Christmas Events for Kids in Durham, NC (2026)

Christmas Events for Kids
Written by Kelsey Cecil

14 min read

The Durham, NC area has 13 Christmas events for kids we could confirm for the 2026 season, from FestiBull of Lights in Durham on November 19 to Noon Year's Eve in Durham, on December 31. 10 of them are free, and every listing links straight to the host. It is one stop on our guide to Christmas events for kids in North Carolina, part of our guide for every state.

The short version

  • 13 kids’ Christmas events confirmed in Durham, NC for 2026, in Durham
  • First: FestiBull of Lights, Durham, November 19. Runs latest: FestiBull of Lights, Durham, through January 2
  • Free: Downtown Durham Tree Lighting, American Tobacco Campus Tower Lighting, STEAM Big: Snow Globe Spectacular, A Very Merry Cookie Craft, Sew Holiday, Durham Holiday Parade, Nutcracker Storytime with Barriskill Ballerinas @ Southwest!, Cookies, Cocoa, and a Movie, Do You Want to Paint a Snowman? and Holiday Cookie House Extravaganza
  • 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 North Carolina Christmas train rides page.

Durham, NC Christmas events for kids at a glance

Kids’ Christmas events
13 confirmed for 2026
Cities
Durham
Season
November 19, 2026 to January 2, 2027
Free events
10
Kinds of events
holiday crafts, holiday lights, story time with Santa and tree lighting
Last checked

Plan your December

When each Durham, NC Christmas event for kids happens

The first is FestiBull of Lights in Durham on November 19; 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.

Look inside the book

Story time with Santa in Durham, NC? 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 Durham

13 confirmed events for kids in Durham, soonest first.

Durham: FestiBull of Lights

Holiday lightsDurham Bulls · Durham

Host
Durham Bulls (opens in a new tab)
Where
Durham Bulls Athletic Park, 409 Blackwell Street, Durham, NC 27701
When
Thursday, November 19, 2026 to Saturday, January 2, 2027 (nightly, closed Nov 26, Nov 30, Dec 7, Dec 14 and Dec 25), 5:30 to 9 pm
Cost
$12 advance, $13 day of; ages 2 and under do not need a ticket
Ages
All ages, tickets for ages 3 and up
Sign-up
Recommended
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

FestiBull of Lights transforms Durham Bulls Athletic Park into a light filled winter wonderland. Guests stroll through thousands of twinkling lights set to festive music, then visit Santa and Wool E. Claus nightly for a wish list chat and a photo in his sleigh. Santa's Workshop offers free holiday crafts for kids, and children can write a letter to Santa and drop it in a special mailbox. Other stops include a forest of decorated trees, a snow free Holiday Slide and a Jingle Bell Dance Floor with colorful disco lights.

Tickets are $12 per person in advance and $13 on the day, required for guests age 3 and up. A $5 add on reserves a seat on the NC by Train Holiday Express around the field, and a $3 flex add on lets you change nights. The event is open nightly from 5:30 to 9 pm, closed Nov 26, Nov 30, Dec 7, Dec 14 and Dec 25.

Parent tip: Train seats are limited and sold only as an add on, so reserve ahead if your kids want to ride. Buy tickets early, since each night has limited capacity.

See dates and details from Durham Bulls (opens in a new tab)

Durham: Downtown Durham Tree Lighting

Story time with SantaFreeDowntown Durham, Inc. · Durham

Host
Downtown Durham, Inc. (opens in a new tab)
Where
CCB Plaza, 201 N Corcoran Street, Durham, NC 27701
When
Saturday, November 21, 2026, 4 to 8 pm
Cost
Free
Ages
Free and open to all ages
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

Downtown Durham kicks off the holiday season with its annual tree lighting at CCB Plaza. The evening features live music, a visit from Santa and the lighting of the downtown holiday tree. Pierce Freelon serves as DJ and master of ceremonies, and Book Harvest will be giving away free children's books, a nice touch for young readers.

The event runs from 4 to 8 pm on Saturday, Nov 21, and is free and open to all ages. A beverage option for adults is available from a sponsor, but the focus is a family friendly community gathering. CCB Plaza is at 201 N Corcoran Street. The downtown district also puts up holiday storefront displays beginning Third Friday in November and running through early January, so you can combine the tree lighting with a stroll to see the windows. Parking in downtown Durham is easiest in the nearby decks.

Parent tip: Arrive early if you want a short line to see Santa, and bring layers since the plaza is outdoors.

