From South Korea to Australia, New York to the Netherlands, join us as we travel across the world getting into the holiday spirit one library at a time.
Christmastime really is the most wonderful time of the year and there is something extra special about a library decorated for the holiday season. Join us as we take a journey around the world, visiting 8 different libraries and basking in the glow of their holiday spirit.
New York Public Library, New York City, United States
The New York Public Library, located at 5th Avenue and 42nd Street in Manhattan, New York City, New York is the 2nd largest public library in the United States, the 4th largest in the world, and houses nearly 53 million items. Among the items are locks of hair from Charlotte Bronte, the original Winnie the Pooh and Friends, Charles Dickens’ favorite paper knife and so much more.
While the New York Public Library is a magical place to visit all year round, it’s an extra special spectacle at Christmastime with its old-school tree framed by an arch in Astor Hall. Not to mention the signed copy of A Christmas Carol over in the McGraw Rotunda.
Mortlock Wing, State Library of South Australia, Australia
The State Library is home to the historic Mortlock Wing which is an excellent example of a late Victorian Library; a library so beautiful it is consistently voted one of the most beautiful libraries in the world. The Mortlock Wing holds heritage collections, exhibitions, and hosts public functions and events at Christmastime, it’s home to Adelaide’s largest indoor Christmas tree.
The tree is beautifully decorated and reaches nearly 23 feet. Patrons can also enjoy writing a postcard to Father Christmas, making their own Christmas ornament, cozying up in the fairy-themed book nook, listening to the Young Adelaide voices choirs and adult choirs and so much more!
Starfield Library, Seoul, South Korea
Next, our journey takes us to Seoul, South Korea. The Starfield Library, located in the center of COEX Mall, is an open public space where anyone can come take a load off and enjoy some peace, quiet, and a book among other bibliophiles. While the library has over 50,000 books, 600 magazines, and e-books, contrary to popular belief, the books on the very top shelf are decorative.
At Christmastime the Starfield Library turns into a star-filled spot complete with a Christmas tree centerpiece and starlight decorations illuminating bookshelves, creating the coziest escape for readers.
Cabinet des Livres, Château de Chantilly, France
The Cabinet des Livres at Château de Chantilly is a spectacular 19th-century library created by Henri d’Orléans, Duke of Aumale, and home to over 19,000 rare works, including manuscripts, illuminated treasures, and first editions. This breathtaking space features intricate woodwork, gilded ceilings, and rows of richly bound volumes. Among its many treasures is Les Très Riches Heures du Duc de Berry, one of the world’s most celebrated illuminated manuscripts.
During Christmastime, the library becomes even more magical with a beautifully decorated Christmas tree at its center. Surrounded by shelves of historic books, the twinkling lights and festive décor create a warm and enchanting scene. The Château de Chantilly also hosts seasonal events, including illuminations, delicacies, and performances, making it a must-visit for the holidays.
Library of Congress, Washington D.C., United States
The Library of Congress, located in Washington D.C. is one of the nation’s oldest federal constitutions, founded in 1800, and serves as the research arm of Congress. It also happens to be the largest library in the world.
Every year visitors can enjoy a special tree lighting, happy hour with food and drinks, crafts, live music by the Pacifica Quartet, and a special screening of Home Alone which was recently inducted into the National Film Registry. Visitors can also purchase tickets to experience the Main Reading Room, an area typically reserved for researchers.
Bibliotheek Loosduinen, The Hague, Netherlands
Bibliotheek Loosduinen, located in Hague, Netherlands offers so much more than just books; a new-style library with a warm rich atmosphere is an experience for visitors. For instance, what once was a greenhouse now houses office space, instruction rooms, public workplaces, and more. Books are presented in auction crates and boxes on wheels to give the space an industrial yet warm feeling.
So it makes sense that they do Christmas trees a little differently here. Enter, a Christmas tree made (almost) entirely out of books. Don’t worry, patrons aren’t missing out on perfectly good reading material, this Christmas tree is made up of books that have been permanently removed from the library collection due to being damaged beyond repair and various other reasons.
The Royal College of Surgeons of England Library and Archives, London, United Kingdom
The Royal College of Surgeons of England is located at Lincoln’s Inn Fields, London, and is an independent professional body and registered charity that promotes and advances standards of surgical care for patients and regulates surgery and dentistry in England and Wales.
The library possesses an outstanding amount of surgical literature that dates back from the late 15th century to the present, access to countless resources and historical material is of National importance in documenting the achievement of British surgery from the 18th century. It’s also home to a beautiful Christmas tree that looks nothing short of magical among the two floors of books.
The Biltmore Estate, Asheville, North Carolina, United States
Last but not least, a 37-foot live tree decorated with classic reds, greens, and golds. This tree lives in the 7-story library, topped by a 4-story chandelier, surrounded by the grand staircase within the Biltmore Estate in Asheville, North Carolina.
The library’s decorations are inspired by the carol ‘Jolly Old St. Nicholas’ and while most visitors agree that the library tree is the most stunning, visitors can view over 100 decorated Christmas trees within the house and across the grounds.
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Odessa
Victoria Lewis
Victoria is a freelance writer, dog lover, and coffee enthusiast living with her husband and dog in a small town in Kansas. Surrounded by an expansive to-be-read pile, she spends her time either deeply engrossed in a book or listening to one. As a fervent supporter of both bookstores and public libraries, Victoria enjoys sharing her latest reads on social media, connecting with fellow bibliophiles, and diligently updating her Goodreads profile.
