Christmas Books for Toddlers and Babies
Your child’s very first Christmases are designed for memory-making. While they can’t trim the tree, sing carols, or wrap presents, they can still curl up in your lap for storytime. Below, I rounded up my favorite Christmas books for toddlers and babies.
I rounded up cute books that help with reading readiness AND get babies and toddlers into the holiday spirit. I’ve got interactive books with lights, fuzzy elements, and pop-ups.
I also collected Christmas books for toddlers featuring some of the characters they will know by this point. Characters like bluey, pout-pout fish, llama llama, and other beloved favorites.
The Best Christmas Books for Toddlers and Babies
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 for Little Ones
Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Sleigh by Mo Willems – Jump to section
The Best Christmas Book for a Newborn
Merry Christmas, Little Baby by Holly Berry Byrd – Jump to section
The Best Interactive Christmas Book for Babies
Dear Santa by Rod Campbell – Jump to section
The Best Christmas Book for Toddlers
Llama Llama Jingle Bells by Anna Dewdney – Jump to section
The Best Interactive Christmas Book for Toddlers
Little Blue Truck’s Christmas by Alice Schertle – Jump to Section
The Best Little Toddler Christmas Book with a Beloved Character
Construction Site on Christmas Night by Sherri Duskey Rinker – 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.
New Baby Christmas Books
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 2023 / Best Christmas Books for Toddlers / Best Christmas Books for Kids
That’s Not My Christmas Tree
Author: Fiona Watt
Illustrator: Rachel Wells
Year: 2025
Genre: Board Book
Age: 0 – 2
More info: Part of the That’s Not My series
Plot
A little white mouse is looking for his Christmas tree and your child can help him find it! Colorful illustrations and tactile elements bring this story to life – along with the light up tree at the end.
Why Jackie loves it
I adore anything tactile for little fingers. Between the shiny presents, rough christmas tree, and sparkly lights, this book really speaks to me!
Find this book in: Books about Christmas Trees for Kids / Christmas Books for Toddlers and Babies
Green Is for Christmas
Author: Drew Daywalt
Illustrator: Oliver Jeffers
Year: 2022
Genre: Board Book
Age: 0 – 3
More info: Part of the Day the Crayons Quit series
Plot
Green is for Christmas is the newest book for toddlers set in the world of the crayons. Green is convinced he’s the only color needed for Christmas, but Red, Silver, White, and even Tan disagree.
Why Kirsten loves it
Drew Daywalt brings his signature humor and Oliver Jeffers’s outstanding illustrations to this board book for the holidays.
Moo, Baa, Fa La La La La!
Author: Sandra Boynton
Illustrator: Sandra Boynton
Year: 2022
Genre: Board Book
Age: 0 – 2
Plot
If you love Moo, Baa, La La La, then you will love this new version set at Christmas! Sing along with this updated Christmas carol featuring all the Sandra Boynton characters.
Why Kirsten loves it
Deck the halls with cows and holly…Yeah. It’s gonna be stuck in your head, but that’s what I love about this catchy Christmas board book.
Christmas Books for Newborns
Merry Christmas, Little Baby!
Author: Holly Berry Byrd
Illustrator: Mei Støyva
Year: 2019
Genre: Board Book
Age: 0 – 2
Plot
This cute keepsake is an abbreviated version of A Night Before Christmas just for baby!
Why Kirsten loves it
The best part is the front cover flips open with a built-in card for the gift-giver to sign. What a wonderful book to cherish for years to come!
Plot
Working on teaching your older baby to talk? Try this adorable book of Christmas words. Each word has a picture of the holiday item that goes along with it.
Why Jackie loves it
Practice pointing to a word and having your baby say it, or if they are still young, you say the word and see if the baby can point! This is one baby Christmas book that helps with reading readiness.
Your My Little Christmas Cookie
Author: Nicola Edwards
Illustrator: Natalie Marshall
Year: 2021
Genre: Board Book
Age: 0 – 2
Plot
This sweet book uses cutouts of classic wintertime objects as a comparison to show all the ways the reader love the child they are reading to!
Why Kirsten loves it
This is such a cute Christmas board book with adorable cutouts of gingerbread men, snowmen, and other cute friends.
