Christmas Events for Kids in Bowie (2026)

Christmas Events for Kids
Written by Kelsey Cecil

7 min read

The Bowie area has 7 Christmas events for kids we could confirm for the 2026 season, from Letters to Santa in Bowie on November 30 to Magic Elf Hunt in Bowie, which runs through December 20. 4 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 Maryland, part of our guide for every state.

The short version

  • 7 kids’ Christmas events confirmed in Bowie for 2026, in Bowie
  • First: Letters to Santa, Bowie, November 30. Runs latest: Magic Elf Hunt, Bowie, through December 20
  • 4 are free, including Letters to Santa, Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony and Candlelight Open House with Santa Claus
  • Checked on each host’s own page; each listing links straight to it

Christmas events for kids in Bowie

7 confirmed events for kids in Bowie, soonest first.

Santa visitFree

Letters to Santa

  • When: Monday, November 30, 2026 to Sunday, December 13, 2026 (Mon to Fri 9 am to 4:30 pm at City Hall; Sat and Sun 11 am to 4 pm at the Welcome Center)
  • Where: Bowie City Hall and Old Town Bowie Welcome Center, Bowie
  • Cost: Free
  • Ages: Kids
Details, tips and host

The City of Bowie collects letters to Santa for two weeks at the start of December. On weekdays, from 9 am to 4:30 pm, kids can drop off their letter at City Hall. On weekends, from 11 am to 4 pm, the drop-off moves to the Old Town Bowie Welcome Center.

No registration is needed. Children can bring a letter from home or fill one out on the spot, which makes this an easy stop for toddlers and preschoolers who are still learning to write and draw their wishes.

Parent tip: Bring crayons for little ones, or fill out a letter at the counter.

Host
City of Bowie (opens in a new tab)
Address
Bowie City Hall and Old Town Bowie Welcome Center, 15901 Excalibur Rd, Bowie, MD 20716
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked
See dates and detailsfrom City of Bowie (opens in a new tab)

Story time with Santa

Holiday Festivities in Old Bowie

  • When: Saturday, December 5, 2026, 10 am to 2 pm
  • Where: Old Bowie Welcome Center and Railroad Museum, Bowie
  • Cost: See the city page for pricing
  • Ages: Families
Details, tips and host

This Saturday morning program fills the Old Bowie Welcome Center and Railroad Museum with holiday activities for kids. Children can make a snow globe, write a letter to Santa and listen to a holiday storybook read aloud by the city's elf representative.

Families can also pose for photos in the Chessie caboose, a nice touch for young train fans. Reservations are required for the family photos, which are booked by email using the address on the city page.

Parent tip: Book the caboose photo ahead by email, since registration is required for photos.

Host
City of Bowie (opens in a new tab)
Address
Old Bowie Welcome Center and Railroad Museum, 8614 Chestnut Ave, Bowie, MD 20715
Sign-up
Required ahead of time
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked
See dates and detailsfrom City of Bowie (opens in a new tab)

Santa visit

Holiday Jingle Skate with Santa

  • When: Saturday, December 5, 2026, 1 to 2:45 pm
  • Where: Bowie Ice Arena, Bowie
  • Cost: $8 residents, $10 non-residents, $3 skate rental
Details, tips and host

The Bowie Ice Arena hosts an afternoon public skate with Santa. The session includes holiday music, free mini-lessons for new skaters and a chance to skate with Santa, plus an ugly sweater contest for anyone who wants to join in.

Admission is $8 for residents and $10 for non-residents, and skate rental is $3. Bringing a new toy for Toys for Tots earns free admission, and a canned food item earns free skate rental.

Parent tip: Pack warm socks and bring a toy or canned food donation for free admission or rental.

Host
City of Bowie (opens in a new tab)
Address
Bowie Ice Arena, 3330 Northview Dr, Bowie, MD 20716
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked
See dates and detailsfrom City of Bowie (opens in a new tab)

Santa and Mrs. ClausFree

Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony

  • When: Saturday, December 5, 2026, 4 pm
  • Where: Bowie Senior Center, Bowie
  • Cost: Free
  • Ages: All ages
Details, tips and host

The City of Bowie says neighbors have gathered for over 50 years to light the city tree. Activities start at 4 pm with two food trucks, Smash Up Burger and Stony Man Coffee, and children can make a festive craft from 4 to 6:30 pm.

Caroling begins at 5:30 pm with the Bowie State University Music Department and the Greater Mount Nebo AME Church Youth Choir. A community snowball fight starts at 6 pm, the tree lights at 7 pm, and Santa and Mrs. Claus visit afterward. No reservation is needed.

Parent tip: Guests are asked to bring non-perishable food donations.

