Christmas Events for Kids in Charleston, WV (2026)

Christmas Events for Kids
Written by Kelsey Cecil

14 min read

The Charleston, WV area has 14 Christmas events for kids we could confirm for the 2026 season, from Walking Tours Through the St. Albans Festival of Lights in St. Albans on November 24 to Winter WonderLabs in Charleston, which runs through December 30. 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 West Virginia, part of our guide for every state.

The short version

  • 14 kids’ Christmas events confirmed in Charleston, WV for 2026, in Charleston, St. Albans and Belle
  • First: Walking Tours Through the St. Albans Festival of Lights, St. Albans, November 24. Runs latest: Winter WonderLabs, Charleston, through December 30
  • Free: Walking Tours Through the St. Albans Festival of Lights, Free Hayrides Through the St. Albans Festival of Lights, Santa House at Roadside Park, St. Albans Festival of Lights, Super Saturday: Nutcracker Storytime with The Charleston Ballet, Story Time: "Little Old Lady", Holiday Open House: Gingerbread House Party and Saturday Afternoon Matinee: "Rudolph"
  • 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 West Virginia Christmas train rides page.

Charleston, WV Christmas events for kids at a glance

Kids’ Christmas events
14 confirmed for 2026
Cities
Charleston, St. Albans and Belle
Season
November 24 to December 30, 2026
Free events
8
Kinds of events
holiday lights, Santa visit, holiday story time and holiday show
Last checked

Plan your December

When each Charleston, WV Christmas event for kids happens

The first is Walking Tours Through the St. Albans Festival of Lights in St. Albans on November 24; the last runs to December 30. Each bar spans an event’s dates, not every hour in them, so check the host’s page for times.

Look inside the book

Story time with Santa in Charleston, WV? 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 Charleston

7 confirmed events for kids in Charleston, soonest first.

Charleston: Super Saturday: Nutcracker Storytime with The Charleston Ballet

Holiday story timeFreeKanawha County Public Library · Charleston

Host
Kanawha County Public Library (opens in a new tab)
Where
Main Library, Main 311C (A/B) GKVF Meeting Room, 123 Capitol St, Charleston, WV 25301
When
Saturday, November 28, 2026, 3 to 4 pm
Cost
Free
Ages
All ages, families and children
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

The library kicks off the holidays with its yearly Nutcracker Storytime on Saturday, November 28, 2026, from 3 to 4 pm in the meeting room of the Main Library. Families can hear The Nutcracker read aloud, see a brief sneak peek dance from dancers with The Charleston Ballet and see the Mouse King mask up close.

The West Virginia Youth Symphony also plays, and there is a special craft. Families can enter a drawing for tickets to the Ballet's December 2026 Nutcracker performance, provided by the WV Symphony Orchestra, but winners have to be on hand. The library wants a grown-up to stay and take part alongside each child, and children cannot be dropped off. For strollers and wheelchairs, the smoothest routes are the Skybridge from the Summers Street Garage and the Jacobson Tower entrance on Quarrier Street.

Parent tip: A grown-up needs to stay with every child. If you bring a stroller, use the Skybridge or the Quarrier Street entrance.

See dates and details from Kanawha County Public Library (opens in a new tab)

Charleston: Early Explorers: winter story times

Holiday story timeClay Center for the Arts & Sciences of West Virginia · Charleston

Host
Clay Center for the Arts & Sciences of West Virginia (opens in a new tab)
Where
Clay Center, Avampato Discovery Museum, One Clay Square, Charleston, WV 25301
When
Fri December 4, Fri December 11 and Fri December 18, 2026, 11 am to noon
Cost
Free with museum admission
Ages
Ideal for ages 1 to 6, all welcome
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

Early Explorers is a morning program for the youngest visitors at the Clay Center's Avampato Discovery Museum, built around a picture book, music, play and a hands-on activity. In December the featured books are Penguin and Pinecone by Salina Yoon on December 4, Frosty the Snowman by Diane Muldrow on December 11, and Footprints in the Snow by Cynthia Benjamin on December 18.

