Christmas books for kids are a festive addition to the holiday season!
Common themes in Christmas books include kindness and generosity, the importance of family and togetherness, the magic and wonder of the season, belief and hope, overcoming hardship, celebrating holiday traditions, and the triumph of good over evil.
These themes help capture the magic, joy, and warmth of Christmas while promoting time spent together as a family.
Christmas books create beautiful memories and lasting traditions when revisited year after year. So get some hot cocoa, snuggle up in your cozy reading nook, and read together, or listen to stories on your toniebox or Yoto player!
Here are my favorite board books, picture books, and chapter books that you can read together with your kids this holiday season.
- Looking to add to the holiday fun? Check out all the best festive and silly Christmas jokes for kids!
In this post:
- Christmas Board Books for Babies and Toddlers
- Christmas Picture Books
- Christmas Chapter Books for Kids
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Christmas Board Books for Babies and Toddlers
These sturdy and simple holiday books are perfect for bringing joy to the littlest kiddos in your family.
- Looking for more fantastic board books? Check out all my favorite Montessori books for toddlers!
1. Where’s Santa Claus?
- Ages: 0-2
- Pages: 10
This super simply book features crisp illustrations, simple text, and felt flaps that make it for babies to explore. Babies loving helping to uncover the Christmas themed items under each flap.
I love that the felt flaps are durable and do not tear when handled by babies.
2. Peekaboo Santa
- Ages: 0-2
- Pages: 8
This books is super simple with minimal text and bright, clear illustrations that make it perfect for little ones!
Babies can say peekaboo to Christmas, elf, Santa, shelf, and mouse. Many additional things can be pointed out in the illustrations, like a Christmas tree, ornaments, reindeer, and a stocking.
Each page features a durable slider for babies to move and interact with. I have yet to have a slider break in this book unlike many boardbooks with flaps.
3. Moo Baa Fa La La La La
- Ages: 0-3
- Pages: 16
If your toddler is a fan of Sandra Boyton books this book is for you! This cute and silly book is a play on Deck the Hallls and features singing animals and fun illustrations.
I love that the illustrations are uncluttered and simple. This makes them great for counting animals and pointing/chatting about what we see.
The text is short enough to get through even with babies but fun enough the engage young kids.
4. First 100 Christmas Words
- Ages: 0-2
- Pages: 24
This Christmas board book is perfect for introducing kids to lots of holiday vocabulary! Little ones love turning the pages, finding their favorite items, pointing to the things they see, and chatting about each page.
Kids love that it features real photos of each item. I enjoy using this book to play iSpy with young kids. You can begin by saying the item (“I spy a candy cane”) and then progress to describing items (“I spy something red and white”).
5. Merry Christmas, Mouse!
- Ages: 0-2
- Pages: 24
This cute Christmas counting book is perfect for little fans of If You Give a Mouse a Cookie!
The text is short enough to get through with toddlers and each page offers a counting opportunity, making it the perfect introduction to numbers. Kids love using a finger to point and help count the ornaments on each page.
6. Dear Santa
- Ages: 1-2
- Pages: 16
This lift-the-flap book is the Christmas version of Dear Zoo by Rod Campbell and is just as cute! Toddlers can lift the flap on each page to reveal the gift sent by Santa until Santa finally settles on the perfect one. Kids enjoy the repetition throughout the book and lifting the flaps.
Note: the flaps aren’t super sturdy and tend to get ripped over time. Young toddlers may need some supervision to keep from pulling all the flaps off.
7. I Can Find It! Christmas
- Ages: 1-5
- Pages: 16
This sturdy board book is engaging for toddlers and preschoolers! Young kids love looking at the illustrations, while older kids enjoy counting and hunting for the items on each page.
While a one-year-old won’t be finding all the items on each page, they still love looking at the illustrations, turning the page, and pointing to the things they see. This book is perfect for starting conversations, introducing holiday vocabulary, and building positive associations with books!
8. I Can Count to Christmas!
- Ages: 1-2
- Pages: 20
This super simple counting Christmas book is perfect for families focusing on the birth of Jesus during the holiday season!
Toddlers can trace the cut out of each number and practice pointing and counting while being introduced to the nativity.
I love that it features non-white folks.
9. The Christmas Promise
- Ages: 1-3
- Pages: 16
This board book uses simple text and sweet illustrations to share the story of the birth of Jesus, making it perfect for religious families of toddlers.
