New Christmas Books for Kids
Every year, a slew of new Christmas books for kids get released, and it can be hard to know what to read and what to skip. But look no further than this list of Christmas books for babies to pre-teens – each new for 2025!
Like our new Halloween books for kids, I carefully review all the new holiday book releases to find the best ones for each child, regardless of age or reading ability. I’ve rounded up cute board books, fun picture books, stories for beginning readers, and even books that will bring a smile to your pre-teen’s face.
The Best New Kids’ Books
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.
For Babies & Toddlers
A Dance with Santa Claus by Sandra Boynton – Jump to section
For Picture Book Lovers
Steam Train, Dream Train: Next Stop Christmas by Sherri Duskey Rinker and AG Ford – Jump to section
For Beginning and Early Readers
The Christmas Contest by Maxime Gillio and Benedetta Capriotti – Jump to section
For Older Chapter Book Readers
North for the Winter by Bobby Podesta – Jump to Section
New Christmas Books for Babies and Toddlers (0-2)
A Dance with Santa Claus
Author: Sandra Boynton
Illustrator: Sandra Boynton
Release Date: October 14, 2025
Genre: Picture Book
Age: 1 – 100
Plot
Did you know that Sandra Boyden had a Christmas album, Cows and Holly, and Zooey Deschanel sang on it? Well, this adorable picture book is based on the song that she sang for the album. It’s a Christmas classic in the making that you’ll be reading for the rest of your life.
The Very Hungry Caterpillar’s Christmas Colors
Author: Eric Carle
Illustrator: Eric Carle
Release Date: October 7, 2025
Genre: Board Book
Age: 0 – 3
Plot
Discover the colors of Christmas with Eric Carle in this delightful story featuring everyone’s favorite caterpillar. The book is shaped like a star with easy-to-turn pages, each featuring a different holiday color – from a green Christmas tree to Santa’s red hat and more.
Knight Owl’s Little Christmas
Author: Christopher Denise
Illustrator: Christopher Denise
Release Date: October 14, 2025
Genre: Board Book
Age: 2 – 5
More Info: The Knight Owl #3
Plot
Knight Owl, Early Bird, and their friends are getting ready for Christmas! Join them as they experience all the fun activities of the winter season.
New Christmas Picture Books for Kids (3-5+)
Steam Train, Dream Train: Next Stop, Christmas!
Author: Sherri Duskey Rinker
Illustrator: AG Ford
Release Date: October 7, 2025
Genre: Picture Book
Age: 3 – 5
More info: Steam Train, Dream Train #2
Plot
At last, my favorite children’s picture book is back with a sequel about Christmas! Read all about the dream train and the workers plotting to make Christmas magic. This best holiday story is sure to be a favorite in your home
The Muttcracker
Author: Anna Kemp
Illustrator: Sara Ogilvie
Release Date: September 9, 2025
Genre: Picture Book
Age: 4 – 8
Plot
If you have a child who loves dancing or dogs, this is a must-read! Biff is a dog that loves to dance, and he is looking forward to participating in The Nutcracker Christmas show!
Holly Jolly Kitty-Corn
Author: Shannon Hale
Illustrator: LeUyen Pham
Release Date: September 23, 2025
Genre: Picture Book
Age: 4 – 8
More info: Part of the Kitty Corn series
Plot
Kitty and unicorn are ready to spend their first Christmas together and they can’t wait to share their favorite activities, but they can’t seem to agree on what they should be doing! Can they work together to make a perfect Christmas, or will their disagreement ruin it for everyone?
Christmas Candy Corn!
Author: Jonathan Fenske
Illustrator: Jonathan Fenske
Release Date: September 9, 2025
Genre: Picture Book
Age: 1 – 4
Plot
In this hysterical story, the candy corns of Halloween are determined to celebrate Christmas. This not-so-spooky holiday mashup is a delightful story for bridging the time between the two holidays.
New Christmas Early and Beginning Reader Books (6-9)
Llama Llama Gift for Mama
Author: Anna Dewdney
Illustrator: JT Morrow
Release Date: October 14, 2025
Genre: Picture Book
Age: 2 – 5
More info: Part of the Llama Llama Series
Plot
Here me out, while this is technically a picture book for Christmas, the rhyming words and easy sentences make it a perfect first read-aloud for an emerging reader! In this delightful story, about Llama Llama searching all over to find the perfect gift for mama.
The 13th Day of Christmas
Author: Adam Rex
Illustrator: Adam Rex
Release Date: September 9, 2025
Genre: Picture Book
Age: 5 – 7
Plot
We all know the famous 12 Days of Christmas song, but in this gorgeously illustrated picture book, Adam Rex examines why somebody would give all of those gifts. This heartwarming story explains the song in a way that is perfect for the holiday season. but get ready to be singing the song nonstop after reading it.
Cooking with Cindy-Lou Who
Author: Cat Reynolds
Illustrator: Heather Martinez
Release Date: September 23, 2025
Genre: Early Reader
Age: 4 – 7
More info: Step into Reading Level 1
Plot
Everyone’s favorite Cindy-Lou Who is preparing a Christmas feast for all of Whoville! Cindy Lou is making the dip, but when it doesn’t go to plan, the Grinch is there to lend to helpful hand.
The Christmas Contest
Author: Maxime GillioÂ
Illustrator: Benedetta Capriotti
Release Date: September 30, 2025
Genre: Early Reader
Age: 6 – 9
More info: An Advent Novel
Plot
In this delightful Advent-style novel for early readers, various creatures of the North Pole are competing to be Santa’s helper. Each of the chapters is sealed and ready to be opened one day at a time as the holidays approach. With gorgeous illustrations, this story is a keepsake in the making!
New Christmas Middle Grade Books (10-13+)
North for the Winter
Author: Bobby Podesta
Illustrator: Bobby Podesta
Release Date: September 2, 2025
Genre: Graphic Novel
Age: 8 – 12
Plot
Famed Pixar illustrator Bobby Podesta brings to life this middle grade graphic novel Christmas story set in Virginia.
The Rise of Nicholas the Noble
Author: Chanda A. Bell
Illustrator: Michael Austin
Release Date: September 16, 2025
Genre: Middle Grade Fantasy
Age: 8 – 12
More info: Part of the Elf on the Shelf Santaverse
Plot
Nicholas is a shipwrecked boy who only has his dog, Barry, for company in the Arctic tundra. There, he finds an enchanted location known as One True North, home to fairies, elves, and gnomes. The creatures guard a piece of the Christmas Star, which is able to spread joy to all who believe, but a powerful, evil force wants to steal the star. Can Nicholas stop them?
An Anthology of Christmas
Author: Auriol Bishop
Release Date: October 7, 2025
Genre: Nonfiction
Age: 7 – 10
Plot
This gorgeously laid out anthology will teach kids all about the various elements of Christmas. With metallic foil and a sewn-in ribbon, this book will become an heirloom to treasure.
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 that they will cherish forever.
- Decorate your mantel with Christmas books. They make perfect decor pieces that also encourage reading.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best new Christmas books for kids?
I love Candy Corn Christmas! for younger kids and North for the Winter for older ones!
What is a good new Christmas book for a baby?
A Dance with Santa Claus? is an adorable Christmas book for a baby or toddler, written by the famous Sandra Boynton!
Related Content
Epilogue
These are our most anticipated new Christmas books for kids in 2025. Did you find anything you wish to get for a child in your life?
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!