On December 4, for example, children hear about friendship and kindness and then twist pipe cleaners into pinecones. Sessions are ideal for ages 1 to 6, though everyone is welcome, and they are free with museum admission. The Clay Center lists a morning session at 11 am and an afternoon session each Friday. The museum warns that sessions may not run on days with special events, so ask the box office on arrival.

Parent tip: Sessions can be skipped on days with special events, so check with the box office when you arrive. Admission to the museum applies.

See dates and details from Clay Center for the Arts & Sciences of West Virginia (opens in a new tab)

Charleston: Charleston Christmas Parade

Holiday paradeCity of Charleston · Charleston

Host
City of Charleston (opens in a new tab)
Where
Downtown Charleston (route to be announced), Charleston, WV 25301
When
Thursday, December 10, 2026, 7 pm
Cost
Not stated
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

The Charleston Christmas Parade is one of the capital city's favorite holiday traditions, and the city has set the 2026 parade for Thursday evening, December 10, with step off at 7 pm. The evening start means floats and lights are seen after dark, which makes it a festive outing for families with kids.

The city says more details, including the exact route, the parade time schedule and how groups can take part, will be shared as they become available, and the application to march will be announced in the coming weeks. Check the city's parade page closer to the date for the route map so you can pick a viewing spot along the way. The city lists a parade application, guidelines and a route information link on the same page, and questions can be sent to the city's special events office.

Parent tip: The route was not yet posted when checked; look for the Parade Route Info link on the city page before you go. Questions go to SpecialEvents@cityofcharleston.org.

See dates and details from City of Charleston (opens in a new tab)

Charleston: The Nutcracker presented by Charleston Ballet and WV Symphony

Holiday showClay Center for the Arts & Sciences of West Virginia · Charleston

Host
Clay Center for the Arts & Sciences of West Virginia (opens in a new tab)
Where
Clay Center for the Arts & Sciences, One Clay Square, Charleston, WV 25301
When
Fri December 11 (7:30 to 9 pm) and Sat December 12 (1 to 9 pm), 2026
Cost
Ticketed, see Clay Center box office
Ages
Audiences of all ages
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

At the Clay Center, The Charleston Ballet and the West Virginia Symphony Orchestra stage their yearly production of The Nutcracker. Shows take place on Friday, December 11, at 7:30 PM, and on Saturday, December 12, with both an afternoon and an evening performance.

Clara heads off on an enchanted Christmas Eve journey that brings her to soldiers, gingersnaps, snowflake dancers and the Land of Sweets, where the Sugar Plum Fairy waits. The symphony plays Tchaikovsky's music live, and the production has complete costumes and a full stage setup. The Clay Center calls the show a seasonal tradition for viewers of every age. Purchase tickets from the Clay Center box office; the event also connects to the center's Wonder Season Passport.

Parent tip: The Saturday 1 pm show is the friendliest time slot for younger kids. Purchase tickets from the Clay Center.

See dates and details from Clay Center for the Arts & Sciences of West Virginia (opens in a new tab)

Charleston: Family Gingerbread Workshop

Holiday craftsClay Center for the Arts & Sciences of West Virginia · Charleston

Host
Clay Center for the Arts & Sciences of West Virginia (opens in a new tab)
Where
Clay Center, Avampato Discovery Museum, 1 Clay Square, Charleston, WV 25301
When
Saturday, December 12, 2026, 10 am to noon
Cost
Pre-registration required; price not yet posted
Ages
Families
Sign-up
Required ahead of time
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

The Clay Center's annual Family Gingerbread Workshop is a hands-on morning for the whole family. Each registration includes a pre-assembled gingerbread house plus all the candy and icing needed to decorate it, so there is nothing to bring except creativity. Light refreshments and holiday music set the mood while families work on their houses together.