The story is short enough to be engaging for little ones while still being accurate.
10. Christmas in the Manger
- Ages: 1-2
- Pages: 16
This rhyming book goes through those present in the stable at the birth of Jesus and is excellent for sharing the true meaning of Christmas with little ones.
The text is clear and easy to understand with simple illustrations that appeal to toddlers.
Christmas Picture Books for Kids
There are so many fantastic Christmas books for kids that it was hard to narrow down, but here are my current picture book favorites.
I’ve picked books with captivating illustrations paired with beautifully crafted storytelling.
12. Green is for Christmas
- Ages: 2-5
- Pages: 32
If your family enjoys The Day the Crayons Quit, you’ll love revisiting the crayons in this fun holiday book!
Green Crayon believes that he is the only color of Christmas but is soon put in his place by Red, White, Silver, and Tan Crayon as they all explain their role in Christmas. Silly banter and comments from the crayons make the book a fun read for kids and parents alike.
The book is shorter and has less storyline than the original, making it suitable for younger kids, while older kids might want something with a bit more text.
Note: this book is smaller than a traditional picture book and is only 6×7 inches.
12. We Disagree About This Tree
- Ages: 1-4
- Pages: 32
This super simple Christmas picture book is fun for young kids. It contains minimal rhyming text and clear, beautiful illustrations, which keep the book engaging.
Bear and Mouse live together but struggle to agree on how to decorate their Christmas tree, which leads to hilarious chaos.
The uncluttered illustrations make the pictures easy to chat about and further extend the read-aloud experience. I love asking kids to point to what they see and comment on the decorations.
13. Pick a Pine Tree
- Ages: 2-6
- Pages: 40
The beautiful, detailed illustrations and poetic text make this book a magical must during the holiday season!
The simple text pairs well with the illustrations to share about selecting and decorating a Christmas tree, a special tradition for so many families.
This book is perfect for reading aloud together as a family and can spark many conversations about your family’s holiday traditions.
14. Santa’s First Christmas
- Ages: 3-6
- Pages: 40
Santa’s First Christmas is a sweet story about how the elves help Santa celebrate Christmas after he returns to the North Pole on Christmas morning. Santa gets to experience the joy of decorations, treats, presents, and time with loved ones.
The beautiful illustrations and well-written text make this a lovely picture book to read with your kids.
15. Olive, the Other Reindeer
- Ages: 3-7
- Pages: 40
In this fun story, Olive the dog is listening to Christmas music, and instead of hearing, “All of the other reindeer…,” she hears “Olive, the other reindeer.” Deciding that she must be a reindeer, Olive heads to the North Pole to help Santa and her special skills come in handy as they deliver presents.
I love this book’s bright, graphic illustrations and engaging storyline. It’s one my family revisits every holiday season.
16. Christmas in the Big Woods
- Ages: 3-6
- Pages: 32
This sweet picture book is perfect for those who enjoy the Little House on the Prarie series and want to introduce it to young kids.
Laura and her family celebrate a simple Christmas in the Big Woods by playing with cousins in the snow, eating pancakes, hanging stockings by the fire, and reading books. It’s a lovely reminder that simple traditions are what make Christmas magical.
The illustrations add to the text and give kids a picture of what winter was like for Laura.
The book also makes an excellent first reader for kids building their reading skills.
17. How Does Santa Go Down the Chimney?
- Ages: 3-8
- Pages: 32
This humorous book asks all the silly questions we’ve all been wondering about how Santa really gets into homes and delivers presents and gives answers that are both wild and plausible. Follow Santa as he visits children around the world.
Kids love the silly speculation and enjoy developing their own theories about Santa.
The excellent illustrations and fun text make this book a Christmas must-read.
18. I Spy a Christmas Tree
- Ages: 2-4
- Pages: 24
This simple ISpy book features rhyming text and several Christmas items for kids to find on each page. Items are fairly easy to find, making it a good choice for younger kids. Kids ages 5+ might find it boring after one read.
I love the real photos and all the additional things kids can spy on each picture. This is a great way to extend the game and time spent exploring the book.
19. The Jolly Christmas Postman
- Ages: 4-7
- Pages: 32
If you’re a fan of The Jolly Postman, your family will love this Christmas edition! Kids find the interactive nature of the book engaging and magical.
The festive story follows the postman as he heads through town delivering Christmas mail. The pages have pockets that contain letters and puzzles for kids to take out and read. Kids love discovering each of the surprises.
