Ever needed to find ways to entertain kids over the holidays? Of course you have! And so have many of us here at Hoopla. That’s why we’re excited to share some free holiday activities for kids that bring joy, learning, and entertainment right to your home. Start with your local library to find a treasure trove of digital delights for children of all ages. With just your library card and Hoopla, an entertaining holiday break is all online and completely free.
Enjoy Holiday Fun Anywhere

With Hoopla, you have a vast free online library that’s packed with festive entertainment. Stream heartwarming family movies perfect for cozy winter nights and family movie nights and download cheerful kids’ books that celebrate the magic of the season. Find bedtime stories, read-along adventures, audiobooks for long car rides, and graphic novels to make them giggle. Hooplaโs kid-friendly collection keeps young readers engaged throughout the holidays. Here are a few highlights:
Holiday Movie Soundtracks for Kids

So many “Let it Go” jokes we could make here, but we’ll just say that this soundtrack is a keeper. It combines heartfelt songs and an expressive score, including โDo You Want to Build a Snowman?โ and, of course, โLet It Go.โ Christophe Beckโs score incorporates Scandinavian-inspired instruments and motifs and is the ultimate singalong.

The Polar Express (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)
Original music by Alan Silvestri is combined with classic and contemporary Christmas songs performed by artists like Josh Groban, Steven Tyler, and even Tom Hanks. Highlights include โThe Polar Express,โ โHot Chocolate,โ and Grobanโs Oscar-nominated โBelieve,โ alongside timeless tracks like Bing Crosbyโs โWhite Christmasโ and Sinatraโs โSanta Claus Is Cominโ to Town.โ

This beloved soundtrack by Vince Guaraldi is a timeless holiday jazz album. It blends original pieces and jazz renditions of carols. Highlights include โLinus and Lucy,โ โSkating,โ and โChristmas Time Is Here.โ With both upbeat and melancholic moments, its warm, bittersweet tone captures a nostalgic, wintry atmosphere that defines the sweet cartoon classic.
Holiday eBooks for Kids

Maya the Ember Dragon by Maddy Mara
Maya returns to the Magic Forest with her friends Eloise and Ash on a vital quest. When they transform into mighty Fire Dragons, they become the animalsโ last hope. Defeating the Chaos Queen wonโt be easyโMaya must lead her friends with courage and unity to save the land and its creatures before time runs out.

The Bad Guys in One Last Thing by Aaron Blabey
The final book in the terrific illustrated series reunites Wolf and the gang after a time-travel adventure revealed by Rhonda. In this conclusion, the characters find themselves in a future where they mourn Wolfโs loss and must confront the deeper meaning of both their past adventures and the uncertain future that lies ahead.

Diary of an 8-Bit Warrior: Hour of Enchantment by Cube Kid
Runt, the beloved villager turned warrior, and his friends have faced countless adventuresโtraining in Villagetown, battling Herobrineโs monsters, and completing their first quest at Owlโs Reach. After their latest challenge at the Greater Aetheria Academy, new trials await them. What dangers and discoveries will Runt and his friends encounter next on their ever-growing journey?
Audiobooks for Children During the Holidays

Diary of a Wimpy Kid by Jeff Kinney and read by Ramรณn de Ocampo
In the first book of the series, Greg Heffley enters middle school, where smaller kids face taller, tougher classmates who already shave. Through his diaryโs words and drawings, Greg shares the awkward trials of growing up. With his friend Rowley by his side, Greg soon finds jealousy and ambition hilariously testing their friendship.

Wings of Fire: The Dragonet Prophecy by Tui T. Sutherland and read by Shannon McManus
For generations, the seven dragon tribes have waged war over a lost ancient treasure. Seeking peace, a secret group called the Talons of Peace turns to a powerful prophecy that demands great sacrifice. Five young dragonets, raised in secrecy, are chosen to fulfill this destiny and end the brutal conflictโwhether they want to or not.

The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate and read by Adam Grupper
Ivan, a gentle gorilla living at the Exit 8 Big Top Mall and Video Arcade, has long grown used to life behind glass, spending his days thinking about TV, his friends Stella the elephant and Bob the dog, and his art. But when Ruby, a baby elephant, arrives, Ivan discovers new purpose and the courage to create change.
Graphic Novels to Make Kids Laugh

Batcat: Cooking Contest by Meggie Ramm
Autumn has arrived on Spooky Isle, turning it into a colorful wonderland with crisp air, changing leaves, and the Night Festival. Excited for the full moon, Al enters the cooking contest but has no idea what to make. With Batcatโs help, he searches for the perfect recipe, discovering that winning isnโt always about first place.

Big Nate: No Harm Done! by Lincoln Peirce
Sixth-grader Nate Wright is back for what might be his best school year yet! With Mrs. Godfrey rumored to teach eighth grade, Chad battling Gina for class president, and Nate dreaming of a sea cucumber mascot, chaos ensues. When the Weekly Bugle needs a story, Nate sparks an epic cafetorium food fight.

The Baby-Sitters Club: Jessi Ramsey, Pet-Sitter by Ann M. Martin and illustrated by Ellen T. Crenshaw
The Mancusis donโt need a baby-sitterโthey need a pet sitter! Kristy thinks the BSC should stick with kids, but animal lover Jessi talks her into it. As if runaway snakes and sick hamsters arenโt enough, Jessi needs to figure out how to navigate her way through a big fight with her friends.
Family Movies for Winter Movie Nights

Santa Claus announces his retirement, naming โRobotnikclausโ as his replacement. Determined to save Christmas, Sonic and his sister set out to change his mind. They uncover that the announcing Santa is a fake robot and the real one is captive. Using his X-TREME speed, Sonic rescues Santa and delivers every stolen gift before Christmas dawn.

Franklin and Harriet spend Christmas at Faraway Farm, where Mrs. Turtle grew up. Trouble begins when Harriet accidentally leaves Sam behind. After an ice storm cuts power and Grandpa is injured, Franklinโs parents leave to check on neighbors. Determined to help, Franklin and Harriet embark on a brave, magical journey to bring Dr. Bear to save Grandpa.

A hungry bear follows delicious smells to Bubba Braynaโs home, where sheโs frying her famous latkes. Nearly 97 and poor of sight and hearing, she mistakes the bear for her rabbi. They light the menorah, spin the dreidel, and eat all the latkes. When the mixup is revealed, everyone laughs and cooks more together.
Keep Kids Busy Over the Holidays with Hoopla!
Skip the stress of searching for things to do with kids during winter break. Explore the world of stories and movies waiting for you through your local library and Hoopla. As always, the fun on Hoopla is free with a library card!
BONUS! Enjoy these free, kid-friendly activity sheets:
*Title availability may vary.


