Christmas Events for Kids in Gaithersburg (2026)

Christmas Events for Kids
Written by Kelsey Cecil

5 min read

The Gaithersburg area has 4 Christmas events for kids we could confirm for the 2026 season, from STEM Explorers: Create Your Own Gingerbread House in Gaithersburg on December 5 to All Aboard with Santa in Gaithersburg, on December 6. 1 of them is 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 Gaithersburg for 2026, in Gaithersburg
  • First: STEM Explorers: Create Your Own Gingerbread House, Gaithersburg, December 5. Runs latest: All Aboard with Santa, Gaithersburg, through December 6
  • Free: STEM Explorers: Create Your Own Gingerbread House
  • Checked on each host’s own page; each listing links straight to it

Christmas events for kids in Gaithersburg

4 confirmed events for kids in Gaithersburg, soonest first.

Holiday craftsFree

STEM Explorers: Create Your Own Gingerbread House

  • When: Saturday, December 5, 2026, 11 am to 12:30 pm
  • Where: Quince Orchard Library, Gaithersburg
  • Cost: Free, no registration
  • Ages: Ages 3 and up; under 8 with an adult
Details, tips and host

Quince Orchard Library is running its fourth annual gingerbread house STEM program. Children use critical thinking and problem solving to design and build their own gingerbread house, and the library provides all the materials, so families only need to bring creativity and ideas.

The program is family friendly and suited for ages 3 and up, with siblings, tweens and teens welcome too. Children under 8 must be supervised by an adult. No registration is needed for this Saturday morning session, which is sponsored by the Friends of the Library, Montgomery County. The library suggests bringing a container or box so you can carry the finished house home without damage. Questions can go to the Quince Orchard Library at 240-777-0200.

Parent tip: Bring a box or container to carry the gingerbread house home.

Host
Montgomery County Public Libraries (opens in a new tab)
Address
Quince Orchard Library, 15831 Quince Orchard Road, Gaithersburg, MD 20878 (near Washington)
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked
See dates and detailsfrom Montgomery County Public Libraries (opens in a new tab)

Santa visit

Santa's Enchanted Visit

  • When: Saturday, December 5, 2026, 9 to 11:45 am
  • Where: Kentlands Mansion, Gaithersburg
  • Cost: Ticket required, price on the city registration page
  • Ages: Families (ticket covers up to six)
Details, tips and host

Gaithersburg Parks, Recreation and Culture hosts this morning visit with Santa at the Kentlands Mansion. Each ticket reserves a meet-and-greet time slot, and the sessions run in 15-minute blocks between 9 and 11:45 am.

Santa takes holiday wish lists and is available for seasonal photos. A letter station lets children write, draw or stamp a note to him, and afterward families decorate graham cracker gingerbread houses. The listing says the houses are meant for one per child, and a ticket covers a family of up to six.

Parent tip: Registration is handled by the city, so book ahead and arrive at your reserved time.

Host
Gaithersburg Parks, Recreation and Culture (opens in a new tab)
Address
Kentlands Mansion, 320 Kent Square Rd, Gaithersburg, MD 20878
Sign-up
Required ahead of time
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked
See dates and detailsfrom Gaithersburg Parks, Recreation and Culture (opens in a new tab)

Santa visit

All Aboard with Santa

  • When: Sunday, December 6, 2026
  • Where: Gaithersburg Community Museum, Gaithersburg
  • Cost: $10
  • Ages: All ages
Details, tips and host

At the Gaithersburg Community Museum, Santa greets families from inside a historic 1918 locomotive parked on the plaza. Kids step up and talk with him through the cab window. It is a visit, not a train ride, and Santa speaks Spanish.

After the visit there are cookies and hot chocolate by a campfire, plus crafts inside the 1884 railroad station, and families can look around the museum's other exhibits. The city describes it as a sensory friendly holiday visit. Spots are $10 and booked by time slot, with check-in 10 minutes before your reserved time. Visitors can explore the rest of the museum's exhibits during the event.

Parent tip: Reserve a time slot in advance and check in 10 minutes early.