The workshop runs from 10 am to noon in the Avampato Discovery Museum, and pre-registration is required. The museum notes that registration details are coming soon, so check the event page for when sign-ups open. Santa Saturday follows at noon in the same building, which makes it easy to carry a finished gingerbread house straight over to meet Santa. Museum and cafe hours on Saturdays are 10 am to 5 pm.

Parent tip: Registration had not opened yet when checked, so watch the event page and sign up early.

See dates and details from Clay Center for the Arts & Sciences of West Virginia (opens in a new tab)

Charleston: Santa Saturday

Santa visitClay Center for the Arts & Sciences of West Virginia · Charleston

Host
Clay Center for the Arts & Sciences of West Virginia (opens in a new tab)
Where
Clay Center, Avampato Discovery Museum, 1 Clay Square, Charleston, WV 25301
When
Saturday, December 12, 2026, noon to 2 pm
Cost
Free with museum admission
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

Santa Saturday brings Santa to the Clay Center for a two-hour visit in the middle of the day. The museum describes it as a festive family day where little ones can see Santa up close, tell him their holiday wishes and make a few memories, so plan on bringing a camera for photos.

The visit is free with regular museum admission, which means the rest of the Avampato Discovery Museum is open to explore before or after meeting Santa. The same morning, the museum hosts its Family Gingerbread Workshop from 10 am to noon, which requires separate pre-registration, so families can make a full holiday day of it. The Charleston Ballet and West Virginia Symphony also perform The Nutcracker in the Clay Center's hall that weekend.

Parent tip: Museum hours are 10 am to 5 pm on Saturdays. Pair it with the gingerbread workshop that morning if you can get a spot.

See dates and details from Clay Center for the Arts & Sciences of West Virginia (opens in a new tab)

Charleston: Winter WonderLabs

Holiday craftsClay Center for the Arts & Sciences of West Virginia · Charleston

Host
Clay Center for the Arts & Sciences of West Virginia (opens in a new tab)
Where
Clay Center, Avampato Discovery Museum, One Clay Square, Charleston, WV 25301
When
Sat December 26, Mon December 28, Tue December 29 and Wed December 30, 2026, 10 am to 5 pm
Cost
Free with museum admission
Ages
Families
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

Winter WonderLabs offers families an activity during the holiday school break at the museum of the Clay Center. On December 26, 28, 29 and 30, 2026, a lab starts at 11:00 AM, 1:00 PM and 3:00 PM daily, and the museum welcomes visitors from 10 AM to 5 PM.

Every lab covers its own STEAM subject, and families uncover some wintry surprises together. Topics for the individual labs had not been posted at the time the page was checked. Labs are drop in, so nobody needs to sign up ahead, and the event costs nothing beyond museum admission. It is a handy choice for the days following Christmas, once many other holiday events are over.

Parent tip: Lab subjects will be shared at a later date, so look at the event page for updates. You will need museum admission.

See dates and details from Clay Center for the Arts & Sciences of West Virginia (opens in a new tab)

Christmas events for kids in St. Albans

4 confirmed events for kids in St. Albans, soonest first.

St. Albans: Walking Tours Through the St. Albans Festival of Lights

Holiday lightsFreeCity of St. Albans · St. Albans

Host
City of St. Albans (opens in a new tab)
Where
St. Albans High School parking lot, St. Albans, WV 25177 (near Charleston)
When
Tuesday, November 24, 2026, 6 to 8 pm
Cost
Free
Ages
All ages
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

On Tuesday, November 24, 2026, the St. Albans Festival of Lights opens to walkers for one night only, from 6 to 8 pm. Guests meet in the St. Albans High School parking lot and walk through the displays on foot.

This is the easiest night for families with strollers or children who want to stop and look closely at the lights, since no cars are on the route. Admission is free. The regular drive-through season begins November 27 and runs nightly from 6 to 9 pm through December 23, and free hayrides follow on November 25. Check the festival website for any updates before heading out.