The engaging story, interactive format, and gorgeous illustrations make this book a Christmas favorite.
Due to all of the pieces, this book is best suited to preschool-age and older kids. This keeps letters from getting lost and pages from getting ripped.
Note: the postman does stop and have several alcoholic drinks along the way, and that makes this book a no-go for some families.
20. Letters From the North Pole
- Ages: 3-7
- Pages: 48
Here is another festive interactive book that contains letters for kids to take out and read! Like The Jolly Postman, this book features pockets beautifully decorated as envelopes with letters inside.
Letter From the North Pole features five letters from Santa in answer to those written by five children. Santa shares about the North Pole, his favorite snacks, and how the reindeer sleep.
The beautiful illustrations and magical storyline of receiving a letter from Santa make this book an enchanting Christmas read.
21. The Night Before Christmas
- Ages: 2+
- Pages: 48
The beautiful festive illustrations accompanying Clement Moore’s poem make this book a continued Christmas classic! Perfect for putting the whole family in a Christmassy mood.
I love the way the poem flows when read aloud, and I revisit this book on Christmas Eve every year. The familiarity of the words make it feel all the more like a magical holiday tradition.
22. ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas
- Ages: 2-8
- Pages: 38
Here is another take on The Night Before Christmas and while the words are the same, the book has such a different feel.
I absolutely love the way Mr. Boddington has reimagined this classic poem with modern, bright illustrations. It brings new life to this well-known poem and makes the story magical all over again.
The illustrations are rich with details, and there is so much to discover on each page.
23. How the Grinch Stole Christmas
- Ages: 4-9
- Pages: 64
How the Grinch Stole Christmas! is a holiday classic that tells the story of the Grinch, a grouch who despises Christmas. Determined to ruin the festive spirit, he schemes to steal Christmas. But the book finishes on a heartwarming note when he realizes that the true essence of Christmas is about togetherness and love, not material possessions.
The book’s timeless appeal comes from Dr. Seuss’s whimsical rhymes, imaginative illustrations, and heartwarming message about kindness and the power of community.
Kids love the playful language, vivid characters, and detailed narrative.
24. The Christmas Owl
- Ages: 3-8
- Pages: 40
This book is a beautifully illustrated story inspired by true events!
The Christmas Owl follows a tiny owl accidentally transported to New York City inside the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree. Rescued by humans, the owl learns about compassion, community, and the magic of the holiday season.
What makes this book exceptional is its combination of a heartwarming story, lush and detailed illustrations, and a meaningful message about the connection between humans and nature.
It’s a touching and uplifting holiday tale my family loves reading every year.
25. Christmas is Coming! An Advent Book
- Ages: 5+
- Pages: 72
This advent book is perfect for families looking to spend the month of December making holiday memories!
Each day of December features a beautifully illustrated page with a Christmas activity for kids to complete, such as writing a letter to Santa, making cookies, or a paper snowflake craft. The book can be used again and again year after year to create fun holiday traditions.
The book’s cover has flaps for each day of the month, revealing a small clue about what holiday activity kids can look forward to.
The activities are best suited to kids ages 5+, though families can find ways to include younger kids. Some of the activities, such as baking cookies, require specific supplies, so it can be helpful for parents to look ahead and make sure they have everything they need.
26. Mr Willow’s Christmas Tree
- Ages: 3-7
- Pages: 32
This delightful tale is filled with humor, warmth, and the spirit of giving, making it a perfect holiday read for kids and adults!
Mr. Willow’s Christmas Tree is a story about a man named Mr. Willow, who loves Christmas and decides to bring a giant tree into his home to celebrate. The large size of the tree leads to an amusing series of events involving his neighbors and friends. Piece by piece, the tree gets shared, spreading the festive spirit throughout the community.
The lively illustrations and rhythmic text enhance the story’s playful tone, while its message of sharing and togetherness is one I love.
Christmas Chapter Books for Kids
These festive Christmas chapter books are perfect for independent readers or a family read-aloud!
Not looking to read all these books aloud? Use the Libby app to check out the audiobook versions from your local library! This can be perfect for road trips or downtime at home.
27. The True Gift
- Ages: 5-9
- Pages: 112
The simple and sweet Christmas chapter book makes the perfect read-aloud!
The story follows Lily and Liam as they visit their grandparents’ farm for Christmas. When Liam notices that White Cow, the family’s only cow, is lonely, he becomes determined to find her a friend. His selflessness inspires a heartwarming journey that emphasizes the spirit of giving and thinking beyond oneself.
