Christmas Events for Kids in Roanoke (2026)

Christmas Events for Kids
Written by Kelsey Cecil

14 min read

The Roanoke area has 17 Christmas events for kids we could confirm for the 2026 season, from Stories and Songs with Santa in Roanoke on November 28 to Christmas Cookie Decorating in Roanoke, on December 22. 15 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 Virginia, part of our guide for every state.

The short version

  • 17 kids’ Christmas events confirmed in Roanoke for 2026, in Roanoke, Salem and Vinton
  • First: Stories and Songs with Santa, Roanoke, November 28. Runs latest: Christmas Cookie Decorating, Roanoke, through December 22
  • Free: Free Family Photos with Santa, Williamson Road Reels: A Muppets Christmas, Roanoke County Tree Lighting, Santa at the Library at Vinton Library, Gainsboro Community Tree Lighting, Gingerbread Houses, Holiday Party with Santa, Holiday Puppet Show, Santa at the Library at Glenvar Library, Storytime with Santa, Family Movie Night: The Polar Express, Gingerbread Houses at South County Library, Meet Santa at Main, Gingerbread Houses at Glenvar Library and Christmas Cookie Decorating
  • 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 Virginia Christmas train rides page.

Roanoke Christmas events for kids at a glance

Kids’ Christmas events
17 confirmed for 2026
Cities
Roanoke, Salem and Vinton
Season
November 28 to December 22, 2026
Free events
15
Kinds of events
story time with Santa, holiday crafts, Santa visit and holiday show
Last checked

Plan your December

When each Roanoke Christmas event for kids happens

The first is Stories and Songs with Santa in Roanoke on November 28; the last runs to December 22. 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 Roanoke? 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 Roanoke

14 confirmed events for kids in Roanoke, soonest first.

Roanoke: Stories and Songs with Santa

Story time with SantaTaubman Museum of Art · Roanoke

Host
Taubman Museum of Art (opens in a new tab)
Where
Taubman Museum of Art, 110 Salem Ave SE, Roanoke, VA 24011
When
Sat November 28 (10:15 am to 12:45 pm) and Sun November 29 (1 to 3:30 pm), 2026
Cost
Advance tickets required; price on ticket link
Ages
Families; all ages and abilities welcome
Sign-up
Required ahead of time
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

Stories and Songs with Santa is the new name for Roanoke's beloved holiday tradition Fantasyland, now held at the Taubman Museum of Art. Santa Claus and other holiday characters lead an uplifting program in which Santa tells original stories, sings, plays guitar and joins the children in fun activities.

The themes are love, sharing, kindness, helpfulness and responsibility. Visitors of all ages and abilities are welcome. Santa keeps set program times, and advance tickets are required and cannot be transferred. On Saturday, November 28, programs begin at 10:15 am, 11:30 am and 12:45 pm, and a second day is listed for Sunday, November 29, from 1 to 3:30 pm. Ticket links are on the Downtown Roanoke event pages.

Parent tip: Tickets must be bought in advance and cannot be transferred. Choose your program time when you buy.

See dates and details from Taubman Museum of Art (opens in a new tab)

Roanoke: Free Family Photos with Santa

Santa visitFreeRoanoke Public Libraries · Roanoke

Host
Roanoke Public Libraries (opens in a new tab)
Where
Belmont Library, 600 Belmont Ave SE, Roanoke, VA 24013
When
Monday, November 30, 2026, 5 to 7 pm
Cost
Free
Ages
All ages
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

Belmont Library hosts Santa and a professional photographer on Monday, November 30, 2026, from 5 to 7 pm. Each family gets a few minutes with Santa, and the photos are shared afterward through a digital link.

The event is first come, first served. While you wait your turn, the library offers hot chocolate, snacks, crafts and a festive film playing. Staff ask that your entire party be present when your turn comes. The audience is listed as all ages. For more information, call the library at 540-853-2640.