Parent tip: Wear walking shoes and warm layers. Meet at the high school parking lot.

See dates and details from City of St. Albans (opens in a new tab)

St. Albans: Free Hayrides Through the St. Albans Festival of Lights

Holiday lightsFreeCity of St. Albans · St. Albans

Host
City of St. Albans (opens in a new tab)
Where
Coleman Field, St. Albans City Park area, St. Albans, WV 25177 (near Charleston)
When
Wednesday, November 25, 2026, 6 to 8 pm
Cost
Free
Ages
All ages
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

On Wednesday, November 25, 2026, the City of St. Albans offers free hayrides through the Festival of Lights from 6 to 8 pm. It is a one night only event and a different way to see the displays than the usual drive-through.

The festival asks guests to park and meet at Coleman Field. Admission is free. The regular drive-through season starts two days later, on November 27, and runs nightly through December 23. Because the hayrides are outdoors in late November, bundle up. Check the festival website before you go in case hours or the meeting spot change.

Parent tip: Park at Coleman Field and dress warmly for an open wagon ride.

See dates and details from City of St. Albans (opens in a new tab)

St. Albans: Santa House at Roadside Park

Santa visitFreeCity of St. Albans · St. Albans

Host
City of St. Albans (opens in a new tab)
Where
Roadside Park, 612 MacCorkle Ave, St. Albans, WV 25177 (near Charleston)
When
Friday, November 27, 2026 to Wednesday, December 23, 2026 (nightly), 6 to 9 pm
Cost
Free (bring your own camera)
Ages
All ages
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

The Santa House at Roadside Park is open every night from November 27 through December 23, 2026, from 6 to 9 pm. It sits at 612 to 736 MacCorkle Avenue in St. Albans, across from Kroger, and runs alongside the city's Festival of Lights drive-through display.

Families take their own pictures with Santa, so bring a phone or camera. The festival website lists the Santa House together with its hours, and it does not mention a fee. You can pair the visit with the drive-through lights in St. Albans City Park, which are open the same hours. Since this is outdoors in December, dress warmly.

Parent tip: Bring your own camera or phone because families take their own photos. Dress for the cold.

See dates and details from City of St. Albans (opens in a new tab)

St. Albans: St. Albans Festival of Lights

Holiday lightsFreeCity of St. Albans · St. Albans

Host
City of St. Albans (opens in a new tab)
Where
St. Albans City Park, 931 Observatory Dr, St. Albans, WV 25177 (near Charleston)
When
Fri November 27 and Sat December 26, 2026, 6 to 9 pm
Cost
Free
Ages
All ages
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

The 38th annual St. Albans Festival of Lights is a drive-through display of Christmas lights in St. Albans City Park. It is open nightly from 6 to 9 pm from November 27 through December 23, 2026, closed on December 24 and 25, with one final night on December 26. Admission is free, and the display is only open to vehicle traffic on regular nights.

The park is at 931 Observatory Drive, an easy drive west of Charleston off I-64 at Exit 54. The festival also schedules a walking night on November 24 and free hayrides on November 25. A separate Santa House at Roadside Park is open the same nights, and families can take their own pictures with Santa. The festival site has directions, hours and FAQs.

Parent tip: Regular nights are for cars only, so plan to watch from the vehicle. The walking tour and hayride nights are separate one night events.

See dates and details from City of St. Albans (opens in a new tab)

Christmas events for kids in Belle

3 confirmed events for kids in Belle, soonest first.

Belle: Story Time: "Little Old Lady"

Holiday story timeFreeKanawha County Public Library · Belle

Host
Kanawha County Public Library (opens in a new tab)
Where
Riverside Public Library, 1 Warrior Way, Suite 104, Belle, WV 25015 (near Charleston)
When
Wednesday, December 2, 2026, 11 to 11:30 am
Cost
Free
Ages
Toddlers 18 to 36 months and Pre-K 3 to 5 years
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

Riverside Public Library in Belle starts the holiday month with a story time on Wednesday, December 2, 2026, from 11:00 to 11:30 am. The featured book is There Was a Little Old Lady Who Swallowed a Bell.

