25 Best Christmas Books for Kids
Reading aloud with your children can promote literacy skills even after they have become independent readers. The Christmas season seems to bring about more opportunities to be together as a family so why not take advantage of the time and read a few books with your kids?
Whether your elf brings a new book each day in December, or your family follows the rule of 4 gifts (something you want, something you need, something to wear, something to read), these books are perfect for kids of all ages. Enjoy this list of the 25 best Christmas books for kids.
Pick a few or buy all of them and wrap them, opening one each night in December for a fun, new tradition.
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The 25 Best Children’s Christmas Books
Pete the Cat's 12 Groovy Days of Christmas by James Dean
I have to start with my kids' favorite Christmas picture book - Pete the Cat's 12 Groovy Days of Christmas! Who wants Five Golden Rings when you can have Five Onion Rings instead? Pete the Cat and his gang are up to their usual crazy antics in this fun take on a traditional Christmas carol.
The Polar Express by Chris Van Allsburg
One of our favorite Christmas books for kids and a beloved classic – The Polar Express. Join a young boy as he travels to the North Pole aboard a train one magical Christmas Eve. The boy learns about the spirit of Christmas and the magic that comes with believing.
Llama Llama Holiday Drama by Anna Dewdney
Llama Llama cannot wait for Christmas. All of the excitement of the season has gotten to be too much. When it seems like Christmas will never arrive, Mama Llama cuddles up to remind him that, "Gifts are nice, but there's another: The true gift is, we have each other." Llama Llama Holiday Drama has a message that the whole family will enjoy.
Merry Un-Christmas by Mike Reiss
Merry UnChristmas is maybe the opposite of a typical Christmas book! When Noelle wakes up every morning, she must put her new pony in the backyard with all of her other ponies and her new bike in the garage with all of her other bikes. It is another normal day in Christmas City, where every day is Christmas except for one–the much anticipated but highly uncelebrated Un–Christmas Day.
Disney Mickey: Clubhouse Christmas Board Book
Clubhouse Christmas is the perfect Christmas board book for toddlers. Mickey, Minnie and all of your favorite characters are decorating the clubhouse for Christmas. The Clubhouse pals and Toodles need to make sure that each tree is trimmed, each sprig of mistletoe is hung, each twinkling light is just right before the big day arrives.
Little Blue Truck's Christmas by Alice Schertle
Beep, beep! Little Blue Truck has a special Christmas delivery to do! This fun book teaches rhyming, counting and has a fun lighted surprise at the end. Any child who loves the original Little Blue Truck book (or any of the books in the series) will love this holiday treasure.
Pick a Pine Tree by Patricia Toht
Let's go Pick a Pine Tree for Christmas! Children can explore all of the fun Christmas traditions like hanging stockings. decorating with lights, and of course, picking a Christmas tree. The pictures are beautiful and the words are rhythmic and fun.
If You Take a Mouse to the Movies by Laura Numeroff
That silly mouse is always doing something, and this time we find out what happens If You Take a Mouse to the Movies. Mouse is getting ready for the holiday season by making ornaments and decorating the tree. This book from the beloved children's series series is always a favorite!
How the Grinch Stole Christmas by Dr. Seuss
How the Grinch Stole Christmas is one of the most well-known Christmas picture books, and one of my favorites for 40+ years! This classic tale from Dr. Seuss tells the story of the Grinch, a grumpy creature who plans to ruin Christmas for the cheerful residents of Whoville.
His heartwarming change of heart and the book's rhythmic text make it a festive favorite. Your heart may even grow three sizes as you read this cute story!
Snowmen at Christmas by Caralyn Buehner
If you're familiar with the book Snowmen at Night, then you can't miss reading Snowmen at Christmas. The snowmen from this best selling book series are celebrating Christmas just as snowmen would. Find out what snowmen do as they go slip-sliding about on Christmas eve.
Santa's Underwear by Marty Rhodes Figley
Underwear books are always a hit with kids, and Santa's Underwear might be even funnier than the rest! Santa Claus has special underwear for every occasion but as he gets ready to head out on Christmas Eve he can't find his Christmas undies. He's just about to give up when the Reindeer give him a surprise.
Bear Stays Up for Christmas by Karma Wilson
Kids have a hard time falling asleep on Christmas but a hibernating bear has a hard time staying awake. The forest friends want him to experience Christmas and plan all kinds of activities to help keep him awake. Bear Stays Up for Christmas teaches kids that the gift of giving is one of the best gifts of all!
Mr. Willowby's Christmas Tree by Robert Barry
This beautiful story revolves around Mr. Willowby, a wealthy man who gets a Christmas tree that's just a bit too tall for his parlor. As the top of the tree is trimmed and passed down from the grand house to various other characters, including animals, each recipient is thrilled to have the perfect Christmas tree for their home.
It's a heartwarming story of sharing and community, beautifully illustrated, that reminds us of the holiday cheer and connectedness that the Christmas season brings. This book is a festive favorite, perfect for reading aloud and sharing the magic of Christmas time with children.
Santa's Workshop: A Christmas Lift-a-Flap Board Book by Holly Berry-Byrd
Babies and toddlers will love lifting the flaps as they explore the North Pole, Santa's Workshop, and even Mrs. Claus's kitchen. Interactive books are a great way to get younger children interested in reading - and it's extra special when it's a good Christmas story too!
The Best Christmas Pageant Ever by Barbara Robinson
One of my personal favorites since third grade, The Best Christmas Pageant Ever follows the outrageous shenanigans of the Herdman siblings, or “the worst kids in the history of the world.” Older kids will love this paperback chapter book about Christmas on their own or read it together as a family. Get your tissues, because the end is heart-warming!
