The holiday season is a magical time, especially for children, filled with wonder, excitement, and the spirit of giving. One way to amplify this festive cheer is by creating special Christmas reading nooks for kids.
These DIY corners not only provide a cozy retreat for young book lovers but also add an enchanting touch to your holiday décor.
Here’s a guide to some delightful DIY Christmas reading nook ideas, to give you inspiration to create a festive little corner in your own home.
Each festive reading nook idea has its own unique charm and easy-to-follow tips for recreating your own version of these magical spaces at home.
These designs are generated by the In The Playroom team for inspiration purposes.
Christmas Themed DIY Reading Nooks For Kids
As the festive season approaches, the magic of Christmas fills the air, inspiring creativity and joy, especially in the hearts of children.
To celebrate this enchanting time, we have put together 42 different DIY reading nook designs, each brimming with holiday cheer and imaginative flair. Our DIY reading nooks for kids post is super popular all year round, so of course we couldn’t resist putting together some festive concepts since t’is the season…
Whether you choose to replicate these ideas closely or create a simpler version inspired by them, these nooks are guaranteed to be a hit with the little ones.
Get ready to transform a corner of your home into a captivating Christmas retreat for your kids to read, dream, and revel in the wonders of the season
Festive Window Seat
Transform a simple window into a captivating Christmas wonderland. This cozy nook, with its festive cushions and a view of the snowy outdoors, invites young readers into a world of holiday tales.
Why We Love It: This nook transforms an ordinary window into a winter wonderland view.
DIY Tips: Use red and green cushions and a fluffy blanket to create a warm, inviting reading space. Adorn the walls with festive wreaths and twinkling lights.
A small Christmas tree can add an extra touch of holiday spirit.
Christmas Teepee Magic
A teepee adorned with fairy lights and Christmas decor creates a magical reading retreat. This enchanting space is a child’s dream, offering a private haven for holiday storytime.
Why We Love It: Teepees are a hit with kids, and this Christmas-themed one is no exception.
The Christmas teepee reading nook idea can be set up in whichever Christmas colour scheme you prefer, whether you want to go for a modern turquoise snowy vibe or a cosy an comforting red and green… either way this type of reading nook is pretty easy to set up with minimal DIY needed
DIY Tips: Decorate a simple teepee with fairy lights, and add festive-colored cushions inside.
Place it in a corner with a selection of Christmas stories to create a captivating hideaway.
Polar Theme Reading Nook
Journey to the Arctic with this polar-themed reading space. It’s a cool, adventurous spot for kids to explore winter tales and polar adventures.
Why We Love It: It captures the majestic and serene essence of the polar regions, perfect for winter storytelling.
This theme is also great for winter time, beyond Christmas. The polar themed reading nook is a great set up to continue enjoying all through the cold weather of January and intro early February.
Related: Polar Arctic Animals Facts For Kids: Free Printable Cards and Games to Play with Them
DIY Tips: Use cool whites and icy blues for the color scheme. Decorate with faux fur throws and pillows to create a cozy, snowy look.
Add polar-themed decorations like snowflakes, penguins, and polar bears. A white tent or a canopy can mimic an igloo, and you can include a selection of polar adventure and winter-themed children’s books.
Traditional Christmas Theme Reading Nook
Revel in the timeless charm of a traditional Christmas nook. Classic decorations and warm colors make this space a nostalgic haven for holiday reading.
Why We Love It: It brings the classic and timeless spirit of Christmas to life, creating a warm and nostalgic atmosphere.
DIY Tips: Incorporate traditional Christmas colors like red, green, and gold. Use classic decorations such as poinsettias, holly, and wreaths.
A comfy red chair or a bench with green cushions and a soft, red blanket can anchor the space.
Hang stockings and place a miniature Christmas tree nearby. A shelf filled with classic Christmas stories adds the finishing touch to this traditional and cozy reading nook.
Icy Blue Retreat
Step into a serene, winter-themed oasis. The icy blue and silver accents evoke a peaceful, snowy landscape, perfect for snuggling up with favorite Christmas stories.
Why We Love It: This reading nook brings the magic of a snowy Christmas indoors.
DIY Tips: Use plush blue cushions, a shimmering silver blanket, and white faux fur rugs. Decorate with snowflakes and icicles, and include a white Christmas tree adorned with blue and silver ornaments.
Regal Purple and Gold Corner
Elegance meets festivity in this purple and gold reading nook. Rich hues and sparkling accents make it a luxurious spot for kids to enjoy their holiday reading.
Why We Love It: The combination of purple and gold gives this nook a luxurious feel.
DIY Tips: Opt for purple walls, gold stars, and warm twinkling lights. A purple chair with gold cushions can be the centerpiece. Don’t forget to include a small, elegantly decorated Christmas tree.
Homemade Igloo Reading Nook
Embrace the winter wonderland theme with a homemade igloo. This cozy, snow-inspired nook is a delightful spot for children to escape into the world of books
Why We Love It: It’s a winter fantasy come to life, perfect for imaginative kids.
DIY Tips: Construct an igloo out of white pillows or foam blocks. You can hot glue these to cover a wooden or cardboard structure with the general shape.
Inside, place soft blue cushions, a warm blanket, and a selection of wintry books. Accentuate with snowflake decorations and a faux snowman.
DIY Wooden Santa’s Sleigh Reading Nook
All aboard Santa’s sleigh for a festive reading journey! This unique nook captures the excitement of Christmas, complete with holiday-themed books and decorations.
Why We Love It: It’s a playful nook that captures the essence of Christmas.
DIY Tips: Create a sleigh using wood, paint it red and white, and fill it with festive cushions. You could repurpose an old book case as a starting point.
Add a cozy blanket and a small Christmas tree for a complete Santa experience.