Host
City of Bowie (opens in a new tab)
Address
Bowie Senior Center, 14900 Health Center Dr, Bowie, MD 20716
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked
See dates and detailsfrom City of Bowie (opens in a new tab)

Santa visitFree

Candlelight Open House with Santa Claus

  • When: Sunday, December 6, 2026, 4 to 8 pm
  • Where: Belair Mansion, Bowie
  • Cost: Free
  • Ages: All ages
Details, tips and host

The City of Bowie opens the historic Belair Mansion on a Sunday evening for a candlelit open house. Visitors can tour the mansion, listen to live holiday music from Bedlam and meet Santa Claus.

Admission is free and no registration is needed, so families can drop in at any time between 4 and 8 pm.

Parent tip: Evening tours by candlelight can be busy, so go early if your children tire quickly.

Host
City of Bowie (opens in a new tab)
Address
Belair Mansion, 12207 Tulip Grove Dr, Bowie, MD 20715
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked
See dates and detailsfrom City of Bowie (opens in a new tab)

Holiday craftsFree

Magic Elf Hunt

  • When: Sat December 12, Sun December 13, Sat December 19 and Sun December 20, 2026, noon to 4 pm
  • Where: Belair Mansion, Bowie
  • Cost: Free
  • Ages: Kids
Details, tips and host

At the Magic Elf Hunt, children explore Belair Mansion looking for elves that have gone missing from the North Pole. It works like a scavenger hunt and runs on two weekends, December 12 and 13 and December 19 and 20, from noon to 4 pm.

The activity is free and no registration is listed, so families can come any time during the afternoon hours.

Parent tip: Come on any of the four days; the city lists the same hours each time.

Host
City of Bowie (opens in a new tab)
Address
Belair Mansion, 12207 Tulip Grove Dr, Bowie, MD 20715
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked
See dates and detailsfrom City of Bowie (opens in a new tab)

Breakfast with Santa

Breakfast with Santa

  • When: Saturday, December 19, 2026, 9 to 11 am
  • Where: Bowie Senior Center, Bowie
  • Cost: $5 per person, children 2 and under free
  • Ages: Families
Details, tips and host

The City of Bowie serves pancakes, sausage, fruit, juice and coffee at this Saturday breakfast with Santa. Kids can have their photo taken with Santa, watch roving magicians and do holiday crafts.

The price is $5 per person and children two and under are free. Advance registration is required and the event is limited to the first 100 participants, with no walk-ins.

Parent tip: This event has sold out in past years, so register as soon as sign-up opens.

Host
City of Bowie (opens in a new tab)
Address
Bowie Senior Center, 14900 Health Center Dr, Bowie, MD 20716
Sign-up
Required ahead of time
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked
See dates and detailsfrom City of Bowie (opens in a new tab)

Look inside the book

Story time with Santa in Bowie? 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.

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 Maryland Christmas train rides page.

Bowie Christmas events for kids at a glance

Kids’ Christmas events
7 confirmed for 2026
Cities
Bowie
Season
November 30 to December 20, 2026
Free events
4
Kinds of events
Santa visit, story time with Santa, Santa and Mrs. Claus and holiday crafts
Last checked
See every event on a December calendar

Plan your December

When each Bowie Christmas event for kids happens

The first is Letters to Santa in Bowie on November 30; 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 Maryland Christmas events for kids guide lists every confirmed event in the state, and we have city guides for Baltimore, Annapolis, Frederick, Gaithersburg and Germantown. 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 Bowie

Bowie has lit its city Christmas tree for over 50 years, and Santa has a habit of arriving on a fire truck. The season also stretches to a candlelit mansion and a caboose in Old Bowie.

How Bowie celebrates

The city's signature tradition is the Holiday Tree Lighting. The City of Bowie says neighbors have come together for over 50 years to sing holiday songs and light the tree. Over the years it has been held at Belair Mansion and at City Hall, and in recent years at the Bowie Senior Center. The Bowie Volunteer Fire Department sponsors it, and Santa traditionally arrives on a fire truck after the carols. Guests bring canned food for the Bowie Food Pantry, and the city also collects letters to Santa and new toys for Toys for Tots.

Christmas last year in Bowie

In 2025 the Holiday Tree Lighting was held on Saturday, December 6, with free admission. There was outdoor caroling, a food and drink vendor from 4 pm, a community snowball fight at 6 pm and the tree lighting at 7 pm. Santa and Mrs. Claus were scheduled to arrive on a Bowie Volunteer Fire Department truck, and Santa also visited the Old Town Bowie Welcome Center from 1 to 3 pm that day. Three city events were marked sold out ahead of time, including Breakfast with Santa on December 20, plus a skating event and a paint and sip night.

