{"id":6112,"date":"2025-12-05T11:51:03","date_gmt":"2025-12-05T11:51:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.getepic.com\/learn\/?p=6112"},"modified":"2025-12-05T21:33:20","modified_gmt":"2025-12-05T21:33:20","slug":"favorite-holiday-classroom-activities-from-epic-ambassadors-inspired-by-books","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.getepic.com\/learn\/favorite-holiday-classroom-activities-from-epic-ambassadors-inspired-by-books\/","title":{"rendered":"Favorite Holiday Classroom Activities Inspired by Books!"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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The holiday season in the classroom isn\u2019t just festive\u2014it\u2019s full of magical moments that students remember for years to come. We asked some of our amazing Epic Ambassadors to share their favorite holiday read-alouds and classroom traditions, and wow\u2014these ideas are full of joy, imagination and heart.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Whether you’re looking to spark creativity, build classroom community or simply soak up some seasonal fun, these teacher-tested ideas have you covered.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

(And don\u2019t miss the FREE printable bonus section at the end!)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Classroom Activities<\/strong> Inspired by Books on Epic<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Alphabet Elf Letter Hunt<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

From Educator Ambassador Mrs. Montford <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Book Pick:<\/strong> How to Catch an Elf<\/a> <\/em>by Adam Wallace\u00a0 <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Activity:<\/strong> “For a fun and engaging Elf on the Shelf activity in kindergarten, hide alphabet letters around the classroom before students arrive and place a note with the elf that says, ‘I hid some letters! Can you help me find them?’ When students enter, explain that the elf needs help collecting the letters before magic time. As students search the room and find each letter, they bring it to the carpet to say the letter name, the sound it makes and a word that begins with that sound. All the letters are then placed in the elf\u2019s basket together. To extend the activity, students can draw and label an object that begins with the letter they found.” <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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\"Ambassador<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

What makes this book a favorite:<\/strong> “I love How to Catch an Elf <\/em>because it captures my students\u2019 imagination\u2026 It\u2019s a story that brings joy, sparks curiosity and creates a magical learning moment we all look forward to each holiday season.”
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Zodiac Feast & Lunar New Year Celebration<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

From Educator Ambassador Jessica Caldwell <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Book Pick: The Great Race<\/a> <\/em>by <\/strong>Dawn Casey <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Activity:<\/strong> “For a fun and engaging Elf on the Shelf activity in kindergarten, hide alphabet letters around the classroom before students arrive and place a note with the elf that says, ‘I hid some letters! Can you help me find them?’ When students enter, explain that the elf needs help collecting the letters before magic time. As students search the room and find each letter, they bring it to the carpet to say the letter name, the sound it makes and a word that begins with that sound. All the letters are then placed in the elf\u2019s basket together. To extend the activity, students can draw and label an object that begins with the letter they found.” <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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\"Ambassador<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

What makes this book a favorite:<\/strong> \u201cI used to live in China, so this activity is very close to my heart. Students love discovering their zodiac animal and learning the story behind it. There are also individual \u2018Year of the\u2026\u2019 books on Epic for them to explore. The Lunar New Year feast is always a big hit\u2014and something my students have loved year after year.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Holiday Passport Project<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

From Educator Ambassador Hannah Roddy<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Book Pick:<\/strong> The Story of Our Holidays: Chinese New Year<\/a> <\/em>by Joanna Ponto, Faye Robinson<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Activity:<\/strong> “My class ‘travels’ the globe in December to learn about winter holidays. At home, students work with their families to present how they celebrate.” <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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\"Ambassador<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

What makes this book a favorite:<\/strong> “I love giving my students the opportunity to not only learn about other cultures but have the chance to teach each other\u2026 This helps create an inclusive classroom where everyone appreciates and celebrates their differences.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Share the Joy Donation Drive<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

From Educator Ambassador Lydia Dennison <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Book Pick:<\/strong> Mr. Simon’s Special Christmas<\/a> <\/em>by Marine G\u00e9rald<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Activity:<\/strong> “Inspired by the story, my class organized a donation drive for a nearby school\u2014gathering toys and books to spread joy.”<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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\"Ambassador<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

What makes this book a favorite:<\/strong> “This book connected beautifully to our theme of sharing and empathy\u2026 Through the characters\u2019 choices and emotions, students explored what it truly means to care for others.” <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Global Holiday Flight Adventure<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

From Educator Ambassador Deltonya Rawlins Sayers<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Book Pick:<\/strong> Ms. Rawlins Sayers couldn’t pick just one\u2014 she loves to read multiple books exploring holidays around the world. Check out our holiday collection<\/a> for ideas! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Activity:<\/strong> “My classroom becomes an airplane and students travel the globe with snacks, videos, crafts and of course\u2014books from Epic. Passports get stamped, traditions are explored and real foods are sometimes tasted.”<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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\"Ambassador<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