See dates and details from Downtown Durham, Inc. (opens in a new tab)

Durham: American Tobacco Campus Tower Lighting

Tree lightingFreeAmerican Tobacco Campus · Durham

Host
American Tobacco Campus (opens in a new tab)
Where
American Tobacco Campus, 300 Blackwell Street, Durham, NC 27701
When
Wednesday, December 2, 2026, 5 to 9 pm
Cost
Free
Ages
All ages
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

The annual lighting of the Lucky Strike Tower at American Tobacco Campus is a free community event on Wednesday, Dec 2 from 5 to 9 pm. The lighting is coordinated with the WRAL Tower in Raleigh and the Rocky Mount Mills Tower, and includes a live televised portion. On the Tower Stage, Jeanne Jolly and The Mistletoes start the music at 6 pm, and Durham's own Fust plays at 7:15.

Campus organizers promise plenty of family friendly activities all night long. Downtown Durham's holiday guide notes that past years have included performances by local choirs and dance groups and a visit from Santa Claus, and that the fun continues after the lighting at Diamond View Park, so this is not a guaranteed Santa appearance. The tower lights stay on through the holiday season. It is a weeknight event, so plan on dinner at one of the campus restaurants before or after.

Parent tip: The tower lighting is timed with a TV broadcast, so arrive early for a good view. Parking is in the campus decks.

See dates and details from American Tobacco Campus (opens in a new tab)

Durham: Holidays in the Park

Holiday lightsMuseum of Life and Science · Durham

Host
Museum of Life and Science (opens in a new tab)
Where
Museum of Life and Science, 433 W Murray Avenue, Durham, NC 27704
When
Wednesday, December 2, 2026 to Thursday, December 31, 2026 (Wednesdays through Sundays in December, evening entry times)
Cost
$18 per person, $21 with train ride add on; ages 2 and under free
Ages
Tickets for ages 3 and up
Sign-up
Required ahead of time
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

Holidays in the Park lights up the Museum of Life and Science on evenings in December, with a stroll through both outdoor and indoor spaces. Follow glowing paths and lit trees from the gardens to the Dinosaur Trail, warm up in the tropical Magic Wings Butterfly House, and look for wild lights along the Dino Trail. Admission includes holiday music, family photo spots, a pop up gift shop, winter themed activities, a synthetic ice rink where you skate in your socks, and complimentary candy canes.

Tickets are $18 per person, or $21 with a seat on the Ellerbe Creek Railway for one loop past the light displays. Guests 2 and under are free with a paying adult, and each ticket has a timed entry. Late arrivals are not refunded and cannot get in early, so aim for your window. Light snacks are available. Reservations staff can help with accessible train seating at reservations@lifeandscience.org.

Parent tip: Arrive at your entry time and bring your Ticketleap confirmation email. Timed tickets cannot be refunded if you are late.

See dates and details from Museum of Life and Science (opens in a new tab)

Durham: STEAM Big: Snow Globe Spectacular

Holiday craftsFreeDurham County Library · Durham

Host
Durham County Library (opens in a new tab)
Where
East Regional Library, 211 Lick Creek Lane, Durham, NC 27703
When
Wednesday, December 2, 2026, 4:30 to 5 pm
Cost
Free, registration required
Ages
Elementary school age
Sign-up
Required ahead of time
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

At this STEAM program for school aged children, each participant creates a winter wonderland in a jar. The librarians explain the science of water suspension by combining water and glycerin, and children build their own snowy, glittery snow globe with animal figurines inside. It pairs a hands on craft with a simple science lesson, and it fits the winter holiday season.

All supplies are provided at East Regional Library, 211 Lick Creek Lane, on Wednesday, Dec 2 from 4:30 to 5:00 pm. Registration is required and opens at 4:30 pm on Wednesday, Nov 18, so mark the date if you want a spot. The listing is for elementary school children. Because the session is short, it makes an easy after school activity. Contact the library if you have questions about accessibility needs for your child.

Parent tip: Register when sign ups open on Nov 18, because spaces are limited.

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

Durham: Sew Holiday

Holiday craftsFreeDurham County Library · Durham

Host
Durham County Library (opens in a new tab)
Where
Southwest Regional Library, 3605 Shannon Road, Durham, NC 27707
When
Sat December 5 and Sat December 12, 2026, 10 am to 12:30 pm
Cost
Free, registration required
Ages
Tweens and teens, ages 9 to 18
Sign-up
Required ahead of time
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

Sew Holiday is a creative workshop for tweens and teens ages 9 to 18, led by the group Connecting with Threads. Participants make a holiday gift for a friend or family member and also make something to donate to the community, so the project combines gift giving with service. Each sewer chooses between a bowl cozy or a mug rug, both practical items that are beginner friendly.