Host
City of Gaithersburg Parks & Recreation (opens in a new tab)
Address
Gaithersburg Community Museum, 9 S Summit Ave, Gaithersburg, MD 20877 (near Washington)
Sign-up
Required ahead of time
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked
See dates and detailsfrom City of Gaithersburg Parks & Recreation (opens in a new tab)

Santa visit

All Aboard with Santa

  • When: Sunday, December 6, 2026, 2:30 to 5:30 pm
  • Where: Gaithersburg Community Museum, Gaithersburg
  • Cost: Ticket required, price on the city registration page
  • Ages: All ages, sensory friendly
Details, tips and host

This Santa visit takes place on the plaza at the Gaithersburg Community Museum, where Santa greets each family from inside a 1918 locomotive. Visits are by reserved time slot, and the listing asks guests to check in ten minutes before their time.

Besides the visit, families can enjoy fresh-baked cookies, hot chocolate by the campfire and festive crafts inside the 1884 railroad station. The event is described as sensory friendly and a good fit for train lovers and holiday fans of all ages. Santa speaks Spanish.

Parent tip: Online sign-up is not offered on the listing, so contact the museum during business hours to reserve a slot.

Host
Gaithersburg Parks, Recreation and Culture (opens in a new tab)
Address
Gaithersburg Community Museum, 9 S Summit Ave, Gaithersburg, MD 20877
Sign-up
Required ahead of time
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked
See dates and detailsfrom Gaithersburg Parks, Recreation and Culture (opens in a new tab)

Look inside the book

Story time with Santa in Gaithersburg? 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.

Gaithersburg Christmas events for kids at a glance

Kids’ Christmas events
4 confirmed for 2026
Cities
Gaithersburg
Season
December 5 to December 6, 2026
Free events
1
Kinds of events
Santa visit and holiday crafts
Last checked
See every event on a December calendar

Plan your December

When each Gaithersburg Christmas event for kids happens

The first is STEM Explorers: Create Your Own Gingerbread House in Gaithersburg on December 5; the last runs to December 6. Each bar spans an event’s dates, not every hour in them, so check the host’s page for times.

Looking further afield? Our Maryland Christmas events for kids guide lists every confirmed event in the state, and we have city guides for Baltimore, Annapolis, Frederick, Bowie 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 Gaithersburg

Gaithersburg has been lighting a Christmas tree in the middle of town for close to a century. Today the evening is called Jingle Jubilee, and it sits beside Santa visits at a historic railroad station.

How Gaithersburg celebrates

The city's signature tradition is the tree lighting at the City Hall Concert Pavilion in Olde Towne. In 2023 it was billed as the 97th annual ceremony, and in 2025 it marked the 99th anniversary, which points back to the 1920s. The evening is free, with lawn seating, music, cocoa, and holiday wishes from the mayor and city council before the lights come on. Menorah and Kinara displays join the tree, so families of different traditions share the night. The city also runs a Santa's Holiday Tour with timed visits at local historic buildings.

Christmas last year in Gaithersburg

On Friday, December 5, 2025, from 6:30 to 8:30 pm, the city held Jingle Jubilee at the Concert Pavilion. The Gaithersburg High School Symphonic Band led a sing-along, and the tree lighting came with new special features. Kids could meet Santa and other costumed characters, write letters to Santa, decorate ornaments, hear a holiday story with Mrs. Claus and pick up LED balloons while supplies lasted. The Santa's Holiday Tour added three ticketed visits: Cupcake Magic on December 6, All Aboard with Santa on December 7 and Cocoa with the Clauses on December 13. Two of them sold out.

Fun facts about Christmas in Gaithersburg

In 2023 the tree lighting added a bike-powered holiday tree: riders pedaled a stationary bike to light the tree, with the lights climbing up to the star. A decorated police car was on display that night too. At All Aboard with Santa, Santa greets families from inside a 1918 locomotive at the Gaithersburg Community Museum, and the cookies and crafts happen in the 1884 railroad station. The listing adds that Santa speaks Spanish and that the event is sensory friendly. For 2026, the city's calendar also lists a Winter Lights Festival from November 27 to December 31.

Trains and Christmas near Gaithersburg

Trains and Christmas meet right in town. At All Aboard with Santa, Santa greets families from inside a 1918 locomotive on the plaza of the Gaithersburg Community Museum, and kids make crafts inside the museum's 1884 railroad station. For more rail time, the National Capital Trolley Museum in Colesville is a short drive east, and the B&O Ellicott City Station Museum is a drive north-east to one of the oldest railroad stations in the country, with kid-friendly exhibits.

