22 Bookish Things to Do Over the Holidays (That Aren’t Just Reading)

There’s something truly magical about the holiday season. 

The air feels crisp, homes are lit up with twinkling lights, and there’s a general sense of warmth and comfort that surrounds us, even on the coldest days. 

It’s the perfect time to slow down, unwind, and let yourself get lost in the world of books. 

If you’re like me, there’s nothing better than curling up with a good book during the holidays, with a blanket, a hot cup of tea or cocoa, and absolutely no interruptions.

But why stop there? Why limit yourself to just reading when there are so many bookish ways to fully immerse yourself in the literary spirit this holiday season? 

Here are some of the best bookish ways to spend the holidays — from cozy reading nooks to literary-themed events and even a few fun gift ideas for the book lovers in your life.

1. Create the Perfect Reading Nook

One of the most delightful ways to make the holidays even more special is by setting up a dedicated reading nook. 

Imagine having a small corner of your home, especially designed for one purpose: reading. 

It doesn’t take much to make it cozy and inviting — just a little creativity and a few essentials.

Steps to create your nook:

• Find a quiet corner: A small area by the window or next to a fireplace (if you have one) is ideal. Natural light is perfect for daytime reading, while soft, warm lighting can create a cozy evening ambiance.
• Comfy seating: Whether it’s a plush armchair, a bean bag, or even a pile of cushions on the floor, comfort is key. You’ll want something you can sink into and stay in for hours.
• Blankets and pillows: Layers of soft blankets and pillows make your space even cozier. Think faux fur, wool throws, and oversized cushions.
• Books within reach: Keep a stack of your holiday reading nearby. A small side table or a stylish book cart can be a great addition.
• Warm drinks: Set up a little station for your favorite beverages. Hot cocoa, mulled wine, or a spiced latte can turn a reading session into a luxurious experience.

Once your nook is ready, it becomes a sanctuary where you can escape into the world of your favorite books. 

2. Organize a Book-Themed Gift Exchange

If you’re gathering with family or friends for the holidays, why not organize a book-themed gift exchange? 

Instead of generic gifts, everyone gives (and gets) a book, but with a fun twist! You can set a theme, such as:

• Books by your favorite author: Everyone buys a book by their most-loved author, and during the exchange, the recipient has to guess who gifted them the book.
• Blind Date with a Book: Wrap the books in plain paper and write only a few descriptive words or phrases on the cover. It’s a surprise for the receiver who won’t know what they’re getting until they unwrap it.
• A book that changed your life: Give someone a book that had a profound impact on you and share a little story about why it meant so much.

One holiday season, my friends and I did a blind date with a book exchange, and it was one of the highlights of the year. 

The mystery element made it so exciting, and the books we received turned out to be delightful surprises — it’s how I discovered The Secret History by Donna Tartt, which has since become a favorite of mine!

Fun Wrapping Ideas:

• Wrap the book in pages from old (non-usable) books or newspapers for a vintage look.
• Attach a personalized bookmark that you’ve made yourself.
• Pair the book with a small item that complements the story — like a candle that matches the setting, or a tea that evokes the mood of the book.

3. Plan a Literary Movie Marathon

If you’re more of a visual person or you’re simply in the mood for something a little more relaxed, why not have a literary-themed movie marathon? 

This is a fantastic way to enjoy classic stories in a different format while still celebrating your love for books.

Many incredible movies are based on equally amazing books, and watching them during the holidays can feel like a comforting, familiar escape.

Here’s a short list of perfect movies for a bookish holiday movie marathon:

• The Harry Potter Series: A magical journey that’s as festive as it is nostalgic.
• The Chronicles of Narnia: The snowy landscapes and fantastical elements make this a holiday must-watch.
• Pride and Prejudice: The 2005 adaptation starring Keira Knightley is a beautiful, romantic option if you’re in the mood for classic literature.
• The Lord of the Rings Trilogy: Perfect for an epic, long holiday marathon.

Set up your movie night with bowls of popcorn, cozy blankets, and hot chocolate. 

You can even create a game or discussion around the differences between the book and the movie, which always sparks great conversation!

