Looking for Christmas events in Grand Forks this year? We found 2 for kids and families in 2026, including Santa Village and A Christmas Carol Book Discussion. 2 of them are free. We check every date on the host’s own website, and each listing links straight there. For the rest of the state, see our North Dakota Christmas events for kids guide.
The short version
- 2 Christmas events for kids in Grand Forks
- The season runs from A Christmas Carol Book Discussion (Grand Forks, November 29) to Santa Village (through December 20)
- Free: A Christmas Carol Book Discussion and Santa Village
- Every date checked on the host’s own site on Nov 4
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Christmas events for kids in Grand Forks
2 events in Grand Forks itself, soonest first.
Holiday story timeFree
A Christmas Carol Book Discussion
- When: Sunday, November 29, 2026, 2 to 3 pm
- Where: Grand Forks Public Library, 2110 Library Cir, Grand Forks, ND 58201 (opens in maps)
- Cost: Free, registration required
- Ages: Ages 8 and up
Expand to see the parent tip
The Grand Forks Public Library hosts A Christmas Carol Book Discussion on Sunday, Nov 29, from 2 to 3 pm in the Conference Room. The library's calendar says it is held together with the Empire Arts Center and is for ages 8 and up.
Registration is required, so sign up through the library's calendar listing before the day. It is a good fit for older kids who enjoy chapter books and want to chat about a classic holiday story with other readers. The listing does not say whether the group will read the whole book or a part of it, so check the event page or ask the library's Children's Department at 701-772-8116.
Parent tip: Register ahead through the library calendar.
- Host
- Grand Forks Public Library (opens in a new tab)
- Address
- Grand Forks Public Library, 2110 Library Cir, Grand Forks, ND 58201 (opens in maps)
- Sign-up
- Required ahead of time
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
New Grand Forks events every week
Rally researches Christmas events in Grand Forks daily and updates this page with new events. Enter your email to get a weekly update with new events in Grand Forks.
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Rally’s Christmas research
Rally the corgi has 1 more Grand Forks 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 Grand Forks.
- Exclusive access to free events Find the free Christmas events in Grand Forks before they fill up.
- Unlock the filters Find Santa visits, free events and weekend plans in one tap.
- 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.
Coming up on this page
- 1 Santa
- 1 Story time
- 1 Crafts
- 2 Free
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Santa visitFree
Santa Village
- When: Sat December 12, Sun December 13, Sat December 19 and Sun December 20, 2026, noon to 6 pm
- Where: Lincoln Clubhouse, 250 Elks Dr, Grand Forks, ND 58201 (opens in maps)
- Cost: Free with a non-perishable food item, cash or new toy donation
- Ages: All ages
Expand to see the parent tip
Santa Village is the Grand Forks Park District's holiday event for kids, set at the Lincoln Clubhouse on Elks Drive over two December weekends: Dec 12 and 13, and Dec 19 and 20. The general public hours are noon to 6 pm on Saturdays and Sundays, and Santa visits run from 1 to 5 pm on those days.
Kids can meet Santa's elves, sip cocoa, take a sleigh ride and look at the decorated trees. There is no fixed admission fee. The park district asks for a non-perishable food item, cash or a new toy donation, and no registration is required. The park district's special events page describes the program as two weekends full of holiday activities for kids, with crafts, games and holiday music. Call the main office at 701-746-2750 with questions.
Parent tip: No registration needed. Bring a food item, cash or a new toy for the donation.
- Host
- Grand Forks Park District (opens in a new tab)
- Address
- Lincoln Clubhouse, 250 Elks Dr, Grand Forks, ND 58201 (opens in maps)
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
New Grand Forks events every week
Rally researches Christmas events in Grand Forks daily and updates this page with new events. Enter your email to get a weekly update with new events in Grand Forks.
Free. Unsubscribe anytime. Privacy policy (opens in a new tab)
Look inside the book
Story time with Santa in Grand Forks? Bring Rally home.
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We check every event above on the host’s own page for the date, time and cost, plus the things parents ask about, like sign-ups and ages. Looking for a Santa train instead? Those are on our North Dakota Christmas train rides page.
