There’s an undeniable magic in hearing little voices read stories during the most festive and joyous season. Stories that capture awe and wonder, joy and hope, and kindness and generosity, embrace us in the warmth of the holiday season. Although our children have grown since their very first Christmas books, listening to them read both classic and new stories today, still remains a cherished tradition.
We’ve acquired quite a collection of books over the years, adding a few each year. This list of Best Christmas Books for Kids features a delightful mix of old and new titles, classic Christmas books, and newfound favorites—perfect for snuggling on the couch and reading aloud to spread holiday cheer!
let’s get to it: our family favorite Christmas books
Even though our list is no specific order, I am starting off with our most adored Christmas book, The Night Before Christmas. With beautiful illustrations, by Mary Engelbreit, this classic story is a Christmas Eve tradition that will always bring the magic and joy of the holiday season.
The Bear Books by Karma Wilson and Jane Chapman is a lovely series that brings children along for Bear and his friends adventures. With the cutest illustrations and story line, your family will be encouraged by one of the greatest blessings of Christmas: giving.
A FULL color version of the classic, How the Grinch Stole Christmas. This #1 National Best Seller is so pretty! With its timeless text and charming vintage illustrations, this book is certain to enchant both longtime fans and the youngest of readers alike.
I am such a sucker for the Llama Llama series by Anna Dewdney. Her adorable illustrations and rhyming storylines, encourage children during life lessons that come along with growing up. During Llama Llama Holiday Drama, little Llama struggles with waiting during the greatest anticipation, and hustle and bustle, of the holiday season.
There are many variations of the Nutcracker, but Mary Engelbreit’s colorful and captivating nature makes this book absolutely stunning. In this New York Times bestseller, follow Marie as she receives a toy nutcracker, who turns into a handsome young prince. Experience the splendid winter adventure as Mary is whisked away to a land so lovely.
Karma Wilson and Jane Chapman bring another beautifully illustrated story that combines the greatest joys of the holiday season: Christmas trees, presents and cookies, and the true meaning of Christmas, the birth of Christ. Follow a sweet little mouse named Mortimer as he learns how to make room in the stable, and his heart, for Jesus.
more Christmas books we love: making a tradition
Advent calendar
Countdown the days until Christmas with a book each day! Wrap each book and label it with the number of days left until Christmas. For a more meaningful way to celebrate and connect with one another during this busy holiday season, include a small activity with each book. Here are several ideas to help you get started:
- Polar Express by Chris Van Allsburg – make hot cocoa and marshmallows
- An Orange for Frankie by Patricia Polacco – create ornaments or a garland with sliced and dehydrated oranges
- A Christmas Carol: Book and Bible Study for Teens by Charles Dickens and Alan Vermilye – go Christmas caroling
- The Best Christmas Pageant Ever by Barbara Robinson – visit a live Nativity or create your own
- How the Grinch Stole Christmas by Dr. Seuss – attend a town Christmas tree lighting
- Bear’s First Christmas by Robert Kinerk– make paper snowflakes
elf on the shelf
When it’s midnight and I remember elves and their adorable reindeer have yet to return from the North Pole, I start to regret embracing this tradition. Maybe you have felt that way, too. Nevertheless, with careful planning of easy ideas and a quick stop at the store, we can create wonderful memories with these elf activities that include a book:
- Frosty the Snowman by Suzy Capozzi – elf makes a snow angel
- Gingerbread Christmas by Jan Brett – elf makes gingerbread cookies
- The Legend of the Candy Cane by Lori Walburg – elf goes sledding on a candy cane sleigh
- A Wish to Be a Christmas Tree by Colleen Monroe – elf plays hide and seek in the Christmas tree
- The Night Before Christmas by Mary Engelbreit – elf leaves a goodbye gift
underneath the tree with something to read
Each year, we follow our Rule of 5: A Simple and Joyful Christmas as our guide for gift-giving. It always includes something to read. The girls each list three books they would love to read. Most years, their lists include a Christmas book, making a beautifully written book, wrapped up with a bow, a simple and cost-effective way to build a collection of Christmas stories.
The twelve days of christmas
The Advent season leads us with great anticipation of rejoicing the birth of our savior, but did you know there is more celebrating that awaits? Twelve days of it, actually.
Apart from being a beloved Christmas carol, “The Twelve Days of Christmas,” also known as Christmastide. This special time commemorates the birth of Jesus and the visit of the three wise men who brought precious gifts. This period of ongoing celebration traditionally begins on Christmas Day and concludes on January 5th. While the exact timing and customs of celebrating The Twelve Days of Christmas may vary, you can wrap a book for each day or give books as a gift on Epiphany.
- The Twelve Days of Christmas by Laurel Long
- Humphrey’s First Christmas by Carol Heyer
- One Wintry Night by Ruth Bell Graham
- The Story of the Three Wise Kings by Tomie dePaola
- Mary’s Christmas by James Butcher
share your thoughts
Do you have a favorite Christmas book from your childhood? It would be so sweet to hear from you! Share in the comments section below, what Christmas books your family love most or which Christmas books you’re excited to try.
