The holiday season is such a wonderful time, and when you’re a parent, there’s something so special about creating memories that your kids will cherish for years to come. Enjoying Christmas tales together is a sweet and simple way to connect, and it can become a beloved tradition that both you and your children look forward to each year.
To help make your holiday season more magical, I’ve rounded up 30+ of the best Christmas books for kids. There’s a little something for everyone including board books for toddlers, classic Christmas stories, fun holiday tales, and some quirky Christmas books too!
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Christmas Books for Toddlers
For little ones just starting to learn about the joy of Christmas, festive board books and simple holiday stories are perfect for snuggles on the couch and bedtime throughout the holiday season.
Moo, Baa, Fa La La La La! — Sandra Boynton
Singing sheep, giggling pigs, and dancing cows bring a silly, musical twist to Christmas that’s perfect for toddlers. With playful rhymes and cheerful illustrations, this book makes the season extra fun for little ones.
First 100 Christmas Words — Roger Priddy
Packed with colorful photographs, and labels to read and learn, this book is a perfect introduction to Christmas for little ones. The engaging images give plenty to point at, name, and talk about with your toddler.
Christmas in the Manger — Nola Buck
This sweet board book introduces little ones to the story of the Nativity. It’s a lovely addition to any toddler’s Christmas book collection.
Biscuit Gives a Gift — Alyssa Satin Capucilli
In this charming holiday board book, the lovable little puppy, Biscuit, sets out to find the perfect gifts for the ones he cares about most. It’s a sweet festive story that’s perfect for toddlers.
Llama Llama Jingle Bells — Anna Dewdney
Little ones will love celebrating the season with Llama Llama in this cheerful holiday story! This cute little book follows Llama and Mama as they enjoy all the fun traditions leading up to Christmas Day.
Santa and the Goodnight Train — June Sobel
All aboard for a magical holiday ride! In this festive story little readers join the train crew as they chase Santa’s sleigh through a snowy winter wonderland.
The Little Blue Truck’s Christmas — Alice Schertle
In this festive version of the New York Times bestselling books, Little Blue Truck spreads holiday cheer by delivering Christmas trees to his animal friends. Count along as he delivers each tree.
Our Little Adventure at Christmas — Tabitha Paige
When a little badger’s Christmas tree is ruined by a storm, his woodland friends show him the true meaning of the holidays: kindness, friendship, and helping one another. With simple text, cozy illustrations, and sturdy pages, this sweet story is perfect for sharing the spirit of Christmas with toddlers.
Pop-Up Peekaboo! Christmas — DK
Your little one will love the bright, festive pop-ups and adorable Christmas friends in this interactive book!
Classic Christmas Books for Kids
Enjoy a classic Christmas tale with your little ones. These timeless stories bring all the warmth and nostalgia of the holiday season. Perfect for bedtime or cozying up on a chilly winter afternoon with mugs of hot cocoa, these books are sure to become family favorites for years to come.
The Nutcracker — New York City Ballet
This adaptation of the classic story features beautiful illustrations inspired by the New York City Ballet’s stunning sets and choreography. Perfect for readers of all ages, this iteration brings the magic of this cherished Christmas tale to life.
A Christmas Carol — Adam McKeown
This version of Charles Dickens’s classic Christmas story is shortened and paired with beautiful illustrations. It’s a great way to introduce little ones to this beloved holiday tale.
The Twelve Days of Christmas — Sheilah Beckett
Kids will be delighted by this rendition of the classic Christmas carol that features beautiful illustrations that bring each festive gift to life.
A Charlie Brown Christmas — Maggie Testa
This timeless holiday tale follows Charlie Brown as he discovers the true meaning of Christmas. It’s a sweet story perfect for holiday reading.
Frosty the Snowman — Diane Muldrow
This retelling of Frosty the Snowman is based on the beloved 1969 holiday special. It’s a charming tale that captures the wonder of that first snowy day.
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer — Rick Bunsen
Share the magic of the classic 1964 Christmas special with this retelling of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. It’s a nostalgic, heartwarming story that reminds kids (and grown-ups!) that what makes us different can also make us special.
The Night Before Christmas — Clement Moore
Bring the magic of Christmas Eve to life with this timeless classic. The Night Before Christmas has long been a family favorite, and this beautifully illustrated edition is perfect for sharing the anticipation of Christmas morning with little ones.