After the story, children make a paper bell that jingles as part of the craft. The program is listed for toddlers from 18 to 36 months and for pre-kindergarten children ages 3 to 5. It is a short half hour, which suits young attention spans. The library photographs and videotapes some events for publicity and asks guests to tell staff if they prefer not to be photographed. Contact the library at (304) 949-2400 with questions.

Parent tip: The program is only 30 minutes, so arrive a few minutes early to settle in.

See dates and details from Kanawha County Public Library (opens in a new tab)

Belle: Holiday Open House: Gingerbread House Party

Santa visitFreeKanawha County Public Library · Belle

Host
Kanawha County Public Library (opens in a new tab)
Where
Riverside Public Library, 1 Warrior Way, Suite 104, Belle, WV 25015 (near Charleston)
When
Monday, December 7, 2026, 5:30 to 7:30 pm
Cost
Free
Ages
All ages
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

Riverside Public Library in Belle holds a Gingerbread Dance Party on Monday, December 7, 2026, from 5:30 to 7:30 pm. Riverside High School's show choir, Fusion, supplies the music, and library staff encourage families to come and be joyfully loud for the holidays.

Santa is expected to stop by. Guests can do take-home crafts, win door prizes during the evening, and enjoy cookies along with cocoa, juice or water from the library. All ages are welcome. The library cautions that it cannot promise the food at its programs has stayed clear of allergens such as tree nuts or soy, and that bad weather may cause a program to be moved or canceled.

Parent tip: If your child has food allergies, keep in mind that the library cannot promise snacks are free of allergens. Look for weather updates before heading out.

See dates and details from Kanawha County Public Library (opens in a new tab)

Belle: Saturday Afternoon Matinee: "Rudolph"

Holiday showFreeKanawha County Public Library · Belle

Host
Kanawha County Public Library (opens in a new tab)
Where
Riverside Public Library, 1 Warrior Way, Suite 104, Belle, WV 25015 (near Charleston)
When
Saturday, December 19, 2026, 1 to 3 pm
Cost
Free
Ages
All ages, families
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

Riverside Public Library in Belle shows Rudolph as a holiday matinee on Saturday, December 19, 2026, from 1:00 to 3:00 pm. The library invites families to watch for Rudolph's bright nose as he leads Santa's sleigh.

Guests are asked to bring their own pillow and blanket so everyone can get comfortable. The library will serve popcorn and juice, cocoa or water. The program is listed for all ages and families. As with other library events, staff cannot guarantee that food has not touched tree nuts, soy or other allergens, and programs can be rescheduled in bad weather. Questions can go to the library at (304) 949-2400.

Parent tip: Bring a pillow and blanket for each child. The library cannot guarantee snacks are allergen free.

See dates and details from Kanawha County Public Library (opens in a new tab)

Looking further afield? Our West Virginia Christmas events for kids guide lists every confirmed event in the state. 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 train ride, hand-painted in real watercolor by Leslie Dunn. $16.99 on Amazon, ages 0 to 8.

Buy on Amazon (opens in a new tab)

Charleston, WV Christmas events for kids: questions parents ask

What Christmas events for kids are in Charleston, WV in 2026?

We confirmed 14 Christmas events for kids in Charleston, WV for 2026 on each host’s own page: Walking Tours Through the St. Albans Festival of Lights in St. Albans (November 24), Free Hayrides Through the St. Albans Festival of Lights in St. Albans (November 25), Santa House at Roadside Park in St. Albans (November 27), St. Albans Festival of Lights in St. Albans (November 27), Super Saturday: Nutcracker Storytime with The Charleston Ballet in Charleston (November 28), Story Time: "Little Old Lady" in Belle (December 2), Early Explorers: winter story times in Charleston (December 4), Holiday Open House: Gingerbread House Party in Belle (December 7), Charleston Christmas Parade in Charleston (December 10), The Nutcracker presented by Charleston Ballet and WV Symphony in Charleston (December 11), Family Gingerbread Workshop in Charleston (December 12), Santa Saturday in Charleston (December 12), Saturday Afternoon Matinee: "Rudolph" in Belle (December 19) and Winter WonderLabs in Charleston (December 26). Every one is listed below with times, cost and a link to the host.