What makes this book stand out is MacLachlan’s gentle, poetic prose and her ability to weave deep themes of kindness and empathy into a simple, accessible narrative. Kids love the relatable characters and the sweet animal story, while I appreciate its message about the true meaning of generosity.
The book is a good independent reading choice for those at about a 3rd-grade reading level.
28. Nate the Great and the Crunchy Christmas
- Ages: 6-8
- Pages: 80
Nate the Great and the Crunchy Christmas is a fun addition to the Nate the Great series, geared toward early readers at a 2nd to 3rd-grade reading level. In this festive mystery, Nate and his dog Sludge are on the case to solve the disappearance of a unique Christmas gift meant for their friend Fang, a large dog with an even larger appetite.
The book combines humor, clever problem-solving, and holiday cheer, making it a fun and engaging read for young readers. The simple language and illustrations help build reading confidence.
While not a total read-aloud classic, it is one that independent readers will find engaging. The book combines humor, clever problem-solving, and holiday cheer, making it fun for young readers. The simple language and illustrations help build reading confidence.
29. Christmas in Camelot
- Ages: 7-10
- Pages: 144
Christmas in Camelot is a magical adventure in the popular Magic Tree House series, suitable for 2nd to 4th grade readers. This enjoyable chapter book is perfect for kids who might sometimes be reluctant readers.
In this holiday installment, Jack and Annie receive an invitation to spend Christmas in Camelot, only to discover that the kingdom is under a dark spell. The siblings must embark on a daring quest to save Camelot, encountering mythical creatures and relying on their wits and bravery.
This book captivates kids with its blend of holiday charm, Arthurian legend, and fast-paced action. The richly imaginative setting and the engaging storytelling make it a favorite for fans of the series and newcomers alike.
While not a literary classic, it is one kids will enjoy.
30. The Family Under the Bridge
- Ages: 7-11
- Pages: 128
This Newbery Honor book is beloved for its touching exploration of human connection and compassion, set against the backdrop of a wintry Paris! It’s a lovely read-aloud or perfect for independent readers.
The Family Under the Bridge tells the story of Armand, a grumpy old man living on the streets of Paris. His life is turned upside down when he befriends a struggling family of children and their mother, who take refuge under the same bridge. Through their interactions, Armand discovers the importance of love, generosity, and belonging as he sees himself as part of their family.
I love the book’s themes of kindness, resilience, and the meaning of home. The beautifully written story, complemented by lovely illustrations, makes it a perfect read for families during the holiday season.
31. The Life and Adventures of Santa Claus
- Ages: 7-11
- Pages: 160
From the creator of The Wizard of Oz comes The Life and Adventures of Santa Claus, a whimsical tale that reimagines the origin story of Santa Claus!
The book explores Claus’s early life as an orphan raised by magical beings in the enchanted Forest of Burzee and follows his journey as he dedicates his life to bringing joy to children. Through his kindness and determination, Claus overcomes challenges, earns the favor of magical creatures, and becomes the beloved figure we know today.
This book is celebrated for its imaginative blend of mythology, fantasy, and Christmas traditions. Kids are captivated by the magical elements, while I love the story’s celebration of generosity and goodwill.
It’s a holiday classic that sparks wonder and reminds us of the spirit of giving.
32. Nancy and Plum
- Ages: 8-12
- Pages: 240
This delightful and enduring holiday story was originally published in 1952 and is cherished for its timeless themes of love, kindness, and hope.
Nancy and Plum follows two orphaned sisters, Nancy and Plum, as they navigate life at the grim Mrs. Monday’s boarding home. Despite their hardships, the sisters dream of finding a loving family and experience an unforgettable Christmas that changes their lives forever. Their resourcefulness, resilience, and deep bond help them overcome adversity in this heartwarming tale.
The rich storytelling and lively characters make it a perfect read for the holiday season, offering a mix of humor, suspense, and heartfelt moments. The book’s language and themes make it enjoyable for independent readers at a 4th to 6th-grade reading level.
33. When Santa Fell to Earth
- Ages: 8-12
- Pages: 192
When Santa Fell to Earth is a magical and adventurous chapter book that reimagines Christmas in an exciting and imaginative way! The enchanting illustrations and thrilling plot make it an engaging holiday read for families or independent readers.