The Polar Express — Chris Van Allsburg
Hop aboard the magical Polar Express in this beloved Christmas classic! With enchanting illustrations and a timeless story about believing in the magic of Christmas, this Caldecott Medal-winning book has become a cherished tradition for families around the world.
How the Grinch Stole Christmas — Dr. Seuss
Get in the Christmas spirit with Dr. Seuss’s iconic holiday classic! This timeless tale is perfect for sharing with little ones and a must-have for any family’s holiday reading collection.
Christmas Picture Books for Kids
Festive picture books are perfect for reading with little ones during the holiday season. This collection of enchanting stories includes heartwarming winter tales and whimsical holiday adventures paired with beautiful illustrations to help make Christmas extra magical.
Home for Christmas — Jan Brett
This fun Christmas story is about a little troll named Rollo who runs away from home to avoid his chores. He soon discovers there’s no place like home, returning just in time for the best Christmas ever.
Mr. Willowby’s Christmas Tree — Robert Barry
Give the gift of holiday spirit with this classic picture book that shows how one Christmas tree can bring joy to an entire forest! A heartwarming story in print since 1963, it’s a perfect addition to your family’s holiday reading list.
Dasher: How a Brave Little Doe Changed Christmas Forever — Matt Tavares
This enchanting Christmas story follows Dasher, a young reindeer who longs for a different life. When the opportunity arises, she follows her heart, meets Santa, and discovers the magic of a Christmas wish that changes everything.
Santa Claus and the Three Bears — Maria Modugno
This charming Christmas story follows Papa Bear, Mama Bear, and Baby Bear as they return from a walk on Christmas Eve to find their home in chaos! With cozy watercolor illustrations, this festive tale is simple, satisfying, and perfect for reading aloud during the holiday season.
Last Stop on the Reindeer Express — Maudie Powell-Tuck
This imaginative holiday picture book takes kids on a magical journey aboard the Reindeer Express! With doors to open, peek-through holes, and more, little ones will love the interactive surprises on every page.
The Christmas Wish — Lori Evert
Celebrate the season with this New York Times bestselling winter tale that will have readers of all ages believing in the magic of Christmas. Follow Anja, who dreams of becoming one of Santa’s elves, as a menagerie of winter animals guides her on a magical journey to Santa.
Humphrey’s First Christmas — Carol Heyer
This charming Christmas story is about Humphrey, the camel who carries the three wise men to Bethlehem. When he loses his blanket, Humphrey discovers the true spirit of giving and learns the joy of selflessness along the way.
Olive, the Other Reindeer — J.otto Seibold
Olive the dog discovers she’s really “the other Reindeer” and dashes off to the North Pole to help Santa. With her unique skills and lots of holiday cheer, Olive saves Christmas in this silly and heartwarming story.
Pick a Pine Tree — Patricia Toht
This festive read-aloud captures all the joy of Christmastime, starting with the beloved tradition of picking out the perfect tree!
Fun Christmas Books for Kids
These unique Christmas books add a little extra fun to the holiday season!
An Anthology of Christmas — Auriol Bishop
Celebrate the natural wonders of the season with this stunning Christmas anthology filled with fascinating facts, beautiful photography, and festive illustrations. Kids can explore Christmas lore, traditions, and more!
Weird But True! Christmas: 300 Festive Facts to Light Up the Holidays — National Geographic Kids
Packed with wacky facts, quirky traditions, and surprising holiday tidbits, this festive book is perfect for curious kids.
I Spy Christmas: A Book of Picture Riddles — Jean Marzollo
A festive I Spy book full of holiday fun! With clever rhymes and dazzling photographs, it’s perfect for screen-free entertainment.
Cookies for Santa — America’s Test Kitchen for Kids
Kids can join the fun in this sweet holiday story from America’s Test Kitchen. Complete with a recipe for Santa’s Chocolate Krinkle Cookies, this book is great for little ones who love helping in the kitchen.
Listen to the Music at Christmas — Mary Richards
Introduce little ones to the songs of the season with this interactive Christmas book for kids.
How Kids Celebrate Christmas Around the World — Pavla Hanackova
Explore how Christmas is celebrated around the world in this festive book. Featuring traditions from over 20 countries, it teaches kids about many different diverse holiday customs.