Plot
This sweet book walks baby through all the traditional, sights, and sounds of Christmas time.
Why Kirsten loves it
Does your baby have an indestructible book in their home library? If not, consider getting them the Christmas version.
These books are amazing because they are unrippable, machine washable, lightweight, and generally awesome.
Interactive Baby Christmas Board Books
Dear Santa
Author: Rod Campbell
Illustrator: Rod Campbell
Year: 2016
Genre: Board Book
Age: 1 – 3
More info: Part of the Dear Zoo series
Plot
From the author of Dear Zoo, this delightful lift-the-flap book is the perfect interactive Christmas board book for babies! Each present is a flap that can be lifted to reveal a present underneath. Can Santa find the perfect gift to send?
Why Kirsten loves it
When reading this to a little one, try having them guess what is inside based on the shape of the present! My boys love to guess and see if they are right!
Where is Baby’s Christmas Present?
Author: Karen Katz
Illustrator: Karen Katz
Year: 2009
Genre: Board Book
Age: 0 – 2
Plot
This lift-the-flap book is a Christmas book for babies in true Karen Katz fashion! Search along with baby as they try to find all their presents!
Why Jackie loves it
Your child can hunt with the baby and peek under the flaps to discover where the presents are hidden!
Plot
This cute pop-up lift-the-flap book is an interactive Christmas board book any baby will love. Find all the hidden holiday friends within the pages of this book.
Why Kirsten loves it
I had one of these for every holiday when my kids were little. The pages are surprising sturdy, the flaps are great for little fingers, and the pop-ups are so fun!
Plot
What baby doesn’t like a finger puppet? This story is all about a cute little reindeer trying to help Santa.
Why Kirsten loves it
Move your finger around and make the tale come to life! Your little one will love this fuzzy reindeer. I had so many board books like this when my boys were babies – they can’t be beat!
The Very Hungry Caterpillar’s Peekaboo Christmas
Author: Eric Carle
Illustrator: Eric Carle
Year: 2022
Genre: Board Book
Age: 0 – 2
More info: Part of the Very Hungry Caterpillar series
Plot
Celebrate Christmas with Eric Carle’s beloved caterpillar in this charming tale. Lift the flaps of this Holiday board book shaped like a Christmas tree!
Why Kirsten loves it
This new Christmas book for babies is an interactive treat. I love the chunk Christmas tree design. It’s so festive!
Plot
An interactive Christmas book for babies who love touch-and-feel stories! Each page has one word and a picture with a 3D effect for tactile learning. A fuzzy polar bear, a cuddly penguin, a shiny star, and more are highlighted in this story.
Why Kirsten loves it
I love that you can teach your child while celebrating the holiday with this touch-and-feel book.
Christmas Books for Toddlers
Llama Llama Jingle Bells
Author: Anna Dewdney
Illustrator: Anna Dewdney
Year: 2014
Genre: Board Book
Age: 1 – 3
More info: Part of the Llama Llama series
Plot
Short, easy sentences explain holiday festivities to little ones in this charming board book.
Why Kirsten loves it
With the delightful illustrations of Llama Llama and friends, you’ll see why this is the perfect Christmas book for toddlers.
Find this book in: Christmas Books for Toddlers and Babies
Plot
I adore Carle’s straightforward, colorful style of illustration. The story features a farmer wanting snow for the holiday, which is perfect for little ones learning to count!
Why Kirsten loves it
This is Eric Carle at his finest. If your toddler loves The Very Hungry Caterpillar, they will love this story too!
Find this book in: Counting Books / Christmas Books for Toddlers
Plot
The pictures depict a tale of a little boy who goes to check on his snowman one night. When he sees his snowman outside in the cold, he decides to invite him in. What happens next is a magical adventure you and your child will adore.
Why Kirsten loves it
If you are looking for kids’ winter books, this is a gorgeous wordless story. I loved to let my boys “read” this one to me.
Find this book in: Children’s Books about Winter / Best Christmas Books for Toddlers / Wordless Picture Books
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
Interactive Toddler Christmas Books
Little Blue Truck’s Christmas
Author: Alice Schertle
Illustrator: Jill McElmurry
Year: 2014
Genre: Board Book
Age: 1 – 4
Plot
Follow along with Little Blue as he delivers Christmas trees to all his little friends!
