Free Christmas Activities at the Local Library
Find free Santa visits, storytimes, crafts and cookies at nearby library branches this December.
Free Christmas activities at your local library often mean storytimes, Santa visits, crafts, cookies and holiday parties at no cost. These programs mainly serve children and families during November and December. Dates, ages and sign-up rules differ by branch.
Use your branch calendar to confirm details before you visit.
Verification note: Program terms and availability can change. This page was checked against linked sources on November 06, 2026.
What free holiday events include Santa?
The City of East Peoria reports an evening with stories and Santa photos, plus a craft and snack. The event is FOLEPI Night: Storytime with Santa on Dec. 17, 2026, from 6 to 7 p.m.
It is listed as a free all-ages drop-in event in the FOLEPI Night listing. The Free Library of Philadelphia lists Meet Santa on Dec. 14, 2026, from 5 to 6:30 p.m.
Children can visit Santa, eat cookies and make holiday crafts. Families are asked to bring a camera, according to the Meet Santa calendar listing.
Which branches offer storytimes and parties?
Fort Smith Public Library notes a free Holiday Open House that requires no library card. It also lists Holiday Storytime with Santa at the Dallas Branch on Dec. 10 at 10 and 11 a.m., as described in the Fort Smith library notice.
The City of Corpus Christi describes free November-December holiday programs across branches. They include Jingle All the Way Christmas Storytime for ages 1-5. The system also lists a family Holiday Party with crafts, cookies and a Santa visit in the Corpus Christi libraries announcement.
Do you need a card or reservation?
Rules change from branch to branch and from event to event. Some programs welcome drop-in visitors. Others set an age range or limit space.
Bring a library card even when entry does not require one. It can speed check-in and allow borrowing books or movies during the visit.
How do you confirm details before you go?
Check the branch name, date, time and age range on the event listing. Note whether entry is drop-in or needs advance sign-up. Arrive early when rooms have limited seats.
Call the branch directly when the listing leaves a detail unclear.
- Check branch name, date and time
- Check ages and drop-in or booking note
- Bring a camera if you want Santa photos