The workshop is held at Southwest Regional Library, 3605 Shannon Road, in the Children's Programming Room. There are two sessions, Saturday, Dec 5 and Saturday, Dec 12, each from 10 am to 12:30 pm, and families must register separately for each date. Registration opened on Nov 7. This is not a drop in program for younger children, but it is a good fit for older kids who want to learn a new skill before the holidays.

Parent tip: Register separately for each date. The program is aimed at ages 9 to 18, not younger siblings.

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

Durham: Durham Holiday Parade

Holiday paradeFreeDurham Parks and Recreation · Durham

Host
Durham Parks and Recreation (opens in a new tab)
Where
Downtown Durham, Main Street, Main Street, Durham, NC 27701
When
Saturday, December 12, 2026, 10 am
Cost
Free
Ages
All ages
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

The Durham Holiday Parade is a long running tradition that kicks off the holiday season in downtown. Cheer on hometown bands, drill teams, schools and community groups as they march down Main Street. The procession concludes with a guest appearance from Santa, which gives children a satisfying finale to watch for.

The parade begins at 10 am on Saturday, Dec 12, a morning start that works well for younger children. It is free and open to all, and the parks department says it goes ahead rain or shine unless severe weather forces a cancellation, in which case updates are posted on the city page. Anyone who wants to walk, ride or volunteer can find forms on the same page. Downtown Durham restaurants and shops are nearby for a warm drink or lunch after the last float passes.

Parent tip: Check the city parade page for weather cancellation notices, and arrive early to claim a curbside spot along Main Street.

See dates and details from Durham Parks and Recreation (opens in a new tab)

Durham: Nutcracker Storytime with Barriskill Ballerinas @ Southwest!

Holiday story timeFreeDurham County Library · Durham

Host
Durham County Library (opens in a new tab)
Where
Southwest Regional Library, 3605 Shannon Rd, Durham, NC 27707 (near Raleigh)
When
Saturday, December 12, 2026, 10:30 to 11:45 am
Cost
Free, registration required
Ages
All ages
Sign-up
Required ahead of time
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

Durham County Library's Southwest Regional branch is hosting an extra special holiday story time with ballerinas from Barriskill Dance Theater School. The dancers bring the holiday classic The Nutcracker to life, starting with a mini ballet lesson for the kids.

Next comes a read aloud of The Nutcracker, a short dance demonstration, and time to take photos with the ballerinas. There are two 30 minute sessions on Saturday, December 12, at 10:30 am and 11:15 am. The program is free and open to all ages, but registration is required, so sign up for one session through the library calendar. This is a lovely pick for young dancers and for families who want a gentle introduction to the Nutcracker story before seeing a full ballet.

Parent tip: Register for one session only. Bring a camera for photos with the ballerinas.

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

Durham: Cookies, Cocoa, and a Movie

Holiday eventFreeDurham County Library · Durham

Host
Durham County Library (opens in a new tab)
Where
East Regional Library, 211 Lick Creek Ln, Durham, NC 27703 (near Raleigh)
When
Tuesday, December 15, 2026, 5:30 to 6 pm
Cost
Free, registration required
Ages
Toddler, preschool, kindergarten, elementary
Sign-up
Required ahead of time
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

Durham County Library's East Regional branch is hosting a cozy weeknight movie for young children on Tuesday, December 15. Families can enjoy cocoa and cookies while watching Olaf's Frozen Adventure, a G rated short that celebrates the season's various holidays and runs about 27 minutes.

The program lasts from 5:30 to 6 pm, so it fits easily before dinner or bedtime for little ones on a school night. It is listed for toddlers, preschoolers, kindergarteners, and elementary age children. The event is free, but registration is required through the library calendar. This is a gentle, short outing that works well for younger kids who may not sit through a full length film, and fans of the Frozen characters will especially enjoy seeing Olaf again.

Parent tip: Registration is required. The film is about 27 minutes long.

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

Durham: Do You Want to Paint a Snowman?

Holiday craftsFreeDurham County Library · Durham

Host
Durham County Library (opens in a new tab)
Where
Main Library, MakerLab, 300 N Roxboro Street, Durham, NC 27701
When
Wednesday, December 16, 2026, 5:30 to 6:30 pm
Cost
Free, registration required
Ages
Elementary and middle school, tweens 9 to 12
Sign-up
Required ahead of time
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

This festive night of painting in the MakerLab celebrates the winter season. Participants choose either a ceramic or a wooden snowman and then paint and personalize it however they like. All materials are provided, so children only need to bring their creativity, and the finished snowman makes a handmade decoration or gift.