Grand Forks Christmas events for kids at a glance
- Kids’ Christmas events
- 2 confirmed for 2026
- Cities
- Grand Forks
- Season
- November 29 to December 20, 2026
- Free events
- 2
- Kinds of events
- Holiday story times and santa visits
- Last checked
See every event on a December calendar
Plan your December
When each Grand Forks Christmas event for kids happens
The first is A Christmas Carol Book Discussion in Grand Forks on November 29; the last runs to December 20. Each bar spans an event’s dates, not every hour in them, so check the host’s page for times.
- A Christmas Carol Book DiscussionGrand Forks · Nov 29
- Santa VillageGrand Forks · Dec 12 to Dec 20
Looking further afield? Our North Dakota Christmas events for kids guide lists every confirmed event in the state, and we have city guides for Fargo and Bismarck. 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. We add them here as soon as we confirm them.
The story of Christmas in Grand Forks
In Grand Forks, Santa's workshop began with eight Christmas trees and a lot of dollar-store bows. Today the park district's Santa Village has about 60 themed trees, and the Lions Club turns Lincoln Drive Park into a mile of lights.
How Grand Forks celebrates
Two park traditions shape Christmas in Grand Forks. Santa Village, run by the Grand Forks Park District, started with eight trees decorated with dollar-store bows and has been overseen for about two decades by recreation manager Lynne Roche, known as the head elf. Christmas in the Park, a drive-through light display, has been hosted by the Grand Forks Lions Club since 2002. It grew after money for flood recovery after the Flood of 1997 helped pay for displays and new electrical lines in Lincoln Drive Park.
Christmas last year in Grand Forks
In 2025, Christmas in the Park ran from Nov. 27 to Dec. 31, 5:30 to 10 p.m. nightly, at $10 per vehicle with all proceeds going to Lions Club community projects. Visitors cruised about a mile of displays from their cars. Santa Village filled three December weekends at the Lincoln Golf Course Clubhouse, with Santa's elves, cocoa, story times and a magician, and Santa visits on Dec. 13, 14, 20 and 21. Admission was a non-perishable food item, cash or a new toy. Families could also see Cirque Musica Holiday Wonderland on Nov. 30 at the Alerus Center.
Fun facts about Christmas in Grand Forks
Santa Village once grew so big that during the pandemic it moved into larger spaces, including vacant storefronts and a former car dealership on South Washington Street. Its decorating takes about three and a half to four weeks, seven days a week, and about 60 third graders from Viking Elementary once visited in a single day. At Christmas in the Park, the final stop is an animated light show projected on a tall tree and synced to a festive song that drivers hear over their FM radios.
Trains and Christmas near Grand Forks
We did not find a Grand Forks rail tradition tied to Christmas, but the Red River Valley has plenty of railroad history within a drive. In Fargo, the Historic Northern Pacific Depot is Cass Gilbert's 1898 passenger station, listed on the National Register in 1975. Bonanzaville in West Fargo has a railroad corner, with the Spud Valley model layout in an old depot. Farther west, the Railroad Museum of Minot tells the Great Northern and Soo Line story with four cabooses and a rare wedge snowplow.
- Historic Northern Pacific Depot: Cass Gilbert's 1898 station in downtown Fargo is best admired from outside, as it has no posted museum hours.
- Bonanzaville, USA: A pioneer village in West Fargo with a railroad corner that includes the Spud Valley model layout in the old Kathryn Depot.
- Railroad Museum of Minot: A downtown Minot museum with four cabooses, a rare wedge snowplow and a large model layout.
Traditions today
- Santa Village: The park district's weekend workshop with elves, cocoa, themed trees, Santa visits and sleigh rides, paid for with a food, cash or toy donation.
- Christmas in the Park: A drive-through display of about a mile of lights at Lincoln Drive Park, hosted by the Lions Club since 2002.
- Nutcracker at the Empire Arts Center: North Dakota Ballet Company's Nutcracker Extravaganza, which in 2025 included a sensory-friendly shortened show.
- Winter wUNDerland Family Holiday Concert: A family concert of UND choral and chamber music at the Chester Fritz Performing Arts Center.
