Festivales y eventos

Important: free, but you need a free ticket to get in (link on the library page). Children's Illustrator in Residence Final Exhibit: Stories and Sketches: a free program at Calgary Public Library, Central Library. When: Thursday, Dec 3, 2026, 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM. Opening reception of the 2026 Children's Illustrator in Residence's final exhibit: hear from the artist and see the work created during her residency. Light refreshments served. Full details on the library's page.

Baltimore's holiday kickoff in Mount Vernon Place: live music, holiday food vendors and a fireworks show as the Washington Monument lights up for the season. Free to attend. Check the time.

Philadelphia's free holiday tree lighting outside City Hall, with Kristin Chenoweth and Kirk Franklin, free hot chocolate and giveaways. Pre-show 6 PM, tree lighting 7 PM.

The Energy Corridor's free holiday night in west Houston: tree lighting, a drone show and free photos with Santa. Free RSVP asked.

Right after the Boston Common tree lighting, the trees along the Commonwealth Avenue Mall in Back Bay light up from Arlington Street to Charlesgate. A free, beautiful evening walk.

Boston's signature free holiday celebration: the 85th annual lighting of the Christmas tree from Nova Scotia on Boston Common, with live performances and Mayor Wu flipping the switch.

Winter Market Thursdays: a free event at St. Lawrence Market (92 Front Street East, Toronto), listed by City of Toronto. When: Thursday, Dec 3, 2026, from 11:00 AM. Full details on the organiser's page.

Important: free, but you need to register online for free first. Preschool Dance Party: a free program at Montgomery County Public Libraries, Twinbrook Library (McAuliffe Drive, Rockville, Maryland, 20851). When: Thursday, Dec 3, 2026, 10:30 AM to 11:00 AM. Music and movement teach the early literacy skills of listening and following directions, anticipation, and rhyming. For: Baby, Preschool, Toddler. Full details on the library's page.

Teen Movie Night: Krampus!: a free program at Dayton Metro Library, West Branch (300 Abbey Ave., Dayton, OH 45417). When: Thursday, Dec 3, 2026, 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM. Celebrate the traditional folklore legend of Krampus! For: Teens, Grades 7-12. Drop in, no registration needed. Full details on the library's page.

Puppet Show: a free program at Charlotte Mecklenburg Library, ImaginOn (300 East Seventh Street, Charlotte, NC 28202). When: Thursday, Dec 3, 2026, 11:30 AM to 12:00 PM. Enjoy puppet shows, songs, and movement activities that support early literacy skill development and help foster a love of books and reading in your child. For: Preschool (3-5), School Age (5-11). Drop in, no registration needed. Full details on the library's page.

Library Babies Storytime with the May Festival MiNiS!: a free program at Cincinnati and Hamilton County Public Library, Wyoming Branch Library (500 Springfield Pike, Cincinnati, Ohio 45215). When: Thursday, Dec 3, 2026, 10:30 AM to 11:00 AM. The May Festival MiNiS is excited to visit your library EVERY MONTH! For: Birth through Preschool. Drop in, no registration needed. Full details on the library's page.

Winter Music Festival: Rob Hart Trio: a free program at San Mateo County Libraries, San Carlos (610 Elm Street, San Carlos, CA 94070). When: Thursday, Dec 3, 2026, 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM. The Rob Hart Trio delivers a genre-blending jazz experience that’s as adventurous as it is intimate. For: Adults (19+), Adults (55+), Teens (12-18). Drop in, no registration needed. Full details on the library's page.