Free Holiday Story Times at Libraries and Bookstores
Find free holiday storytimes with dates, ages, and sign-up rules to plan a no-cost library or bookstore visit.
Free holiday story times are no-cost group readings for young children at libraries and bookstores. They usually include picture books, songs, and a simple craft or activity. December listings include themed sessions for ages 1-5 and family audiences, while some bookstores hold free weekly storytimes year-round.
Times, ages, and sign-up rules differ by location, so check the local branch calendar.
Verification note: Program terms and availability can change. This page was checked against linked sources on November 03, 2026.
What library programs are planned for the holidays?
The City of Corpus Christi lists Jingle All the Way, A Christmas Storytime for ages 1-5 on Dec. 12 at the Ben F. McDonald branch with stories, songs and craft holiday programs announcement.
The listing describes the programs as free holiday programs and family activities. Dallas Public Library says its programs are free and open to the public. Its holiday-season listing includes Bilingual Spanish Storytime Happy Holidays on Dec.
21 at Pleasant Grove plus a Kwanzaa storytime with drums. Other branches add short family options. Scioto County Public Library lists Holiday Family Storytime at Lucasville Library on Tuesday Dec.
16 at 4pm with songs, stories and craft, marked free. Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh lists Storytime: Family Fun on Dec. 12, 3:30-4pm at Knoxville, a 30-minute stories, songs and rhymes program for families.
Which bookstores hold free children's storytimes?
Barnes and Noble Baybrook holds weekly Saturday 11am in-store children's storytime, described on its stores page as completely free and open to everyone with no sign-up necessary Baybrook Saturday storytime listing. Families can attend without registration and without a purchase. Barnes and Noble Hill Country Galleria holds weekly Friday 11am-noon kids storytime with picture books in the kids department, described as always free with no registration required.
Independent Red Balloon Bookshop in St. Paul holds weekly Wednesday and Thursday 10:30am storytimes with storytellers for infants and toddlers ages 0-3, plus free-ticket author storytimes.
Do you need tickets or registration?
Many library programs are free and open to the public, but entry rules vary. Some sessions are first-come seating, while others ask for free online registration to reserve a spot. Bookstore weekly readings often allow walk-ins.
For holiday weeks, confirm age range, start time, and whether tickets or sign-up apply. Bring the age group listed, since 1-5, 0-3, and family sessions differ.
How can you avoid a wasted trip?
Holiday hours and branch schedules vary. The New York Public Library notes system-wide closures Dec. 24, 25, 31 and Jan.
1, and many library and bookstore storytimes are first-come or require free online registration winter break library notice. Verify the local calendar before going. Check the branch calendar again the morning of your visit.
- Check the branch or store event page for date, time, and age limits
- Look for free registration, ticket, or first-come wording
- Note closures on Dec. 24, 25, 31 and Jan. 1 where posted
- Call the listed branch number if the page is unclear