Looking for the best Christmas books for kids? Our guide has books for all ages. These books have something for every child’s taste and interest during the holiday season! They cover a variety of themes and styles, so there’s something for everyone. Find classic tales, diverse stories, and new releases to make this holiday season magical!
I. Why Christmas Books Are More Than Just Stories?
Cognitive Development: Christmas books help children learn new words, understand stories better, and use their imagination. They also help children learn to think critically.
“reading is a beneficial way to engage multiple parts of the brain“.
Emotional Development: Christmas books often have themes of kindness, generosity, and empathy, which help children develop emotionally. These stories help children understand and express their own and others’ emotions. For example, children can learn to identify and manage their own feelings by engaging with characters who experience joy, sadness, or excitement. This is like the benefits of watching educational TV with your child.
Family Bonding: Reading Christmas books as a family is a great way to create memories and bonds. Reading together is a good way to spend quality time together. Talking about the story can help family members connect.
“reading together time with parents is absolute gold.”
Tradition and Cultural Understanding: Christmas books teach children about their heritage and holiday customs. This can help children feel a part of their culture. Bilingual families can also use Christmas books in different languages to learn and appreciate other cultures.
Imagination and Creativity: Christmas stories can inspire children’s creativity. Stories about Santa, reindeer, and Christmas adventures help children dream and create their own stories. This is like the benefits of imaginative play or storytelling, which are important for growth.
“Teach your child to be bored, and their imagination will thrive.”
II. The best Christmas books for kids by age group
1) Best Christmas Books for Babies and Toddlers (0-3 years)
1.1) Board books
Are super durable and just perfect for little hands to explore. They often feature simple text and really engaging illustrations. Some of the most popular Christmas-themed board books include:
1️⃣ That’s Not My Santa by Fiona Watt:
This lovely book is part of the popular “That’s Not My…” series. It features different textures for your little one to explore while looking for Santa. The bright and colourful illustrations will delight them, while the different textures help develop their sensory awareness.
2️⃣ Dear Santa by Rod Campbell:
This lovely lift-the-flap book is just the thing for little ones to discover what Santa has wrapped up for them. You’ll feel like you’re opening a gift on every page! It’ll be so much fun!
1.2) Touch-and-feel books
Are a wonderful way to engage young children with a sensory experience that they will love! These lovely books often have lots of different textures for little fingers to explore, which makes reading time really fun and interactive!
1️⃣ That’s Not My Reindeer by Fiona Watt:
Another absolutely wonderful touch-and-feel book from the “That’s Not My…” series, featuring all kinds of different textures related to reindeer.
2️⃣ Christmas in the Manger by Nola Buck:
This lovely book introduces the nativity story with simple text and beautiful illustrations, making it perfect for young children.
1.3) Books with simple text and bright
Beautiful illustrations are just perfect for capturing the attention of your little ones, especially babies and toddlers! These lovely books help little ones to learn new words and keep them happy and entertained.
1️⃣ Llama Llama Jingle Bells by Anna Dewdney:
This lovely new addition to the much-loved Llama Llama series is a real treat for the eyes and ears! It features simple rhymes and gorgeous, colorful illustrations. In Llama Llama Jingle Bells, our lovely little llama and his friends get together to exchange gifts, sing some festive songs, and decorate cookies. It’s the merriest holiday ever!
2️⃣ Where’s Santa Claus? by Ingela P. Arrhenius:
This lovely lift-the-flap book is just perfect for little toddlers! It’s got the most gorgeous, vibrant illustrations, and the flaps to lift are on every page. Five gorgeous spreads show a whole series of lovely Christmas creatures hiding behind bright felt flaps. It has beautiful gold foil on the cover and a mirror on the final page.
2) Enchanting Picture Books for Preschoolers (3-5 years)
We’ve put together a wonderful collection of books that we’re sure will delight your little ones! Each story is filled with engaging characters, gorgeous illustrations, slightly longer narratives, and lots of fun interactive elements. We hope these books will help to foster a love of reading in your preschoolers!
1️⃣ The Polar Express by Chris Van Allsburg (magical journey to the North Pole)
On Christmas Eve, after the town has gone to sleep, a young boy boards a mysterious train that waits for the Polar Express, bound for the North Pole. When he arrives, Santa offers the boy any gift he desires, and he is so happy to do so! The boy is so sweet! He modestly asks for just one little bell from the harness of the reindeer. And the gift is granted! Oh no! On the way home, the bell is lost. On Christmas morning, the boy is delighted to find the bell under the tree. The boy’s mother is really proud of the bell, but she’s sad because it’s broken.
