Best Christmas Books for Kids
Christmas is a joyous occasion made even more special when celebrating with children. And there is nothing better than sitting down to a giant pile of Christmas books for kids together as a family.
With over 30 Christmas books for kids on this list, there is something for every family. From modern Christmas tales to holiday classics to silly stories these books are designed to create a Merry Christmas for all readers.
As a fellow lover of Christmas, I have scoured the libraries to find only the best Christmas books for kids. I hope you enjoy these festive books featuring Santa, Rudolph the Red-nosed Reindeer, Snowmen, owls, Christmas pigs, and more! Be sure to let me know if I included your favorite children’s Christmas book!
The Best Christmas Books for Kids
Each colorful block below represents the best book in a subgenre. Click on the arrow to reveal my “best” pick in any category. You’ll also be able to use a page jump to see more books in that section.
The Best New Christmas Book
Busy Betty and the Perfect Christmas Present by Reese Witherspoon – Jump to section
The Best Cozy Children’s Christmas Book
A Simple Christmas on the Farm by Phyllis Alsdurf – Jump to section
The Best Classic Christmas Book for Kids
The Night Before Christmas by Clement C. Moore – Jump to section
The Most Magical Children’s Christmas Book
The Magical Christmas Store by Maudie Powell-Tuck – Jump to section
The Best Kids’ Christmas Book with a Vehicle
The Polar Express by Chris Van Allsburg – Jump to section
The Best Christmas Book Featuring a Beloved Children’s Character
Santa Bruce by Ryan T. Higgins – Jump to section
*Post contains affiliate links. Purchases made through links result in a small commission to us at no cost to you. Some books have been gifted. All opinions are our own.
The Best New Christmas Books for Kids
Busy Betty & the Perfect Christmas Present
Author: Reese Witherspoon
Illustrator: Xindi Yan
Year: 2024
Genre: Children’s Picture Book
Age: 3 – 7
More info: Busy Betty #1
Plot
When Betty wants to buy presents for her family but realizes she has no money in her piggy bank, she gets creative and starts a Christmas cookie shop. When she has trouble getting customers, she tries everything she can to get them to arrive, but still to no avail. Instead, Betty makes everyone homemade cookies for Christmas morning.
Why Kirsten loves it
Busy Betty is such a charming book series about an energetic girl that reminds me of author Reese Witherspoon. The timeless lesson of giving gifts from the heart, not expensive presents is delightfully handled with fun prose and whimsical illustrations. #gifted by Penguin Random House
Find this book in: New Christmas Books for Kids for 2024 / Best Christmas Books for Kids
Everett Green: The Not-so-Christmas Tree
Author: Freddy Wexler
Illustrator: Fanny Berthlaume
Year: 2024
Genre: Picture Book
Age: 3 – 8
Plot
Everett is a palm tree with big dreams – he wants to be a Christmas tree!! While trying to get to NYC for Christmas, he gets stuck in the airport and brings holiday spirit to the other passengers.
Why Kirsten loves it
I love the message about Everett fulfilling his destiny of becoming a Christmas tree by bringing joy to those around him. #gifted by Penguin Random House
Find this book in: Books About Christmas Trees / New Christmas Books for Kids / Best Christmas Books for Kids
As Cool As It Gets
Author: Jory John
Illustrator: Pete Oswald
Year: 2022
Genre: Picture Book
Age: 4 – 8
More info: Part of the Food Group series
Plot
One little bean is worried he can’t give a cool, expensive gift for the holiday gift exchange party. When Cool Bean finds out he’s supposed to give a gift to the coolest bean in town, he panics.
He can only afford to make her something. But she loves the picture and all the other guests do too!
Why Kirsten loves it
There is a great lesson in creative gift-giving in this Christmas book. And Oswald’s illustrations always make me smile
Find similar books in: Children’s Books about Food
Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Lost Christmas!
Author: Alastair Heim
Illustrator: Aristides Ruiz
Year: 2023
Genre: Picture Book
Age: 4 – 9
More info: Part of The Grinch series
Plot
The Grinch is back and determined to show he loves Christmas by entering the Christmas Tree decorating contest in Who-ville, but when he only gets second place, he loses his Christmas spirit. Can he get it back?
