Christmas Events for Kids in Torbay (2026)

Christmas Events for Kids
Written by Kelsey Cecil

Updated 4 min read

Rally the corgi has sniffed out the Christmas events for kids in Torbay for 2026. Saturday, December 5 is the big day, with Breakfast with Santa at the Torbay Common in the morning and the Nighttime Santa Claus Parade at 6 pm, and the Festival of Trees fills Torbay History House with decorated trees and kids’ Christmas card art from November 28 to December 19. We check every date on the Town of Torbay’s own pages and link straight there. For more across the country, see our Canada Christmas events for kids guide.

What Rally found in Torbay

  • 3 Christmas events for kids in Torbay
  • Santa Claus Parade: Saturday, December 5, 2026, 6:00 pm
  • Breakfast with Santa: December 5, 8:30 and 10:00 am sittings
  • Festival of Trees: November 28 to December 19, Torbay History House
  • Free: parade and Festival of Trees

Free 2Ticketed and paid 1

Free Christmas events for kids in Torbay

Evening Santa paradeFree

Nighttime Santa Claus Parade

Expand to see the parent tip

Torbay runs its Santa Claus Parade after dark, starting at Holy Trinity High School and finishing at Juniper Ridge Intermediate. Volunteers collect letters for Santa and non-perishable food along the way.

The town sets up free hot chocolate warming stations along the route. If the weather is bad, the parade moves to one of the backup dates, December 6, 12 or 13.

Parent tip: Kids can bring a letter for Santa to hand in along the route, and a can of food for the collection. Check the town’s pages on the afternoon of the parade in case it moves to a backup date.

Host
Town of Torbay (opens in a new tab)
Address
Parade route from Holy Trinity High School to Juniper Ridge Intermediate, Torbay, NL (opens in maps)
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked
See dates and detailsfrom Town of Torbay (opens in a new tab)

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Rally’s Christmas research

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Decorated tree displayFree

Torbay Festival of Trees

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Torbay History House fills up with decorated Christmas trees for its annual Festival of Trees, a friendly decorating contest that raises money for the Northeast Avalon Food Bank. Local entries compete for first, second and third place awards for the best-decorated tree.

Every entry from the town’s Christmas Card Competition for kindergarten to Grade 6 artists hangs on display during the festival, so it is a fun stop if your child entered. The museum plans extra workshops and events during the run.

Parent tip: Bring a food bank donation and have the kids pick their own favourite tree, and if your child entered the card contest, find their drawing first.

Host
Torbay History House (opens in a new tab)
Address
Torbay History House, Torbay, NL (opens in maps)
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked
See dates and detailsfrom Torbay History House (opens in a new tab)

New Torbay events every week

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Ticketed and paid Christmas events for kids in Torbay

Admission, tickets or a fee apply. Where a host has not posted a price yet, the listing says so.

Event hosts: free events are listed first. The #1 spot puts your event at the top of this page.Inquire about the #1 spotAdd your event for free

Pancake breakfast with Santa

Breakfast with Santa

  • When: Saturday, December 5, 2026, two sittings: 8:30 to 9:30 am and 10:00 to 11:00 am
  • Where: Torbay Common Gymnasium, Torbay, NL (opens in maps)
  • Cost: $5 per person, pre-registration through Town of Torbay e-Services
  • Ages: All ages; children need adult supervision
Expand to see the parent tip

The Town of Torbay serves a pancake breakfast with fruit and bacon, plus tea, coffee or water, in the Torbay Common gym, and Santa drops in during both sittings.

Seats are booked ahead through the town’s e-Services, so pick the early or the later sitting when you register. It falls on parade day, which makes December 5 an easy all-Santa Saturday in Torbay.

Parent tip: Book the 10 am sitting if your little ones are slow starters, and register early since each sitting has limited seats.

Host
Town of Torbay (opens in a new tab)
Address
Torbay Common Gymnasium, Torbay, NL (opens in maps)
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked
See dates and detailsfrom Town of Torbay (opens in a new tab)

New Torbay events every week

Rally researches Christmas events in Torbay daily and updates this page with new events. Enter your email to get a weekly update with new events in Torbay.

Free. Unsubscribe anytime. Privacy policy (opens in a new tab)

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? Our Canada Christmas events for kids guide lists Santa trains and holiday rides across the country.

See every event on a December calendar

Plan your December

When each Torbay Christmas event for kids happens

Make December 5 your Torbay Santa day: book a Breakfast with Santa sitting at the Torbay Common, then bundle up for the Nighttime Santa Claus Parade at 6 pm. Visit the Festival of Trees at Torbay History House on another day before December 19.