You see, only believers can hear the bell’s beautiful sound. Chris Van Allsburg uses his amazing talent to create a magical Christmas classic in full colour. The Polar Express is another lovely, imaginative book by Chris Van Allsburg. It evokes the same sense of mystery as his previous books and has become a classic holiday movie. It’s also been translated into stage productions that take place across the United States during the holiday season.
2️⃣ How the Grinch Stole Christmas! by Dr. Seuss (classic tale with a heartwarming message)
Oh no! The mean old Grinch has hatched a fiendish plot to steal Christmas from the citizens of Who-ville. But he’s in for a surprise!
This gorgeous miniature hardback edition of Dr. Seuss’s classic festive tale is just perfect for filling stockings and for Christmas gifts!
3️⃣ Bear Stays Up for Christmas by Karma Wilson (sweet story about friendship and holiday spirit)
A lovely Christmas story for young readers, this enchanting tale tells how a surprise visit from someone very special gives Bear and his friends a Christmas to remember. With Karma Wilson’s lovely text and Jane Chapman’s gorgeous illustrations, Bear Stays Up for Christmas is a book you’ll love all year round!
“The day before Christmas, snuggled on his floor, Bear sleeps soundly with a great big snore….”
4️⃣ Pick a Pine Tree by Patricia Toht (celebrating the tradition of choosing a Christmas tree)
A lovely, festive read-aloud brimming with all the joy and excitement of Christmastime – and what better way to get into the spirit than by picking out a tree!
Debut author Patricia Toht and Jarvis, the author-illustrator of Alan’s Big, Scary Teeth, bring style and warmth to evoking all the rituals of decorating the tree. They take us back to those happy days of digging out boxes jam-packed with ornaments and tree trimmings, stringing tinsel, and, at long last, turning on those twinkling lights. This lovely book is full of joyous drawings and rhythmic writing. It celebrates family, friends, and the holiday season in a merry way that reflects the happy traditions it depicts.
5️⃣ The Christmas Owl by Ellen Kalish and Philomena O’Neill (heartwarming true story for animal lovers)
A story about a little owl found in the world’s most famous Christmas tree.
When Little Owl’s home is cut down to make a Christmas tree, she doesn’t want anything to do with Christmas. But then she is saved by Ellen, whose house is decorated for Christmas and has birds that need care. Little Owl starts to think Christmas might not be so bad after all.
➡️ What’s your preschooler’s favourite Christmas character?
3) Captivating Chapter Books for Early Readers (5-8 years)
1️⃣ The Christmasaurus by Tom Fletcher (dinosaur-themed Christmas adventure)
This Christmas, give the gift of joy with Shane Devries’ breathtaking illustrations, a pitch-perfect read-aloud rhyming text, and two magical surprise gate-fold pages in The Christmasaurus Picture Book.
The Christmasaurus would absolutely love to be able to fly! He’d be so happy to help pull Santa’s sleigh across the sky on Christmas Eve. But, oh my, flying is much harder than he thought, even with Santa’s help! One special Christmas, however, he falls down a chimney and meets a little boy who is absolutely obsessed with dinosaurs! This boy teaches him the magic of believing.
Santa and his reindeer live as north as you can go,
in a place that’s full of magic (and quite a lot of snow!).
But Santa and his reindeer do not live there on their own,
for there’s a special dinosaur that also calls it home . . .
2️⃣ A Boy Called Christmas by Matt Haig (origin story of Santa Claus)
A Boy Called Christmas is a lovely tale of adventure, snow, kidnapping, elves, more snow, and an eleven-year-old boy called Nikolas, who is a very brave boy and isn’t afraid to believe in magic.
You are about to read the true story of Father Christmas.
It is a story that proves that nothing is impossible.
If you are one of those people who believe that some things are impossible, you should put this book down right away. It is most certainly not for you.
Because this book is FULL of impossible things.
III. Exploring Diverse Christmas Stories
1) Classic and Beloved Stories
It’s so lovely to see that so many classic Christmas books have stood the test of time and remain favorites for children.
“Twas the Night Before Christmas” is one of those stories that everyone loves. It captures the magic of Christmas Eve perfectly! Another classic that will delight and enchant is “The Snowy Day“ by Ezra Jack Keats. It beautifully depicts the wonder of a snowy day.
2) Heartwarming Tales
Books that send a little sunshine your way are also super popular! “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever” by Barbara Robinson is a truly special book. It’s hilarious and heartfelt, and it’s no wonder it’s a beloved read for so many families! “The Very Best Christmas Gift” by Jim Razzi is a heartwarming tale that reminds us of the beauty of love and the joy of companionship.
