December is a special time in every library. This season is a chance to offer Christmas ideas that feel welcoming and easy to enjoy. You don’t need big events or complicated planning. A few simple Christmas activities can create moments that stay with your visitors long after the holidays.
The Christmas ideas for libraries below are friendly and designed to fit into busy schedules. They work well in public libraries of any size and give people a reason to explore the space in new ways.
A Christmas Calendar That Comes Alive
An empty wall can turn into a full Christmas calendar that grows more magical each day. You can place all 24 calendar images on the wall at once, with each square linked to an animation created in the Artivive app. Visitors can scan the days that have already passed, opening them one by one as December moves forward.
If someone doesn’t have a device or doesn’t want to download an app to their phone, your library’s shared tablets make it easy to join in. This is one of the most uplifting Christmas activities in libraries because it’s simple to run and brings a small spark of joy every day.
A Tree Waiting for Decorations
Children love to make things with their hands. Place an undecorated tree in the children’s area and offer a small basket of craft materials. Kids can create their own decorations and choose to take them home or hang them on the tree.
This gentle activity helps families slow down and enjoy time together. It remains one of the most loved Christmas ideas for libraries because it feels personal and heartwarming.
Festive Audio Moments in the Library
Place a few QR codes in unexpected spots around the library. Each one links to a short sound clip, such as a poem, a story, or a soft winter soundscape. Visitors can scan them whenever they notice one.
This calm activity needs very little preparation but offers a gentle sense of wonder. It can feel like finding a small surprise in every corner during the holiday season, giving visitors a lovely moment as they discover these hidden gifts.
Read: How to Create a Library Scavenger Hunt on Tablets
“Wrapped Reads” Mystery Books
Wrap a selection of books in plain paper and write a few clues on each one. Visitors choose a mystery book based only on the hints.
This simple idea sparks curiosity and brings surprise back into reading. Many library managers say it also helps older titles find new readers. This is one of the Christmas ideas that invites people to try something new in a fun way.
Digital Winter Art Studio
A small table with shared tablets can become a cosy art corner. Visitors can draw snow scenes, paint winter forests, or design simple holiday cards.
Their artwork can be added to a slideshow and displayed on an empty wall, offering visitors a warm moment to enjoy the wishes and creativity shared by their own community. This is one of the gentlest Christmas ideas because it gives people a peaceful space to create and feel connected.
Creating a Warm, Welcoming December
Christmas ideas can be simple and still make a lasting impact. The Christmas activities in libraries listed here encourage movement, creativity, and simple joy. They remind visitors that the library can feel a little like home during the holidays, a place where the community comes together to create warmth.
When libraries offer moments of connection during the holiday season, people remember it.