4. Join (or Start!) a Holiday Reading Challenge

There’s something about the holidays that feels like the perfect time to dive into a reading challenge. 

It’s the time of year when you finally have some downtime, and what better way to use it than by tackling a stack of books you’ve been meaning to read?

Many reading communities online host holiday-specific challenges. 

For example, you can participate in challenges like 12 Days of Books, where you read 12 books (or short stories) over the course of the holiday season. These challenges often come with prompts to guide your reading, such as:

• A book set in winter
• A cozy mystery
• A book with a festive cover
• A classic you’ve never read
• A holiday romance

If you can’t find a challenge that fits your style, why not create your own? 

You can set your own goals, such as reading a certain number of pages a day, exploring a new genre, or revisiting old favorites. 

I personally love joining Goodreads’ seasonal reading challenges, as it adds a fun element of competition and helps me discover new books based on the challenge themes.

A Sample Reading Challenge:

• Day 1: Read a short story collection (like Christmas Days by Jeanette Winterson).
• Day 2: Check out a cozy mystery (A Murder for the Books by Victoria Gilbert).
• Day 3: Pick up a festive romance (In a Holidaze by Christina Lauren).
• Day 4: Try a classic holiday book (A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens).
• Day 5: Read a fantasy set in winter (The Bear and the Nightingale by Katherine Arden).

5. Visit a Bookstore or Literary-Themed Cafe

One of my absolute favorite things to do during the holidays is to visit independent bookstores. 

Many bookstores are beautifully decorated for the season, with festive displays that make the experience of browsing even more magical. 

Spend an afternoon exploring shelves, discovering new reads, and perhaps chatting with staff who are usually full of great recommendations.

Some cities are home to literary-themed cafes or cozy spots where you can sit and read for hours. 

If you’re lucky enough to live near one, take advantage of the ambiance. 

There’s nothing quite like sipping a hot latte in a cafe lined with bookshelves and decorated with twinkling lights while you read your favorite novel.

If you’re planning on giving books as gifts, shopping at your local independent bookstore is a wonderful way to support small businesses, too. 

They often carry unique, hand-picked selections, so you’re bound to find something special.

Related: 15 Practical Tips To Help You Avoid Hoarding Books

6. Read a Holiday-Themed Book Series

Holiday-themed books have their own charm. 

Whether you love heartfelt stories, magical tales, or even mysteries, there are countless holiday-themed books that capture the essence of the season. 

This is the perfect time to cozy up with a series that will carry you through the entire holiday break.

Here are some delightful holiday-themed book series that will warm your heart:

• The Christmas Chronicles by Jeff Guinn: A festive series that reimagines the story of Santa Claus and the North Pole, complete with adventure, heartwarming tales, and plenty of Christmas magic.
• The Winter Street Series by Elin Hilderbrand: Set in Nantucket, this series revolves around the Quinn family as they navigate love, family, and the challenges of the holiday season.
• The Lady Julia Grey Mysteries by Deanna Raybourn: While not strictly holiday-themed, these cozy mysteries have a Victorian-era charm, and several of the books take place during the winter season, making them perfect for a cold night in.

Reading a series allows you to immerse yourself in a world that feels like home for the duration of the holiday season. 

7. Host a Holiday Book Club Meeting

If you’re part of a book club (or want to start one), the holiday season is the perfect time to host a themed meeting. 

You can get together with fellow book lovers, discuss a festive book, and enjoy some holiday treats in the process.

Here are a few tips for making your holiday book club special:

• Pick a seasonal read: Try something like The Gift of the Magi by O. Henry or Christmas Shopaholic by Sophie Kinsella. These light, festive reads are perfect for the holidays.
• Holiday snacks: Serve gingerbread cookies, peppermint bark, or mulled cider to enhance the festive atmosphere.
• Decorate: Deck out the meeting space with twinkling lights, tinsel, and a cozy vibe to create a warm, bookish environment.
• Discussion prompts: Choose fun holiday-themed discussion questions that go beyond just the book—like how different characters would celebrate the holidays or what gift you would give a particular character.

