Winter is a season of wonder and transformation, with traditions that reflect the cultural diversity of people across the globe. While December holidays like Christmas, Hanukkah, and Kwanzaa are widely celebrated, many other fascinating winter traditions occur after the new year or outside the holiday season.
Sharing these traditions through picture books helps children develop a broader understanding of the world and its cultures.
Here’s a list of picture books that highlight winter traditions from various corners of the globe, perfect for exploring the beauty of diversity.
Sapporo Snow Festival
(Japan)
Every February, the Sapporo Snow Festival transforms Japan’s Hokkaido region into a winter wonderland, with massive ice sculptures, snow mazes, and festive activities.
Picture Book Recommendation:
“Yuki and the One Thousand Carriers” by Gloria Whelan, illustrated by Yan Nascimbene
While not directly about the festival, this book introduces children to Japanese traditions and landscapes, offering a cultural backdrop for learning about events like the Sapporo Snow Festival.
Ice Fishing and Winter Sports
(Northern Europe and North America)
Ice fishing and winter sports, such as skating and skiing, are beloved traditions in snowy regions of the world, including Scandinavia, Canada, and parts of the United States.
Picture Book Recommendation:
“Over and Under the Snow” by Kate Messner, illustrated by Christopher Silas Neal
This book takes readers on a magical journey through a winter landscape, showing the hidden world beneath the snow and the activities that make winter unique.
Chinese Lantern Festival
(China)
The Lantern Festival marks the end of Lunar New Year celebrations, often falling in late January or February. The event features glowing lanterns, lion dances, and sweet treats like tangyuan (glutinous rice balls).
Book Recommendation:
“The Dragon Warrior” by Grace Lin
Although more of an early reader than a picture book, this vibrant story introduces children to the Lantern Festival’s themes of light and community.
Sámi Winter Traditions
(Indigenous People of Northern Europe)
The Sámi people, Indigenous to Norway, Sweden, Finland, and Russia, have rich traditions tied to reindeer herding and winter survival. Winter festivals celebrate Sámi music, dance, and culture.
Book Recommendation:
“Inger’s Promise” by Jami Gigot
This book offers a glimpse into life in the Arctic, weaving themes of resilience and connection with nature, which resonate with Sámi traditions.
Carnival in Quebec
(Canada)
The Quebec Winter Carnival, held in February, is a lively celebration of winter. Featuring parades, ice castles, and the famous Bonhomme Carnaval, it’s one of the largest winter festivals in the world.
Picture Book Recommendation:
“A Northern Night” by Daniel Loxton
Though not specifically about the carnival, this beautifully illustrated book captures the majesty of winter in Canada, setting the stage for discussions about its vibrant festivals.
Nowruz
(Persian New Year)
Nowruz, celebrated in March, marks the arrival of spring and the end of winter. While it is primarily associated with spring, its preparation involves traditions rooted in the winter months, such as house cleaning and feasting.
Picture Book Recommendation:
“Seven Special Somethings: A Nowruz Story” by Adib Khorram
This warm story introduces young readers to the customs of Nowruz and the preparation that begins in late winter.
Winter Solstice in Northern Cultures
In many Arctic and northern regions, the winter solstice is a time for storytelling, feasting, and celebrating the return of light. Indigenous peoples like the Inuit honor the season with special traditions.
Picture Book Recommendation:
“The Polar Bear Son: An Inuit Tale” by Lydia Dabcovich
This traditional Inuit folktale reflects themes of generosity and respect for nature, connecting readers to winter traditions in Arctic communities.
Fasnacht
(Switzerland)
Fasnacht, Switzerland’s pre-Lenten carnival, often occurs in February or March. This winter festival includes colorful parades, masks, and music, bringing warmth and joy to cold winter days.
Picture Book Recommendation:
“Oskar and the Eight Blessings” by Richard Simon and Tanya Simon
While this book explores a different winter journey, its themes of resilience and community resonate with the festive spirit of events like Fasnacht.
Losar
(Tibetan New Year)
Losar, the Tibetan New Year, is celebrated in February or March and includes rituals to expel negativity and welcome prosperity. Winter months are spent preparing food, decorating, and performing ceremonies.
Picture Book Recommendation:
“Our Lunar New Year” by Yobe Qiu
This book introduces several Asian New Year traditions, including Tibetan Losar, highlighting cultural diversity in winter celebrations.
Celebrating Winter Beyond December
These picture books offer a glimpse into winter traditions that extend beyond December’s holiday season, inviting children to explore the richness of global cultures. By sharing these stories, we can spark curiosity and foster an appreciation for the many ways people around the world embrace the beauty of winter.
What are your favorite winter traditions or books? Share them in the comments below!