The program takes place on Wednesday, Dec 16 from 5:30 to 6:30 pm at the Main Library, 300 N Roxboro Street, and is geared toward elementary and middle school children and tweens ages 9 to 12. Registration is required and the listing shows 12 seats, so spots will fill quickly. Painting in a small group works well for children who like to take their time with detail. Dress for a little mess, and bring a smock if your child is particular about clothes.

Parent tip: The registration form carries a generic online event notice, but the listing gives the MakerLab as the location, so confirm details when you register.

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

Durham: Noon Year's Eve

Holiday craftsMuseum of Life and Science · Durham

Host
Museum of Life and Science (opens in a new tab)
Where
Museum of Life and Science, 433 W Murray Avenue, Durham, NC 27704
When
Thursday, December 31, 2026, 10 am to 1 pm
Cost
Included with museum admission
Ages
Families with young children
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

Noon Year's Eve lets children ring in the new year on a kid friendly timeline. From 10 am to 1 pm on Thursday, Dec 31, families can add a wish to the wishing tree, craft and play the New Year's way, and try festive hands on science. The museum invites guests to share memories, laughter and play while they welcome 2027.

At noon, families head to one of the special countdown stations across campus for the full New Year's Eve experience, with the ball drop timed for lunchtime instead of midnight. The program is included with regular museum admission, so there is no separate ticket. This is a good choice for families staying in the Triangle between Christmas and New Year's, when children need something active to do. The museum has indoor and outdoor spaces, so dress for the weather and plan on a few hours of exploring.

Parent tip: Dress for both indoor and outdoor activity. The countdown happens at noon, so arrive by mid morning to enjoy the crafts first.

See dates and details from Museum of Life and Science (opens in a new tab)

Looking further afield? Our North Carolina Christmas events for kids guide lists every confirmed event in the state, and we have city guides for Charlotte, Raleigh, Greensboro, Winston-Salem, Wilmington, NC and Asheville. 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)

Durham, NC Christmas events for kids: questions parents ask

What Christmas events for kids are in Durham, NC in 2026?

We confirmed 13 Christmas events for kids in Durham, NC for 2026 on each host’s own page: FestiBull of Lights in Durham (November 19), Downtown Durham Tree Lighting in Durham (November 21), American Tobacco Campus Tower Lighting in Durham (December 2), Holidays in the Park in Durham (December 2), STEAM Big: Snow Globe Spectacular in Durham (December 2), A Very Merry Cookie Craft in Durham (December 4), Sew Holiday in Durham (December 5), Durham Holiday Parade in Durham (December 12), Nutcracker Storytime with Barriskill Ballerinas @ Southwest! in Durham (December 12), Cookies, Cocoa, and a Movie in Durham (December 15), Do You Want to Paint a Snowman? in Durham (December 16), Holiday Cookie House Extravaganza in Durham (December 18) and Noon Year's Eve in Durham (December 31). Every one is listed below with times, cost and a link to the host.

What Christmas events for kids are in Durham, North Carolina?

For families in and around Durham, the confirmed Christmas events for kids this season are: FestiBull of Lights (Nightly, Nov 19 to Jan 2, 5:30 to 9 pm (closed some dates), $12 advance, $13 day of; ages 2 and under do not need a ticket); Downtown Durham Tree Lighting (Sat, Nov 21, 4 to 8 pm, free); American Tobacco Campus Tower Lighting (Wed, Dec 2, 5 to 9 pm, free); Holidays in the Park (Wed to Sun evenings in December, starting Dec 2, $18 per person, $21 with train ride add on; ages 2 and under free); STEAM Big: Snow Globe Spectacular (Wed, Dec 2, 4:30 to 5 pm, free, registration required); A Very Merry Cookie Craft (Fri, Dec 4 and Fri, Dec 18, 11 am to noon, free); Sew Holiday (Saturdays, Dec 5 and 12, 10 am to 12:30 pm, free, registration required); Durham Holiday Parade (Sat, Dec 12, 10 am, free); Nutcracker Storytime with Barriskill Ballerinas @ Southwest! (Sat, Dec 12, 10:30 am or 11:15 am (30 minute sessions), free, registration required); Cookies, Cocoa, and a Movie (Tue, Dec 15, 5:30 to 6 pm, free, registration required); Do You Want to Paint a Snowman? (Wed, Dec 16, 5:30 to 6:30 pm, free, registration required); Holiday Cookie House Extravaganza (Fri, Dec 18, 4 to 5:30 pm, free, registration required); Noon Year's Eve (Thu, Dec 31, 10 am to 1 pm, included with museum admission). Details and the host’s link for each are in the Durham section of this page.

Are there free Christmas events for kids in Durham, NC?