For a personal touch, my book club once read The Polar Express together in December, and after our discussion, we exchanged small gifts, bookish trinkets, and even copies of our favorite books from the past year.

8. Write Letters to Your Favorite Authors

One of the most unique and heartfelt ways to spend the holidays as a book lover is to write letters to your favorite authors. 

Many authors love hearing from their readers, and the holidays are a great time to express your appreciation for their work.

Here’s how to make this experience meaningful:

• Choose a book that moved you this year: Think about a book that had a significant impact on you, and take the time to reflect on why.
• Craft a thoughtful letter: Tell the author how their book touched your life, what characters stayed with you, or even how their writing helped you through a difficult time. Authors rarely hear from readers in a personal way, so they’ll likely treasure the message.
• Share your holiday wishes: End your letter by wishing them a warm and wonderful holiday season.

I’ve written to a few authors over the years, and the joy of sending a letter of appreciation is often matched by the occasional response—a handwritten note or even an email thanking me for taking the time to write. 

It’s a wonderful way to connect with the creators behind the books you love.

9. Create a Bookish Advent Calendar

Why not count down to the holidays with a book-themed advent calendar? 

Instead of chocolates or trinkets, each day reveals a new literary surprise. 

You can either purchase a pre-made bookish advent calendar or make your own for a fun, creative project.

#How to create a DIY Bookish Advent Calendar:

• Wrap 24 small gifts: These can be books, book-related items (like bookmarks, literary candles, or pins), or even handwritten notes with bookish activities or reading prompts.
• Number them: Label each item from 1 to 24, and open one each day as you count down to Christmas or the start of the holiday of your choice.
• Incorporate books: For a larger calendar, you can buy 24 mini books or short story collections. If you’re on a budget, consider using free or secondhand books, or wrapping up books you’ve been meaning to read from your own shelf.

10. Read Out Loud with Family or Friends

Reading out loud isn’t just for kids—gathering with loved ones and reading stories together is a beautiful way to bond over the holidays. 

Whether you choose classic holiday tales or poetry, this shared experience can make the season feel extra special.

Some ideas for read-aloud sessions:

• Classic holiday stories: A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens, The Nutcracker by E.T.A. Hoffmann, or The Polar Express by Chris Van Allsburg.
• Holiday poems: Try reading A Visit from St. Nicholas (more commonly known as ’Twas the Night Before Christmas) by Clement Clarke Moore or The Twelve Days of Christmas.
• Short stories: You can also choose a collection of holiday-themed short stories and read one each night. Christmas Days by Jeanette Winterson or Hercule Poirot’s Christmas by Agatha Christie offer excellent options.

As a family tradition, my family and I gather around the fireplace every Christmas Eve to read The Night Before Christmas. 

It’s a tradition that’s been passed down for generations, and it always fills the house with warmth and joy.

11. Decorate with a Bookish Twist

Who says holiday decorations have to be conventional? 

You can add a literary flair to your holiday décor with creative, book-inspired decorations. 

This idea is perfect for blending your love of books with the festive spirit.

Bookish decoration ideas:

• Book tree: Create a Christmas tree by stacking your books in a tree shape. Add twinkling lights and tinsel to complete the look.
• Literary ornaments: Make ornaments featuring quotes or images from your favorite books. You can also buy bookish ornaments online featuring characters, book covers, or even mini books.
• Book page garlands: Use pages from old, damaged books to create garlands or wreaths. It’s a great way to give a new life to books that can no longer be read.
• Framed book covers: Frame the covers of some of your favorite novels and hang them as part of your holiday display.

I once decorated my tree with handmade ornaments featuring famous quotes from The Hobbit and Harry Potter. It gave my tree a unique, literary touch that was a hit with visiting friends and family.

12. Go on a Holiday-Themed Bookstore Crawl

Bookstore crawls are one of my favorite ways to spend a free day, and they can be even more magical during the holidays. 

Choose a day to visit multiple bookstores in your area—preferably ones that are independently owned. 

Many will be decked out in holiday decorations, offering a warm and cozy atmosphere perfect for browsing and buying new books for yourself or as gifts.