The story begins when Santa Claus crash-lands his caravan in a small town after escaping from the evil Goblynch, who wants to turn Christmas into a cold, commercialized operation. With the help of two kids, Santa works to save Christmas and restore its true spirit of joy, wonder, and giving.
I appreciate the book’s message about resisting commercialization and celebrating the magic of the season, and kids enjoy the quirky characters, including Santa’s lively reindeer and his loyal angel.
The book is perfect for readers in 3rd to 6th grade.
34. A Boy Called Christmas
- Ages: 8-12
- Pages: 256
This Christmas Chapter book is loved for its blend of humor, adventure, and heartfelt moments, appealing to readers in 4th to 6th grade and beyond. Matt Haig’s vivid storytelling and Chris Mould’s charming illustrations create a festive, immersive experience.
A Boy Called Christmas is the story of Nikolas, an ordinary boy who travels to the far north to find his father, who is on a quest to discover the fabled Elfhelm. Along the way, he encounters hardships and magical creatures and learns the true meaning of hope, generosity, and believing in the impossible. This extraordinary journey leads to him becoming Father Christmas.
It’s a modern Christmas classic that inspires joy and wonder.
35. The Girl Who Saved Christmas
- Ages: 8-12
- Pages: 320
The Girl Who Saved Christmas is the magical sequel to A Boy Called Christmas that blends adventure, heart, and holiday spirit.
The story follows Amelia, a courageous girl whose belief in magic is so strong it helps power Christmas itself. When she loses hope after facing hardships, Christmas is in jeopardy. Nikolas (Santa Claus) embarks on a daring mission to restore Amelia’s faith and save the season of giving.
It’s a perfect holiday read that combines humor, touching moments, and a reminder of the importance of believing in magic and each other.
This chapter book is ideal for 4th to 6th-grade readers, with its engaging narrative, whimsical characters, and Chris Mould’s delightful illustrations.
36. The Last Holiday Concert
- Ages: 8-12
- Pages: 176
This holiday chapter book is a touching and thought-provoking story about leadership, collaboration, and finding joy in unexpected places.
The Last Holiday Concert follows Hart Evans, a popular middle schooler who unexpectedly becomes responsible for directing his school’s holiday concert after a classroom incident leaves his music teacher, Mr. Meinert, stepping back. As Hart and his classmates navigate challenges and learn to work together, they discover the value of teamwork, creativity, and appreciating one another’s talents.
This book resonates with 4th to 6th-grade readers, blending humor, realistic school dynamics, and heartfelt moments. The themes of responsibility, cooperation, and community make it perfect for the holiday season.
37. The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe
- Ages: 8+
- Pages: 176
The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe is a timeless fantasy classic and the first published book in The Chronicles of Narnia series. I love to read this one aloud even after kids have achieved the reading level to read it independently.
The story follows four siblings—Peter, Susan, Edmund, and Lucy—who discover a magical wardrobe that leads to the enchanted land of Narnia. In Narnia, they encounter mythical creatures, the benevolent lion Aslan, and the evil White Witch, who has cast the land into an eternal winter. The siblings join Aslan in a battle to free Narnia and bring back hope and warmth.
This book is cherished for its rich world-building, symbolic depth, and themes of courage, redemption, and the triumph of good over evil. Readers of all ages are drawn to its imaginative setting, vivid characters, and compelling story.
The combination of adventure, wonder, and moral lessons makes this a favorite for family reading and a cornerstone of children’s literature.
38. Letters from Father Christmas
- Ages: 10+
- Pages: 208
This book is a magical read-aloud for families with elementary and older kids!
Letters from Father Christmas is an enchanting collection of letters Tolkien wrote to his children, pretending to be Father Christmas. Over the years, the letters tell whimsical tales of life at the North Pole, including adventures with mischievous elves, polar bears, and goblin attacks. Each letter is filled with humor, warmth, and Tolkien’s imaginative storytelling, accompanied by his beautifully illustrated drawings.
I love this book for its personal and magical glimpse into Tolkien’s creativity and his love for his family. Readers of all ages enjoy its blend of festive cheer and fantastical adventure, while parents appreciate its message about the joy of traditions and the magic of storytelling.
It’s a heartwarming holiday treasure perfect for bringing your family together and adding a touch of wonder to the Christmas season.
What are your favorite Christmas books for kids?
Did you have a favorite holiday book growing up? Have you discovered some new gems with your kids? Share all the Christmas books for kids that help make the holidays magical for your family!
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