Traditions today

  • Jingle Jubilee and Tree Lighting: A free evening at the City Hall Concert Pavilion with music, cocoa, Santa and the lighting of the tree, a tradition that marked its 99th anniversary in 2025.
  • Menorah and Kinara displays: Light displays for Hanukkah and Kwanzaa stand beside the Christmas tree at the ceremony.
  • Santa's Holiday Tour: Timed Santa visits at historic city buildings, with cupcakes, cocoa, cookies or gingerbread crafts.
  • All Aboard with Santa: Santa greets families from inside a 1918 locomotive at the Gaithersburg Community Museum.
  • Letters to Santa: Children write, draw or stamp letters at a station at the tree lighting and at the Santa visits.
  • Winter Lights Festival: A city holiday lights display listed on the 2026 calendar from November 27 to December 31.

A fact for kids

In 2023, Gaithersburg's tree could be lit by kids pedaling a bike. The lights climbed up to the star as riders went faster.

Questions about Christmas in Gaithersburg

When did Gaithersburg start lighting a Christmas tree?

Gaithersburg's tree lighting dates to the 1920s. The city called the 2023 ceremony its 97th annual and said the 2025 event marked the 99th anniversary, so the tradition counts back almost a century. It now happens each December as Jingle Jubilee at the City Hall Concert Pavilion in Olde Towne.

What is Jingle Jubilee?

Jingle Jubilee is the City of Gaithersburg's holiday event built around the tree lighting. The 2025 edition, on December 5, had a band sing-along, cultural exhibits, ornament crafts, letters to Santa, a holiday story with Mrs. Claus and cocoa. It ended with holiday wishes from the mayor and council and the lighting itself.

Where is the Gaithersburg tree lighting held?

The tree lighting takes place at the City Hall Concert Pavilion in Olde Towne, an outdoor venue at 31 South Summit Avenue. Seating is mostly on the lawn, and only a limited number of chairs are provided, so many families bring a blanket or low chairs and arrive early to find a spot near the stage.

Is the Gaithersburg tree lighting free?

Yes, admission to Jingle Jubilee has been free in recent years, including 2023 and 2025. Food and treats, such as cocoa from a local bakery, and glow toys sold by the Gaithersburg Student Union are extra. Check the city's page for the 2026 date and time before you go, since the schedule is announced each fall.

What did kids do at the 2025 tree lighting?

Children could meet Santa and other costumed characters, write letters to Santa, decorate ornaments and hear a holiday story time with Mrs. Claus. Families also picked up LED balloons while supplies lasted, and pop-up performances moved around the grounds. The Gaithersburg High School Symphonic Band led a sing-along before the lights came on, ahead of the tree lighting itself.

What was the bike-powered tree?

In 2023 the Gaithersburg tree lighting featured a bike-powered holiday tree. Riders pedaled a stationary bike to make the lights climb up the tree to the star on top. It was a new feature that year, and a decorated police car was also on display that night at the Concert Pavilion.

Does Gaithersburg celebrate Hanukkah and Kwanzaa too?

Yes. The tree lighting ceremony includes Menorah and Kinara light displays alongside the Christmas tree, and cultural exhibits show decorations and traditions from different communities. The city also lists a Hanukkah Family Fun Night on December 6, 2026, a chance to talk with kids about how neighbors celebrate differently.

What is Santa's Holiday Tour in Gaithersburg?

Santa's Holiday Tour is a set of ticketed Santa visits run by the city's Parks, Recreation and Culture team at different local buildings. In 2025 it included Cupcake Magic at the Kentlands Mansion, All Aboard with Santa at the Community Museum and Cocoa with the Clauses at the Casey Community Center.

Do Gaithersburg's Santa visits need tickets?

Yes. The city's Santa visits use reserved time slots and online registration through the city's recreation system. In 2025 two of the three tours sold out, and the tickets were non-refundable. For 2026, the listings for Santa's Enchanted Visit and All Aboard with Santa show reserved times, so plan ahead.

Where does Santa visit inside a locomotive in Gaithersburg?

The Gaithersburg Community Museum sits at the town's historic railroad station, with a 1918 locomotive on its plaza. At All Aboard with Santa, Santa greets families from inside that engine, then kids enjoy cookies, cocoa by the campfire and crafts in the 1884 railroad station next door.

Is there a sensory-friendly Santa visit in Gaithersburg?

Yes. All Aboard with Santa is described as sensory friendly, and Cocoa with the Clauses in 2025 had sensory-friendly time slots at the end of its session. Families who need a quieter visit should check the registration page and contact the city's recreation staff for current options, since details can change from year to year.