Inside a Christmas Tree Reading Nook
Experience the magic of being nestled inside a Christmas tree. This immersive nook is a wonderland of lights, ornaments, and the spirit of the season.
Why We Love It: This nook offers an immersive experience, as if sitting inside a Christmas tree.
DIY Tips: Use a teepee as a starting point, and cover it with Christmas garland, or cut up and old artificial Christmas tree to attach the branches all over the teepee and create the “inside a christmas tree” effect.
Line it with green fabric, and decorate with lights and small ornaments. Cushions and blankets will make it comfortable.
Narnia-Themed Reading Nook
Journey to the magical land of Narnia without leaving home. This nook, inspired by the beloved tales, is a gateway to adventure and imagination.
Why We Love It: It brings the magical world of Narnia to life, perfect for sparking a child’s imagination.
DIY Tips: Create an entrance resembling a wardrobe door that leads to a Narnian landscape, complete with a cozy bench, fluffy cushions, and a faux fur throw.
Decorate with murals of Narnian scenery and add soft, warm lighting to mimic Narnia’s iconic lamp post.
Pink Christmas Reading Nook
A dreamy, whimsical space where soft pinks and Christmas charm blend seamlessly. It’s a sweet retreat for little readers to enjoy their festive tales.
Why We Love It: This nook brings a dreamy, feminine touch to Christmas décor.
DIY Tips: Use soft pink fabrics for upholstery and cushions. Adorn the space with delicate Christmas lights and sparkly pink ornaments.
A small pink Christmas tree can add an extra whimsical touch.
Related: 99 Beautiful and Cute Girls Baby Nursery Ideas
Christmas Hygge Reading Nook
Immerse in the Danish concept of hygge with this cozy, comforting nook. It’s a snug corner for enjoying holiday stories and the warmth of the season.
Why We Love It: This theme embraces the Danish concept of hygge, emphasizing comfort, warmth, and family during the holiday season.
DIY Tips: Incorporate soft lighting with candles or fairy lights to create a cozy atmosphere. Use plush throws, soft cushions, and warm woolen blankets in a neutral color palette.
Add a comfortable chair or a beanbag, and include a small shelf with favorite holiday books and classic stories. Decorative elements like pine cones, evergreen branches, and simple handmade ornaments can enhance the feeling of comfort and joy.
Related: Make Your Own Book Advent Calendar for Kids this December
Candy Cane Lane Reading Nook
A playful and vibrant corner inspired by everyone’s favorite holiday treat. This candy cane-themed nook is as sweet and inviting as Christmas itself.
Why We Love It: It’s a sweet, vibrant theme that captures the fun essence of Christmas.
DIY Tips: Decorate with red and white stripes to mimic candy canes. Include plush red and white cushions and blankets, and hang candy cane decorations around the nook.
A small bookshelf painted in candy cane stripes can hold a variety of festive children’s books.
Ice Palace Theme Reading Nook
A reading nook that mirrors the beauty of an ice palace. Sparkling silvers and icy blues create a magical space for wintry tales and cozy reading sessions.
Why We Love It: This theme brings the cool elegance of winter indoors. This theme is also perfect for kids who love Frozen.
If your child loves Aladdin and Jasmine then check out our Arabic inspired reading nooks too.
DIY Tips: Use shades of icy blue and silver for cushions and blankets.
Add shimmering silver decorations, crystal-like ornaments, and white fairy lights to create an ice palace atmosphere. A faux fur rug can add to the snowy feel.
Minimalist Christmas Reading Nook
Simplicity shines in this minimalist Christmas nook. Clean lines, a monochromatic palette, and subtle decorations make it a peaceful spot for holiday reading.
Why We Love It: It’s perfect for those who love a more understated holiday style.
DIY Tips: Stick to a monochrome color palette with clean lines and minimal decorations. Use simple, cozy white cushions and blankets.
A few well-placed, simple decorations like a miniature Christmas tree or a single string of lights can complement the minimalist theme.
Christmas Hammock Reading Nook
Swing into the holiday spirit with this unique Christmas hammock nook. It’s a fun, relaxing way for kids to rock their way through their favorite Christmas stories.
Why We Love It: It offers a unique and relaxing way for kids to enjoy their holiday reading in a festive environment.
DIY Tips: Suspend a comfortable hammock in a corner of the room and decorate it with soft, Christmas-themed cushions and a warm blanket. Hang garlands, twinkling lights, and small ornaments around the hammock to enhance the festive feel.
If you’re hanging a hammock from your ceiling always be sure to check the weight baring capabilities of your ceiling, and the hooks that you use – get advice from a professional if unsure.
Position a small Christmas tree nearby, and have a stack of holiday books within arm’s reach.
This nook creates a fun, swinging spot that kids will love, perfect for immersing themselves in Christmas tales.
Creating these DIY Christmas reading nooks is not just a fun holiday project; it’s a way to foster a love for reading in children, providing them with a special place to dive into their favorite Christmas stories.
These nooks can be as simple or elaborate as you wish, and the joy they bring to your little ones is worth every bit of effort.
This holiday season, let these reading nooks be your gift to the young readers in your home, a magical space where stories and imagination come to life amidst the festive cheer.
We hope these 42 imaginative and festive reading nook ideas inspire you to create a special corner for your little ones this Christmas.
Whether it’s a cozy teepee, a whimsical igloo, or a traditional setup, each of these themes is sure to kindle the joy of reading and the magic of the season in your child’s heart.
Happy holidays and happy reading!
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Anna Marikar, mum of four and seasoned blogger, has spent over a decade sharing her parenting journey and passion for kid-friendly crafts and free printables.
Her easy-to-follow craft ideas and practical parenting advice have transformed In The Playroom into a cherished resource for parents.