The Dover area has 2 Christmas events for kids we could confirm for the 2026 season, from Capital Holiday Celebration in Dover on December 3 to Preschool Story Time (Holiday decorating) in Dover, which runs through December 18. Every listing links straight to the host. It is one stop on our guide to Christmas events for kids in Delaware, part of our guide for every state.
The short version
- 2 kids’ Christmas events confirmed in Dover for 2026, in Dover
- First: Capital Holiday Celebration, Dover, December 3. Runs latest: Preschool Story Time (Holiday decorating), Dover, through December 18
- Every event here charges admission or a ticket; check each host
- Checked on each host’s own page; each listing links straight to it
What are you looking for?
All 2 events
Nothing matches yet. Try another kind of event, or .
Rally’s Christmas research
Rally the corgi has 1 more Dover event researched for you.
- New events every week We research new events daily and send you one email a week with the new ones we find in Dover.
- Exclusive access to free events Find the free Christmas events in Dover before they fill up.
- Start your magical Christmas season now Every event appears the moment you enter your email.
- Rally’s Christmas Eve Express and a free advent calendar Get early access to Rally the corgi’s Christmas Eve tracker, plus a free digital advent calendar to count down to Christmas.
- One-tap add to calendar Save any event to your Google, Apple or Outlook calendar so you never miss it.
Waiting inside
- 2 Crafts
- 1 Santa
- 1 Story time
- 1 Lights
Enter your email and all will appear instantly.
The Christmas magic awaits
Enter your email to get Christmas event notifications all season long and unlock the details on 1 Christmas event in Dover.
- New events in Dover every week
- Exclusive access to free events
- Your magical Christmas season starts now
- Christmas Eve Express and free advent calendar
- One-tap add to calendar
Christmas events for kids in Dover
2 confirmed events for kids in Dover, soonest first.
Tree lighting
Capital Holiday Celebration
- When: Thursday, December 3, 2026, 5 to 8 pm
- Where: Dover City Hall, Loockerman Plaza, and Dover Public Library, Dover
- Cost: Free crafts, hot chocolate and cookies while supplies last
- Ages: All ages
Details, tips and host
The Capital Holiday Celebration opens the season in downtown Dover with an evening of activities around City Hall on Loockerman Plaza and the Dover Public Library. The library hosts holiday crafts for kids and dance performances in its Reading Garden, and the evening builds to the annual tree lighting ceremony. Last year's timeline also included free hot chocolate and cookies, Nutcracker dance demonstrations, carolers, a living nativity at Wesley Church, and Santa arriving by fire truck before settling into his house by the library.
The library lists the event for all ages, which makes it an easy outing for families with kids of any age. Part of the evening is outdoors around the plaza and part is inside the library, so dress for the weather. Crafts and treats were offered while supplies last, so arriving near the 5 pm start gives kids the best chance at both.
Parent tip: Arrive close to 5 pm, since crafts, hot chocolate and cookies are offered while supplies last. Bring a letter for Santa: the library has a mailbox for Santa's mail.
- Host
- City of Dover and Dover Public Library (opens in a new tab)
- Address
- Dover City Hall, Loockerman Plaza, and Dover Public Library, Loockerman Plaza, Dover, DE
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Holiday story time
Preschool Story Time (Holiday decorating)
- When: Fri December 4, Fri December 11 and Fri December 18, 2026, 10 to 11 am
- Where: Kent County Public Library, Atrium, Dover
- Cost: Check the host's page
- Ages: Ages 6 and under with an adult
Details, tips and host
Kent County Public Library in Dover runs a Friday morning preschool story time, and the December sessions carry a holiday decorating theme. Each hour includes stories, songs, crafts and more, held in the library's Atrium from 10 to 11 am on three Fridays in December.
The program is meant for preschoolers ages 6 and under along with their adults, so it suits babies, toddlers and young children who are comfortable in a group setting. A parent or other responsible adult must stay in the library, including during programs, for any child under 16. The listing does not mention registration for families, but groups of five or more are asked to give advance notice. With three dates to choose from, it is an easy indoor activity to fit around a busy December.
Parent tip: An adult must stay with children throughout the program. Groups of five or more should let the library know in advance.
- Host
- Kent County Public Library (opens in a new tab)
- Address
- Kent County Public Library, Atrium, 497 S. Red Haven Ln., Dover, DE 19901
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Look inside the book
Story time with Santa in Dover? 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.
See the full bookPage 1 of 8
Like it so far? See the full book
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.
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 Delaware Christmas train rides page.
Dover Christmas events for kids at a glance
- Kids’ Christmas events
- 2 confirmed for 2026
- Cities
- Dover
- Season
- December 3 to December 18, 2026
- Free events
- 0
- Kinds of events
- tree lighting and holiday story time
- Last checked
See every event on a December calendar
Plan your December
When each Dover Christmas event for kids happens
The first is Capital Holiday Celebration in Dover on December 3; the last runs to December 18. Each bar spans an event’s dates, not every hour in them, so check the host’s page for times.
