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Disclosure: This post contains Amazon affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting my mission to build brigher futures for kids through story adentures. Click here for more info.  Just because Christmas has passed doesn’t mean winter’s magic has melted away! There’s still plenty of enchantment in the air, and what better way to celebrate than by blending the cozy wonder of the season with the joy of bringing stories to life? Hosting a winter-themed reading celebration is a fantastic way to inspire a love of books while encouraging creativity, play, and learning. This guide is especially perfect for celebrating National Story Week, which begins Feb. 1. What better way to highlight the power of storytelling than with a winter wonderland of books, activities, and fun? Whether you’re a teacher, parent, or caregiver, this event will transform winter into a season of storytelling magic. This celebration can be adapted for various settings—whether you’re a teacher looking to create a cozy classroom event, a parent planning a fun family reading night, or someone organizing a winter-themed playdate with your child and their friends. By combining enchanting winter books with engaging activities, crafts, and snacks, you’ll create a memorable experience that kids ages 3-8 will love. In this guide, I will walk you through everything you need to plan your event: from five must-read winter-themed books to creative activities, wintery decor ideas, and fun snack suggestions. You will also find a link to a planning worksheet at the end that might come in handy. But whether it’s in the classroom, at home, or with a small group of friends, your celebration will capture the magic of winter and the power of stories. Five Winter-Themed Books to Inspire Your Celebration To set the tone for your celebration, start by introducing kids to these five winter-themed books. Each book has its own unique charm and can inspire different activities and moments of learning. 1. The Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats This timeless classic follows a little boy named Peter as he explores the snowy world outside his window. From making footprints in the snow to creating snow angels, The Snowy Day captures the simple joys of winter through the eyes of a child. Why it works: Its relatable story and vibrant illustrations encourage kids to connect with the magic of snow and outdoor play. 2. Over and Under the Snow by Kate Messner This stunning nonfiction picture book blends poetic storytelling with fascinating facts about the hidden world of animals beneath the snow. As a young girl and her father ski through the snowy woods, readers learn how different creatures survive during the winter season. Why it works: The book’s nature theme makes it perfect for fun, educational activities about winter wildlife and habitats. 3. The Mitten by Jan Brett Based on a Ukrainian folktale, this whimsical story follows a boy who loses his mitten in the snow. One by one, woodland animals crawl inside the mitten for warmth, leading to a delightful and surprising ending. Jan Brett’s detailed illustrations add an extra layer of magic to the tale. Why it works: The cozy story and imaginative premise inspire kids to think about winter animals and creative storytelling. 4. A Loud Winter’s Nap by Katy Hudson Tortoise wants to hibernate and sleep through the winter, but his noisy animal friends have other ideas. Through a series of funny mishaps, Tortoise discovers that winter can be full of fun and surprises. Why it works: This humorous book reinforces the importance of trying new things while celebrating the playful side of winter. 5. Winter Wonderland by Jill Esbaum (National Geographic Kids) This nonfiction gem is packed with breathtaking photographs and fascinating facts about winter landscapes, weather, and wildlife. From snow-covered forests to icy animal habitats, it gives kids a deeper appreciation for the beauty of winter. Why it works: The book introduces kids to the science of winter in a way that’s engaging and easy to understand.  Planning Your Winter-Themed Reading Celebration Now that you’ve chosen your books, it’s time to turn your event into a winter wonderland! Here’s how to set the scene, plan story-inspired activities, and create a cozy, fun-filled atmosphere. Step 1: Set the Scene with Winter Decor Transform your space into a magical winter wonderland to immerse kids in the theme.
Plan Story-Inspired Activities Each of the featured books offers endless opportunities for creative and educational activities. Here are five ideas inspired by the stories: 1. "The Snowy Day" – DIY Snow Play Provide kids with fake snow (baking soda and water recipe here: playingwithrain.com/make-snow-with-baking-soda or cotton balls, and let them build mini snowmen, create snowy landscapes, or explore sensory play. 2. "Over and Under the Snow" – Winter Animal Scavenger Hunt Hide pictures, stickers, or toys of animals mentioned in the book (like foxes, owls, and bears) around the room. Give kids a checklist to “find” the animals and teach them fun facts about each one. 3. "The Mitten" – Mitten Matching Game Cut out pairs of mitten shapes in different colors or patterns. Scatter them around the room and challenge kids to find the matching pairs. 4. "A Loud Winter’s Nap" – Tortoise Hat Craft Help kids create their little Tortoise using big green pom-poms. They can use smaller pom-poms for legs and head, or cut out green construction paper legs and heads to glue on. Take it one step further by creating a sled-bed for Tortoise out of popsicle sticks. Glue the sticks together to make a sled and paint it brown. Then flip the sled over and glue a piece of material to fit to make a cozy bed. Kids can re-enact scenes with their creation. 5. "Winter Wonderland" – DIY Snowstorm in a Jar Guide kids in making a “snowstorm” by filling clear jars with water, glitter, and white paint. Add a bit of baby oil to create a swirling effect when the jars are shaken. Use this as a fun way to talk about how snowflakes form. You can find several versions online, but here’s one I found: https://bit.ly/42ldayf. Snacks and Treats to Match the Winter Theme A celebration isn’t complete without snacks! These winter-themed treats are sure to delight your young guests:
Hosting a Cozy Storytime The highlight of your celebration will be the story time session, where kids can gather together to listen to one or two of the featured books.
Send Kids Home with Goodie Bags Wrap up the event by sending kids home with goodie bags filled with winter-themed treasures. Here are some ideas:
Why Winter Reading Celebrations Matter Hosting a winter-themed reading celebration is about more than just fun—it’s about fostering a love of books and inspiring creativity. Events like these encourage kids to see reading as an exciting adventure while also introducing them to new ideas about winter, animals, and the world around them. Books have the power to spark imagination, teach important lessons, and create lasting memories. By connecting the magic of winter with the magic of stories, you’ll create an experience that children will treasure for years to come. Love books and freebies? Sign up for my monthly newsletter to get updates on my books, exclusive giveaways, fresh blog posts, and more! Plus, as a thank-you, you’ll receive my free guide, "7 Steps to Kickstarting Your Family Book Club." It’s the perfect way to create meaningful family traditions while staying in the loop with all the bookish fun. Don’t miss out—join today and let the story adventures begin! Need a little extra help? Here's my Winter-Themed Reading Celebration Planning Worksheet to help you organize and customize your event. Enjoy!
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