Sure, Christmas rolls around at the same time every year, but somehow the holiday looks different through the eyes of a child. There are plenty of ways to celebrate Christmas with kids—Christmas crafts and Christmas movies and specials come immediately to mind—but there are also great Christmas books for kids to help put everyone in the holiday spirit.
If you’re looking for a great Christmas book to read with children, look no further than our list of timeless Christmas books. Some of these books are true classics, while others are more contemporary stories about Christmas, winter, and the holidays that little ones are sure to love.
Even adults might appreciate a gift of one of these books, especially one of the gorgeously illustrated or anniversary editions—though they’ll also surely appreciate one of the best books of 2023. Shop around for the right book for your brood and get ready for all the holiday cheer a book can provide.
How Does Santa Go Down the Chimney?, by Mac Barnett
This new book that tackles one of kids’ biggest Santa questions in charmingly comedic fashion is bound to be a Christmas favorite for years to come.
Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Sleigh, By Mo Willems
Fans of Mo Willems’ hilarious (and overconfident) pigeon will appreciate this Christmasy tweak, where the pigeon tries very hard to take the reins—and convince you that he’s definitely not naughty.
Olive The Other Reindeer, by J. Otto Seibold
For the dog-loving family, this charming tale of a dog who misunderstands the lyrics to Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer and adventures off to the North Pole for her shot at helping with Santa’s sleigh.
The Gift of the Magi, by O. Henry
O. Henry’s classic tale of the couple who sacrificed their most precious things for each other makes a lovely addition to the holiday season—especially with this gorgeous illustrated version.
What You Need to Be Warm: A Poem of Welcome, by Neil Gaiman
Author Neil Gaiman’s brand new (and gorgeously illustrated) book features a poem about what you need to get through the coldest, darkest moments, and reminds even young readers about the simple pleasures and joys of life, from hand-knit blankets to a smile.
Mr. Willowby’s Christmas Tree, by Robert Barry
A too-big tree in a grand old house inspires a sweet story of sharing, as different people and adorable critters bring home a touch of Christmas wonder with every snip.
Amelia Bedelia Wraps It Up, by Herman Parish
For the family who has fun with puns, you can’t beat Amelia Bedelia, who takes everything a little too literally and creates plenty of joyful misunderstandings along the way.
Emmet Otter’s Jug-Band Christmas, by Russell and Lillian Hoban
The inspiration for the beloved Jim Henson Christmas special was this fresh retelling of the Gift of the Magi by the Hobans, authors of the classic Bread and Jam for Frances. In it, Ma and Emmet Otter each work hard to try to provide a beautiful Christmas for each other.
The Story Orchestra: The Nutcracker
This sweet retelling of the classic ballet’s story—filled with magical sweets and toys come to life—features buttons the kids can press to here Tchaikovsky’s gorgeous score.
Christmas in the Big Woods, by Laura Ingalls Wilder
Introduce little ones to the beloved Little House on the Prairie series with this adorable picture book that describes the holiday goings-on while the Ingalls family was living in Wisconsin.
Moo, Baa, Fa La La La La, by Sandra Boynton
For your littlest Christmas celebrators, you can’t beat Sandra Boynton’s charming rhymes and illustrations. This tweak on her classic Moo, Baa, La La La is certain to be a favorite for kids (and adults, too).
If You Take a Mouse to the Movies, by Laura Numeroff
In the same charming fashion as the much-beloved original, If You Give a Mouse a Cookie, a movie-and-popcorn date with the mouse sets readers off on a grand adventure through the holiday season.
Merry Christmas, Strega Nona, by Tomie dePaola
Strega Nona, Big Anthony, and the butcher’s daughter Bambolona get Strega Nona’s home ready for her large Christmas feast, but she refuses to use her magic to help get the job done. When the preparation goes wrong, will a Christmas miracle save the day, or will the feast be canceled this year?
The Snowy Day, by Ezra Jack Keats
Keats received the 1963 Caldecott Medal for this gorgeously illustrated winter children’s book. In the story, a young boy named Peter ventures out to explore his city after the first snowfall of the season. This sweet book will bring back fond memories of snow days past for parents.
A Charlie Brown Christmas: Deluxe Edition, by Charles M. Schulz and Vicki Scott
Charles Schulz’s beloved television special comes to life in this gorgeous deluxe picture book. As the Peanuts gang gets ready for the holiday, Charlie finds himself questioning the true meaning of Christmas. This story is perfect for longtime fans of Peanuts and new readers alike.