Looking further afield? Our Canada Christmas events for kids guide lists every confirmed event in the country, and we have city guides for St. John's. The national search sorts every event by distance from your town.

A story for the drive home

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Rally Takes the Train book cover: a watercolor corgi peeking from a red train

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Buy on Amazon (opens in a new tab)

The story of Christmas in Torbay

Torbay holds its Santa Claus Parade after dark, so the floats glow along the road between Holy Trinity High School and Juniper Ridge Intermediate on an early December night. Every year a child in kindergarten to Grade 6 also designs the town's official Christmas card.

A nighttime Santa parade from Holy Trinity High School to Juniper Ridge Intermediate

The Town of Torbay runs its Santa Claus Parade in the evening, starting at 6 pm, rather than in daylight. The route runs from Holy Trinity High School to Juniper Ridge Intermediate, and letters for Santa and non-perishable food are collected along the way. Because December weather on the Avalon can turn fast, the town names backup dates, and in 2026 they are December 6, 12 and 13.

For the 2025 parade the town added a quiet zone from Mary Browns to Manning's Hill, a calmer stretch for spectators who find the noise hard. Floats also competed for Best Commercial Float, Best Residential Float and Best Volunteer Group Float. In 2026 the Nighttime Santa Claus Parade is on Saturday, December 5 at 6 pm, with free hot chocolate warming stations along the route.

$1,274 for the food bank from the 2025 Festival of Trees at Torbay History House

Torbay's 2025 Christmas season ran from late November to New Year's Eve. The tree lighting was on November 27 at the Torbay Common front greenspace, after kids decorated Christmas cookies and Santa dropped in. Breakfast with Santa on December 6 had three sittings for children up to age 12, and the Nighttime Santa Claus Parade rolled the same evening at 6 pm.

The Festival of Trees at Torbay History House ran from November 29 to December 20, 2025, with entry for $5 or a non-perishable food item. When it closed, the town reported that it raised $1,274 plus many food items for the Northeast Avalon Food Bank, and thanked NTV News and CBC News for covering it. The season ended with a community skate at the Jack Byrne Arena on December 13 for the food bank and New Year's Eve fireworks at 8 pm at the bottom of Holy Trinity Lane.

A town Christmas card drawn by children and a party for the Janeway

Each fall, the Town of Torbay holds a Christmas Card Competition for young residents. Children from kindergarten to Grade 6 hand-draw a design in pencil and colour, and one winner in each of two divisions, kindergarten to Grade 3 and Grades 4 to 6, sees their picture become the town's official Christmas card. Winners receive 25 printed copies and a $100 prize, and every entry hangs at Torbay History House during the Festival of Trees.

Christmas in Torbay also leans on giving. The town's Christmas Concert with the John Curran Band sends all ticket money to the Janeway, the children's hospital in St. John's, and guests bring gift cards for young patients. In 2026 it is on December 11. The Seniors Christmas Party on December 16 is billed as a traditional Newfoundland Christmas party with dinner, music and dancing, and the town hints that a special guest may stop by.

Cookies, Santa and Mrs. Claus at the Torbay Common tree lighting on November 26, 2026

Torbay has no Santa train, so its holiday season gathers around the Torbay Common recreation centre instead. In 2026 the tree lighting is on Thursday, November 26: kids decorate Christmas cookies in a friendly contest from 6 to 7 pm, and the tree lights from 7 to 7:30 pm with hot chocolate, holiday music and a visit from both Santa and Mrs. Claus. The lighting is free, but cookie decorating needs registration.

Santa returns to the Common for booked family photos on November 12 and again for Breakfast with Santa on December 5, a pancake breakfast with fruit and bacon in two sittings. Registration for town Christmas events opened to Torbay residents on November 5, 2026 and to everyone else on November 12, through e-Services or at the Torbay Common front desk.

Traditions today

  • Nighttime Santa Claus Parade: An evening parade at 6 pm from Holy Trinity High School to Juniper Ridge Intermediate, with letters to Santa and food collected along the route.
  • Festival of Trees: Torbay History House fills with decorated trees in a contest that raises money and food for the Northeast Avalon Food Bank.
  • Kids' Christmas Card Competition: Young artists from kindergarten to Grade 6 compete to design the town's official Christmas card, and winners get 25 printed copies and $100.
  • Cookie decorating and tree lighting: Kids decorate cookies before the Torbay Common tree is lit, with Santa visiting.
  • Concert for the Janeway: A December evening with the John Curran Band, with all ticket money going to the children's hospital.
  • New Year's Eve fireworks: The town ends the season with fireworks at 8 pm at the bottom of Holy Trinity Lane, early enough for young kids.