Why Kirsten loves it
What is better than a Christmas book about Little Blue Truck? A light-up Christmas toddler book about Little Blue Truck! I love the lights on this one. It adds such a festive feel to the story.
Plot
Baby Shark is having trouble settling down on Christmas Eve, but soon he is able to fall asleep and dream of a winter wonderland.
Why Jackie loves it
An interactive Christmas book for toddlers to enjoy! This book includes a gift wrap and a letter to Santa for your little one to fill out.
Pete the Kitty’s Cozy Christmas
Author: James Dean
Illustrator: Kimberly Dean
Year: 2020
Genre: Board Book
Age: 0 – 4
Plot
A touch-and-feel Christmas story featuring Pete the Cat as a kitten! From a cozy cup of cocoa to a visit from a seasonal friend, this charming Christmas board book is one toddlers and babies will adore.
Why Kirsten loves it
I love that this story introduced Pete the Cat to the littles children. He will become a well-known figure in their reading life!
Christmas Books for Toddlers and Babies with Beloved Characters
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 / Best Books for 2-year-olds
Merry Christmas, Mouse
Author: Laura Numeroff
Illustrator: Felicia Bond
Year: 2019
Genre: Board Book
Age: 1 – 3
Plot
Everyone’s favorite mouse is back with this delightful holiday story. This board book teaches numbers and gets toddlers into the holiday spirit at the same time.
Why Kirsten loves it
Your preschooler can count along with the mouse as he adds ornaments to the tree, counting upwards as he goes. It’s such a cute Christmas toddler book.
Find similar books in: Books about Counting
The Not Very Merry Pout-Pout Fish
Author: Deborah Diesen
Illustrator: Dan Hanna
Year: 2015
Genre: Picture Book
Age: 1 – 4
More info: Part of the Pout-Pout Fish series
Plot
Pout-Pout Fish is back and this time he’s a grumpy holiday shopper. He’s out shopping for gifts but he can’t find any good gifts for his friends. Will he be able to find a meaningful gift that isn’t just a flashing thing?
Why Kirsten loves it
I’ll always be a Pout-Pout fish fan! As usually he starts out grumpy and is cheerful and happy by the end of the book.
Plot
Bluey, the hit character from the Disney+ series, is here for an all-new Christmas story. Bluey, Bingo, and Muffin are learning to practice not peeking for Santa in a fun game. What will Santa bring them this holiday season?
Why Kirsten loves it
Bluey has the most wholesome message in every book and show. I loved reading about Bluey celebrating the holiday season!
Merry Christmas, Stinky Face
Author: Lisa McCourt
Illustrator: Cyd Moore
Year:
Genre:
Age:
More info:
Plot
Stinky Face has lots of questions about Christmas but his mama has all the answers to help him feel better as he waits for the big day. Then Stinky Face lays out all kinds of silly things for Santa to use in case of emergency.
Why Jackie loves it
This is the perfect Christmas book for toddlers who love to get a little rowdy! I love the non-Christmas version of this book too.
Find similar books in: Books for a 1-year-old
More Favorite Character Christmas Books for Babies and Toddlers
We couldn’t put all our favorite character books on this list, so check below to see if your child’s favorite character is in a book listed below.
Helpful Tips
- Use the books on this list to introduce Christmas and all its customs to little ones.
- Choose a story that is interactive and you might just find your child wanting to read the book well past Christmas!
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best Christmas books for a baby?
Dear Santa, Llama Llama Jingle Bells, and First 100 Christmas Words are all great for a baby’s first Christmas.
What are the best Christmas books for a toddler?
Construction Site on Christmas Night, Llama Llama Holiday Drama, and Little Blue Truck’s Christmas top my list!
Related Content
Epilogue
I adored rounding up these charming Christmas books for the littlest kids! Did you find any Christmas books for the toddlers and babies in your life? Did I miss one of your favorites? Let me know below!
Christmas Book Lists
Looking for more Christmas Books for kids and adults? Check out our Christmas book club guides, book lists, book-related present ideas, and more!
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