Parent tip: First come, first served, so arrive early. Have your whole party together when it is your turn.

See dates and details from Roanoke Public Libraries (opens in a new tab)

Roanoke: Williamson Road Reels: A Muppets Christmas

Holiday showFreeRoanoke Public Libraries · Roanoke

Host
Roanoke Public Libraries (opens in a new tab)
Where
Williamson Road Library, 3437 Hershberger Rd NW, Roanoke, VA 24012
When
Friday, December 4, 2026, 11 am to 1 pm
Cost
Free
Ages
All ages
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

The Williamson Road Library's monthly film series shows A Muppets Christmas on Friday, December 4, 2026, from 11 am to 1 pm in the Williamson Road Community Room. The series presents classic films and feel-good favorites for people to relax and enjoy.

The audience is listed as all ages. The calendar does not mention a fee or registration. The library is at 3437 Hershberger Rd NW. This is a good midday option when children need a break from shopping or school break plans.

Parent tip: The film starts at 11 am, so plan to arrive a few minutes early to find seats.

See dates and details from Roanoke Public Libraries (opens in a new tab)

Roanoke: Candy Cane Celebration

Santa visitVirginia Museum of Transportation · Roanoke

Host
Virginia Museum of Transportation (opens in a new tab)
Where
Virginia Museum of Transportation, 303 Norfolk Ave SW, Roanoke, VA 24016
When
Sat December 5 (10 am to 4 pm) and Sun December 6 (noon to 4 pm), 2026
Cost
See museum for admission
Ages
All ages
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

The Virginia Museum of Transportation holds its annual Candy Cane Celebration on December 5 and 6, 2026, billed as a day of festive fun for the whole family. The museum lists a vendor marketplace, face painting, a magician, food trucks, live music, games and crafts, and visits with Santa.

Saturday hours are 10 am to 4 pm and Sunday hours are noon to 4 pm. The museum is at 303 Norfolk Ave SW in downtown Roanoke. The listing does not state ticket prices, so check with the museum for admission details. For questions, the museum gives the email cbailey@vmt.org and the phone number (540) 342-5670.

Parent tip: The listing does not give a price, so call (540) 342-5670 or email the museum before you go. Sunday starts at noon.

See dates and details from Virginia Museum of Transportation (opens in a new tab)

Roanoke: Roanoke County Tree Lighting

Tree lightingFreeRoanoke County Public Library · Roanoke

Host
Roanoke County Public Library (opens in a new tab)
Where
South County Library, 6303 Merriman Rd, Roanoke, VA 24018
When
Monday, December 7, 2026, 6:30 to 8:30 pm
Cost
Free
Ages
All ages
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

Roanoke County kicks off the holidays with a tree lighting on Monday, December 7, 2026, from 6:30 to 8:30 pm at South County Library. The ceremony features carols sung by school children, a message from county leadership, and then the moment the tree lights up.

Families can enjoy children's activities, musical performances from local high schools, giant skeeball for teens, and hot cocoa, and Santa is scheduled to say hello before the night ends. The event is listed for all ages. The library's calendar page does not list a fee or a registration requirement. The library is at 6303 Merriman Road in Roanoke.

Parent tip: Bring warm layers because the tree lighting is outdoors.

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

Roanoke: Gainsboro Community Tree Lighting

Tree lightingFreeRoanoke Public Libraries · Roanoke

Host
Roanoke Public Libraries (opens in a new tab)
Where
Gainsboro Library, 15 Patton Ave NW, Roanoke, VA 24016
When
Thursday, December 10, 2026, 5 to 6 pm
Cost
Free
Ages
All ages
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

Join the Gainsboro community on Thursday, December 10, 2026, as trees along Patton Avenue are lit for the holidays. The evening starts at 5 pm with hot cocoa and cookies at the Gainsboro Library, and the tree lighting ceremony follows at 5:30 pm.