A fact for kids

In Torbay, a kid gets to design the whole town's Christmas card. Two young artists win each year, and they each get 25 printed copies of their own card to send to family and friends.

Questions about Christmas in Torbay

Why is the Torbay Santa Claus Parade held at night?

The Town of Torbay calls it the Nighttime Santa Claus Parade and starts it at 6 pm, after dark in early December, so the lit floats stand out along the road. In 2026 it is on Saturday, December 5, running from Holy Trinity High School to Juniper Ridge Intermediate, with free hot chocolate warming stations along the route.

What are the backup dates for the Torbay Santa Claus Parade in 2026?

If weather forces a delay, the town lists December 6, December 12 and December 13, 2026 as backup dates for the Nighttime Santa Claus Parade. The planned date is Saturday, December 5 at 6 pm. Check the Town of Torbay's news page and social media on parade afternoon before you head out with the kids.

Is there a quiet zone at the Torbay Santa Claus Parade?

For the 2025 parade, the Town of Torbay set up a quiet zone along the route from Mary Browns to Manning's Hill. It gives families with children who are sensitive to noise a calmer place to watch the floats and Santa go by. Check the town's 2026 parade notice to confirm the quiet zone is offered again.

When was the Torbay Santa Claus Parade in 2025?

The 2025 Nighttime Santa Claus Parade was on Saturday, December 6, starting at 6 pm from Holy Trinity High School and ending at Juniper Ridge Intermediate. Floats competed for Best Commercial Float, Best Residential Float and Best Volunteer Group Float, and letters for Santa and food donations were collected along the route.

Can my child send a letter to Santa at the Torbay parade?

Yes. Letters for Santa are collected along the route of the Nighttime Santa Claus Parade, which in 2026 runs on Saturday, December 5 at 6 pm. Non-perishable food items are collected at the same time, so it is easy to bring a letter and a can for each child.

How much did the Torbay Festival of Trees raise in 2025?

The 2025 Festival of Trees at Torbay History House raised $1,274 plus many non-perishable food items, all going to the Northeast Avalon Food Bank. It ran from November 29 to December 20, 2025, with entry for $5 per person or a food donation, and local businesses and residents donated the prizes.

When is the Torbay Festival of Trees in 2026?

The 2026 Festival of Trees at Torbay History House runs from Saturday, November 28 to Saturday, December 19. Local entries compete for first, second and third place for best decorated tree, and money raised goes to the Northeast Avalon Food Bank. Extra workshops and events are announced during the festival.

Can I enter a Christmas tree in the Torbay Festival of Trees?

Yes. In 2025, Christmas tree registration was open from November 13 to 21, and the town's only rule was to be creative and have fun. Entrants contacted the museum staff by email or phone or stopped by Torbay History House. For 2026 details, email museum@torbay.ca or call (709) 437-6532, extension 270.

How does the Torbay Christmas Card Competition work?

Torbay residents from kindergarten to Grade 6 hand-draw a Christmas card in pencil with colour and drop it at the Torbay Common. One winner is chosen in kindergarten to Grade 3 and one in Grades 4 to 6. Each gets 25 printed copies and a $100 prize, and their design becomes the town's official card. The 2026 deadline was November 20.

Where can we see the Torbay kids' Christmas card entries?

Every entry in the town's Christmas Card Competition is displayed at Torbay History House during the Festival of Trees, which runs from November 28 to December 19, 2026. If your child entered, visiting to find their drawing among the decorated trees makes a proud December outing.

When is the Torbay Christmas tree lighting in 2026?

Thursday, November 26, 2026, at the Torbay Common. Kids decorate Christmas cookies in a friendly competition from 6 to 7 pm, then the tree is lit from 7 to 7:30 pm with hot chocolate, holiday music and a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus. The lighting is free, and cookie decorating needs pre-registration through e-Services.

When was the Torbay tree lighting in 2025?

The 2025 tree lighting was on November 27 at the Torbay Common. Cookie decorating started at 6 pm and the tree was lit at 7 pm on the front greenspace, with hot chocolate, holiday music and a visit from Santa. It was free, with registration needed only for cookie decorating.

Can we get pictures with Santa in Torbay?

Yes. Santa visits the Torbay Common lobby for booked family photos, about five minutes each. In 2026 the session was November 12 from 6 to 8 pm for $15, HST included, booked through e-Services. The town suggests families wear their Christmas outfits. Santa also comes to Breakfast with Santa and the parade on December 5.

How many sittings does Breakfast with Santa in Torbay have?

In 2026 there are two sittings on Saturday, December 5, from 8:30 to 9:30 am and from 10 to 11 am, in the Torbay Common gym. It costs $5 per person, not per family, and includes pancakes, fruit, bacon and a drink. In 2025 there were three sittings for children up to age 12.

