By Fernanda de Madariaga and Silvia Vangelova
It's the most wonderful time of the year! Snow outside, hot chocolate inside and a cosy book on your lap… what better way to end 2024? Keep reading for a great list of ways to wrap up the year with every publishing event you should know about, and don't worry, we’ve made it worth leaving your book, just for a bit. Merry Christmas!
Christmas Book Festival!
Saturday 14 December, 1:00–3:00 p.m. at Waterstones, Finchley Road O2 Centre
Waterstones will be hosting some magnificent authors from 1:00–3:00 p.m. on this Thursday afternoon. These authors will be dedicating and giving out copies of their novels as a gift for yourself or your loved ones. The invited authors will be: Laura Ellen Anderson, Dominique Valente, Kieran Larwood, Louie Stowell and Elle McNicoll. Laura Ellen Anderson’s new book is the sequel to Marnie Midnight, which if you have read, you know that you can’t pass on the next one, especially as a gift. Dominique Valente, author of the Starfell series, will be there with her recent release Witchspark. Kieran Larwood is the author of The Treekeepers and will be displaying his latest release Jed Greenleaf. Louie Stowell is the author of the beloved and comedic book Loki. Last but not least, Elle McNicoll has just published her first young adult novel, Some Like it Cold. Stock is limited, so be sure to make it as early as possible within the time frame and get ready to come back home stacked! For more information or tickets for the event, click here.
Late Night Christmas Opening Hours
Thursday 19 December, 5:30–7:00 p.m. at Waterstones, Doncaster
We are closer than ever to that magical morning of Christmas, but do not worry if you are actually feeling stressed over what to put under the tree, Waterstones is here for you! Join them for the only late night opening of the year, where you can tick off any presents left on your list. Cafe W will be open too so you can grab a beverage and keep yourself warm and fuzzy in the process. Wrapping services will be offered for a donation to the Book Trust. Waterstone’s staff will be there to resolve any issues or queries, and rumor has it, there may even be some chocolate! For more information, click here.
Meet Waterstones’ Scottish Book of the Year Author Philip Paris
Saturday 14 December, 11:00 a.m until noon, at Waterstones, Inverness
On a crisp winter morning, in the heart of a town marked by natural beauty and rich history, join award-winning author Philip Paris for a special book event. Paris will be at Waterstones Inverness to meet readers, sign copies of his highly acclaimed historical novel, The Last Witch of Scotland, and chat in a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere. Winner of Blackwell’s Scottish Book of the Year 2023 and Waterstones Scottish Book of the Year 2024, this compelling story is inspired by the tragic tale of Janet Horne, the last woman executed for witchcraft in Britain. Set in the eighteenth-century Highlands, The Last Witch of Scotland is perfect for history buffs, lovers of witchcraft lore and fans of Outlander. Whether you’re a reader of atmospheric historical fiction, or simply looking for a magical bookish escape before the holiday craze, this unticketed event is not to be missed! Learn more here.
BYOB – Bring Your Own Book Reading Group
Friday 20 December, 10:30–11:30 a.m. at Portishead Library, Portishead
This is not your classic book club get together! The Portishead Library invites you to a Bring Your Own Book Reading Group, where there’s no assigned reading, no genre restrictions and no pressure – just pure bookish fun. Whether you are loving, loathing, or simply wanting to talk about your current read to fellow book lovers, this will be a relaxed and friendly setting to do so! It’s the perfect way to indulge your love of literature and connect with other readers before immersing yourself in the whirlwind of festive family gatherings. Even if you don’t find yourself in Portishead on the day there are plenty of similar events at libraries all across the country, so check out what’s happening near you and treat yourself to a literary escape during the busiest month of the year. For more information on this free event, click here.