in late November and continuing through early January 2027, so families can see the lights on a different evening if the parade crowd is too much for little ones. The parade is outdoors in December, so dress for cold evening weather. The page does not list a cost for watching.
Parent tip: Dress warmly for an evening outdoors. Check the route on the city page before choosing a viewing spot.
See dates and details from City of Longmont (opens in a new tab)Longmont: Best Books of 2026 Storytime
Holiday story timeFreeLongmont Public Library · Longmont
- Host
- Longmont Public Library (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Longmont Public Library, 355 Emery St, Longmont, CO 80501 (near Boulder)
- When
- Monday, December 21, 2026, 2 to 3 pm
- Cost
- Free
- Ages
- All ages storytime; kids and teens books
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Longmont Public Library marks the end of the year with its annual celebration of favorite kids' and teens' books. The program takes place on Monday, December 21, 2026, from 2 to 3 pm in the library meeting rooms, and no registration is required.
The first half hour, from 2 to 2:30 pm, is an all-ages storytime that highlights the best books of 2026. Families also receive bookmarks with the librarians' book picks of the year, which makes it easy to find more reading for the holiday break. From 2:30 to 3 pm the library serves cookies and hot chocolate. The program is in English. The event is a winter reading celebration and is not described as Christmas themed, but it falls in the holiday week and includes real picture book reading.
Parent tip: No registration. Arrive by 2 pm for the storytime itself, since cookies and cocoa come afterward.
See dates and details from Longmont Public Library (opens in a new tab)Longmont: Noon Year's Party
Holiday craftsFreeLongmont Public Library · Longmont
- Host
- Longmont Public Library (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Longmont Public Library, 355 Emery St, Longmont, CO 80501 (near Boulder)
- When
- Thursday, December 31, 2026, 11 am to noon
- Cost
- Free
- Ages
- Kindergarten to 5th grade
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Longmont Public Library hosts a special kids' Noon Year's Eve party on Thursday, December 31, 2026, from 11 am to noon. The program is for children in kindergarten through fifth grade and takes place in Meeting Room A/B. No registration is required.
The library says the party will ring in 2027 with a dance party, a photo booth, and crafts and activities based on New Year's traditions from around the world. It is a daytime option for families who want a New Year celebration that ends well before bedtime. The program is held in English. Because it is aimed at elementary school children, parents of toddlers may prefer the library's regular storytimes that week. Check the city calendar for any last minute changes.
Parent tip: Meant for grades K to 5. No registration needed.
See dates and details from Longmont Public Library (opens in a new tab)Christmas events for kids in Louisville
5 confirmed events for kids in Louisville, soonest first.
Louisville: Parade of Lights Treat Bag Giveaway
Holiday paradeFreeLouisville Historical Museum · Louisville
- Host
- Louisville Historical Museum (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Louisville Historical Museum, 1001 Main St, Louisville, CO 80027 (near Boulder)
- When
- Friday, December 4, 2026, 6 to 7 pm
- Cost
- Free
- Ages
- Children; everyone welcome
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
While Louisville's Parade of Lights passes on Friday, December 4, 2026, the Louisville Historical Museum at 1001 Main Street gives away free Holiday Treat Bags for children from 6 to 7 pm.
The bags revive a local tradition. From the 1920s to the 1980s, community organizations paid for treat bags that held an orange, nuts in the shell and pieces of ribbon candy. This year the Louisville Historical Foundation is providing the bags. The museum is on Main Street, so it makes a convenient stop while watching the parade. The city listing is open to everyone and does not mention registration. Because bags are a giveaway, plan to arrive early in the hour, and check the city calendar if the weather looks bad.
Parent tip: The museum is on Main Street along the parade evening. Arrive early in the hour.
See dates and details from Louisville Historical Museum (opens in a new tab)Louisville: Snowed In: First Friday at the Library
Holiday craftsFreeLouisville Public Library · Louisville
- Host
- Louisville Public Library (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Louisville Public Library, 951 Spruce St, Louisville, CO 80027 (near Boulder)
- When
- Friday, December 4, 2026, 5 to 7 pm
- Cost
- Free
- Ages
- Everyone
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Louisville Public Library invites everyone to its annual holiday open house, called Snowed In, on Friday, December 4, 2026, from 5 to 7 pm. The event is part of the library's First Friday series and is open to all ages.
The city's listing promises an evening of festive fun with live music, winter inspired crafts and cozy refreshments. Families can drop in at any point between 5 and 7 pm to warm up and get into the holiday spirit. The library suggests stopping in before heading out to watch Louisville's Parade of Lights the same evening. The listing does not mention a fee or registration, and it is a drop in event, so it is an easy first stop for a family night out downtown.
Parent tip: Drop in between 5 and 7 pm, then walk over for the Parade of Lights.