Why Jackie loves it
There is no more iconic Christmas book for kids than Dr. Suess’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas. That’s why I was so excited for this sequel! While not written by Dr. Seuss, this story is written in his style and it succeeds!
Cozy Christmas Books for Kids
A Simple Christmas on the Farm
Author: Phyllis Alsdurf
Illustrator: Lisa Hunt
Year: 2021
Genre: Picture Book
Age: 4 – 8
Plot
A little girl’s parents decide this year they want to keep Christmas simple by slowing down, enjoying the season, making their presents, and giving back. As they make decorations for their barn, the little girl learns that Christmas is best this way.
Why Kirsten loves it
I fell in love with this story of Christmas on a farm. The illustrations are a knock-out and the bi-racial family is inclusive in ways we need to see more of in literature.
Pick a Pine Tree
Author: Patricia Toht
Illustrator: Jarvis
Year: 2017
Genre: Picture Book
Age: 2 – 6
Plot
This is a charmingly illustrated story about a family on the hunt for the perfect Christmas tree, which they then take to decorate at home.
Why Kirsten loves it
I featured Pick a Pumpkin in our Halloween Kids books round-up and knew I needed to highlight Pick A Pine Tree as well. Both books should be part of your seasonal home library collection!
Find this book in: Best Christmas Books for Kids / Books about Christmas Trees
I Got the Christmas Spirit
Author: Connie Schofield-Morrison
Illustrator: Frank Morrison
Year: 2018
Genre: Picture Books
Age: 2 – 5
Plot
A sweet little girl is taking in the sights, sounds, and smells of the holiday in this delightful story about the Christmas spirit.
Why Jackie loves it
I love this kids’ book and the onomatopoeias throughout the story are great for newer readers. The gorgeous illustrations bring the joyous story to life. You’ll feel the Merry Christmas vibes with this story.
Find similar books in: Beginning Readers
The Christmas Quiet Book
Author: Deborah Underwood
Illustrator: Renata Liwsk
Year: 2012
Genre: Picture Books
Age: 2 – 6
Plot
This particular children’s Christmas book highlights all the quiet and calm moments of the Christmas season. From letters to Santa, watching snowfall, ice skating, and sipping hot cocoa, these moments are given their own special moments of recognition.
Why Kirsten loves it
I love the books in this series for bedtime because of the gentle pace, soothing illustrations, and repeat of the world quiet throughout.
5 More Sleeps ’til Christmas
Author: Jimmy Fallon
Illustrator: Rich Deas
Year: 2020
Genre: Picture Book
Age: 3 – 6
Plot
As a child counts down the sleeps until Christmas, he talks about how hard it is to fall asleep when he’s excited. With charming pictures and a sweet story, I love this one as much as the Halloween version!
Why Kirsten loves it
This is a cute one for working on counting or for reading as a book advent calendar for the holiday season. Try starting the book on the 5th night before Christmas and only reading a few pages until Christmas Eve!
Classic Christmas Books for Children
The Night Before Christmas
Author: Clement C. Moore
Illustrator: Charles Santore
Year: 2011
Genre: Picture Book
Age: 2 – 99
Plot
This classic story is THE quintessential Christmas book for kids and adults. It’s a poem about Santa coming to deliver presents on Christmas Eve. It has the most iconic opening line “Twas the night before Christmas and all through the house, not a creature was stirring not even a mouse” and the story is filled with love and cheer.
Why Kirsten loves it
If you don’t yet own a copy of The Night Before Christmas in your home library, consider this gorgeously illustrated version. You can tell by the cover just how beautiful the inside pages will be – and I assure you, they truly capture the warmth and magic of Christmas Eve.
The Jolly Christmas Postman
Author: Allan Ahlberg
Illustrator: Janet Ahlberg
Year: 2001
Genre: Picture Book
Age: 4 – 7
Plot
In the lead-up to the holidays, the sweet postman in this story delivered letters to all the fairytale creatures. It culminates with the postman delivering letters to Santa and Mrs. Clause and getting one for him!
Why Kirsten loves it
This is one of my favorite children’s Christmas books because of the interactive element. The story of the Jolly Christmas Postman comes with tons of real letters for your family to open and read. It’s such a sweet tale that celebrates the joy of letter writing and receiving mail around the holiday season.
