18 Christmas Bulletin Board Ideas for December
December is a magical time in schools, libraries, and workplaces. Christmas bulletin boards can spread holiday cheer, encourage reading, and build community. Below are 18 Christmas-themed bulletin board ideas for various settings.
1. Warm Up with a Good Book
Create a cozy winter display featuring a fireplace, a comfy armchair, and stacks of books. This inviting board encourages students to snuggle up with a good read during the cold winter months.
Use a color palette of warm reds, golds, and cream. Decorate with a fireplace scene, complete with a glowing fire and stockings hung by the chimney. Add a comfortable armchair made from paper cutouts. Feature winter-themed books like The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, Little Women, and holiday classics.
QUICK TIPS
- Add a “read by the fire” banner.
- Use warm string lights around the border.
- Let students add their own cozy reading recommendations on paper mugs.
2. Books Under the Tree
This simple yet beautiful display features a large Christmas tree where each ornament represents a book recommendation. This is a classic and visually stunning board.
Draw or create a large Christmas tree as the centerpiece. Cut out colorful ornaments and write book titles on them. Place a stack of wrapped “gift” books under the tree. Add a star on top with “Reading is a Gift.” Include a section for students to add their own ornament recommendations.
QUICK TIPS
- Use different colors for different genres.
- Add a “book gift” tag for each recommendation.
- Update ornaments weekly with new titles.
3. Holiday Book Countdown
Create an Advent calendar-style countdown to winter break. Each day, reveal a new book recommendation or a daily reading challenge.
Draw or create 25 doors or boxes numbered 1 through 25. Behind each door, place a book recommendation, a short reading prompt, or a fun fact about a holiday book. Open one door each school day. This interactive display builds excitement and keeps students engaged.
QUICK TIPS
- Include a mix of classics, YA, and picture books.
- Add a “daily reading challenge” behind some doors.
- Let students suggest books for the countdown.
4. Christmas Around the World
Celebrate global holiday traditions with a display featuring books set in different countries during the Christmas season. This board promotes cultural awareness and world literature.
Use a world map as the background. Feature books set in different countries like A Christmas Carol (England), The Gift of the Magi (America), or The Christmas Truce (World War I). Add country flags and brief descriptions of holiday traditions. Include books from diverse cultures.
QUICK TIPS
- Include books from various cultures and traditions.
- Add a “read around the world” challenge.
- Feature holiday traditions from different countries.
5. Holiday Book Hall of Fame
Create a display featuring the most checked-out or recommended holiday books from your library’s history. This board honors beloved seasonal favorites.
Use gold, silver, and red colors. Create “Hall of Fame” plaques for each book featuring the title, author, and a brief description. Include a “reader’s choice” section where students can vote for their favorite holiday book. Add a “Why it’s a classic” section for each title.
QUICK TIPS
- Include a mix of classics and newer favorites.
- Add a voting or nomination section.
- Update the Hall of Fame annually.
6. Characters at the North Pole
Bring beloved book characters to the North Pole in this playful display. Each character is featured at Santa’s workshop or the North Pole.
Create a North Pole scene with Santa’s workshop, elves, and reindeer. Place paper cutouts of book characters like Harry Potter, Katniss Everdeen, Percy Jackson, or characters from classic holiday stories. Add speech bubbles where characters recommend a holiday book.
QUICK TIPS
- Use a mix of YA, classic, and children’s literature characters.
- Add a “who would you invite to the North Pole?” poll.
- Let students draw their favorite characters.
7. New Year, New Books
Ring in the new year with a display featuring books published in the coming year or books that encourage new beginnings and fresh starts.
Use a color palette of gold, silver, and midnight blue. Create a “New Year’s Eve” scene with a clock, confetti, and party hats. Feature upcoming book releases or books about personal growth, change, and adventure. Add a “bookish resolutions” section.
QUICK TIPS
- Include books from various genres.
- Feature upcoming releases with “coming soon” labels.
- Add a “my bookish resolution” interactive section.
8. Winter Wonderland Reading
Create a magical winter landscape where students can explore books set in winter or featuring snow and ice.
Use a color palette of white, silver, and icy blue. Decorate with snowflakes, snow-covered trees, and a frozen lake. Feature books like The Snow Child, The Winter of the Witch, or The Coldest Girl in Coldtown. Add a “read in a winter wonderland” challenge.
QUICK TIPS
- Include a mix of genres.
- Add paper snowflakes for depth.
- Let students add their own winter reading recommendations.
9. Holiday Baking & Books
Pair books with holiday baking and recipes. This board appeals to students who love cooking, food, and cozy holiday traditions.
Use warm colors—red, green, gold. Decorate with cookies, cakes, and gingerbread houses. Feature cookbooks, food writing, and novels where food plays a central role. Add a “recipe of the week” section. Include a “read and bake” challenge.
QUICK TIPS
- Include a mix of cookbooks and fiction.
- Add a simple cookie or hot chocolate recipe.
