The holiday season is the perfect time to slow down, snuggle up, and enjoy Christmas books with your kids. I loved putting this list together because there are so many fantastic books to read this time of the year! Our family uses our holiday books for family traditions like reading The Night Before Christmas on Christmas Even and also enjoying a few chapters each night of The Best Christmas Pageant Ever. We also use them to decorate and I always enjoyed sharing these magical stories with the reluctant readers in my classroom. This list brings together the very best Christmas stories for every age.
*I use affiliate links to share products with you. If you use the link to make a purchase, the cost of the book doesn’t go up for you. However, I will receive a commission and I do appreciate your support.
Why Christmas Books Matter
December has a way of slowing us down and drawing us back together. Reading Christmas books becomes one of the easiest ways to create those moments of connection. Maybe you open a new one each night, tuck a favorite aside for Christmas Eve, or simply keep a stack of holiday stories next to the couch for those cozy, unhurried mornings.
When you weave reading into your family rhythm, you’re giving your kids more than a story—you’re giving them a place to belong. Little ones thrive on that closeness, snuggling into your lap and settling into the security of your arms. It’s one of the simplest ways to build a strong attachment, and it stays with them long after the season ends.
Even babies benefit from this time together. They soak in the sound of your voice, feel your warmth, and begin connecting books with comfort. Those quiet minutes become a steady, reassuring ritual they can count on.
Learn more about building a healthy bond with your child using books by reading my article 11 Ways to Bond with Your Child Through Reading.
How to Use This List
You can:
-
wrap 24 books and open one each night
-
choose a weekly theme (trees, generosity, nativity, winter animals, snow)
-
add a few to your homeschool rhythm
-
keep a basket out for independent reading time
-
read chapter books together as a December tradition
I have organized these Christmas books by age to make it easy to grab what fits your child right now, and allow you to enjoy watching the stories grow with them over the years.
Christmas Books for Toddlers & Preschoolers (Ages 0–4)
1. Merry Christmas, Mouse! – Laura Numeroff
A simple, cheerful counting book perfect for little ones who love the If You Give a Mouse books.
2. The Christmas Fox – Anik McGrory
Soft illustrations and gentle text follow a curious fox discovering the meaning of Christmas.
3. Pick a Pine Tree – Patricia Toht
A rhyming celebration of picking, prepping, and decorating the family Christmas tree.
4. The Snowman – Raymond Briggs
A wordless classic that invites little ones to follow a magical Christmas Eve adventure.
5. Snowmen at Christmas – Caralyn Buehner
Funny, whimsical scenes show what snowmen do while families sleep on Christmas Eve.
6. Little Robin Red Vest – Jan Fearnley
A sweet story about kindness as Robin gives away his warm vests on cold winter days.
7. Olivia Helps with Christmas – Ian Falconer
Toddlers will relate to Olivia’s enthusiasm as she “helps” prepare for Christmas in her silly, energetic way.
8. If You Take a Mouse to the Movies – Laura Numeroff
A fun, circular story full of festive chaos and toddler-approved silliness.
9. Bear Stays Up for Christmas – Karma Wilson
Bear’s friends work together to help him stay awake to celebrate the big day.
10. The Story Orchestra: The Nutcracker – Jessica Courtney-Tickle
Push-button sound book introducing little readers to the magic of Tchaikovsky.
Christmas Books for Early Elementary (Ages 5–7)
11. Mr. Willowby’s Christmas Tree – Robert Barry
A fun, repetitive story of a too-tall tree that finds new life in many homes.
12. The Wild Christmas Reindeer – Jan Brett
A beautifully illustrated tale about patience and kindness during the busy season.
13. Gingerbread Baby – Jan Brett
A lively retelling of the runaway gingerbread tale with Brett’s signature cozy details.
14. The Twelve Days of Christmas – Jan Brett
A richly illustrated version of the classic Christmas song.
15. The Polar Express – Chris Van Allsburg
A magical train ride to the North Pole that captures the heart of Christmas wonder.
16. Santa Post – Emma Yarlett
Kids love opening envelopes and exploring Santa’s mail in this interactive book.
17. Red and Lulu – Matt Tavares
A heartwarming story of two cardinals separated—and reunited—during Christmas in New York.
18. The Christmas Pine – Julia Donaldson
A poetic look at the journey of the famous Trafalgar Square Christmas tree.