What is the Torbay Christmas Concert for the Janeway?

It is a town concert with the John Curran Band, and all ticket proceeds go to the Janeway, the children's hospital in St. John's. Guests are also invited to bring gift cards for young patients. In 2026 it is on December 11 at 7 pm in the Torbay Common multipurpose rooms, with $20 tickets through e-Services.

Does Torbay end the holiday season with New Year's Eve fireworks?

Yes. To close the 2025 holiday season, the Town of Torbay held free New Year's Eve fireworks at 8 pm at the bottom of Holy Trinity Lane. The early start means young children can see them and still get to bed at a normal time. Watch the town's news page for the 2026 New Year's Eve plans.

When does registration open for Torbay Christmas events?

For 2026, registration for town Christmas events opened to Torbay residents on Thursday, November 5 at 10 am and to the general public on Thursday, November 12 at 10 am. Book through e-Services, at the Torbay Common front desk, or by calling (709) 437-6555. Popular events like Breakfast with Santa fill quickly.

Is there a Christmas skate in Torbay?

In 2025, the Town of Torbay sponsored a community skate at the Jack Byrne Regional and Entertainment Centre on December 13, from 3:30 to 4:20 pm. Admission was a non-perishable food item, with proceeds going to the Northeast Avalon Food Bank. Watch the town's events page for a 2026 holiday skate.

What is the Torbay Seniors Christmas Party?

It is one of the town's most popular events, a traditional Newfoundland Christmas party with dinner, music and dancing for people 60 and older. In 2026 it is on December 16 from 6 to 8 pm in the Torbay Common gym, with in-person, online and at-home delivery tickets. Grandparents might enjoy it while kids do the Festival of Trees.

What should families do on Santa day in Torbay?

Saturday, December 5, 2026 is Torbay's biggest Santa day. Book a Breakfast with Santa sitting at the Torbay Common in the morning, spend the afternoon at the Festival of Trees at Torbay History House, then bundle up for the 6 pm Nighttime Santa Claus Parade with a letter to Santa and a can for the food bank.

Who sponsored the Christmas tree prizes at the 2025 Torbay Festival of Trees?

The town thanked local sponsors for 2025 prizes and donations, including Collision Clinic, District Drugs PharmaChoice, O'Reilly's and Yellowbelly Brewery, The Battery Cafe, the East Coast Trail Association, Shoppers Drug Mart and several residents. Prizes went to the first, second and third best decorated trees at Torbay History House.

Sources

  1. Town Events, Town of Torbay
  2. 2025 Torbay Christmas Flyer, Town of Torbay
  3. Torbay Talks Holiday Issue 2025, Town of Torbay
  4. Call for Community Floats, Nighttime Santa Claus Parade, Town of Torbay
  5. Torbay Festival of Trees Closing Ceremonies, Town of Torbay
  6. Festival of Trees Registration, Town of Torbay

Keep the Christmas magic going: track Rally the corgi on Christmas Eve, print free Christmas coloring pages, learn how to say Merry Christmas in 100+ languages, find train museums to visit with kids, or browse Christmas events in every Canada city.

Torbay Christmas events for kids: questions parents ask

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

Rally Takes the Train has confirmed 3 Christmas events for kids in Torbay for 2026: the Nighttime Santa Claus Parade and Breakfast with Santa on December 5, both run by the Town of Torbay, and the Festival of Trees at Torbay History House from November 28 to December 19.

When is the Torbay Santa Claus Parade in 2026?

Saturday, December 5, 2026 at 6:00 pm, from Holy Trinity High School to Juniper Ridge Intermediate. Backup dates are December 6, 12 and 13 if the weather turns.

How do I book Breakfast with Santa in Torbay?

Register through the Town of Torbay e-Services or at the Torbay Common front desk. It is $5 per person, with sittings at 8:30 and 10:00 am on December 5, 2026.

What is the Torbay Festival of Trees?

A decorated Christmas tree contest at Torbay History House that raises money for the Northeast Avalon Food Bank. It runs from November 28 to December 19, 2026, and shows the entries from the town’s kids’ Christmas card competition.

Who do I contact about Torbay Christmas events?

Town of Torbay Recreation at recreation@torbay.ca or the Torbay Common at (709) 437-6555. For the Festival of Trees, email museum@torbay.ca.

Are there more Christmas events near Torbay?

Yes. Our Canada Christmas events for kids guide lists confirmed events across Canada, and the national search sorts events by distance from your town.

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 Torbay on November 11, 2026. Rally is also contacting each organizer to confirm details like parking, restrooms and bad-weather plans.

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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