Does Santa speak Spanish in Gaithersburg?

At All Aboard with Santa, the event listing says Santa speaks Spanish, so Spanish-speaking children can chat with him in their own language. The same listing describes the event as sensory friendly, with fresh-baked cookies, hot chocolate by the campfire and crafts in the 1884 railroad station.

What is Santa's Enchanted Visit?

Santa's Enchanted Visit is a December 5, 2026 event at the Kentlands Mansion, run in 15-minute sessions between 9 and 11:45 am. Santa takes wish lists and poses for photos, children write or stamp letters to him, and families decorate graham cracker gingerbread houses. One ticket covers a family of up to six.

What is the Winter Lights Festival?

The Winter Lights Festival is a holiday lights display listed on the City of Gaithersburg's 2026 holiday calendar, running from November 27 to December 31 and closed on December 25. The calendar page does not list hours, so check the city's website for times, prices and parking before you plan a visit.

What story times happen around the holidays in Gaithersburg?

The city's calendar lists Tasty Books story programs, including The Gingerbread Cowboy on December 19, 2026, from 10:30 to 11:30 am. The Jingle Jubilee tree lighting has also featured a holiday story time with Mrs. Claus. Check the city's holiday calendar for current dates and times.

How can I explain the tree lighting to a toddler?

Keep it simple: the whole town gathers in the evening to count down and switch on the lights together. Mention the music and cocoa, and tell them they might see Santa. Because the ceremony is outdoors on a lawn in December, dress toddlers warmly. The city's holiday page lists current dates.

Are there train museums near Gaithersburg for Christmas?

Yes. The Gaithersburg Community Museum is the closest and hosts All Aboard with Santa in a 1918 locomotive setting. The National Capital Trolley Museum in Colesville is a short drive away, and the B&O Ellicott City Station Museum is farther north-east. Check each museum's hours before you go.

What is the Gaithersburg Community Museum?

The Gaithersburg Community Museum is a railroad station museum at 9 South Summit Avenue in Olde Towne. The 1884 station is used for crafts during the city's Santa visit, and a 1918 locomotive sits on the plaza outside. Our museum page has hours and details for visiting outside the holiday event.

What treats are served at Gaithersburg's Christmas gatherings?

The 2025 tree lighting offered cocoa and sweets from a local bakery plus sandwiches, coffee and tea from a local cafe. All Aboard with Santa serves fresh-baked cookies and hot chocolate by the campfire, and Cupcake Magic in 2025 featured cupcakes. Menus change from year to year, so check each listing.

Where can I find Gaithersburg's 2026 Christmas dates?

The city posts its holiday calendar in the fall. As of early November 2026 it lists Santa events on December 5, 6 and 12, a Hanukkah family night on December 6 and a Winter Lights Festival from November 27. Check back in the fall, since more dates are added as the season gets closer.

Sources

  1. Jingle Jubilee and Tree Lighting, City of Gaithersburg
  2. Jingle Jubilee 2025 release, City of Gaithersburg
  3. Gaithersburg's 97th Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony, Patch
  4. Santa's Holiday Tour, City of Gaithersburg
  5. Holiday Festivities calendar, City of Gaithersburg
  6. All Aboard with Santa 2026, City of Gaithersburg (Active Network)
  7. Santa's Enchanted Visit 2026, City of Gaithersburg (Active Network)
  8. Gaithersburg Community Museum, Rally Takes the Train
  9. National Capital Trolley Museum, Rally Takes the Train
  10. Baltimore & Ohio Ellicott City Station Museum, Rally Takes the Train

Gaithersburg Christmas events for kids: questions parents ask

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

We confirmed 4 for the 2026 season, and 1 of them are free. Good places to start: STEM Explorers (Dec 5), All Aboard with Santa (Dec 6) and Santa's Enchanted Visit (Dec 5). Every event on this page has the times, the cost and a link to the host.

Are there free Christmas events for kids in Gaithersburg?

Yes, 1 of the 4. Some free events still need a reservation, so check the listing before you go.

Where can kids meet Santa in Gaithersburg?

3 events here include a visit with Santa. Popular picks are All Aboard with Santa (Dec 6). Bring your own camera; most visits allow photos.

Do we need tickets or reservations?

For 3 of the 4 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 Gaithersburg?

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