19. A Christmas for Bear – Bonny Becker
Big Bear wants a quiet Christmas—but Little Mouse has other plans, of course.
20. Maple & Willow’s Christmas Tree – Lori Nichols
Two sisters navigate allergies, problem-solving, and Christmas traditions.
Christmas Books for Upper Elementary (Ages 7–10)
21. Sounding Joy – Ellie Holcomb
A lyrical, faith-filled picture book about where true joy comes from.
22. Great Joy – Kate DiCamillo
A tender Christmas story about compassion and welcoming others in.
23. The Christmas Miracle of Jonathan Toomey – Susan Wojciechowski
A woodcarver’s heart is changed through a special Christmas commission.
24. An Orange for Frankie – Patricia Polacco
Based on a true story—Frankie learns about generosity and the meaning of giving.
25. Leah’s Star – Margaret Bateson-Hill
A fresh nativity perspective told through the eyes of Leah, the innkeeper’s daughter.
26. The Christmas Story – Fiona Biggs
A simple, traditional retelling of the nativity for young readers.
27. The Legend of Old Befana – Tomie dePaola
A charming Italian folktale about a woman searching for the Christ child.
28. Merry Christmas, Strega Nona – Tomie dePaola
A festive visit to Strega Nona’s village full of food, magic, and mishaps.
29. The Little Drummer Boy – Ezra Jack Keats
Keats’ bold collage illustrations bring the classic Christmas song to life.
30. The Mitten – Jan Brett
A snowy, animal-filled story perfect for winter storytime (not Christmas-specific but beloved).
31. The Christmas Owl – Gideon Sterer
A true story of the owl found inside the Rockefeller Center tree.
32. The Broken Ornament – Tony DiTerlizzi
A boy learns the importance of kindness and family traditions.
33. The Nutcracker – Illustrated by Susan Jeffers
A classic retelling with bright, detailed illustrations perfect for young ballet lovers.
34. Angelia’s Christmas – Katharine Holabird
Angelina discovers ways to spread Christmas cheer through dance and kindness.
35. A Wish to Be a Christmas Tree – Colleen Monroe
A little evergreen longs to be chosen—until forest friends remind him he matters.
Christmas Chapter Books & Middle Grade (Ages 9–12)
36. The Story of Holly and Ivy – Barbara Cooney
A longer read-aloud about an orphan girl, a doll, and a Christmas wish coming true.
37. Christmas in the Big Woods – Laura Ingalls Wilder
A nostalgic chapter from Little House capturing pioneer Christmas traditions.
38. Silver Packages – Cynthia Rylant
A moving story set in Appalachia about a boy who longs for a specific Christmas gift.
39. The Year of the Perfect Christmas Tree – Gloria Houston
A mother and daughter work together to prepare for their town’s Christmas celebration.
40. The Gift of the Magi – Adapted for Children
A classic tale of sacrificial giving made accessible for middle-grade readers.
41. Letters from Father Christmas – J.R.R. Tolkien
Tolkien’s whimsical letters bring magic and imagination to the season.
42. The Crayons’ Christmas – Drew Daywalt
Interactive and silly, perfect for kids who enjoy opening flaps and envelopes.
43. The Christmas Promise – Alison Mitchell
A meaningful nativity-focused story that points kids to the heart of Christmas.
44. The Nutcracker in Harlem – T.E. McMorrow
A vibrant, jazz-infused retelling of the classic ballet.
45. A Boy Called Christmas – Matt Haig
A fantastical origin story of Father Christmas, filled with humor and heart.
Family Read-Aloud Christmas Chapter Books (8+)
46. The Best Christmas Pageant Ever – Barbara Robinson
The hilarious and meaningful Herdmans take over the church Christmas pageant—I read this to my kids every year!
47. Dasher – Matt Tavares
A beautifully illustrated story about how Santa’s lead reindeer found her way north.
48. The Christmas Feast – Nathalie Dargent
Three hungry foxes and a clever goose make for a fun, unexpected Christmas tale.
49.
An Advent calendar for families. Each day, open an ornament from a hidden compartment and place it on the pop-up Joshua tree. Celebrate Jesus’ coming and read a short devotional together.
50. How the Grinch Stole Christmas – Dr. Seuss
A timeless Christmas classic that every family loves to read aloud year after year.
May you take time to enjoy a reading together with your kids this holiday season. I know there are books here for every family to use in their own unique way. Happy reading!