3) Animal-Themed Stories
It’s so lovely to see children’s faces light up with joy when they’re reading stories featuring animals during the holiday season. If you’re looking for a heartwarming winter tale, look no further than “Bear Snores On“ by Karma Wilson. “Little Blue Truck’s Christmas” is a heartwarming tale that brings festive cheer and the adventures of a beloved character together in one delightful package.
4) Interactive and Fun Reads
For little ones, some fun, interactive reads can really make the holiday season even more special and enjoyable. “Moo Baa Fa La La La La” is a delightful book that playfully explores animal sounds with a Christmas theme. Another wonderful book that I just love is “Gingerbread Baby” by Jan Brett. It’s so engaging and brings the excitement of baking and adventure to life!
5) Winter-Themed Books
If you’re looking for some cozy winter reading, don’t forget about books that aren’t strictly about Christmas. They make great additions to your holiday reading list! I’d highly recommend checking out “The Jacket I Wear in the Snow” by Shirley Neitzel and “The Snowy Nap.” They’re absolute gems that celebrate the magic and joy of the season.
6) Music and Activity Books
If you’re looking to combine reading with music, I’ve got just the thing for you! It’s a Christmas music sheet book for kids. If you’re looking for a great Christmas piano book for kids who are just starting out, I would highly recommend the Hal Leonard Christmas Piano Solos book. It’s perfect for little ones who know just one octave.
IV. Making Reading Time Magical: Tips and Activities
We’ve got some tips and ideas to help you create an enchanting reading experience:
Craft Time: Have fun with craft activities related to the books you’re reading! For instance, after reading a story about animals, why not have fun making animal masks or puppets?
Storytime Props: Let’s bring the story to life with some fun props! You can use stuffed animals, costumes, or simple DIY items. This will make the reading experience more immersive and engaging for children.
Shared Reading: Take turns reading aloud with your child. This is a great way to help improve their reading skills, and it also makes the activity more fun and interactive!
Discussion: After reading, have a chat about the story. Ask open-ended questions about the plot, characters, and their favorite parts. This is a wonderful way to encourage critical thinking and comprehension!
Book Selection: Let your little ones pick out their own books during library visits! This helps them to grow in confidence and shows them that reading can be fun!
Holiday Decorations: Why not create some lovely personalized ornaments to commemorate those special moments or milestones in your life? For instance, you could make a “Home Sweet Home” ornament to celebrate your first Christmas in your lovely new house!
DIY Projects: Why not get creative and make some festive decorations like wreaths, garlands, or snowflakes? The great thing about these is that they can be simple and inexpensive! You can use materials like paper, glue, and glitter to make them.
Christmas Stories: Read some lovely Christmas-themed books together and then have fun doing some related activities! For instance, you could bake cookies that are mentioned in the story, or you could create a craft inspired by the book’s illustrations.
Don’t forget to check out your local library for fun events like story times, craft sessions, and book clubs! These are great ways to get everyone involved in reading and crafting together!
Now for some fun! Let’s play some games together! Have some fun with holiday-themed games like scavenger hunts or trivia based on Christmas stories! This is a great way to make sure everyone has fun and is involved!
V. Would you like a brief summary?
And so, as we come to the end of our discussion, we can see that Christmas books are so much more than just a bit of light entertainment. They really do contribute to our children’s cognitive and emotional development, strengthen family bonds and enrich our cultural understanding. So, by integrating these wonderful stories into our holiday traditions, we can create some truly lasting memories and support our children’s growth in so many different ways.
I hope this Christmas is filled with joy and love as you gather with your loved ones. I also hope these books bring you lots of laughter, warmth, and holiday cheer! Happy reading! I hope you enjoy these books!
VI. Frequently Asked Questions about Christmas Books for Kids
If your little one is around three years old and isn’t easily scared, they’ll probably love “The Nightmare Before Christmas”! Halloween is such a fun time, and this movie is a great way to get into the spirit.
You’ve got to check out specialized subscription boxes like OurShelves! Be sure to look for books that include diverse characters and families, such as the lovely “Bathe the Cat” and the delightful “Mr. Watson’s Chickens.”
There are so many ways to get your little ones excited about reading! Try using interactive books and activities, make reading a routine, involve your child in the reading process, reduce screen time to encourage book interest, and model reading behavior.
The Wild Robot by Peter Brown
The Boxcar Children series by Gertrude Chandler Warner
The Magic Tree House series by Mary Pope Osborne
Ramona series by Beverly Cleary
Sophie Mouse series by Poppy Green