See dates and details from Louisville Public Library (opens in a new tab)Louisville: Winter Fest
Holiday craftsFreeCity of Louisville Arts and Culture · Louisville
- Host
- City of Louisville Arts and Culture (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Louisville Center for the Arts, 801 Grant Ave, Louisville, CO 80027 (near Boulder)
- When
- Sunday, December 6, 2026, 10 to 11:30 am
- Cost
- Free, registration required
- Ages
- Ages 2 to 12 with a caregiver
- Sign-up
- Required ahead of time
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Winter Fest is the City of Louisville's holiday event of the season, held at the Louisville Center for the Arts on Sunday, December 6, 2026, from 10 to 11:30 am. It is a family craft event for ages 2 to 12 with a caregiver.
Kids decorate their own gingerbread man with frosting and candy, then use craft supplies to make a whimsical holiday bobble. A hot chocolate station lets everyone make a favorite cold weather drink, and holiday cartoons play in the background. The program is free but registration is required, and it opens one month before the event. Register only the children who will take part. Each group needs one guardian present, and the guardian should not be registered. If plans change, cancel so another family can use the spot.
Parent tip: Register only participating children, and cancel if plans change. At last check the listing showed registration as closed.
See dates and details from City of Louisville Arts and Culture (opens in a new tab)Louisville: New Year's Eve Crafts and Cocoa
Holiday craftsFreeLouisville Public Library Youth Services · Louisville
- Host
- Louisville Public Library Youth Services (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Louisville Public Library, 951 Spruce St, Louisville, CO 80027 (near Boulder)
- When
- Wednesday, December 30, 2026, 4 to 4:45 pm
- Cost
- Free, registration required
- Ages
- Grades 1 to 6
- Sign-up
- Required ahead of time
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Louisville Public Library Youth Services offers a New Year's Eve Crafts and Cocoa program on Wednesday, December 30, 2026, from 4 to 4:45 pm. It is for children in grades 1 through 6.
Participants enjoy a hot cup of cocoa and make festive crafts to ring in the new year. It is a short after school style program, a nice choice for the quiet days between Christmas and New Year's. The program is free, but registration is required. The library opens registration two weeks before the program date, and families are asked to register only if they plan to attend and to cancel if plans change so another child can take the spot. At the time of checking, the city listing showed registration as closed.
Parent tip: Registration opens two weeks before. The listing showed registration closed when checked, so call the library about a waitlist.
See dates and details from Louisville Public Library Youth Services (opens in a new tab)Louisville: Noon Year's Eve
Holiday story timeFreeLouisville Public Library Youth Services · Louisville
- Host
- Louisville Public Library Youth Services (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Louisville Public Library, 951 Spruce St, Louisville, CO 80027 (near Boulder)
- When
- Thursday, December 31, 2026, 11:15 am to noon
- Cost
- Free, registration required
- Ages
- Best for ages 2 to 6 and caregivers
- Sign-up
- Required ahead of time
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Louisville Public Library invites young children and their caregivers to Noon Year's Eve on Thursday, December 31, 2026, from 11:15 am to noon. The program is best for ages 2 to 6.
The library describes the morning as books, crafts and music, all leading to a special countdown at noon. It is a good way for families with little ones to celebrate the new year without staying up until midnight. The program is free, but registration is required, and the library asks you to register every attendee, including adults and siblings. Registration opens two weeks before the date. Please register only if you plan to attend, and cancel if your plans change so another family can come. The listing showed registration as closed when checked.
Parent tip: Register every attendee, including adults and siblings. The listing showed registration closed when checked.
See dates and details from Louisville Public Library Youth Services (opens in a new tab)Looking further afield? Our Colorado Christmas events for kids guide lists every confirmed event in the state, and we have city guides for Denver, Colorado Springs and Aurora, CO. 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.
A bedtime story after seeing SantaRally Takes the Train is a five-minute rhyming picture book about a corgi’s first train ride, hand-painted in real watercolor by Leslie Dunn. $16.99 on Amazon, ages 0 to 8.
Buy on AmazonBoulder Christmas events for kids: questions parents ask
What Christmas events for kids are in Boulder in 2026?
We confirmed 11 Christmas events for kids in Boulder for 2026 on each host’s own page: Holiday Open House at Callahan House in Longmont (December 3), Crafts and Cocoa at the Library in Longmont (December 4), Parade of Lights Treat Bag Giveaway in Louisville (December 4), Snowed In: First Friday at the Library in Louisville (December 4), Winter Fest in Louisville (December 6), Santa Visit at Callahan House in Longmont (December 10), Longmont Lights Holiday Parade in Longmont (December 12), Best Books of 2026 Storytime in Longmont (December 21), New Year's Eve Crafts and Cocoa in Louisville (December 30), Noon Year's Eve in Louisville (December 31) and Noon Year's Party in Longmont (December 31). Every one is listed below with times, cost and a link to the host.
What Christmas events for kids are in Longmont, Colorado?