Fun facts about Christmas in Bowie

Bowie children can have their photo taken in a Chessie caboose at the Old Bowie Welcome Center and Railroad Museum during the city's holiday festivities. At the Magic Elf Hunt at Belair Mansion, kids search for elves that have gone missing from the North Pole. In 2024 the city's Shop with a Cop program planned to pair officers with 80 local children. In 2015 the tree lighting also featured carols and Bedlam performing 18th-century music at the historic mansion. The 2026 tree lighting is set for December 5.

Trains and Christmas near Bowie

Bowie's holiday season has its own railroad link. During Holiday Festivities in Old Bowie, families make snow globes, write letters to Santa and take photos in the Chessie caboose at the Old Bowie Welcome Center and Railroad Museum. The free city museum is built around the restored railroad station, an interlocking tower and a 1923 caboose. For more trains, the Chesapeake Beach Railway Museum and the National Capital Trolley Museum are both a drive away.

Traditions today

  • Holiday Tree Lighting: A free evening of crafts, caroling, a snowball fight and the lighting of the city tree at 7 pm, a tradition of over 50 years.
  • Santa arrives on a fire truck: Santa and Mrs. Claus arrive on a Bowie Volunteer Fire Department truck at the tree lighting.
  • Letters to Santa: Kids drop off letters at City Hall or the Old Town Bowie Welcome Center for about two weeks in December.
  • Candlelight Open House at Belair Mansion: Candlelit tours, live holiday music and a visit with Santa.
  • Magic Elf Hunt: A free scavenger hunt for missing North Pole elves at Belair Mansion.
  • Holiday House Decorating Contest: Homes within Bowie's limits compete, with judging in early December and winners announced at City Hall.

A fact for kids

In Bowie, kids can have a holiday photo taken inside a real caboose. The Chessie caboose sits at the Old Bowie Welcome Center and Railroad Museum.

Questions about Christmas in Bowie

When is the Bowie Christmas tree lighting?

The 2026 Holiday Tree Lighting is Saturday, December 5. Activities begin at 4 pm at the Bowie Senior Center, and the tree is lit at 7 pm, followed by Santa and Mrs. Claus. The event is free and needs no reservation. Check the city's page for any changes close to the date.

How long has Bowie had a tree lighting?

The City of Bowie says neighbors have gathered for over 50 years to sing holiday songs and light the city's tree. The city has not posted an exact first year on its page. The tree lighting is sponsored by the Bowie Volunteer Fire Department, which also brings Santa.

Where is the Bowie tree lighting held?

In 2026 and 2025 it is held at the Bowie Senior Center on Health Center Drive. Older articles place it at Belair Mansion in 2015 and at City Hall on Excalibur Road in 2020. The location can change, so confirm it on the city's tree lighting page before heading out.

How does Santa arrive in Bowie?

Santa and Mrs. Claus traditionally arrive atop a Bowie Volunteer Fire Department truck. The 2015 article said Santa rode the department's ladder truck after the caroling, and in 2025 they were again scheduled to arrive on a fire truck. In 2026 the city says they visit after the 7 pm tree lighting.

What can kids do at the Bowie tree lighting?

Children can make a festive craft from 4 to 6:30 pm, join the caroling at 5:30 pm and take part in a community snowball fight at 6 pm. Santa and Mrs. Claus visit after the lighting. Food trucks sell food and warm drinks, and the event is free.

Is there a snowball fight at the Bowie tree lighting?

Yes, there is a community snowball fight at 6 pm, an activity listed for both 2025 and 2026. Kids can join in while they wait for the 7 pm lighting, and Santa and Mrs. Claus visit afterward. The city page has the full schedule.

What should I bring to the Bowie tree lighting?

Bring non-perishable food items for the Bowie Food Pantry, since the city asks guests to donate. Dress warmly for an evening outdoors in December. The event is free and no reservation is needed, but food trucks sell food and drinks if you want a treat.

Can children send letters to Santa in Bowie?

Yes. From November 30 to December 13, 2026, kids can drop off a letter or fill one out on site at City Hall on weekdays from 9 am to 4:30 pm, or at the Old Town Bowie Welcome Center on weekends from 11 am to 4 pm. It is free and needs no registration.

What is Holiday Festivities in Old Bowie?

It is a Saturday program, December 5, 2026, from 10 am to 2 pm at the Old Bowie Welcome Center and Railroad Museum. Families can make snow globes, write letters to Santa and hear a holiday storybook reading. Family photos in the Chessie caboose require registration by email.

What is the Magic Elf Hunt?

The Magic Elf Hunt is a free scavenger-style activity at Belair Mansion in which kids search for elves that went missing from the North Pole. In 2026 it runs December 12, 13, 19 and 20 from noon to 4 pm. In 2024 it ran on six afternoons.

Is there a Breakfast with Santa in Bowie?