The Giving Tree, by Shel Silverstein
While this classic book isn’t always thought of as a holiday read, the touching story of the mother tree providing selflessly to the boy teaches a valuable lesson about what it means to give to others without expecting anything in return.
Bear Stays Up for Christmas, by Karma Wilson and Jane Chapman
The beloved character Bear is back for a sweet holiday adventure. Because he’s a particularly sleepy animal, Bear’s friends are determined to keep him awake to enjoy the holiday. Can he keep his eyes open long enough to find a tree, bake cakes, and sing with his friends?
Stick Man, by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler
Stick Man lives in a tree with his wife and three children, but his life is turned upside-down when he is carried off by a dog who just wants to play with him. How will he ever find his way back home? This quirky picture book is a heartwarming tale about home.
A Christmas Carol, by Jennifer Adams and Alison Oliver
Introduce your littlest ones to Charles Dickens’ iconic tale with this sweet board book. On each page they’ll discover new characters and colors.
The Christmas Quiet Book, by Deborah Underwood and Renata Liwska
The holidays are a loud time in our lives, filled with busy schedules, caroling, and the laughter of loved ones. This sweet book reminds readers to appreciate the quiet parts of Christmas—the stillness of a snowfall or the silence of kids searching the house for a hopeful peek at presents.
The Gruffalo’s Child, by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler
This adorable sequel to The Gruffalo introduces readers to the Gruffalo’s child. When she goes off in the snowy woods alone to search for the Big Bad Mouse, whom she doesn’t believe in, she sees the shadow of a large creature looming over her. Could it be the Big Bad Mouse after all?
How the Grinch Stole Christmas!, by Dr. Seuss
Your kids already love the movie adaptions, so introduce them to the book that started it all. When the Grinch sets out to ruin Christmas for the citizens of Whoville, he is surprised when the spirit of the season affects him. Will he get away with stealing their holiday, or will the true meaning of Christmas warm his cold, black heart?
Olivia Helps with Christmas, by Ian Falconer
Our favorite feisty pig is back, and this time she’s helping her parents prep for Christmas. She gets to work wrapping presents, decorating the tree, and playing in the snow—what could possibly go wrong?
The Night Before Christmas, by Charles Santore
There have been many versions of Clement C. Moore’s famous poem, but we recommend this beautifully illustrated version from Charles Santore. Each page of this oversized picture book is filled with gorgeous details, so your kids will find something new to treasure with each read.
Merry Christmas Mom and Dad, by Mercer Mayer
In this hilarious book, Little Critter gets ready for the festive season by making wreaths, baking (and eating) gingerbread cookies, and helping his parents decorate the tree.
The Twelve Days of Christmas, by Laurel Long
The beauty of this classic song is brought to life with gorgeous illustrations from Laurel Long, set during Christmastime in the countryside. As each day in the song goes by, the gifts from previous pages are hidden in the background of the new pictures, so kids will have something fun to look for on each page.
The Polar Express, by Chris Van Allsburg
While the snow falls on Christmas Eve, a mysterious train heads from door to door to bring children to see Santa, so that they may tell him their Christmas wishes. This classic picture book, published in 1985, inspired the 2004 movie of the same name and is read to millions of children each holiday.
Snowmen at Christmas, by Caralyn Buehner and Mark Buehner
This book is a holiday sequel to Snowmen at Night, which told the story of what snowmen do after people go to bed. In this version, children will learn how snowmen celebrate Christmas, while the rest of the world is busy celebrating with their families.
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, by Robert L. May
Your children probably know the song and the cartoon version of this story, and now you can introduce them to Robert L. May’s original Rudolph with beautiful illustrations from Antonio Javier Caparo. When Rudolph is bullied by his peers for his unusual red nose, he worries Santa will never choose him to pull the sleigh. But on a particularly overcast night, he has the opportunity to shine and save Christmas for everyone.
The Girl Who Saved Christmas, by Matt Haig
This funny Christmas tale is perfect for children who are reading on their own. It tells the story of Amelia Wishart, the first child to ever receive a Christmas present, inspiring Santa to bring gifts to children all over the world. But when her hope begins to fade, Santa can sense something is wrong—and he sets out to find her and help her believe once again.