Find this book in: Best Christmas Books for Kids / Interactive Books
How the Grinch Stole Christmas
Author: Dr. Suess
Illustrator: Dr. Suess
Year: 1957
Genre: Picture Book
Age: 2+
Plot
A Christmas classic that is a must-own! There is a reason this book has been adapted for the screen multiple times.
It’s a wonderful tale of materialism and the true Christmas spirit. The Grinch despises the Who’s and their yearly Christmas celebration so he does everything in his power to destroy their Christmas spirit….but he doesn’t realize that Christmas isn’t about presents and decorations.
Why Kirsten loves it
I simply adore this tale of mischief and grumpiness leading up to the holidays. It never fails to bring a smile to my face.
Plot
Over 75 years old, this classic Christmas book for kids is a masterpiece. It’s the story of the most famous reindeer, his shiny nose, and how being different is wonderful. If your child loves the Rudolph song, they will love this book.
Why Kirsten loves it
There are so many editions of this book. I love all of them, but find the one with illustrations you love the best. The story stays the same, but the pictures change depending on the illustrator.
A Charlie Brown Christmas
Author: Charles M. Schultz
Illustrator: Charles M. Schultz
Year: 2015
Genre: Picture Book
Age: 4+
More info: Part of the Peanuts series
Plot
The Peanuts gang is back for Christmas with Charlie Brown, Snoopy, and their friends! Read about how the gang all celebrate the holiday season.
Why Kirsten loves it
This beloved cartoon inspired a TV movie short that children around the world still watch each Christmas season. I know I’m one of those who eagerly awaits the airing of this tale each year.
The Berenstain Bear’s Merry Christmas
Author: Stan Berenstain
Illustrator: Jan Berenstain
Year: 2019
Genre: Early Reader
Age: 2 – 7
Plot
This is a combination of The Mad, Mad, Mad Toy Craze and Meet Santa Bear. Each tells a different story of Christmas. Toy Craze focuses on the IT toy of the holiday season and how to avoid the craze. Santa Bear focuses on sister’s wish list being waaaay too long.
Why Kirsten loves it
This is a delightful collection of books about the Berenstain Bear’s Christmas celebrations. This duo of stories highlights the problem with commercialism and teaches kids the true meaning of Christmas in a way only those bears can!
Magical Christmas Books for Kids
The Magical Christmas Store
Author: Maudie Powell-Tuck
Illustrator: Hoang Giang
Year: 2021
Genre: Picture Book
Age: 3 – 7
Plot
Benji is struggling with the Holiday season because his family doesn’t have much. He wants to give his family a special holiday but he isn’t sure how.
As he wanders the streets on Christmas Eve, a polar bear invites him into the most magical Christmas store Benji has ever seen. Maybe he will be able to find something for his family within its special rooms after all.
Why Kirsten loves it
Whimsical illustrations and a charming story make this a magical modern Christmas classic.
Once Upon a Christmas
Author: Dawn Young
Illustrator: Kenneth Anderson
Year: 2021
Genre: Picture Book
Age: 4 – 7
Plot
Goldilock’s three bears decide to throw a Christmas party to wish their friends a Happy Holiday. They invite all of their fairytale friends to the party for caroling, cookie decorating, and more holiday fun.
But soon the holiday party causes some catastrophic events that lead to Santa falling into a lake! Can these mythical creatures save Christmas?
Why Kirsten loves it
I absolutely love the concept of seeing Santa interact with fairytale characters! Goldilocks, Bigfoot, Jack Frost, and more legendary storybook figures are brought to life in this fun adventure.
Plot
This gorgeously illustrated kids’ Christmas book tells the tale of the Christmas reindeer. Dasher finds Santa by following the North store one Christmas Eve night.
Soon, Dasher is offering to help tow Santa’s sled, flying through the air, and moving to the North Pole to live with Santa and help with Christmas forever more.
Why Kirsten loves it
I love that this is a reindeer origin story! What a fun story to explain how Santa’s sleigh can fly.
How to Catch an Elf
Author: Adam Wallace
Illustrator: Andy Elkerton
Year: 2016
Genre: Picture Book
Age: 2 – 6
More info: Part of the How to Catch series
Plot
This story starts on Christmas Eve where Santa’s elf is trying to be captured by children! From tinsel nets to double-sided sticky tape, laser rooms to mazes, these kids stop at nothing to try to capture their prey.
