December can feel like organized chaos that's why this Winter Holidays Around the World poster project can help channel student energy. With the school calendar being filled with holiday shows, the Jingle Bell School Shopping Boutique, spirit dress up days, and other interruptions it's nice to have a project that targets both social studies and ELA and that can be picked up when time permits here and there. Projects that keep students engaged can be a lifesaver.
The Winter Holidays Around the World Poster Project blends research, cultural learning, and informational writing into one activity. Students learn to gather information from multiple reliable sources, evaluate what’s true, and rewrite facts in their own words instead of copying from Google or letting AI do the work for them.
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Plus, you can build in presentation skills to hit speaking and listening standards. The result? A cross-curricular project that checks all the boxes research, writing, geography, culture, and communication while students create a beautiful poster worth displaying.
You want a lesson that:
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students care about,
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takes minimal prep during a busy month,
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is actually aligned to standards, and
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doesn’t just turn into cutting and gluing glitter everywhere.
That’s exactly why I designed my Winter Holidays Around the World Poster Project for grades 5–6 that is a perfect balance of creativity + research + cultural learning.
❄️ Why Teachers Love This Project
✔️ Low Prep During the Busiest Time of Year
Just print the poster pages and provide research sources. Clear directions help students work independently while you support groups who need it.
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✔️ Real Research + Writing Skills
Students locate key information about:
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Where the holiday is celebrated
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When it takes place
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History and traditions
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Symbols and their meaning
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This isn’t just a cute craft — it’s ELA and social studies in one.
✔️ Inclusive + Multicultural
We’ve all been there:
“I can’t do Christmas-only activities. We need something more inclusive.”
This project includes choices such as:
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Hanukkah
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Kwanzaa
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St. Lucia Day
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Lunar New Year
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Las Posadas
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Diwali
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Winter Solstice
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Dongzhi Festival
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Yule
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Christmas traditions around the world
Every child can feel represented.
✔️ Higher-Level Thinking (No Copying Allowed!)
Poster sections include open-ended questions like:
What surprised you most when learning about this holiday?
Students must think, respond, and write in their own words.
✔️ Bulletin Board Ready
Two-page posters create a stunning display for:
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Hallway galleries
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December parent events
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Multicultural celebrations
Students love seeing their work showcased.
You get to check lesson + decor off your list at once. 🎉
🎯 Standards? Covered.
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CCSS RI (informational text)
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CCSS W.7 (short research projects)
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CCSS SL (presentation skills if you choose to add oral presentations)
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Geography + cultural understanding in Social Studies
Optional presentation rubric included for extended learning!
🧠What’s Included?
✔ Student instructions
✔ Poster templates (top + bottom pages)
✔ Choice list of winter holidays
✔ Teacher directions
✔ Rubric for posters
✔ Optional presentation rubric
Everything is ready for you to print and go.
❤️ Celebrate Holidays Inclusively
Your students will be excited.
Your admin will be impressed.
And you? You’ll breathe easier.
Check it out in my TPT store here:
Winter Holidays Around the World Poster Project | Research Activity