The event is listed for all ages and is held at the library's community room and along Patton Avenue. The calendar page does not mention a fee or registration. It is a short neighborhood gathering, so it fits well on a weeknight with children. Dress for the cold, since the lighting itself is outdoors.

Parent tip: Dress warmly, since the lighting is outdoors along Patton Avenue.

See dates and details from Roanoke Public Libraries (opens in a new tab)

Roanoke: Gingerbread Houses

Holiday craftsFreeRoanoke Public Libraries · Roanoke

Host
Roanoke Public Libraries (opens in a new tab)
Where
Raleigh Court Library, 1901 Memorial Ave SW, Roanoke, VA 24015
When
Thursday, December 10, 2026, 6 to 7:30 pm
Cost
Free
Ages
All ages
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

Raleigh Court Library invites families to make gingerbread houses on Thursday, December 10, 2026, from 6 to 7:30 pm. The calendar notes that the gingerbread houses will not be edible, because they are made to last for many years.

The program is listed under crafts for all ages. The calendar page does not list a fee or a registration requirement, but you can call the library with questions at 540-853-2240. A craft evening like this works best for children old enough to handle small decorations, though younger children can join with an adult helping.

Parent tip: The houses are not edible. Call 540-853-2240 to ask about space.

See dates and details from Roanoke Public Libraries (opens in a new tab)

Roanoke: Holiday Party with Santa

Story time with SantaFreeRoanoke County Public Library · Roanoke

Host
Roanoke County Public Library (opens in a new tab)
Where
Hollins Express Library at Green Ridge Recreation Center, 7240 Plantation Rd NE, Roanoke, VA 24019
When
Monday, December 14, 2026, 6 to 7 pm
Cost
Free, registration required
Ages
Ages 2 to 11
Sign-up
Required ahead of time
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

Hollins Library hosts a Holiday Party with Santa on Monday, December 14, 2026, from 6 to 7 pm at the Hollins Express Library, found inside the Green Ridge Recreation Center. Kids create their own holiday ornament, have a special snack and sit close while Santa sings and shares stories.

Children can also say hello to Santa and have their picture taken with him. The program is for ages 2 to 11. Sign-up begins at 6 pm on November 16, 2026, through the calendar of the Roanoke County Public Library. The branch is located at 7240 Plantation Road NE.

Parent tip: Sign-up begins Nov 16 at 6 pm. Look for the branch inside the Green Ridge Recreation Center.

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

Roanoke: Holiday Puppet Show

Holiday story timeFreeRoanoke County Public Library · Roanoke

Host
Roanoke County Public Library (opens in a new tab)
Where
South County Library, 6303 Merriman Rd, Roanoke, VA 24018
When
Monday, December 14, 2026, 11 am to noon
Cost
Free, registration required
Ages
Ages 2 to 6
Sign-up
Required ahead of time
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

The Children's Department at South County Library presents a holiday puppet show on Monday, December 14, 2026, from 11 am to noon. Staff perform The Three Bears Christmas by Kathy Duval and Charlie's Special Deliveries, which is inspired by Thomas' Christmas Delivery.

After the show, children make a festive craft and enjoy a sweet treat. The program is intended for ages 2 to 6. Registration opens at 11 am on November 16, 2026, on the library calendar. South County Library is at 6303 Merriman Road in Roanoke.

Parent tip: Registration opens Nov 16 at 11 am. The program is aimed at ages 2 to 6.

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

Roanoke: Storytime with Santa

Story time with SantaFreeRoanoke Public Libraries · Roanoke

Host
Roanoke Public Libraries (opens in a new tab)
Where
Raleigh Court Library, 1901 Memorial Ave SW, Roanoke, VA 24015
When
Tuesday, December 15, 2026, 6 to 7:30 pm
Cost
Free
Ages
All ages
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

Raleigh Court Library invites families to a cozy evening storytime with Santa on Tuesday, December 15, 2026, from 6 to 7:30 pm. The program includes songs, stories and a chance to meet some North Pole friends.