You can find more great Christmas chapter books for the whole family here!
Christmas Cookie Day! by Tara Knudson
Cookies are always a great idea if you ask me, especially after Christmas dinner. Celebrate the beloved tradition of making Christmas treats with this Christmas Cookie Day board book that includes a fun cookie recipe you can make with your children.
The Little Reindeer by Nicola Killen
The Little Reindeer is an enchanting Christmas story about a magical yet unlikely friendship between a little girl and a lost reindeer. This book is sure to be a Christmas classic, lovingly told and illustrated with red foil highlights and interactive die cuts.
Mrs. Claus Takes the Reins by Sue Fliess
What happens when Santa is sick? Will Christmas be canceled? You and your children will love this delightful twist on the classic Christmas tale.
When Santa wakes up with a cold just before Christmas Eve, it's Mrs. Claus who jumps into action! She takes the reins of the sleigh, leading the reindeer on the all-important mission to deliver presents to children around the world.
This charming story, filled with fun rhymes and lively illustrations, celebrates teamwork, quick thinking, and the often-unsung hero of the North Pole – Mrs. Claus herself. It's a great read to share with kids, showing them that anyone can save the day with a bit of courage and Christmas spirit!
The Christmas Wish by Lori Evert
The Christmas Wish is a magical Christmas story that's like stepping into a winter wonderland. It's about a brave little girl named Anja who dreams of becoming one of Santa's elves. She sets out on an enchanting adventure through the snowy landscapes, meeting a variety of friendly Arctic animals along the way who help her on her journey to find Santa. The book is filled with stunning photography that brings Anja's journey to life, making it not just a sweet story, but a visual feast that's perfect for getting into the holiday spirit with your little ones!
Construction Site on Christmas Night by Sherri Duskey Rinker
The crew has been hard at work building something special for the community. Any little kids who love Goodnight Construction Site will enjoy watching all the machines open their Christmas gifts in this holiday-themed book, Construction Site on Christmas Night.
A Silly Milly Christmas by Sheri Wall
This humorous picture book celebrates the festive season through the eyes of an adorable and quirky Great Dane, Milly. In this story, Milly, with her larger-than-life personality, dives into all the holiday activities with unmatched enthusiasm and a touch of silliness. From romping in the snow to helping with Christmas decorations, Milly's antics are sure to bring laughter and smiles.
This book is filled with playful rhymes and charming illustrations, making it a perfect holiday read for children and dog lovers alike. It's a delightful tale that captures the joy and warmth of Christmas, reminding readers of the fun and happiness that pets bring into our lives.
My Teacher is an Elf by Joey Acker
This delightful and imaginative children's book is perfect for the holiday season. In this story, the students in a primary school class start to suspect that their teacher might be an elf. With her jolly demeanor, mysterious activities, and a knack for spreading Christmas cheer, she exhibits all the classic signs of an elf. As the children piece together the clues, their classroom turns into a winter wonderland of fun and learning.
This book combines the magic of Christmas with the excitement of a classroom mystery, making it an engaging read for young children. It's a playful reminder of the joy and wonder that the holiday season brings, especially through the eyes of children.
A Christmas Gift for Santa: A Bedtime Book by John T Elkins
Did you ever wonder what happens after all the presents have been delivered? Does Santa have a gift waiting for him when he returns to the North Pole? Enjoy this fun and unique Christmas bedtime story with your children. A Christmas Gift for Santa is perfect for learning about love and gratitude during the holidays.
The Broken Ornament by Tony DiTerlizzi
What happens when your child breaks a beloved Christmas ornament? Jack doesn't understand why his mother is so upset about The Broken Ornament. But the accident helps Jack to learn a bit about the magic and true meaning of Christmas.
The Night Before Christmas : A Classic Holiday Story Keepsake by Clement C. Moore
Before you tuck the kids into bed, gather around and enjoy The Night Before Christmas - the classic Christmas poem written by Clement C. Moore. Also known as "A Visit from St. Nicholas," this timeless poem is brought to life with beautiful illustrations. It's the classic tale of Santa's visit on Christmas Eve, and is often a family tradition to read each year.
Enjoy the fun and colorful artwork of Henry Fisher and send the kids to bed with visions of sugarplums dancing through their heads.
Which of these Christmas books for kids is your favorite?
So, there you have it! A sleigh-full of delightful Christmas books to share with the little ones in your life. From the snowy adventures of “The Christmas Wish” to the heartwarming tale of “Mr. Willowby’s Christmas Tree,” each book on this list promises to sprinkle a bit of holiday magic.
Whether you’re curling up for a cozy storytime or looking for the perfect gift to put under the tree, these books are sure to bring smiles and create cherished memories. Happy reading, and here’s to a season filled with joy, laughter, and lots of festive storytelling!
Will you be adding any classic Christmas books or new holiday books to your home? Does your family have favorite children’s Christmas books that I should add to the list (and our own Christmas book collection) for next year? Drop a comment below and let me know!
Pin for later, then check out my list of non-toy gifts for kids and these 18 Family Activities for Winter Break Fun!
MEET AMANDA
Amanda is a mom of 4 living a mostly crunchy lifestyle outside of Atlanta, GA with her husband, 2 dogs, and a cat. As a former special education teacher who also has her personal training certification — Amanda really enjoys teaching others how to do things!
When she’s not working, Amanda enjoys DIY projects, exercising, photography, hiking, and long walks through Target.