- Let students share their favorite holiday recipes.
10. Holiday Book Wreath
Create a unique display where a large wreath is made of book covers or book recommendation cards. This is a visually striking and creative board.
Create a large wreath shape from paper cutouts. Fill the wreath with book covers or recommendation cards. Use red, green, and gold colors. Add a large bow at the top or bottom. Include a “add your recommendation” section.
QUICK TIPS
- Use book covers or student-written recommendations.
- Make the wreath 3D with layered cutouts.
- Add small holiday decorations like berries and pinecones.
11. Holiday Book Lights
Create a string of “book lights” where each light represents a book or reading challenge. This board is bright, engaging, and perfect for the season.
Draw or create a string of holiday lights across the board. Each light bulb features a book title, author, or reading challenge. Use bright, festive colors. Add a “light up your reading life” banner. Include a section for students to add their own “lights.”
QUICK TIPS
- Use different colors for different genres.
- Add a “reading light” challenge.
- Let students fill in their own light bulbs.
12. Holiday Poetry Corner
Create a display dedicated to winter and holiday poetry. This board encourages students to explore verse during the festive season.
Use warm, muted colors. Feature poems about winter, Christmas, and the holiday season. Include famous poems like “A Visit from St. Nicholas” and “Winter” by William Shakespeare. Add a “write your own holiday poem” interactive section. Feature student-written poems.
QUICK TIPS
- Include a mix of classic and contemporary poems.
- Add a magnetic poetry section for interaction.
- Feature student-written poems prominently.
13. Holiday Picture Book Spotlight
Feature picture books and illustrated stories that are perfect for all ages. This board appeals to students who enjoy visual storytelling and nostalgia.
Use warm, inviting colors. Decorate with children’s book illustrations and characters. Feature classic picture books like The Polar Express, How the Grinch Stole Christmas!, and The Night Before Christmas. Add a “read aloud” section with audio or video links.
QUICK TIPS
- Include a mix of classic and modern picture books.
- Add a “read to someone” challenge.
- Let students share their favorite childhood picture books.
14. Holiday Reading Challenge
Create an interactive display that challenges students to read a set number of books or explore different genres during the holiday season.
Use a color palette of red, green, and gold. Create a large “reading challenge” tree or a “book snowman.” Each completed book adds a decoration or a snowball. Include genre categories like “read a holiday mystery,” “read a book set in winter,” and “read a book by a new author.”
QUICK TIPS
- Make the challenge achievable and fun.
- Include prizes or recognition for completion.
- Update the board regularly with student progress.
15. Gift of Reading
Create a display that celebrates the gift of reading. Each wrapped book “gift” represents a book recommendation.
Use bright, festive colors. Decorate with wrapped “gift” boxes made from paper. On each box, write a book title and a brief description. Add a banner that reads “The Gift of Reading.” Include a “wish list” section where students can add books they want to read.
QUICK TIPS
- Use different wrapping paper patterns for visual interest.
- Include a “recommended for” section for age or grade.
- Let students add their own gift recommendations.
16. Letters to Santa: Book Edition
Create a display where students write letters to Santa about the books they want to read. This board is playful and encourages reading.
Use a color palette of red, green, and white. Decorate with Santa’s mailbag and letters. Provide paper for students to write their “letters to Santa” about books they want to read. Add a “Santa’s picks” section with recommendations.
QUICK TIPS
- Let students write their letters.
- Feature a “Santa’s reply” section with book suggestions.
- Add a “North Pole mail” banner.
17. Christmas Carols and Books
Create a display pairing Christmas carols with book recommendations. This board combines music and literature.
Use warm, festive colors. Feature carols like “Jingle Bells,” “Silent Night,” and “The Twelve Days of Christmas.” Pair each carol with a book that fits the theme or mood. Add a “carol of the week” section.
QUICK TIPS
- Include a mix of classic and modern carols.
- Let students suggest carol-book pairings.
- Add a “sing along” section with lyrics.
18. Acts of Kindness Holiday Countdown
Create a display featuring a kindness countdown to winter break. Each day, students complete a kind act.
Use a color palette of red, green, and gold. Create 25 numbered doors or boxes. Behind each door, place a kindness challenge—”Write a thank you note,” “Help a classmate,” or “Share a smile.” Open one door each day. Add a “kindness tree” where students can add leaves with their acts of kindness.
QUICK TIPS
- Make challenges simple and achievable.
- Let students share their kindness stories.
- Add a “kindness quote” section.
Final Thoughts
Christmas bulletin boards can be festive, engaging, and heartwarming. Whether you choose a cozy reading theme, a holiday book countdown, or an interactive kindness challenge, these boards bring the spirit of the season into your school, library, or workplace. Plan your board ahead, laminate cutouts for longevity, and keep the display fresh by swapping out elements as December progresses. Your Christmas bulletin board can become a hub of holiday excitement, community engagement, and seasonal joy for everyone who sees it.