Pictures and refreshments are available after the storytime. The library lists the program for all ages, and it is part of its cafe program series. The library does not list a registration requirement or a fee on the calendar page. For more information, call the Raleigh Court Library at 540-853-2240.

Parent tip: Call 540-853-2240 if you have questions about space or photos.

See dates and details from Roanoke Public Libraries (opens in a new tab)

Roanoke: Family Movie Night: The Polar Express

Holiday showFreeRoanoke Public Libraries · Roanoke

Host
Roanoke Public Libraries (opens in a new tab)
Where
Williamson Road Library, 3437 Hershberger Rd NW, Roanoke, VA 24012
When
Wednesday, December 16, 2026, 6 to 7:45 pm
Cost
Free
Ages
All ages
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

Williamson Road Library holds a family movie night every third Wednesday of the month, and the December film is The Polar Express. The showing is on Wednesday, December 16, 2026, from 6 to 7:45 pm in the Williamson Road Community Room.

All ages are welcome and the library provides light snacks. This is a movie screening at the library, not a train ride. The calendar page does not list a fee or a registration requirement. The library is at 3437 Hershberger Rd NW in Roanoke.

Parent tip: This is a film screening at the library, not a ride. Arrive early for seating.

See dates and details from Roanoke Public Libraries (opens in a new tab)

Roanoke: Gingerbread Houses at South County Library

Holiday craftsFreeRoanoke County Public Library · Roanoke

Host
Roanoke County Public Library (opens in a new tab)
Where
South County Library, 6303 Merriman Rd, Roanoke, VA 24018
When
Wednesday, December 16, 2026, 3:30 to 7 pm
Cost
Free, registration required
Ages
Ages 4 to 11
Sign-up
Required ahead of time
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

South County Library offers two sessions of gingerbread house decorating on Wednesday, December 16, 2026, at 3:30 to 4:30 pm and at 6 to 7 pm. Children decorate a festive gingerbread house using math and design skills.

The library supplies the walls and candy, and families bring the frosting and a maker mindset. The program is intended for ages 4 to 11 and is filed under STEM. Registration opens on November 18, 2026, and each session has its own registration page. The library is at 6303 Merriman Road in Roanoke.

Parent tip: Bring your own frosting. Register for the specific session you want.

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

Roanoke: Meet Santa at Main

Santa visitFreeRoanoke Public Libraries · Roanoke

Host
Roanoke Public Libraries (opens in a new tab)
Where
Main Library, 706 S Jefferson St, Roanoke, VA 24016
When
Wednesday, December 16, 2026, 10 am to noon
Cost
Free
Ages
Under 5
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

Santa visits the Main Library on Wednesday, December 16, 2026, from 10 am to noon. The library says Santa is taking a break from getting presents ready to take pictures with young children, and the audience is listed as under 5.

The photos are free, but you should bring your own phone to take the pictures. The library is in downtown Roanoke at 706 S Jefferson St. The calendar page does not list a registration requirement. This is a short, low-key visit that works well for toddlers and babies who might not last through a longer program.

Parent tip: Bring your own phone to take the photos.

See dates and details from Roanoke Public Libraries (opens in a new tab)

Christmas events for kids in Salem

2 confirmed events for kids in Salem, soonest first.

Salem: Santa at the Library at Glenvar Library

Story time with SantaFreeRoanoke County Public Library · Salem

Host
Roanoke County Public Library (opens in a new tab)
Where
Glenvar Library, 3687 Postal Dr, Salem, VA 24153 (near Roanoke)
When
Tuesday, December 15, 2026, 10:30 to 11:30 am
Cost
Free, registration required
Ages
Ages 2 to 6
Sign-up
Required ahead of time
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

Glenvar Library presents Santa at the Library on Tuesday, December 15, 2026, from 10:30 to 11:30 am in the meeting room. Kids listen to stories, sing songs, make a craft, share a treat and say hello to Santa.