Yes. 10 of the 13 events here are free: Downtown Durham Tree Lighting in Durham, American Tobacco Campus Tower Lighting in Durham, STEAM Big: Snow Globe Spectacular in Durham, A Very Merry Cookie Craft in Durham, Sew Holiday in Durham, Durham Holiday Parade in Durham, Nutcracker Storytime with Barriskill Ballerinas @ Southwest! in Durham, Cookies, Cocoa, and a Movie in Durham, Do You Want to Paint a Snowman? in Durham and Holiday Cookie House Extravaganza in Durham. Some free events still ask you to register, so check each listing.

Where can kids see Santa in Durham, NC this December?

Santa appears at FestiBull of Lights in Durham (November 19), Downtown Durham Tree Lighting in Durham (November 21) and Durham Holiday Parade in Durham (December 12). Times and booking rules are in each event’s listing above.

Where are there Christmas story times for kids in Durham, NC?

Holiday story times on this page: Downtown Durham Tree Lighting in Durham and Nutcracker Storytime with Barriskill Ballerinas @ Southwest! in Durham. Library story times are usually free; story times with a meal or show are ticketed.

Which Durham, NC Christmas events are best for toddlers?

These are aimed at babies, toddlers and preschoolers: A Very Merry Cookie Craft in Durham (Toddler, preschool, kindergarten, elementary, tweens), Cookies, Cocoa, and a Movie in Durham (Toddler, preschool, kindergarten, elementary) and Holiday Cookie House Extravaganza in Durham (Toddler, preschool, kindergarten, elementary).

Are there kids' Christmas events in Durham, NC on Christmas Eve or after Christmas?

Yes: FestiBull of Lights in Durham (through January 2), Holidays in the Park in Durham (through December 31) and Noon Year's Eve in Durham (through December 31).

How much is FestiBull of Lights in Durham?

$12 advance, $13 day of; ages 2 and under do not need a ticket. FestiBull of Lights is on Thursday, November 19, 2026 to Saturday, January 2, 2027 (nightly, closed Nov 26, Nov 30, Dec 7, Dec 14 and Dec 25), 5:30 to 9 pm at Durham Bulls Athletic Park. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Downtown Durham Tree Lighting in Durham?

Free. Downtown Durham Tree Lighting is on Saturday, November 21, 2026, 4 to 8 pm at CCB Plaza. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is American Tobacco Campus Tower Lighting in Durham?

Free. American Tobacco Campus Tower Lighting is on Wednesday, December 2, 2026, 5 to 9 pm at American Tobacco Campus. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Holidays in the Park in Durham?

$18 per person, $21 with train ride add on; ages 2 and under free. Holidays in the Park is on Wednesday, December 2, 2026 to Thursday, December 31, 2026 (Wednesdays through Sundays in December, evening entry times) at Museum of Life and Science. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is STEAM Big: Snow Globe Spectacular in Durham?

Free, registration required. STEAM Big: Snow Globe Spectacular is on Wednesday, December 2, 2026, 4:30 to 5 pm at East Regional Library. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is A Very Merry Cookie Craft in Durham?

Free. A Very Merry Cookie Craft is on Fri December 4 and Fri December 18, 2026, 11 am to noon at North Regional Library. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Sew Holiday in Durham?

Free, registration required. Sew Holiday is on Sat December 5 and Sat December 12, 2026, 10 am to 12:30 pm at Southwest Regional Library. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Durham Holiday Parade in Durham?

Free. Durham Holiday Parade is on Saturday, December 12, 2026, 10 am at Downtown Durham, Main Street. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Nutcracker Storytime with Barriskill Ballerinas @ Southwest! in Durham?

Free, registration required. Nutcracker Storytime with Barriskill Ballerinas @ Southwest! is on Saturday, December 12, 2026, 10:30 to 11:45 am at Southwest Regional Library. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Cookies, Cocoa, and a Movie in Durham?

Free, registration required. Cookies, Cocoa, and a Movie is on Tuesday, December 15, 2026, 5:30 to 6 pm at East Regional Library. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Do You Want to Paint a Snowman? in Durham?

Free, registration required. Do You Want to Paint a Snowman? is on Wednesday, December 16, 2026, 5:30 to 6:30 pm at Main Library, MakerLab. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Holiday Cookie House Extravaganza in Durham?

Free, registration required. Holiday Cookie House Extravaganza is on Friday, December 18, 2026, 4 to 5:30 pm at East Regional Library. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Noon Year's Eve in Durham?

Included with museum admission. Noon Year's Eve is on Thursday, December 31, 2026, 10 am to 1 pm at Museum of Life and Science. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

Are there Christmas train rides for kids in Durham, NC?

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