- Capital Holiday CelebrationDover · Dec 3
- Preschool Story Time (Holiday decorating)Dover · Dec 4 to Dec 18
Looking further afield? Our Delaware Christmas events for kids guide lists every confirmed event in the state, and we have city guides for Wilmington, DE. 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 ride on a California train, hand-painted in watercolor. $16.99 on Amazon, ages 0 to 8.
Buy on Amazon2026 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 Dover
In Dover, Santa arrives by fire engine. The Capital Holiday Celebration brings hot chocolate, a living nativity and a tree lighting to City Hall, and a parade of glowing vehicles rolls through downtown.
How Dover celebrates
Dover's main Christmas tradition is the Capital Holiday Celebration, sponsored by the City of Dover and the Central Delaware Chamber of Commerce, with a tree lighting at City Hall on Loockerman Plaza. Downtown Dover Partnership organizes related events, including Small Business Saturday, a Dashing Through Downtown Dover Parade of lit-up vehicles, and window displays. Dover Air Force Base has its own annual holiday parade and tree lighting, which it calls a Team Dover tradition. The sources we found do not say when each event first started.
Christmas last year in Dover
The 2025 Capital Holiday Celebration began at 5 p.m. with free hot chocolate and cookies, a kids' craft at the Dover Public Library, a Living Nativity at Wesley Church and Nutcracker dance demonstrations by The Delaware Ballet. At 6 p.m. the city's Christmas tree was lit during a sing-along, with choirs, school groups and the mayor on stage. Santa arrived on a fire engine from Robbins Hose Co No. 1. On December 1, 2025, Dover Air Force Base held its holiday parade, with Air Mobility Command Museum staff and volunteers on a float.
Fun facts about Christmas in Dover
After arriving at the stage, Santa goes to his own house beside the Dover Public Library, and a mailbox there accepts letters for him. The downtown light parade begins at 6:30 p.m. with vehicles that are all lit up. Dover Motor Speedway's Gift of Lights drive-thru display runs from Thanksgiving through New Year's Day, with more than 60 scenes and 3 million lights along a 1.5 mile route, according to the Downtown Dover Partnership. Kids can also stroll Loockerman Street and see window displays.
Trains and Christmas near Dover
Families who love trains can look to small Delaware depots near Dover. The Harrington Railroad Museum has a restored railroad tower and a 1926 Pennsylvania Railroad caboose on Hanley Street, and admission is free. The Historic Georgetown Train Station, rebuilt after a 2011 fire, opens on select Saturdays with model trains and Lil Toot rides for kids. The Wilmington & Western Railroad runs steam and diesel trains in the Red Clay Valley, with Santa specials among its themed trips.
- Harrington Railroad Museum: A restored railroad tower and a 1926 caboose, free to visit, not far south of Dover.
- Historic Georgetown Train Station: A late 1860s depot with model trains and Lil Toot rides on select Saturdays.
- Wilmington & Western Railroad: Delaware's heritage railroad, with steam and diesel trains and Santa specials.
Traditions today
- Capital Holiday Celebration: A tree lighting at City Hall on Loockerman Plaza with carols, choirs, cookies and hot chocolate.
- Santa's fire engine arrival: Santa arrives at the stage on a fire engine from Robbins Hose Co No. 1, then visits his house by the library.
- Living Nativity: A live nativity at Wesley Church is part of the early evening program.
- Dashing Through Downtown Dover Parade: An electric light parade of all-lit-up vehicles starts at 6:30 p.m.
- Dover Air Force Base holiday parade and tree lighting: A Team Dover tradition that kicks off the season on base.
- Gift of Lights: A drive-thru display at Dover Motor Speedway with more than 60 scenes and 3 million lights.
A fact for kids
In Dover, Santa arrives on a fire engine and then goes to his own little house by the library, where kids can drop letters for him in a mailbox.
Questions about Christmas in Dover
What is the Capital Holiday Celebration in Dover, Delaware?
It is Dover's main Christmas tree lighting event, held at City Hall on Loockerman Plaza and sponsored by the City of Dover and the Central Delaware Chamber of Commerce. It includes crafts, a living nativity, choirs, the tree lighting and Santa's arrival on a fire engine.
When does Dover light its Christmas tree?
The tree lighting is part of the Capital Holiday Celebration, which is held in early December. The next date listed is Thursday, December 3, 2026, from 5 to 8 p.m., and in the 2025 program the tree was lit at 6 p.m. Our Dover Christmas events guide on this page has the latest schedule.
How does Santa arrive in Dover?
Santa arrives at the stage on a fire engine provided by Robbins Hose Co No. 1. After the ceremony he goes to his house beside the Dover Public Library, so kids can visit him there. It is a nice moment for children who like fire trucks as much as Santa.
Can kids send letters to Santa in Dover?
Yes. Santa's house stands by the Dover Public Library, and a mailbox there accepts letters for him. Kids can write or draw a note at home first, or make a holiday craft at the library during the celebration, which offers a kids' craft at 5 p.m.
Is there free hot chocolate at the Dover tree lighting?
In the 2025 program there was free hot chocolate and cookies by City Hall starting at 5 p.m. Food and drink offerings can change from year to year, so check our Dover Christmas events guide on this page before you go.
What is the Living Nativity in Dover?