What makes this book a favorite:<\/strong> “We love this activity because it brings learning to life\u2026 It builds curiosity, empathy and appreciation for diversity all while keeping learning fun and engaging.” <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Presidential Pups & Global Traditions<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

From Educator Ambassador Kristy Buchalla<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Book Pick:<\/strong> First Dog’s White House Christmas<\/a> <\/em>by Patrick Lewis, Beth Zappitello<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Activity:<\/strong> “Before reading this text to students, we look at photos of the White House interior at Christmas and share our observations.\u00a0After reading, we make a chart of the dogs, the countries they are from, and what they brought to the White House.\u00a0To incorporate Social Studies, we write a detail about Christmas in Zimbabwe, Australia and Canada.\u00a0If you wanted to add a holiday craft to follow this text, kids could use dog bones, red ribbon, small googly eyes and a small red pom-pom to make reindeer ornaments. You could also make gingerbread dog ornaments using an easy Pinterest recipe, a dog cookie cutter and ribbon.”<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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\"Ambassador<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

What makes this book a favorite:<\/strong> “This book allows me the opportunity to teach them to organize information, locate text evidence and compare\/contrast what Christmas looks like around the world.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Snow Talk & Writing Fun<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

From Educator Ambassador Mrs. Sabrina Jackson<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Book Pick:<\/strong> Our Snowy Day <\/a><\/em> by Robert Rosen<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Activity:<\/strong> \u201cI work in a special education classroom where some of the kiddos do not read on grade level. I like playing Our Snowy Day because the kids get to think about fun activities to do in the snow and outside. We share the different things we do with our families and friends.\u201d <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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\"Ambassador<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

What makes this book a favorite:<\/strong> \u201cWe live in a very snowy area and it is just so pretty to look at. The snow usually puts everyone in the holiday spirit and when it is count down to Winter Break time, these activities help them steer their classwork into their excitement. I get to expand on their writing while still keeping it enjoyable. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Classroom Activities Featuring Books From Your Library or Book Store<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Snowman Story Swap<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

From Educator Ambassador Christina Schik\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Book Pick:<\/strong> Snowmen at Night<\/em> by Caralyn Buehner<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Activity:<\/strong> “After reading Snowmen at Night<\/em>, my fourth graders write their own version of the story. They practice adding descriptive details about their snowmen and describe what their own snowman would do if it came alive at night! (Night at the Museum meets wintertime!) They then write their final draft on snowman-shaped paper and decorate it to look like their snowman before their night out. It is a hit every single year!”<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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\"Ambassador<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

What makes this book a favorite:<\/strong> “What I love about this activity is that I really get to see my students’ creativity and imagination come through!” <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The Grinch\u2019s Daily Surprise<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

From Educator Ambassador Leslie Rennick <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Book Pick:<\/strong> How The Grinch Stole Christmas<\/em> by Dr. Seuss<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Activity:<\/strong> “As soon as the month of December arrives in my classroom, so does the Grinch! He brings his book for me to read aloud to my class along with daily notes, treats, tricks, and games. He moves around my classroom every day to watch student behavior and to keep track of who is following school expectations. When students are good, he leaves them treats and plays tricks on Mrs. Rennick. When students misbehave, he leaves treats for Mrs. Rennick and plays tricks on them. Each day leading up to Christmas break, he spreads Christmas Magic within my classroom for all to enjoy. This year, we will have 14 school days in December leading up to Christmas break where the Grinch will be spreading cheer. We can’t wait to see what his visits bring!” <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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\"Ambassador<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

What makes this book a favorite:<\/strong> “This brings some Christmas magic into my classroom and into the lives of all of my students. This provides some really great core memories for myself and all of my students.” <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Cajun Left-Right Game<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

From Educator Ambassador LeAnna Whittington<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Book Pick:<\/strong> Cajun Night Before Christmas<\/em> by Trosclair & James Rice<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Activity:<\/strong> “After reading the story aloud\u2014complete with Cajun accents\u2014we play the Left-Right game with gift bags filled with candy and a homework pass.” <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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\"Ambassador<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

What makes this book a favorite:<\/strong> “My students absolutely eat up the Cajun twist and the accents. It feels like home and the kids giggle through the whole read-aloud.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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A huge thank you to all of our Epic Educator Ambassadors for sharing these ideas! Whether you\u2019re looking to celebrate global traditions, encourage kindness or simply enjoy a good festive read, these book-based activities bring warmth and wonder to the season. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

FREE Bonus Printables<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Check out these fun printables that encourage reading and creativity in the classroom and at home over holiday break. <\/p>\n\n\n\n