Yes. The 2026 Breakfast with Santa is Saturday, December 19, from 9 to 11 am at the Bowie Senior Center, with pancakes, sausage, fruit, photos with Santa, magicians and crafts. It costs $5 per person, with children two and under free, and registration is required for the first 100 guests.

Does Breakfast with Santa sell out?

It has. The city marked Breakfast with Santa as sold out in advance in both December 2024 and December 2025. In 2026 it is limited to the first 100 participants with no walk-ins, so register early. Watch the city's Holiday Happenings page for the registration link.

What is Belair Mansion's candlelight open house?

Belair Mansion hosts a Candlelight Open House with Santa Claus on Sunday, December 6, 2026, from 4 to 8 pm. The evening includes candlelit tours of the mansion, live holiday music from Bedlam and a chance to meet Santa. Admission is free and no registration is needed.

Can kids skate with Santa in Bowie?

Yes. The Holiday Jingle Skate with Santa takes place at the Bowie Ice Arena on Saturday, December 5, 2026, from 1 to 2:45 pm. It costs $8 for residents and $10 for non-residents, plus $3 for skate rentals, and includes free mini-lessons and an ugly sweater contest.

Does Bowie collect toys for children in need?

Yes. The city collects new, unwrapped toys for Toys for Tots, with the 2026 deadline on Saturday, December 12 at 5 pm. Drop-off spots include City Hall, the Police Department, Bowie Gymnasium, the Kenhill Center and the Senior Center. Check the city's Holiday Happenings page for the full drop-off list and hours before you go.

Is there a house decorating contest in Bowie?

Yes. The Holiday House Decorating Contest is open to homes within Bowie's municipal limits. In 2026 the application deadline is December 3 at 5 pm, judging is December 9 from 6 to 11 pm, and winners are announced December 15 at 7 pm at City Hall. Check the city's page for the current rules, the application form and the exact times before you plan a visit.

Is there a train museum in Bowie?

Yes, the Bowie Railroad Museum in Old Town Bowie is a free city museum built around the restored railroad station, an interlocking tower and a 1923 caboose. It is open Saturdays and Sundays from 11 am to 4 pm. It also hosts the city's Holiday Festivities in Old Bowie.

Can my child sit in a caboose for a Christmas photo in Bowie?

Yes. During Holiday Festivities in Old Bowie on December 5, 2026, families can take photos in the Chessie caboose at the Old Bowie Welcome Center and Railroad Museum. Registration is required for the photos, by emailing the address on the city's Holiday Happenings page.

What other train museums are near Bowie?

Besides the Bowie Railroad Museum, the Chesapeake Beach Railway Museum is a drive south-east, and the National Capital Trolley Museum in Colesville is a drive north-west. Check each museum's hours before you go, and check the city's Holiday Happenings page for seasonal dates.

Where can I find Bowie's 2026 Christmas dates?

The City of Bowie's Holiday Happenings page lists the 2026 tree lighting, Santa visits, the elf hunt, Breakfast with Santa and more. Dates can change, so check the page again as the season gets closer, and register early for anything that asks for it.

Sources

  1. Holiday Happenings, City of Bowie
  2. Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony, City of Bowie
  3. Santa to arrive at Bowie tree lighting ceremony, Patch
  4. Christmas tree traditions continue in Prince George's County, Patch
  5. City of Bowie weekly update, December 1, 2025, City of Bowie
  6. City of Bowie newsletter, December 11, 2024, City of Bowie
  7. Bowie Railroad Museum, Rally Takes the Train
  8. Chesapeake Beach Railway Museum, Rally Takes the Train
  9. National Capital Trolley Museum, Rally Takes the Train

Bowie Christmas events for kids: questions parents ask

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

We confirmed 7 for the 2026 season, and 4 of them are free. Good places to start: Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony (Dec 5), Letters to Santa (Nov 30 to Dec 13) and Holiday Festivities in Old Bowie (Dec 5). Every event on this page has the times, the cost and a link to the host.

Are there free Christmas events for kids in Bowie?

Yes, 4 of the 7. Two worth planning around: Magic Elf Hunt (Dec 12 to Dec 20) and Candlelight Open House with Santa Claus (Dec 6). Some free events still need a reservation, so check the listing before you go.

Where can kids meet Santa in Bowie?

6 events here include a visit with Santa. Popular picks are Holiday Jingle Skate with Santa (Dec 5) and Breakfast with Santa (Dec 19). Breakfasts with Santa usually sell out first, so book those as soon as you pick a date.

Are there Christmas story times for kids in Bowie?

Yes. Library story times are usually free and walk-in; ones with a meal or a show are ticketed.

Do we need tickets or reservations?

For 3 of the 7 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 Bowie?

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