Christmas Events for Kids in Frederick (2026)

Christmas Events for Kids
Written by Kelsey Cecil

5 min read

The Frederick area has 4 Christmas events for kids we could confirm for the 2026 season, from Sailing Through the Winter Solstice in Frederick on November 21 to Museums by Candlelight in Frederick, on December 12. 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

  • 4 kids’ Christmas events confirmed in Frederick for 2026, in Frederick
  • First: Sailing Through the Winter Solstice, Frederick, November 21. Runs latest: Sailing Through the Winter Solstice, Frederick, through March 31
  • 4 are free, including Sailing Through the Winter Solstice, Carols by Candlelight and Kris Kringle Procession
  • Checked on each host’s own page; each listing links straight to it

Christmas events for kids in Frederick

4 confirmed events for kids in Frederick, soonest first.

Holiday lightsFree

Sailing Through the Winter Solstice

  • When: Saturday, November 21, 2026 to Wednesday, March 31, 2027 (lit boats on Carroll Creek, season runs through March 2027)
  • Where: Carroll Creek Linear Park, Frederick
  • Cost: Free to watch
  • Ages: All ages
Details, tips and host

Sailing Through the Winter Solstice fills Carroll Creek in downtown Frederick with illuminated boats. Visit Frederick says the display begins November 21, 2026 and runs through March 2027.

The boats are designed by local businesses and community groups, and the event raises money for nonprofits. Kids can stroll along the creek in the evening and pick a favorite boat. Visitors have also been able to vote for a favorite boat, with each vote counting as a donation to that boat's charity.

Parent tip: Evenings are best for seeing the boats lit up.

Host
Downtown Frederick Partnership (opens in a new tab)
Address
Carroll Creek Linear Park, Carroll Creek Linear Park, Frederick, MD 21701
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked
See dates and detailsfrom Downtown Frederick Partnership (opens in a new tab)

Holiday showFree

Carols by Candlelight

  • When: Wednesday, December 9, 2026, 6 pm
  • Where: City Hall Park, Frederick
  • Cost: Free
  • Ages: All ages
Details, tips and host

Carols by Candlelight is a community caroling evening in downtown Frederick on Wednesday, December 9, 2026. Caroling choirs perform downtown starting at 6 pm, and sing-alongs follow at City Hall Park at 6:30 pm.

The event was formerly called the Festival of Lights. It is a short, easygoing outing, so it works for families with kids who like to sing along to familiar Christmas songs.

Parent tip: Dress warmly, since the sing-along is outdoors in the evening.

Host
Downtown Frederick Partnership (opens in a new tab)
Address
City Hall Park, 101 N Court St, Frederick, MD 21701
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked
See dates and detailsfrom Downtown Frederick Partnership (opens in a new tab)

Holiday paradeFree

Kris Kringle Procession

  • When: Friday, December 11, 2026
  • Where: Downtown Frederick to Baker Park, Frederick
  • Cost: Free
  • Ages: All ages
Details, tips and host

The Kris Kringle Procession is a European-inspired holiday parade through downtown Frederick, organized by the Downtown Frederick Partnership as part of The Holidays in Historic Frederick. It is listed for Friday, December 11, 2026.

Costumed characters, floats and musicians march through downtown, and the route ends with the lighting of the City Tree in Baker Park. Past processions have brought Kris Kringle in a horse-drawn sleigh, marching bands, Jack Frost and the Snow Queen, and thousands of spectators along Market and Patrick streets.

Parent tip: Confirm the start time with the Downtown Frederick Partnership before you go. Plan for a crowd along the downtown route.

Host
Downtown Frederick Partnership (opens in a new tab)
Address
Downtown Frederick to Baker Park, E Patrick St, Frederick, MD 21701
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked
See dates and detailsfrom Downtown Frederick Partnership (opens in a new tab)

Holiday craftsFree

Museums by Candlelight

  • When: Saturday, December 12, 2026
  • Where: Historic sites and museums across Frederick County, Frederick
  • Cost: Free
  • Ages: All ages
Details, tips and host

Museums by Candlelight is a free family event at historic sites and museums across Frederick County. Visit Frederick lists it for Saturday, December 12, 2026.