Why Jackie loves it
This Christmas tale is adorable. The dinner cannon is my favorite trap of all.
Elf on a Shelf
Author: Carol V. Aebersold and Chanda A. Bell
Illustrator: Coë Steinwart
Year: 2005
Genre: Picture Book
Age: 2 – 99
Plot
Elf on a shelf is a newer classic Christmas book with an interactive element your kids will love. The Elf is placed around the house as he watches over the family and reports back to Santa.
Why Kirsten loves it
Most families find the Elf in new locations every day (and sometimes he gets into trouble.) This book that explains the Elf is a wonderful keepsake to cherish each year.
Vehicle Christmas Books for Kids
The Polar Express
Author: Chris Van Allsburg
Illustrator: Chris Van Allsburg
Year: 1986
Genre: Picture Book
Age: 2 – 99
More info: Caldecott Medal Winner
Plot
The Polar Express stops to pick up children on Christmas Eve to bring them to the North Pole. Once they get there, they get to see Santa give out the first gift of Christmas.
Why Kirsten loves it
This is my favorite children’s Christmas book of all time! The illustrations are jaw-droppingly beautiful. The train is both whimsical and serious. And the story is just magical.
Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Sleigh!
Author: Mo Willems
Illustrator: Mo Willems
Year: 2023
Genre: Picture Books
Age: 4 – 7
More info: Part of the Don’t Let the Pigeon series
Plot
Mo Willems is back with a new Pigeon book and it’s set at Christmas! Pigeon is back and trying to drive Santa’s sleigh in this charming Christmas book.
Why Kirsten loves it
It’s one of the best children’s books of 2023 because Mo Willems can do no wrong! He brings his signature wit to the Christmas season in this silly story.
Find this book in: Best Books of 2023Â /Â Best Christmas Books for Toddlers / Best Christmas Books for Kids
Reindolphins
Author: Kevin Brougher
Illustrator: Lisa Santa Cruz
Year: 2016
Genre: Picture Book
Age: 2 – 10
More info: Elite Choice Award, Family Choice Award
Plot
With only 3 days until Christmas, the reindeer are sick and Santa is in a pickle! Who will pull the sleigh on Christmas?
All kinds of animals come back to help like skunks, elephants, bunnies, cats, hippos, gorillas, and more. Just when Christmas looks like it might be cancelled, the dolphins step in to pull the sleigh!
Why Kirsten loves it
If your child is an animal lover, this is one of the best children’s Christmas books for them!
The Little Red Sleigh
Author: Eric Guendelsberger
Illustrator: Elizaveta Tretyakova
Year: 2020
Genre: Picture Book
Age: 3 – 6
Plot
Little Red Sleigh longs to be Santa’s sleigh so she sets out one winter to find the North Pole. As she travels she makes new friends along the way.
While she didn’t make it to the North Pole for Christmas, she did get an invitation to visit Santa up at the North Pole the next year.
Why Kirsten loves it
Sleigh gets to ride on a truck and a train, befriending them along the way, but she really makes her mark on the little girl who finds her. This sweet story is all about perseverance.
Find this book in: Children’s Books about Winter / Best Christmas Books for Kids
Construction Site on Christmas Night
Author: Sheri Duskey Rinker
Illustrator: AG Ford
Year: 2018
Genre: Picture Book
Age: 2 – 5
More info: Part of Goodnight, Goodnight, Construction Site series
Plot
A holiday version from the Goodnight, Goodnight, Construction Site series features Excavator, Bulldozer, Crane, and more vehicles building a home for their fire engine friends. When they finish the job, they get a special Christmas present too!
Why Kirsten loves it
If your child loves trucks, this is an absolute must! It’s also a great bedtime book for the holidays.
Find this book in: Best Christmas Books for Kids / Best Christmas Books for Toddlers and Babies
Kids’ Christmas Books Featuring Beloved Characters
Santa Bruce
Author: Ryan T. Higgins
Illustrator: Ryan T. Higgins
Year: 2018
Genre: Picture Book
Age: 2 – 6
More info: Mother Bruce #5
Plot
Everyone’s favorite grumpy bear stars in this Christmas book for kids. As can be expected, Bruce is not a fan of the Holiday season.