Tips for planning a bookstore crawl:

• Make a list: Plan out which stores you’ll visit ahead of time. You might want to include both independent and chain stores for variety.
• Create a budget: It’s easy to go overboard with book purchases, so set yourself a reasonable budget.
• Pick up gifts: Use the crawl as an opportunity to find holiday gifts for family and friends. Independent stores often have special editions, bookish merchandise, and personalized service that can make your gifts extra special.

One year, I spent an entire Saturday visiting my favorite local bookstores. 

I sipped peppermint mochas at their in-store cafes, browsed through stacks of novels, and left with a whole pile of new reads to enjoy throughout the season.

You May Also Like: 90+ Bookish Gifts To Send The Book Lovers In Your Life

13. Make a Bookish Hot Chocolate Bar

While you’re settling down with your books this holiday, why not treat yourself to a cozy drink setup? 

A bookish hot chocolate bar is the perfect way to bring a little extra joy to your reading time.

How to set up a hot chocolate bar:

• Hot chocolate base: Start with a rich, creamy hot chocolate mix (or make your own from scratch).
• Toppings: Offer up an array of toppings to make each cup a little special. Think whipped cream, marshmallows, crushed candy canes, chocolate shavings, cinnamon sticks, and caramel drizzle.
• Bookish theme: Name each topping after a literary character or setting. For example, you could have Willy Wonka’s Marshmallow Mountains or The White Witch’s Peppermint Crunch.

Once your hot chocolate bar is set up, you can invite friends over for a cozy reading afternoon or simply enjoy it yourself while curled up with a good book.

It’s a simple but delightful way to elevate your reading experience.

14. Take a Literary-Themed Winter Walk

A winter walk can be refreshing, and combining it with your love of books can make it even more special. 

Choose a route that either mirrors settings from your favorite books or reflects a literary theme, and take along an audiobook to accompany you as you stroll through the frosty landscape.

Ways to create a bookish walk:

• Pick a book to match the setting: If you live near a wooded area, listen to something magical like The Chronicles of Narnia or The Bear and the Nightingale. If you’re walking through a city, try A Tale of Two Cities or The Goldfinch.
• Listen to audiobooks: Load up an audiobook version of a novel you’ve been meaning to read, and let the narrator’s voice carry you through the winter wonderland.
• Reflect on books: If you’re walking in silence, let your thoughts drift to the books you’ve read throughout the year. Reflect on your favorite stories, and perhaps make plans for what you’ll read in the new year.

I personally enjoy taking long winter walks with a cozy mystery audiobook playing in my headphones. 

The chilly air, the sound of crunching snow, and the suspense of a good story make for a perfect afternoon escape.

15. Revisit a Childhood Favorite

The holidays are all about nostalgia, so it’s the perfect time to pull out one of your favorite books from childhood and give it a reread. 

There’s something incredibly comforting about revisiting the stories that once filled your imagination. 

One year, I pulled Matilda by Roald Dahl off my shelf and reread it in an afternoon. 

It was like slipping into a warm blanket of nostalgia, and it reminded me of why I fell in love with reading in the first place.

16. Host a Holiday-Themed Literary Quiz Night

For a fun, interactive bookish holiday activity, host a literary quiz night with friends or family. 

You can create teams, prepare a set of questions around famous books, authors, and literary trivia, and even offer small bookish prizes to the winners.

If you want to go all out, you can even create themed rounds that match specific genres (e.g., mysteries, classics, or fantasy) and decorate the space with bookish and holiday-themed décor. 

This is a great way to bring together book lovers in a fun and festive way.

17. Donate Books to a Local Charity or Library

The holiday season is all about giving, and one of the most meaningful ways to spread joy as a book lover is to donate books to those in need. 

Whether you have gently used books you no longer need or want to buy new ones to donate, this act of kindness can make a big difference.

Ways to give:

• Donate to a library: Libraries often accept book donations, especially children’s books, as they’re always in demand.
• Holiday book drives: Look for local or online organizations that host holiday book drives. They collect new or gently used books to give to underprivileged children or communities.
• Leave books in Little Free Libraries: If you have one in your neighborhood, stock it with holiday-themed or winter reads. It’s a lovely way to share the gift of reading with your community.