For families in and around Longmont, the confirmed Christmas events for kids this season are: Holiday Open House at Callahan House (Thu, Dec 3, 4:30 to 7:30 pm, free); Crafts and Cocoa at the Library (Fri, Dec 4, 1 to 4 pm, free, registration required); Santa Visit at Callahan House (Thu, Dec 10, 3:30 to 7:30 pm, registration required, lottery based (cost not stated)); Longmont Lights Holiday Parade (Sat, Dec 12, parade at 5 pm, not stated); Best Books of 2026 Storytime (Mon, Dec 21, 2 to 3 pm, free); Noon Year's Party (Thu, Dec 31, 11 am to noon, free). Details and the host’s link for each are in the Longmont section of this page.
What Christmas events for kids are in Louisville, Colorado?
For families in and around Louisville, the confirmed Christmas events for kids this season are: Parade of Lights Treat Bag Giveaway (Fri, Dec 4, 6 to 7 pm, free); Snowed In: First Friday at the Library (Fri, Dec 4, 5 to 7 pm, free); Winter Fest (Sun, Dec 6, 10 to 11:30 am, free, registration required); New Year's Eve Crafts and Cocoa (Wed, Dec 30, 4 to 4:45 pm, free, registration required); Noon Year's Eve (Thu, Dec 31, 11:15 am to noon, free, registration required). Details and the host’s link for each are in the Louisville section of this page.
Are there free Christmas events for kids in Boulder?
Yes. 8 of the 11 events here are free: Holiday Open House at Callahan House in Longmont, Parade of Lights Treat Bag Giveaway in Louisville, Snowed In: First Friday at the Library in Louisville, Winter Fest in Louisville, Best Books of 2026 Storytime in Longmont, New Year's Eve Crafts and Cocoa in Louisville, Noon Year's Eve in Louisville and Noon Year's Party in Longmont. Some free events still ask you to register, so check each listing.
Where can kids see Santa in Boulder this December?
Santa appears at Santa Visit at Callahan House in Longmont (December 10). Times and booking rules are in each event’s listing above.
Where are there Christmas story times for kids in Boulder?
Holiday story times on this page: Best Books of 2026 Storytime in Longmont and Noon Year's Eve in Louisville. Library story times are usually free; story times with a meal or show are ticketed.
Which Boulder Christmas events are best for toddlers?
These are aimed at babies, toddlers and preschoolers: Noon Year's Eve in Louisville (Best for ages 2 to 6 and caregivers).
Are there kids' Christmas events in Boulder on Christmas Eve or after Christmas?
Yes: New Year's Eve Crafts and Cocoa in Louisville (through December 30), Noon Year's Eve in Louisville (through December 31) and Noon Year's Party in Longmont (through December 31).
How much is Holiday Open House at Callahan House in Longmont?
Free. Holiday Open House at Callahan House is on Thursday, December 3, 2026, 4:30 to 7:30 pm at Callahan House. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
How much is Crafts and Cocoa at the Library in Longmont?
Free, registration required. Crafts and Cocoa at the Library is on Friday, December 4, 2026, 1 to 4 pm at Longmont Public Library. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
How much is Parade of Lights Treat Bag Giveaway in Louisville?
Free. Parade of Lights Treat Bag Giveaway is on Friday, December 4, 2026, 6 to 7 pm at Louisville Historical Museum. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
How much is Snowed In: First Friday at the Library in Louisville?
Free. Snowed In: First Friday at the Library is on Friday, December 4, 2026, 5 to 7 pm at Louisville Public Library. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
How much is Winter Fest in Louisville?
Free, registration required. Winter Fest is on Sunday, December 6, 2026, 10 to 11:30 am at Louisville Center for the Arts. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
How much is Santa Visit at Callahan House in Longmont?
Registration required, lottery based (cost not stated). Santa Visit at Callahan House is on Thursday, December 10, 2026, 3:30 to 7:30 pm at Callahan House. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
How much is Longmont Lights Holiday Parade in Longmont?
Not stated. Longmont Lights Holiday Parade is on Saturday, December 12, 2026, 5 to 7 pm at Main Street and Roosevelt Park. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
How much is Best Books of 2026 Storytime in Longmont?
Free. Best Books of 2026 Storytime is on Monday, December 21, 2026, 2 to 3 pm at Longmont Public Library. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
How much is New Year's Eve Crafts and Cocoa in Louisville?
Free, registration required. New Year's Eve Crafts and Cocoa is on Wednesday, December 30, 2026, 4 to 4:45 pm at Louisville Public Library. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
How much is Noon Year's Eve in Louisville?
Free, registration required. Noon Year's Eve is on Thursday, December 31, 2026, 11:15 am to noon at Louisville Public Library. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
How much is Noon Year's Party in Longmont?
Free. Noon Year's Party is on Thursday, December 31, 2026, 11 am to noon at Longmont Public Library. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
Are there Christmas train rides for kids in Boulder?
Yes, but they have their own guide. Santa trains and holiday train rides are listed in our Boulder 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 2, 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.