- A Magical Medora Christmas: A holiday show with Medora Musical cast members, which a local guide calls a local holiday tradition.
A fact for kids
In Grand Forks, Santa's workshop started with just eight trees. Now the park district's Santa Village has about 60 themed trees, all decorated by hand.
Questions about Christmas in Grand Forks
How does Grand Forks celebrate Christmas?
Grand Forks celebrates with Santa Village, a park district workshop of themed trees, elves and Santa visits, and with Christmas in the Park, a drive-through light display. The Empire Arts Center and Chester Fritz hold concerts and Nutcracker shows. See our Grand Forks Christmas events guide on this page for current dates.
What is Santa Village in Grand Forks?
Santa Village is the Grand Forks Park District's holiday workshop for kids. Families meet Santa's elves, sip cocoa, see decorated trees and, on Santa days, visit Santa. In 2025 it had story times and a magician too. Admission is a non-perishable food item, cash or a new toy donation.
How did Santa Village start?
A 2023 Grand Forks Herald story says Santa Village began with eight Christmas trees decorated with dollar-store bows, and that recreation manager Lynne Roche has overseen it for about two decades. By 2023 it had around 60 themed trees. The exact start year was not stated in the sources we read.
Where is Santa Village held?
Santa Village has been held at the Lincoln Park clubhouse, at 250 Elks Drive, which is the Lincoln Golf Course Clubhouse. During the pandemic it moved to larger spaces, including vacant storefronts and a former car dealership on South Washington Street. The park district page lists the current location and dates.
What is Christmas in the Park?
Christmas in the Park is a drive-through holiday light display at Lincoln Drive Park in Grand Forks, hosted by the Grand Forks Lions Club since 2002. In 2025 it ran from Nov. 27 to Dec. 31, 5:30 to 10 p.m., at $10 per vehicle, with all proceeds supporting Lions Club community initiatives.
How did Christmas in the Park grow?
A Grand Forks Herald story says the event grew after money for flood recovery following the Flood of 1997 helped the Lions Club buy displays. Updated infrastructure, including the flood wall and a more intricate electrical system installed by Xcel Energy, let more displays be added each year. The number of displays has grown over time.
How long is the Christmas in the Park drive?
The drive-through display covers about a mile of lights at Lincoln Drive Park, and visitors stay in their vehicles. The final stop is an animated light show on a tall tree, synced to a festive song that plays over FM radio. Plan on a relaxed drive and bring a favorite carol playlist.
Does the money from Christmas in the Park stay local?
Yes. All proceeds from the $10 per vehicle admission support Grand Forks Lions Club community initiatives, and the Herald reported that proceeds go to local charities. It is a good way to show kids that holiday fun can also help neighbors.
Can kids meet Santa in Grand Forks?
Yes. Santa Village includes Santa visits on set days, which in 2025 were Dec. 13, 14, 20 and 21 from 1 to 5 p.m. The Santa Village page lists the current year's schedule. Because the schedule can shift, double-check the park district page before you plan your visit.
What is the Nutcracker Extravaganza?
It is the North Dakota Ballet Company's Nutcracker at the Empire Arts Center. In 2025 it ran Dec. 13 and 14, with a Friday evening show, a Saturday matinee and a sensory-friendly shortened show on Saturday morning. The shorter performance is helpful for younger children or kids who need a quieter setting.
What is the Winter wUNDerland Family Holiday Concert?
It is a family holiday concert at the Chester Fritz Performing Arts Center on the University of North Dakota campus, with UND choral and chamber performances. A Grand Forks guide recommends it for local families. In 2025 it was held on Dec. 6 at 1:30 p.m.
What is A Magical Medora Christmas?
It is a holiday show with current and former Medora Musical cast members, and a local guide says it has become a local holiday tradition. In 2025 it was held Dec. 14 at the Chester Fritz Performing Arts Center. Check the venue for age guidance before bringing very young children.
Is there a Christmas circus show in Grand Forks?
In 2025, Cirque Musica Holiday Wonderland came to the Alerus Center on Nov. 30 at 6 p.m. It features circus acrobatics set to holiday music and is described as suitable for all ages. Touring shows change each year, so check the Alerus Center schedule.