It is a live nativity at Wesley Church that was part of the 5 p.m. portion of the 2025 Capital Holiday Celebration. It shows the Christmas story with live actors, which gives young children a simple, visual way to see the story that many Christmas traditions come from.
Who performs at the Dover tree lighting?
The 2025 sing-along included Christmas carolers, the Towne Point Chorus, the Dover High School Select Ensemble and Wesley Preschool & Playcare, along with local officials. Delaware Ballet also gave Nutcracker dance demonstrations at the library. Performers can change each year.
Is there a Christmas parade in downtown Dover?
Yes. Downtown Dover Partnership promotes the Dashing Through Downtown Dover Parade, an electric light parade with vehicles that are all lit up. Its page lists a 6:30 p.m. start. Our Dover Christmas events guide on this page lists the current year's date and route.
Does Dover Air Force Base have a Christmas parade?
Yes. The base holds an annual holiday parade followed by a tree lighting, and it calls the event a Team Dover tradition. In 2025 it took place on December 1, and Air Mobility Command Museum staff and volunteers rode on a float.
What is the Gift of Lights near Dover?
Dover Motor Speedway's Gift of Lights is a drive-thru display that the Downtown Dover Partnership says runs every evening from Thanksgiving through New Year's Day. It lists more than 60 scenes, 3 million lights and a 1.5 mile route. Check current details before driving out.
What other events are part of Dover's holiday season?
The Downtown Dover Partnership lists Small Business Saturday, First Saturday, window displays, Delaware Ballet's The Nutcracker at the Schwartz Center and a Hometown Holiday on Legislative Mall, plus candlelit illuminations. Dates change each year, so see our Dover Christmas events guide on this page.
When did Dover's Capital Holiday start?
We could not find a founding date for the Capital Holiday Celebration, so we do not give a year. What we can say is that it is organized each year by the City of Dover, the Central Delaware Chamber of Commerce, the Dover Public Library and Downtown Dover Partnership.
How can I explain a tree lighting to my kids?
Say the whole town gathers to switch on the big tree together, like turning on a giant night light. In Dover there are songs, a sing-along and Santa on a fire engine first, so kids have plenty to look at while they wait for the lights.
How can I explain the Living Nativity to a young child?
Tell them it is a story told by people standing in a stable scene, showing where Jesus was born according to the Christmas story. At Wesley Church in Dover it is live, so kids can see the characters up close. Keep it short, and let them ask questions.
Is the Capital Holiday Celebration good for toddlers?
It can be. The program has crafts, cookies, hot chocolate, songs and a fire engine, and the evening runs from 5 to 8 p.m., so you can come for part of it. Bring warm layers for the outdoor tree lighting. Our Dover Christmas events guide on this page lists details.
Where is the Dover tree lighting held?
It is held at Dover City Hall on Loockerman Plaza, with activities spread out between the City Hall area, the Dover Public Library and Wesley Church. The downtown parade and shops along Loockerman Street are close by, so families can walk between events.
Are there train museums near Dover, Delaware?
Yes. The Harrington Railroad Museum has a restored railroad tower and a 1926 caboose, and the Historic Georgetown Train Station is a late 1860s depot with model trains. Both are small, volunteer-run places, so check opening times first. Our Dover Christmas events guide on this page lists seasonal options.
Can kids see Santa on a train near Dover?
The Wilmington & Western Railroad runs steam and diesel trains in the Red Clay Valley and offers Santa specials among its themed trips, mostly on weekends. It is a drive north of Dover, so book tickets online early. Our Dover Christmas events guide on this page has current options.
Is the Harrington Railroad Museum free?
Yes. The Harrington Railroad Museum has a restored railroad tower and a 1926 caboose, and the Historic Georgetown Train Station is a late 1860s depot with model trains. Both are small places, so check opening times first. Our Dover Christmas events guide on this page lists seasonal options.
Is there free parking or a way to get to the Dover tree lighting?
The Wilmington & Western Railroad runs steam and diesel trains in the Red Clay Valley and offers Santa specials among its themed trips. It is a drive north of Dover, so check its schedule and ticket details ahead of time. Our Dover Christmas events guide on this page has current options.
Sources
- Capital Holiday Celebration, Visit Central Delaware
- Capital Holiday, Downtown Dover Partnership
- Dover AFB kicks off the holiday season with annual parade and tree lighting, Dover Air Force Base
- Harrington Railroad Museum, Rally Takes the Train
- Historic Georgetown Train Station, Rally Takes the Train
- Wilmington & Western Railroad, Rally Takes the Train
Dover Christmas events for kids: questions parents ask
What are the best Christmas events for kids in Dover this year?
We confirmed 2 for the 2026 season. Good places to start: Capital Holiday Celebration (Dec 3) and Preschool Story Time (Holiday decorating) (Dec 4 to Dec 18). Every event on this page has the times, the cost and a link to the host.
Where can kids meet Santa in Dover?
Bring your own camera; most visits allow photos.
Are there Christmas story times for kids in Dover?
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 1 of the 2 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 Dover?
Yes, but they have their own guide. Santa trains and holiday train rides are listed in our Dover 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.