Celebrate the Return of Beloved Holiday Festivities at the Arlington Public Library
Celebrate the holidays with the Arlington Public Library. Annual events and activities are in full swing from Reindeer Games at the George W. Hawkes Downtown Library to our annual Pajama Storytime with Mayor Jim Ross. Join us for a variety of programs for all ages to help spread cheer and joy across the American Dream City.
This year we’re partnering with the Downtown Arlington Corporation to help bring cheer to Arlington families! Click here to view our calendar and to plan a trip to any of our library locations! Check out the many events lined up for you to enjoy this holiday season.
Elf on the Shelf
Monday, December 6 – Friday, December 31
Visit the George W. Hawkes Downtown Library, the Lake Arlington Branch, Woodland West Branch, or Northeast Branch to participate in this scavenger hunt. Families will be able to find the Elf on the Shelf in the children’s area of each location. Children who find the elf will receive a small prize.
Vandergriff Poinsettia Tree
Viewable through December 2021 at the George W. Hawkes Downtown Library
The perfect holiday photo opportunity! Take your family photos in front of the City of Arlington’s Poinsettia Tree kindly donated by the former Mayor Tom Vandergriff’s family.
Letters to the North Pole
Wednesday, December 1, 2021 - Wednesday, December 15, 2021, Virtual
Send a letter to our Library elves. Use the questions in our online form to write to the library elves about what you want to read, and they will put a book on hold just for you! For the elves to make sure to read your letter you must submit it by Dec. 15.
Letters to Santa
Thursday, December 9, from 3 to 6 p.m., at the US Postal Office 300 E South St.
Join the Library, the Downtown Arlington Corporation, and Santa himself. Santa's elves will be there to help you write your letter and address the envelope to get it sent over to the North Pole! USPS Operation Santa® pairs letters from kids and families with generous people who fulfill their holiday wishes. You can be a part of it the more letters sent to Santa, the more magic we can deliver. Postages stamps are required to mail a letter.
Reindeer Games
Saturday, December 11, 2021, from 3:30 – 5:30 p.m. at the George W. Hawkes Downtown Library
Join us before the Holiday Lights Parade for our Reindeer Games. We will have guest storytime readers and crafts for the entire family. Bring your camera for a chance to get your picture taken with Santa.
- Crafts from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m.
- Pictures with Santa from 3:30 to 5:00 p.m.
- Storytimes at 3:30, 3:45, 4:00, and 4:15 p.m.
Holiday Lights Parade
Saturday, December 11, 2021, throughout Downtown Arlington
Bring your friends and family to Downtown Arlington to enjoy the Annual Holiday Lights Parade. Thousands of people will gather for the pageantry which will be followed by the lighting of the Christmas tree at the Levitt Pavilion. The parade starts a 6 p.m., check out the route here.
Mayor’s Holiday Pajama Storytime
Monday, December 13, 2021, from 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. at the George W. Hawkes Downtown Library
The Arlington Public Library invites you to this year’s Mayor’s Holiday Pajama Storytime. Join us for a festive evening of stories, songs, and a special craft. Children are encouraged to wear their favorite cozy pajamas and bring a stuffed friend along for the fun. Stories will be geared for preschool-aged children, but the entire family is welcome to attend.
Gift Wrap Swapping Palooza
Saturday, December 18, 2021, from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. at the George W. Hawkes Downtown Library
Holiday wrapping season is upon us! But why use the same bags from years past? It’s time to spruce it up with something new. So bring your bags, boxes, and wrapping paper to swap. And don’t forget to bring something you want to wrap!
We hope to bring cheer and happiness to your family this holiday season with these events. Stop by and have some fun this December. Hope to see you there!
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