What Christmas events for kids are in Charleston, West Virginia?

For families in and around Charleston, the confirmed Christmas events for kids this season are: Super Saturday: Nutcracker Storytime with The Charleston Ballet (Sat, Nov 28, 3 to 4 pm, free); Early Explorers: winter story times (Fridays Dec 4, 11 and 18, 11 am to noon (afternoon sessions also listed), free with museum admission); Charleston Christmas Parade (Thu, Dec 10, steps off at 7 pm, not stated); The Nutcracker presented by Charleston Ballet and WV Symphony (Fri, Dec 11, 7:30 pm; Sat, Dec 12, 1 pm and 7:30 pm, ticketed, see clay center box office); Family Gingerbread Workshop (Sat, Dec 12, 10 am to noon, pre-registration required; price not yet posted); Santa Saturday (Sat, Dec 12, noon to 2 pm, free with museum admission); Winter WonderLabs (Dec 26, 28, 29 and 30; labs at 11 am, 1 pm and 3 pm, free with museum admission). Details and the host’s link for each are in the Charleston section of this page.

What Christmas events for kids are in St. Albans, West Virginia?

For families in and around St. Albans, the confirmed Christmas events for kids this season are: Walking Tours Through the St. Albans Festival of Lights (Tue, Nov 24, 6 to 8 pm, free); Free Hayrides Through the St. Albans Festival of Lights (Wed, Nov 25, 6 to 8 pm, free); Santa House at Roadside Park (Nightly 6 to 9 pm, Nov 27 to Dec 23, free (bring your own camera)); St. Albans Festival of Lights (Nightly 6 to 9 pm, Nov 27 to Dec 23; final night Dec 26, free). Details and the host’s link for each are in the St. Albans section of this page.

What Christmas events for kids are in Belle, West Virginia?

For families in and around Belle, the confirmed Christmas events for kids this season are: Story Time: "Little Old Lady" (Wed, Dec 2, 11 to 11:30 am, free); Holiday Open House: Gingerbread House Party (Mon, Dec 7, 5:30 to 7:30 pm, free); Saturday Afternoon Matinee: "Rudolph" (Sat, Dec 19, 1 to 3 pm, free). Details and the host’s link for each are in the Belle section of this page.

Are there free Christmas events for kids in Charleston, WV?

Yes. 8 of the 14 events here are free: Walking Tours Through the St. Albans Festival of Lights in St. Albans, Free Hayrides Through the St. Albans Festival of Lights in St. Albans, Santa House at Roadside Park in St. Albans, St. Albans Festival of Lights in St. Albans, Super Saturday: Nutcracker Storytime with The Charleston Ballet in Charleston, Story Time: "Little Old Lady" in Belle, Holiday Open House: Gingerbread House Party in Belle and Saturday Afternoon Matinee: "Rudolph" in Belle. Some free events still ask you to register, so check each listing.

Where can kids see Santa in Charleston, WV this December?

Santa appears at Santa House at Roadside Park in St. Albans (November 27), Holiday Open House: Gingerbread House Party in Belle (December 7) and Santa Saturday in Charleston (December 12). Times and booking rules are in each event’s listing above.

Where are there Christmas story times for kids in Charleston, WV?

Holiday story times on this page: Super Saturday: Nutcracker Storytime with The Charleston Ballet in Charleston, Story Time: "Little Old Lady" in Belle and Early Explorers: winter story times in Charleston. Library story times are usually free; story times with a meal or show are ticketed.

Which Charleston, WV Christmas events are best for toddlers?

