By Maria Sadek, Fernanda de Madariaga and Isobel Edmondson
Nottingham Christmas Evening
6 December, 6:00–8:00 p.m.
Waterstones, Nottingham
Join the team at Waterstones Nottingham as they prepare to celebrate Christmas with plenty of shopping, festivity and Christmas cheer. There will be plenty of mulled wine and mince pies, as well as the chance to meet some fantastic authors such as M.A. Kuzniar, who wrote the exquisite Upon a Frosted Star; Talia Hibbert, author of Highly Suspicious and Unfairly Cute and Alice Slater, who wrote Death of a Bookseller. The best part about this incredible event is that it is free for anyone to attend, so arrive at any time and get ready to join the celebrations! To find out more, click here.
An Evening with Heidi Swain
7 December, 6:00 p.m.
Waterstones, Norwich – Castle Street
Best-selling romance author Heidi Swain will be at Waterstones Norwich this winter to discuss her new book That Festive Feeling. After previous success with Christmas novels such as Underneath the Christmas Tree and A Christmas Celebration, this event cannot be missed! Along with a Q&A and book signings, there will also be plenty of mulled wine and other treats to get everybody in the festive spirit. To find out more information and book your tickets, click here.
Christmas Grotto
2–3, 9–10, 15–17 December
Pickled Pepper Books, Crouch End, London
All the family are welcome at this magical festive event hosted by Pickled Pepper Books. Children are invited to watch a theatrical performance from Father Christmas and his elf companion, Gingersnap. All children will receive a surprise book, wrapped up and selected by an expert book fairy. This is a fantastic way to introduce young people to reading and bring excitement to discovering new books. Here begins a new generation of avid readers! More information can be located here.
Oxford Christmas Evening
8 December, 5:00–8:00 p.m.
Waterstones, Oxford
Nothing sparks the Christmas spirit more than surrounding yourself with the things and people who you love the most. Making this event, brought to you by Waterstones, an ideal one to bring your closest book-lovers and rejoice in a community just as eager to celebrate as you are. The evening will be filled with food to enjoy, Christmas inspired activities and games to bring you together and entertain and most importantly: a set of book recommendations from the experts of Waterstones. The latter will surely alleviate the angst of getting the right book for the right person in your list. Festive music, quizzes, warm food, book recommendations and book signings all in one very promising evening, be sure not to miss it! For more information or tickets for the event, click here.
Emily’s Walking Book Club
10 December, 11:30 a.m.
Hampstead Heath
Emily Rhodes regularly runs walking books events, where you can join fellow readers in having a wander and discussing the latest read. In December, walkers will be discussing The Dark is Rising by Susan Cooper. Emily asks that you read the book before attending the walk, in order to make the experience the best it can be for everyone. If you won’t have time to read it, you can join the Monday evening Zoom meeting, for which you don’t need to have read the book. Tickets are available here. To find out more about Emily’s Walking Book Club, check her website here.
Late Night Christmas Shopping
14 December, 5:30–9:00 p.m.
Waterstones, Bury St Edmunds – Butter Market
Come over to make the most out of the night in a Christmas shopping evening! If the day doesn’t allow you time for buying the gifts you need for Christmas, or if you just want to experience an out-of-the-ordinary Thursday night, this one's for you. For more information on the event, click here.
Save The Date: Christmas Party
14 December, 5:00–9:00 p.m.
Waterstones, Brighton
Join Waterstones in Brighton for their ultimate Christmas festivity! A rare late-night store opening featuring live music from local band “Pam And De Femmes” and promising something for everyone. Crime and thriller author Ruth Ware will be signing books alongside 2021 Bake Off winner Jürgen Krauss with his new book German Baking. Krauss will also be handing out fresh home-cooked samples from recipes in his book. For the children, picture book author Leigh Hodgkinson will be hosting “Maps Of Me,” an activity encouraging children to follow their unique talents. This event will be followed by a hands-on craft session with author Jenny McLachlan, making Christmas dragons for children to take home! For more information on the event, click here.