Families move from one site to the next at their own pace, so you can choose the museums that suit your kids and skip the rest. Individual sites set their own activities and hours, so check the Visit Frederick holiday page for the participating locations before you plan your route.

Parent tip: Pick two or three sites close together to keep little ones from tiring out.

Host
Visit Frederick (opens in a new tab)
Address
Historic sites and museums across Frederick County, Frederick, MD 21701
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked
See dates and detailsfrom Visit Frederick (opens in a new tab)

Look inside the book

Story time with Santa in Frederick? 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.

Frederick Christmas events for kids at a glance

Kids’ Christmas events
4 confirmed for 2026
Cities
Frederick
Season
November 21, 2026 to March 31, 2027
Free events
4
Kinds of events
holiday lights, holiday show, holiday parade and holiday crafts
Last checked
See every event on a December calendar

Plan your December

When each Frederick Christmas event for kids happens

The first is Sailing Through the Winter Solstice in Frederick on November 21; the last runs to December 12. 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 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 Frederick

In Frederick, Christmas floats on the water. Since 2016 lit-up sailboats have glided down Carroll Creek each winter, while a European-inspired procession brings Kris Kringle through the historic downtown.

How Frederick celebrates

Frederick's Christmas is rooted in its historic downtown. The Kris Kringle Procession is a European-inspired parade of costumed characters, floats and musicians that ends with the lighting of the City Tree in Baker Park. It is part of The Holidays in Historic Frederick, a series that marked its 36th year in 2022. Sailing Through the Winter Solstice began in 2016, when Peter Kremers and Kyle Thomas built the first boat, the USS Hamster, in about two weeks. Older German traditions linger too: at Catoctin Furnace, a Belsnickel once visited immigrant homes about two weeks before Christmas.

Christmas last year in Frederick

In 2025 the season began with the Westview Promenade tree lighting on November 15, then Frosty Friday on November 28, when downtown shops opened early, and Tuba Christmas at the Weinberg Center on November 29. The Maryland Christmas Show filled the Frederick Fairgrounds on two weekends. December brought Saturdays of carolers and music downtown, a Kris Kringle Procession, Carols by Candlelight at City Hall Park and a free, self-guided Museums by Candlelight on December 13. One local guide listed about two dozen holiday events across the county.

Fun facts about Christmas in Frederick

The first Carroll Creek sailboat, the USS Hamster, was built in about two weeks. A typical season has about 24 boats, and each visitor vote for a favorite boat counted as a $1 donation to that boat's charity, helping raise more than $102,000 in the 2021-22 season. The Kris Kringle Procession has featured Jack Frost, the Snow Queen, a horse-drawn sleigh and an antique hose reel. Carols by Candlelight was once called the Festival of Lights. Downtown Frederick has more than 250 locally owned shops.

Trains and Christmas around Frederick

Train fans near Frederick have a few places to visit. The Walkersville Southern Railroad and Museum, a volunteer heritage railroad north of Frederick, runs Santa trains and has a small museum with a caboose playhouse. In Brunswick, the Brunswick Heritage Museum tells the story of the town's B&O railroad past on three floors, with a kids' play and dress-up room and an HO layout of the line. In Frederick, the Hagerstown and Frederick Railway Historical Society, founded in 1999, keeps the area's historic trolley collection and shows exhibits at libraries and history centers.

Traditions today

  • Kris Kringle Procession: A European-inspired parade through downtown Frederick that ends with the lighting of the City Tree in Baker Park.
  • Sailing Through the Winter Solstice: Lit sailboats built by local businesses and groups float on Carroll Creek all winter, a tradition since 2016.
  • Carols by Candlelight: Choirs and sing-alongs at City Hall Park, an event once known as the Festival of Lights.
  • Museums by Candlelight: A free family day when historic sites and museums across the county open for the holidays.
  • Frosty Friday and December Saturdays: Downtown shops open early the day after Thanksgiving, and December Saturdays bring carolers and musicians.
  • Candlelight house tours: Tours of homes in Frederick's 50-block historic district, plus a free tour of downtown churches by candlelight.

