
Brighten your season with reading recommendations, festive events, holiday history, and more from your library.
Explore the Holidays
Hanukkah
December 14-22
The Winter Solstice
December 21
Christmas
December 25
Kwanzaa
December 26-January 1
New Year's
December 31-January 1
Discover more December holidays with Britannica and Explora. Begin now using your library card.
Britannica Library
Britannica Library
Explora Library
Explora Public Libraries
Krampusnacht, or Krampus Night
A traditional European celebration on the evening of December 5, where a half-goat, half-demon creature known as Krampus punishes misbehaving children during the Christmas season.
The Feast of Saint Nicholas, or Saint Nicholas Day
Saint Nicholas Day is celebrated on December 6 in Western Christian countries during the Advent season. Saint Nicholas was a bishop of Myra in the 4th century.
The Feast of Saint Lucy, or Saint Lucia Day
Saint Lucia's Day is a festival of lights observed on December 13 in Sweden, Norway, and Swedish-speaking areas of Finland. The observance commemorates Lucia of Syracuse, an early-fourth-century martyr under the Diocletianic Persecution.
Las Posadas, or "The Inns" 👼
Las Posadas is a religious festival celebrated in Mexico and some areas of the United States from December 16 to 24. It commemorates Joseph and Mary's journey from Nazareth to Bethlehem as they sought a safe place for Mary to give birth to the baby Jesus.
Boxing Day 🎁
Boxing Day is celebrated in Great Britain, Australia, Canada, and New Zealand on December 26. Traditionally, it involved giving gifts to those less fortunate, but by the 21st century, it became primarily associated with shopping and sporting events.

Hanukkah
Hanukkah, or Chanukah, begins on the 25th day of the Jewish calendar, opens a new window month of Kislev, at sundown. Lasting eight days, Hanukkah usually occurs during December, but sometimes begins in November. This Jewish holiday is known as the Festival of Lights, commemorating the rededication of the Temple in Jerusalem in 164 B.C. after three years of war. Hanukkah means "dedication."
Books on Hanukkah

The Winter Solstice
The winter solstice takes place on the shortest day - and longest night - of the year. In 2025, the winter solstice will happen at 10:03 a.m. on Sunday, December 21, in the Washington D.C. area. Pagan Scandinavia and Germany had a 12-day midwinter festival called Jul (pronounced Yule). Modern pagans following in these traditions continue to observe Jul. Yule logs come from this celebration.

Christmas
Christmas is an annual festival that commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ, primarily observed on December 25. It is celebrated as both a religious and cultural event by billions of people around the world. The holiday is filled with classic traditions, such as decorating a Christmas tree, visits from Santa Claus, attending religious services on Christmas Eve or Christmas morning, enjoying delicious food, and more.
Nutcracker Sweets
Memories of Christmas Trees Past
When St. Nicholas Came to Troy, New York...
A Civil War Christmas
Nutcracker Sweets
Memories of Christmas Trees Past
When St. Nicholas Came to Troy, New York...
A Civil War Christmas

Kwanzaa
Kwanzaa, celebrated between December 26 and January 1, is a time for families in the African American community to come together and enjoy their heritage. Unlike many holidays, Kwanzaa was created by one person, Maulana Karenga, opens a new window, in 1966. He named the celebration Kwanzaa, which means "first fruits" in Swahili.

New Year's
"New Year's" refers to the holiday that marks the beginning of a new calendar year, celebrated on January 1st according to the Gregorian calendar. While it is often associated with the parties and celebrations of New Year's Eve on December 31st, the term can also describe New Year's Day itself. This day is typically a time for festivities, fireworks, and making personal resolutions for the year ahead.
New Year, New Me
New Year, New You
Move Your Body
My Librarian: Writing Your Memoir
Book Corner: Books to Prompt Self-Reflection in the New Year

Prepare for the season of giving and light with library events, blogs, and book lists, create tech-savvy gifts, delicious baked goods, and more.
Events at the Library
Holiday Open House
Cookie Exchange
Grow a Reader Special: Happy Hanukkah, part of a series
Grow a Reader Special: Countdown to Christmas
Fabulous Friday: Holiday Book BINGO
Holiday Hosting

Whether you're short on time or want a dish that's been simmering for hours, a sit-down meal is a wonderful way to spend a frosty evening.

Are you in charge of organizing a party this season? Planning and pacing yourself can help, as can these excellent books.

Cookies and pies, oh my! Holiday gatherings of family and friends are the perfect time to share some special baked treats.

Fast and easy, boards are the perfect solution for creating stunning appetizers for gatherings or casual family meals.

Imagine gumdrops and candy canes, frosted windows and doors- here's how you can create a delicious gingerbread house with these fun tips.


Personalize Those Gifts
Create unforgettable, personalized gifts using MakerLab equipment available at IdeaSpace, along with creative kits borrowed from our Library of Things. Don't forget to capture those special moments with high-tech gear from our Tech on the Go collection!

Embrace the joy of the season by unwinding with a great book. Dive into our handpicked recommendations for all ages and all formats (eBooks & eAudio included!) It's the perfect time to discover your next favorite read!
Holiday & Winter Reads
Grow a Reader: Holiday Stories & Traditions
My Librarian: English Christmas Stories
Observing the Winter Solstice
Grow a Reader: Christmas Time with Your Favorite Characters
Grow a Reader: Holiday Stories & Traditions
My Librarian: English Christmas Stories
Observing the Winter Solstice
Grow a Reader: Christmas Time with Your Favorite Characters

Coming soon: Holiday-themed streaming video collections and hoopla digital music collections ❄️🎄🎅🦌🌟⛄

eBook & eAudio
Coming soon: Holiday-themed eCollections ❄️🎄🎅🦌🌟⛄