The program is meant for ages 2 to 6. Sign-up starts at 10:30 am on November 17, 2026, using the Roanoke County Public Library calendar. You will find the library at 3687 Postal Drive in Salem. Roanoke County libraries hold several Santa visits like this one at various branches during December.

Parent tip: Sign-up begins Nov 17 at 10:30 am, so register early.

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

Salem: Gingerbread Houses at Glenvar Library

Holiday craftsFreeRoanoke County Public Library · Salem

Host
Roanoke County Public Library (opens in a new tab)
Where
Glenvar Library, 3687 Postal Dr, Salem, VA 24153 (near Roanoke)
When
Thursday, December 17, 2026, 5:30 to 6:30 pm
Cost
Free, registration required
Ages
Ages 4 to 11
Sign-up
Required ahead of time
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

Glenvar Library hosts a gingerbread house decorating program on Thursday, December 17, 2026, from 5:30 to 6:30 pm in the meeting room. Children decorate a festive gingerbread house using math and design skills.

The library supplies the walls and candy, and families bring the frosting and a maker mindset. The program is intended for ages 4 to 11. Registration opens at 5:30 pm on November 19, 2026, on the library calendar. Glenvar Library is at 3687 Postal Drive in Salem.

Parent tip: Bring your own frosting. Registration opens Nov 19 at 5:30 pm.

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

Christmas events for kids in Vinton

1 confirmed event for kids in Vinton, soonest first.

Vinton: Santa at the Library at Vinton Library

Story time with SantaFreeRoanoke County Public Library · Vinton

Host
Roanoke County Public Library (opens in a new tab)
Where
Vinton Library, 800 E Washington Ave, Vinton, VA 24179 (near Roanoke)
When
Wed December 9 and Sat December 12, 2026, 11 am to noon
Cost
Free, registration required
Ages
Ages 2 to 6
Sign-up
Required ahead of time
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

Vinton Library offers Santa at the Library on Wednesday, December 9, and again on Saturday, December 12, 2026, both from 11 am to noon in the Flex Space. Children hear stories and songs, make a craft, enjoy a special snack and meet Santa.

The program is intended for ages 2 to 6. Registration is handled through the library's online calendar, and registration for the December 9 session opens at 11 am on November 11, 2026, while the December 12 session opens at 11 am on November 14. The library is at 800 E Washington Ave in Vinton. Each date has its own registration page, so register for the one you plan to attend.

Parent tip: Register early on the day sign-up opens, since space is limited. Each date has its own registration.

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

Looking further afield? Our Virginia Christmas events for kids guide lists every confirmed event in the state, and we have city guides for Virginia Beach, Richmond, VA and Norfolk, VA. 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)

Roanoke Christmas events for kids: questions parents ask

What Christmas events for kids are in Roanoke in 2026?

We confirmed 17 Christmas events for kids in Roanoke for 2026 on each host’s own page: Stories and Songs with Santa in Roanoke (November 28), Free Family Photos with Santa in Roanoke (November 30), Williamson Road Reels: A Muppets Christmas in Roanoke (December 4), Candy Cane Celebration in Roanoke (December 5), Roanoke County Tree Lighting in Roanoke (December 7), Santa at the Library at Vinton Library in Vinton (December 9), Gainsboro Community Tree Lighting in Roanoke (December 10), Gingerbread Houses in Roanoke (December 10), Holiday Party with Santa in Roanoke (December 14), Holiday Puppet Show in Roanoke (December 14), Santa at the Library at Glenvar Library in Salem (December 15), Storytime with Santa in Roanoke (December 15), Family Movie Night: The Polar Express in Roanoke (December 16), Gingerbread Houses at South County Library in Roanoke (December 16), Meet Santa at Main in Roanoke (December 16), Gingerbread Houses at Glenvar Library in Salem (December 17) and Christmas Cookie Decorating in Roanoke (December 22). Every one is listed below with times, cost and a link to the host.

What Christmas events for kids are in Roanoke, Virginia?

