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There are three things I love to do to get in the holiday mood – listen to Christmas music, watch Christmas movies and read a Christmas novel. Whether decorating my tree, wrapping presents, or just driving around during Christmas looking at lights, I love to listen to Christmas music. But I committed in 2024 to listen to books on my commute to and from picking my son up at school. Other errands and car time can be music, but I save that to-and-from-school commute for a good book.
Unless my friends discuss a must-read book, I enjoy listening to seasonally appropriate books. This year included space reads, a special invitation ball to Paris and “Skipping Christmas” by Arkansas-born author John Grisham.
The movies Shop Around the Corner and Miracle on 34th Street offer cozy, local bookstore vibes that make you want to curl up with a good book. And, given the drastic weather changes lately, I’m demotivated to do anything but put the fireplace screen saver on my TV, turn on the Christmas lights and candles and grab a blanket. It’s the coziest time of year!
As you tackle your Christmas list this year and support local small businesses, remember your local reading nook that might be the best spot for a cup of coffee, calm amid the chaos, and the perfect spot to grab your own present. But Arkansas bookstores are also great spots to find community and holiday cheer. Check out these local events across Arkansas to celebrate books, shop, and make sweet memories with your children.
December Holiday Events at Arkansas Bookstores
Once Upon a Time Books | Fayetteville location
Advent Book Bundles
25 surprise books for $60
Bookish | Fort Smith
An Evening with Santa
Dec. 14 | 5:30 p.m.
Tickets are $10-$40, depending on amenities.
12 Days of Bookmas Bundle
$150 for 11 books and a $25 gift card
Facebook for more details and to order
WordsWorth | Little Rock
Storytime and Pictures with Santa Clause
Dec. 14 | 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Facebook for more details
Dog Ear Books | Russellville
Jalabokaflod
Dec. 1 – 24
Activities: throughout the month, book swaps, special story times and gift features
Visit their website or Facebook for more details.
Jolabokaflod (Yo-la-bok-a-flot) is an Icelandic Christmas tradition that involves exchanging books as gifts, spending Christmas Eve reading them, and sharing warm drinks like hot chocolate as you spend time together. Stop by for special drinks and “mystery”-wrapped books for a fun book swap.
Kindness and Joy | Fayetteville
Holiday Festivities
- Preschool Storytime: Every Friday at 10:00 and 11:00 a.m. – with a holiday theme, no registration
- Christmas Wishlist and Catalog
- Christmas Tree Workshop | Dec. 1 & 8 | 1:30 & 2:30 p.m. | Registration required.
- Shop with Santa | Dec. 4-7 | 6:00-8:00 p.m. | Registration required.
- Sip and Shop | Dec. 12 | 6:00–8:00 p.m. | Registration expected, but $20 is applied to purchase.
- Elf on a Shelf Bingo Night | Dec. 13 & 20 | 6:30-8:30 p.m. | Registration Required
- Website and Facebook for more information
Kindness and Joy has a packed December calendar, making it the perfect place to create a little magic with your kids or for yourself this holiday season.
Blytheville Book Company | Blytheville
Santa is Coming
Dec. 12 | 5:00 – 6:00 p.m.
Website for more information
Celebrate the season with Santa at the Blytheville Book Company. He will read a story to the children, pose for pictures, and offer milk and cookies, and coloring supplies!
Chapters on Main | Van Buren
If you ride to town on the Polar Express, take advantage of this cozy Christmas spot along the historic main street, ready to greet holiday guests for festivals and train excursions with warm drinks and holiday shopping.
The 1988 | El Dorado
Holiday Storytime
Dec. 7 | 10:30 a.m.
Facebook for more details
Bookish Emporium | Heber Springs
Holiday Market with Local Authors
Dec. 7 | 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Facebook for more details
Secret Santa Gift Exchange
Dec. 14 | 6:00 – 9:00 p.m.
Facebook for more details
Verb Bookstore | Jonesboro
Storytime Book Club Discussion Night
Dec. 16 | 6:30 p.m. | The Autobiography of Santa Claus
Facebook for more details
Grab your local copy and come ready to chat about the book and all things Christmasy merriment!
Fox and Fable | Prairie Grove
ACOTAR Book club
Dec. 4 | 6:30 p.m. | Discussing A Court of Thorns and Roses series
Facebook for more details
Holiday Night Shop
Dec. 14 | 7:00–9:00 p.m.
Facebook for more details
December Book Club
Dec. 18 | 6:30 p.m. | Discussing Holly by Stephen King
Facebook for more details
Pearl Books | Fayetteville
Ozark Folk Night
Dec. 4 | 7:00 p.m. | stories, readings, songs
Facebook for more details
Two Friends Books | Bentonville
Family story times with a holiday vibe
every Saturday | 10:00 a.m.
Monthly Book Clubs with a Holiday Twist | website for more details
Holiday Market | Watch Facebook for details
Treat Yo Shelf | Mountain Home
Spooky Christmas Boozy Book Fair
Dec. 13 | 7:00-9:00 p.m. | partnership with The Rabbit Hole
It seems there are many options at local Arkansas bookstores for family fun, quiet reading, Secret Santa shopping and supporting Arkansas Authors. I think I’m adding “visit a local bookstore” to my monthly goals for the new year! What books are on your TBR list for 2025?
Cover image used with permission from Two Friends Bookstore in Bentonville.
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