These are aimed at babies, toddlers and preschoolers: Story Time: "Little Old Lady" in Belle (Toddlers 18 to 36 months and Pre-K 3 to 5 years) and Early Explorers: winter story times in Charleston (Ideal for ages 1 to 6, all welcome).

Are there kids' Christmas events in Charleston, WV on Christmas Eve or after Christmas?

Yes: St. Albans Festival of Lights in St. Albans (through December 26) and Winter WonderLabs in Charleston (through December 30).

How much is Walking Tours Through the St. Albans Festival of Lights in St. Albans?

Free. Walking Tours Through the St. Albans Festival of Lights is on Tuesday, November 24, 2026, 6 to 8 pm at St. Albans High School parking lot. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Free Hayrides Through the St. Albans Festival of Lights in St. Albans?

Free. Free Hayrides Through the St. Albans Festival of Lights is on Wednesday, November 25, 2026, 6 to 8 pm at Coleman Field, St. Albans City Park area. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Santa House at Roadside Park in St. Albans?

Free (bring your own camera). Santa House at Roadside Park is on Friday, November 27, 2026 to Wednesday, December 23, 2026 (nightly), 6 to 9 pm at Roadside Park. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is St. Albans Festival of Lights in St. Albans?

Free. St. Albans Festival of Lights is on Fri November 27 and Sat December 26, 2026, 6 to 9 pm at St. Albans City Park. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Super Saturday: Nutcracker Storytime with The Charleston Ballet in Charleston?

Free. Super Saturday: Nutcracker Storytime with The Charleston Ballet is on Saturday, November 28, 2026, 3 to 4 pm at Main Library, Main 311C (A/B) GKVF Meeting Room. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Story Time: "Little Old Lady" in Belle?

Free. Story Time: "Little Old Lady" is on Wednesday, December 2, 2026, 11 to 11:30 am at Riverside Public Library. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Early Explorers: winter story times in Charleston?

Free with museum admission. Early Explorers: winter story times is on Fri December 4, Fri December 11 and Fri December 18, 2026, 11 am to noon at Clay Center, Avampato Discovery Museum. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Holiday Open House: Gingerbread House Party in Belle?

Free. Holiday Open House: Gingerbread House Party is on Monday, December 7, 2026, 5:30 to 7:30 pm at Riverside Public Library. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Charleston Christmas Parade in Charleston?

Not stated. Charleston Christmas Parade is on Thursday, December 10, 2026, 7 pm at Downtown Charleston (route to be announced). Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is The Nutcracker presented by Charleston Ballet and WV Symphony in Charleston?

Ticketed, see Clay Center box office. The Nutcracker presented by Charleston Ballet and WV Symphony is on Fri December 11 (7:30 to 9 pm) and Sat December 12 (1 to 9 pm), 2026 at Clay Center for the Arts & Sciences. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Family Gingerbread Workshop in Charleston?

Pre-registration required; price not yet posted. Family Gingerbread Workshop is on Saturday, December 12, 2026, 10 am to noon at Clay Center, Avampato Discovery Museum. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Santa Saturday in Charleston?

Free with museum admission. Santa Saturday is on Saturday, December 12, 2026, noon to 2 pm at Clay Center, Avampato Discovery Museum. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Saturday Afternoon Matinee: "Rudolph" in Belle?

Free. Saturday Afternoon Matinee: "Rudolph" is on Saturday, December 19, 2026, 1 to 3 pm at Riverside Public Library. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Winter WonderLabs in Charleston?

Free with museum admission. Winter WonderLabs is on Sat December 26, Mon December 28, Tue December 29 and Wed December 30, 2026, 10 am to 5 pm at Clay Center, Avampato Discovery Museum. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

Are there Christmas train rides for kids in Charleston, WV?

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

Kelsey Cecil
Previous

Christmas Events for Kids in Wilmington, DE (2026)
Next

Christmas Events for Kids in Roanoke (2026)