For families in and around Roanoke, the confirmed Christmas events for kids this season are: Stories and Songs with Santa (Sat, Nov 28 and Sun, Nov 29, advance tickets required; price on ticket link); Free Family Photos with Santa (Mon, Nov 30, 5 to 7 pm, free); Williamson Road Reels: A Muppets Christmas (Fri, Dec 4, 11 am to 1 pm, free); Candy Cane Celebration (Sat, Dec 5, 10 am to 4 pm; Sun, Dec 6, noon to 4 pm, see museum for admission); Roanoke County Tree Lighting (Mon, Dec 7, 6:30 to 8:30 pm, free); Gainsboro Community Tree Lighting (Thu, Dec 10, 5 to 6 pm, free); Gingerbread Houses (Thu, Dec 10, 6 to 7:30 pm, free); Holiday Party with Santa (Mon, Dec 14, 6 to 7 pm, free, registration required); Holiday Puppet Show (Mon, Dec 14, 11 am to noon, free, registration required); Storytime with Santa (Tue, Dec 15, 6 to 7:30 pm, free); Family Movie Night: The Polar Express (Wed, Dec 16, 6 to 7:45 pm, free); Gingerbread Houses at South County Library (Wed, Dec 16, 3:30 to 4:30 pm and 6 to 7 pm, free, registration required); Meet Santa at Main (Wed, Dec 16, 10 am to noon, free); Christmas Cookie Decorating (Tue, Dec 22, 3 to 4 pm, free). Details and the host’s link for each are in the Roanoke section of this page.

What Christmas events for kids are in Salem, Virginia?

For families in and around Salem, the confirmed Christmas events for kids this season are: Santa at the Library at Glenvar Library (Tue, Dec 15, 10:30 to 11:30 am, free, registration required); Gingerbread Houses at Glenvar Library (Thu, Dec 17, 5:30 to 6:30 pm, free, registration required). Details and the host’s link for each are in the Salem section of this page.

What Christmas events for kids are in Vinton, Virginia?

For families in and around Vinton, the confirmed Christmas events for kids this season are: Santa at the Library at Vinton Library (Wed, Dec 9 and Sat, Dec 12, 11 am to noon, free, registration required). Details and the host’s link for each are in the Vinton section of this page.

Are there free Christmas events for kids in Roanoke?

Yes. 15 of the 17 events here are free: Free Family Photos with Santa in Roanoke, Williamson Road Reels: A Muppets Christmas in Roanoke, Roanoke County Tree Lighting in Roanoke, Santa at the Library at Vinton Library in Vinton, Gainsboro Community Tree Lighting in Roanoke, Gingerbread Houses in Roanoke, Holiday Party with Santa in Roanoke, Holiday Puppet Show in Roanoke, Santa at the Library at Glenvar Library in Salem, Storytime with Santa in Roanoke, Family Movie Night: The Polar Express in Roanoke, Gingerbread Houses at South County Library in Roanoke, Meet Santa at Main in Roanoke, Gingerbread Houses at Glenvar Library in Salem and Christmas Cookie Decorating in Roanoke. Some free events still ask you to register, so check each listing.

Where can kids see Santa in Roanoke this December?

Santa appears at Stories and Songs with Santa in Roanoke (November 28), Free Family Photos with Santa in Roanoke (November 30), Candy Cane Celebration in Roanoke (December 5), Roanoke County Tree Lighting in Roanoke (December 7), Santa at the Library at Vinton Library in Vinton (December 9), Holiday Party with Santa in Roanoke (December 14), Santa at the Library at Glenvar Library in Salem (December 15), Storytime with Santa in Roanoke (December 15) and Meet Santa at Main in Roanoke (December 16). Times and booking rules are in each event’s listing above.

Where are there Christmas story times for kids in Roanoke?