A fact for kids

In Frederick, sailboats get lit up for Christmas and float down a creek in the middle of town. The very first one was called the USS Hamster.

Questions about Christmas in Frederick

What is the Kris Kringle Procession in Frederick?

It is a European-inspired holiday parade through downtown Frederick, organized by the Downtown Frederick Partnership. Costumed characters, floats and musicians march along the route, and it ends with the lighting of the City Tree in Baker Park. It is part of The Holidays in Historic Frederick.

Who is Kris Kringle in Frederick?

Kris Kringle is a European-inspired holiday character, and in Frederick he is part of the downtown procession. One local report described him arriving in a horse-drawn sleigh while kids of all ages gathered to see him. Families can look for him among the costumed characters, floats and musicians.

Who marches in the Kris Kringle Procession?

Past processions included floats, the Walkersville High School Marching Band, the Sons of the American Revolution's Frederick Town Fife and Drum unit, and an antique hose reel pulled by Independent Hose Company. Jack Frost and the Snow Queen waved to crowds on Market and Patrick streets.

How many people watch the Kris Kringle Procession?

A Frederick News-Post report said the procession brought thousands into the heart of downtown. No exact crowd number was given, so the report's word thousands is the best figure we have. Families gather along Market and Patrick streets, so arriving early gives kids a better view of the floats.

When is the Kris Kringle Procession?

Visit Frederick lists the 2026 procession for Friday, December 11, and earlier years were Friday evenings in December, including December 9, 2022, at 6:30 pm. Check our Frederick Christmas events guide on this page for the confirmed time and route this season.

What are the Holidays in Historic Frederick?

It is the city's long-running holiday series, which marked its 36th year in 2022. It includes the Holiday Art Competition, the Scents and Sweets baking and florist competition, the Kris Kringle Procession and a candle-lighting event, now called Carols by Candlelight. The City of Frederick Office of Special Events helps organize it.

What is Sailing Through the Winter Solstice?

It is a winter display of illuminated sailboats on Carroll Creek in downtown Frederick. The boats are designed by local businesses and community groups, and the event raises money for nonprofits. In 2026 Visit Frederick says it begins November 21 and runs through March 2027.

When did the Frederick lit sailboats start?

Sailing Through the Winter Solstice began in 2016, created by Marylanders Peter Kremers and Kyle Thomas. The boats are a winter display on Carroll Creek in downtown Frederick. The 2022-23 season was its seventh, so the 2026-27 season is about its eleventh.

What was the first boat on Carroll Creek?

The first boat was the USS Hamster, built by Kremers and Thomas in about two weeks. Since 2017 local businesses have built boats to benefit county charities, and other boat builders and creatives have joined in. A typical season has about 24 boats, so kids can look for their favorite.

How do the Carroll Creek boats raise money?

Each visitor vote for a favorite boat counted as a $1 donation to that boat's charity. The 2021-22 season raised more than $102,000. The boats are built by local businesses and groups. Voting for a favorite boat is an easy way to involve kids.

Where can kids see Christmas lights in Frederick?

The best-known lights are the illuminated boats floating on Carroll Creek, which are lit from dusk to dawn according to a 2023 downtown roundup. Kids can watch the boats float by after dark along the creek in the middle of town. Our Frederick Christmas events guide on this page lists this season's confirmed dates and times.

Where is the big Christmas tree in Frederick?

The City Tree stands in Baker Park and is lit at the end of the Kris Kringle Procession. Other towns hold their own lightings too, including Westview Promenade on November 15 in 2025 and Middletown's Christmas in the Valley. Our Frederick Christmas events guide on this page lists this season's details.

What is Carols by Candlelight in Frederick?

It is a free community caroling evening in downtown Frederick, with choirs and a sing-along at City Hall Park. Visit Frederick lists the 2026 date as December 9, with caroling starting at 6 pm and the sing-along at 6:30 pm. It was formerly called the Festival of Lights.