18. Bake Literary-Themed Holiday Treats

If you enjoy baking, why not bring your love of books into the kitchen by making treats inspired by your favorite novels? 

This is a fun and creative way to combine the coziness of holiday baking with the joy of reading.

Treat ideas:

• Butterbeer (from Harry Potter): A sweet, butterscotch-flavored drink that’s perfect for a cozy afternoon of reading.
• Turkish Delight (from The Chronicles of Narnia): Make your own version of this classic sweet, just like the one Edmund craved in The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe.
• Lembas bread (from The Lord of the Rings): Recreate this Elvish bread for a fun and literary-inspired snack.
• Madeline cookies (from Madeline by Ludwig Bemelmans): These delicate, shell-shaped cookies are simple yet elegant, perfect for an afternoon tea or holiday gathering.

One year, I hosted a literary-themed cookie exchange, and we each brought treats inspired by a different book. 

It was not only a fun way to celebrate the holidays but also sparked conversations about our favorite reads.

19. Attend a Holiday-Themed Literary Event

Many local bookstores, libraries, and literary organizations host special holiday events that combine the joy of reading with festive celebrations.

These could range from author readings to holiday craft fairs, book signings, or literary workshops.

Types of events to look out for:

• Author meet-and-greets: If one of your favorite authors is hosting a holiday-themed reading or signing, attend and get a signed copy as a gift to yourself.
• Holiday book fairs: Some cities host literary-themed markets or craft fairs where you can browse bookish gifts, meet local authors, and find new reads.
• Writing workshops: If you enjoy writing, attend a holiday-themed writing workshop to hone your skills and meet fellow writers. You can even write short stories with a holiday twist!

I once attended a holiday-themed poetry slam, and it was an incredible experience. 

The room was filled with warmth, laughter, and some incredible performances of both heartwarming and funny poems related to the season.

Also See: 30+ Bookish New Year Resolutions To Start Off The Year Right

20. Create a Year-End Reading Reflection Journal

As the year draws to a close, take some time to reflect on your reading journey. 

A reading reflection journal allows you to document the books you’ve read, what you’ve learned, and which stories had the most impact on you.

At the end of each year, I love to flip through my reading journal and reminisce about the characters and worlds I’ve visited. 

21. Craft DIY Bookmarks as Gifts

If you enjoy crafting, making personalized bookmarks is a lovely and thoughtful gift idea for the readers in your life. 

Plus, it’s a relaxing and creative way to spend an afternoon during the holiday season.

Ideas for DIY bookmarks:

• Pressed flower bookmarks: Collect flowers and leaves, press them between wax paper or laminate them, and glue them onto cardstock for a nature-inspired bookmark.
• Hand-painted bookmarks: Use watercolor or acrylic paint to create simple yet beautiful designs or quotes from books.
• Embroidery bookmarks: If you’re handy with a needle and thread, create a bookmark with embroidered literary quotes or symbols.

I made a set of hand-painted bookmarks one holiday season, each with a favorite quote from classic novels. 

They made perfect stocking stuffers for my friends and family, and it added a personal touch to my holiday gift-giving.

22. Cozy Up with a Holiday Audiobook

If you’re in the mood for something different or want to give your eyes a rest, try listening to a holiday audiobook. 

Audiobooks can transport you into a story while you’re baking, decorating, or just relaxing on a chilly winter day.

They’re perfect for multitasking, whether you’re wrapping presents, baking, or simply relaxing by the fire.

I love to put on an audiobook while decorating the tree—it adds a touch of holiday spirit to the whole experience.

There are so many bookish ways to enjoy the holidays, from cozying up with a good book to crafting literary-inspired gifts or embarking on reading challenges. 

These activities not only allow you to indulge in your love for books but also add a creative and personal touch to your holiday season. 

So, this holiday season, let your love for reading guide your celebrations. 

Happy reading, and may your holidays be filled with warmth, joy, and, of course, plenty of great books!