Then when he gets dressed to stay warm, he’s mistaken for Santa. All the forest creatures come to tell Bruce what they want for the holidays, and the next thing he knows, he’s delivering Christmas presents!
Why Kirsten loves it
Ryan T. Higgins can do no wrong when it comes to Mother Bruce. Like the Grinch before him, Bruce is the perfect grumpy foil to the holidays.
Llama Llama Holiday Drama
Author: Anna Dewdney
Illustrator: Anna Dewdney
Year: 2010
Genre: Picture Book
Age: 2 – 4
More info: Part of the Llama Llama Red Pajama series
Plot
Our favorite llama is back and struggling with the hustle and bustle leading up to Christmas. He wants his gifts, but Mama has a very different gift in mind – time together!
Why Kirsten loves it
This is a particularly good Christmas book for kids who misunderstand the holiday spirit and are consumed with “things.”
Find this book in: Llama Llama Books / Best Christmas Books for Kids
The Crayon’s Christmas
Author: Drew Daywalt
Illustrator: Oliver Jeffers
Year: 2019
Genre: Picture Book
Age: 3 – 8
More info: Part of the Day the Crayons Quit series
Plot
Told in the same letter-writing format as the previous books in the series, the twist on this story is that the crayons get the letters this time around!
Why Kirsten loves it
Do your little ones love The Day the Crayons Quit? Then they will love this Christmas book for kids featuring the same characters.
Find similar books in: Books about Colors
Bear Stays Up
Author: Karma Wilson
Illustrator: Jane Chapman
Year: 2011
Genre: Picture Book
Age: 2 – 5
Plot
In this story, all of Bear’s friends wake him up from his hibernation to get him to experience Christmas. Soon, he is the only one awake as he wraps presents for his friends and sees a special visitor!
Why Jackie loves it
Bear stories are the best. They are colorful, short tales about relatable issues. This Christmas version is a perfect addition to the series!
Find this book in: Best Christmas Books for Toddlers and Babies / Best Christmas Books for Kids
How Do Dinosaurs Say Merry Christmas
Author: Jane Yolen
Illustrator: Mark Teague
Year: 2012
Genre: Picture Book
Age: 1 – 5
Plot
Those wacky dinosaurs need to be taught how to behave during the Christmas season. Just like in the rest of the series, the Dinosaurs showcase bad behavior before showing off the good behavior.
Why Kirsten loves it
This is a particularly good story for kids who need a little reminding about the rules of behavior around all those decorations.
Pinkalicious: Merry Pinkmas!
Author: Victoria Kahn
Illustrator: Victoria Kahn
Year: 2021
Genre: Picture Book
Plot
Pinkalicious is back for a kids’ Christmas book featuring a very pink holiday. She begs and pleads for a pink Christmas tree but her parents refuse.
Every other member of the family wants a real tree, can Pinkalicious convince them that pink is better?
Why Kirsten loves it
I think we all know who wins the Christmas tree choice, but I love that she does! It’s so nice to see a non-traditional Christmas tree represented!
Find this book in: Books About Christmas Trees for Kids / Best Christmas Books for Kids
More Favorite Character Christmas Books for Kids
Helpful Tip
- Start a new Christmas tradition by giving the child in your life a new Christmas book each year. By the time they are grown, they will have a mini seasonal library they will cherish forever.
- Put your library holds in early for Christmas books – preferably just after Halloween!
Frequently Asked Question
What book do I get my children for Christmas?
If you are looking for newer favorites, I suggest Santa Bruce and Dasher. For a classic pick, you can’t go wrong with The Night Before Christmas.
What is a good Christmas book for a boy?
I say pick a book about something they like. For example, get a vehicle lover Construction Site on Christmas Night or a dinosaur lover How do Dinosaurs say Merry Christmas?
Related Content
Epilogue
It’s hard to narrow down which are the best Christmas books for kids, but I’d like to think I picked some real winners. Did you find a kids’ Christmas book to add to your own home library? If so, let me know below!
The Best Christmas Books for Teens
Looking for Christmas books for tweens and teens? This article is for you!
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