Holiday story times on this page: Stories and Songs with Santa in Roanoke, Santa at the Library at Vinton Library in Vinton, Holiday Party with Santa in Roanoke, Holiday Puppet Show in Roanoke, Santa at the Library at Glenvar Library in Salem and Storytime with Santa in Roanoke. Library story times are usually free; story times with a meal or show are ticketed.

Which Roanoke Christmas events are best for toddlers?

These are aimed at babies, toddlers and preschoolers: Santa at the Library at Vinton Library in Vinton (Ages 2 to 6), Holiday Puppet Show in Roanoke (Ages 2 to 6), Santa at the Library at Glenvar Library in Salem (Ages 2 to 6) and Meet Santa at Main in Roanoke (Under 5).

How much is Stories and Songs with Santa in Roanoke?

Advance tickets required; price on ticket link. Stories and Songs with Santa is on Sat November 28 (10:15 am to 12:45 pm) and Sun November 29 (1 to 3:30 pm), 2026 at Taubman Museum of Art. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Free Family Photos with Santa in Roanoke?

Free. Free Family Photos with Santa is on Monday, November 30, 2026, 5 to 7 pm at Belmont Library. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Williamson Road Reels: A Muppets Christmas in Roanoke?

Free. Williamson Road Reels: A Muppets Christmas is on Friday, December 4, 2026, 11 am to 1 pm at Williamson Road Library. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Candy Cane Celebration in Roanoke?

See museum for admission. Candy Cane Celebration is on Sat December 5 (10 am to 4 pm) and Sun December 6 (noon to 4 pm), 2026 at Virginia Museum of Transportation. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Roanoke County Tree Lighting in Roanoke?

Free. Roanoke County Tree Lighting is on Monday, December 7, 2026, 6:30 to 8:30 pm at South County Library. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Santa at the Library at Vinton Library in Vinton?

Free, registration required. Santa at the Library at Vinton Library is on Wed December 9 and Sat December 12, 2026, 11 am to noon at Vinton Library. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Gainsboro Community Tree Lighting in Roanoke?

Free. Gainsboro Community Tree Lighting is on Thursday, December 10, 2026, 5 to 6 pm at Gainsboro Library. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Gingerbread Houses in Roanoke?

Free. Gingerbread Houses is on Thursday, December 10, 2026, 6 to 7:30 pm at Raleigh Court Library. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Holiday Party with Santa in Roanoke?

Free, registration required. Holiday Party with Santa is on Monday, December 14, 2026, 6 to 7 pm at Hollins Express Library at Green Ridge Recreation Center. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Holiday Puppet Show in Roanoke?

Free, registration required. Holiday Puppet Show is on Monday, December 14, 2026, 11 am to noon at South County Library. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Santa at the Library at Glenvar Library in Salem?

Free, registration required. Santa at the Library at Glenvar Library is on Tuesday, December 15, 2026, 10:30 to 11:30 am at Glenvar Library. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Storytime with Santa in Roanoke?

Free. Storytime with Santa is on Tuesday, December 15, 2026, 6 to 7:30 pm at Raleigh Court Library. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Family Movie Night: The Polar Express in Roanoke?

Free. Family Movie Night: The Polar Express is on Wednesday, December 16, 2026, 6 to 7:45 pm at Williamson Road Library. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Gingerbread Houses at South County Library in Roanoke?

Free, registration required. Gingerbread Houses at South County Library is on Wednesday, December 16, 2026, 3:30 to 7 pm at South County Library. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Meet Santa at Main in Roanoke?

Free. Meet Santa at Main is on Wednesday, December 16, 2026, 10 am to noon at Main Library. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Gingerbread Houses at Glenvar Library in Salem?

Free, registration required. Gingerbread Houses at Glenvar Library is on Thursday, December 17, 2026, 5:30 to 6:30 pm at Glenvar Library. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Christmas Cookie Decorating in Roanoke?

Free. Christmas Cookie Decorating is on Tuesday, December 22, 2026, 3 to 4 pm at Melrose Library. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

Are there Christmas train rides for kids in Roanoke?

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