What was the Festival of Lights in Frederick?

The Festival of Lights was a non-denominational event in the City Hall courtyard with music from the Frederick Children's Chorus, caroling and a candle lighting ceremony. In 2022 it was held on December 16 and filled the courtyard with hundreds of points of light. It is now called Carols by Candlelight.

What is Museums by Candlelight?

It is a free family event at historic sites and museums across Frederick County, held on a Saturday in mid-December. In 2025 it was on December 13 and was self-guided, and Visit Frederick lists it for December 12 in 2026. Each site sets its own activities.

Who was the Belsnickel in Frederick County?

The Belsnickel was a Christmas visitor in 19th and early 20th century Catoctin Furnace. He came to German immigrants' homes about two weeks before Christmas, rewarding good children with treats while carrying a switch for naughty ones. Today he is a good story for explaining old European customs to kids.

What is Frosty Friday in Frederick?

Frosty Friday is the day after Thanksgiving, when downtown Frederick shops open early with deals. Visit Frederick calls it downtown's answer to Black Friday. The historic downtown has more than 250 locally owned shops, boutiques and galleries, and December Saturdays bring carolers and musicians through the streets.

How can I explain the Kris Kringle Procession to my toddler?

Tell them that Kris Kringle is a holiday character with European roots, and that he is part of a parade of musicians and costumed characters to turn on the town's big Christmas tree. Spotting Jack Frost, the Snow Queen and the marching bands keeps little ones busy, and the tree lighting is a bright finish.

Where can kids see trains near Frederick at Christmas?

Try the Walkersville Southern Railroad and Museum, a volunteer heritage railroad north of Frederick with a caboose playhouse and Santa trains. The Brunswick Heritage Museum has a kids' play room and an HO layout, and the Hagerstown and Frederick Railway Historical Society shows historic trolleys at libraries and history centers.

Is there a train museum with a kids' play area near Frederick?

Yes. The Brunswick Heritage Museum, in Brunswick, covers B&O railroad and C&O Canal history on three floors, with a kids' play and dress-up room, the C&O Canal visitor center and an HO layout of the line from Washington to Brunswick. Check the museum's hours before visiting.

Sources

  1. Kris Kringle Procession, Downtown Frederick Partnership
  2. Top 10 holidays in Frederick County, Visit Frederick
  3. 25 Christmas and Holiday Activities in Frederick, MD (2025), Housewives of Frederick County
  4. Lighted holiday sailboats brighten Carroll Creek and bolster community, Washington Post Creative Group
  5. Celebrate Frederick Highlights Holiday Spirit During the 36th Annual Holidays in Historic Frederick Event Series, PRWeb
  6. Thousands line the streets in downtown Frederick for annual Kris Kringle Procession, Frederick News-Post
  7. Downtown Frederick's Top 5, November 17 to 19, Downtown Frederick Partnership
  8. Walkersville Southern Railroad & Museum, Rally Takes the Train
  9. Brunswick Heritage Museum, Rally Takes the Train
  10. Hagerstown & Frederick Railway Historical Society, Rally Takes the Train
  11. Holiday Events in Frederick, Maryland, Visit Frederick

Frederick Christmas events for kids: questions parents ask

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

We confirmed 4 for the 2026 season, and 4 of them are free. Good places to start: Kris Kringle Procession (Dec 11), Sailing Through the Winter Solstice (Nov 21 to Mar 31) and Museums by Candlelight (Dec 12). Every event on this page has the times, the cost and a link to the host.

Are there free Christmas events for kids in Frederick?

Yes, every event on this page is free. Carols by Candlelight (Dec 9) is a good one to plan around. Some free events still need a reservation, so check the listing before you go.

Where can kids meet Santa in Frederick?

Bring your own camera; most visits allow photos.

Is anything on for kids in Frederick on Christmas Eve or after Christmas?

Yes. Sailing Through the Winter Solstice runs through Mar 31.

Are there Christmas train rides for kids in Frederick?

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