How do I explain Santa's helpers to kids?
Keep it playful: elves are Santa's helpers, and at Santa Village they greet children and help with the fun. Many kids enjoy asking the elves a question. A shy child can start with the cocoa and the trees before meeting Santa.
What does the Grand Forks Public Library offer at Christmas?
The Grand Forks Public Library runs storytimes for babies, toddlers and preschoolers through the year, plus occasional holiday programs. For example, the 2026 calendar lists A Christmas Carol Book Discussion on Nov. 29 for ages 8 and up, held with the Empire Arts Center. Registration is required for that program.
Is Grand Forks very cold at Christmas?
Yes, North Dakota winters are cold, so plan for hats, mittens and layers at outdoor stops like Santa Village sleigh rides. Many Grand Forks attractions let you stay inside a heated car or building. Check the weather and bring a thermos of cocoa.
Are there train museums near Grand Forks?
Not in town, but the Historic Northern Pacific Depot in Fargo, Bonanzaville in West Fargo, and the Railroad Museum of Minot are within a drive. Bonanzaville has the Spud Valley model layout in an old depot, and the Minot museum has four cabooses and a rare wedge snowplow.
What is the Historic Northern Pacific Depot in Fargo?
It is Cass Gilbert's 1898 Northern Pacific passenger station at 701 Main Avenue in downtown Fargo, listed on the National Register in 1975. It is a former station with no posted museum hours, so most families enjoy admiring the architecture from the outside on a winter day.
What can kids see at Bonanzaville?
Bonanzaville in West Fargo is a 34-building pioneer village with a railroad corner, including the Spud Valley model layout in the old Kathryn Depot. Opening seasons and hours vary, so check the museum's page before making the drive from Grand Forks in winter.
Where can I find this year's Grand Forks Christmas events?
Our Grand Forks Christmas events guide on this page lists confirmed 2026 dates, times and prices. The Grand Forks Park District, Visit Grand Forks and the Grand Forks Public Library calendar are good official sources, and Santa Village 2026 is scheduled for Dec. 12 to 13 and Dec. 19 to 20.
Sources
- Santa Village, Grand Forks Park District
- Head Elf at Grand Forks' Santa Village makes Christmas merry and bright, Grand Forks Herald
- Christmas in the Park 2025, Visit Grand Forks
- Where to find FORKSful of holiday cheer this year, Visit Grand Forks
- Where to find FORKSful of holiday cheer this year (2025 events), Visit Grand Forks
- Historic Northern Pacific Depot, Rally Takes the Train
- Bonanzaville, USA, Rally Takes the Train
- Railroad Museum of Minot, Rally Takes the Train
- 7 Seasonal Events in Grand Forks to Kick Off Your Holiday Cheer, Grand Forks Is Cooler
- Grand Forks' Christmas in the Park continues to evolve its displays, Grand Forks Herald
- Calendar, Grand Forks Public Library
Keep the Christmas magic going: watch Rally deliver presents on Christmas Eve, print free coloring pages for a cozy night in, learn how kids say Merry Christmas around the world, find railroad museums for little train fans, or browse Christmas events in every North Dakota city.
Grand Forks Christmas events for kids: questions parents ask
What are the best Christmas events for kids in Grand Forks this year?
Rally Takes the Train has confirmed 2 Christmas events for kids in Grand Forks for the 2026 season, and 2 of them are free. Good places to start: Santa Village (Dec 12 to Dec 20) and A Christmas Carol Book Discussion (Nov 29). Each one is listed with its dates, times, cost and a link to the host.
Are there free Christmas events for kids in Grand Forks?
Yes. All 2 Christmas events for kids in Grand Forks confirmed for 2026 are free. Some free events still need a reservation, so check the host’s page before you go.
Where can kids meet Santa in Grand Forks?
Bring your own camera; most visits allow photos.
Are there Christmas story times for kids in Grand Forks?
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 Christmas events for kids in Grand Forks, 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.
Are there Christmas train rides for kids in Grand Forks?
Yes. Santa trains and holiday train rides have their own guide: Rally Takes the Train’s North Dakota Christmas train rides guide. This Grand Forks guide covers story times, Santa visits, light shows 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.