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 2024!
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
Dog’s First Christmas by Natalie Nelson – Jump to section
For Picture Book Lovers
Busy Betty and the Perfect Christmas Present by Reese Witherspoon – Jump to section
For Beginning and Early Readers
Grumpus by Alex T. Smith – Jump to section
For Older Chapter Book Readers
Let it Glow by Marisa Meyer and Joanne Levy – Jump to Section
New Christmas Books for Babies and Toddlers (0-2)
Dog’s First Christmas
Author: Natalie Nelson
Illustrator: Natalie Nelson
Release Date: October 1, 2024
Genre: Board Book
Age: 2 – 5
Plot
This sweet story teaches what Christmas is about to a baby through the eyes of its beloved pup.
Who Said Merry Christmas?
Illustrator: Yi-Hsuan Wu
Release Date: September 10, 2024
Genre: Board Book
Age: 0 – 2
Plot
This is such a charming touch-and-feel book for Christmas. The texture is great for fine motor skills as baby looks to see who is making a new noise on every page.
Where’s the Reindeer?
Author: Ingela P. Arrhenius
Illustrator: Ingela P. Arrhenius
Release Date: September 10, 2024
Genre: Board Book
Age: 0 – 2
Plot
This charming lift the flap book includes a mirror as well! It’s an interactive Christmas book perfect for baby’s first holiday season.
I Am the Grinch
Author: Alastair Heim
Illustrator: Tom Brannon
Release Date: October 15, 2024
Genre: Board Book
Age: 0 – 3
Plot
Babies are a bit too young for How the Grinch Stole Christmas but you can introduce your little one to everyone’s favorite Suess Character, the Grinch in this delightful board book!
New Christmas Picture Books for Kids (3-5+)
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
The 13 Days of Swiftness
Author: Tiffany Garland
Illustrator: Brooke O’Neill
Release Date: September 3, 2024
Genre: Picture Books
Age: 4 – 12
Plot
This fun retelling of The Twelve Days of Christmas has a distinctly Taylor Swift flare. It’s dedicated to all of her fans and the Swift-loving community. It features 13 sleighing selfies, 11 bracelets beaded, 3 cozy kittens, and so on. Your favorite Swift fan will love looking for the easter eggs hidden throughout this story.
Chicka Chicka Ho Ho Ho
Author: William Boniface
Illustrator: Julien Chung
Release Date: October 1, 2024
Genre: Picture Book
Age: 3 – 8
Plot
The letters are back and this time they are planning to be the decorations on the Christmas tree! You Chicka Chicka Boom Boom loving child will go nuts for this holiday twist.
Dolly Parton’s Billy the Kid Comes Home for Christmas
Author: Dolly Parton
Illustrator: MacKenzie Haley
Release Date: October 1, 2024
Genre: Picture Book
Age: 4 – 7
Plot
Dolly’s god-dog is back in this sweet Christmas picture book. Billy the Kid is in a band on tour and scheduled to play Barkafeller Center for Christmas, but he’s missing his family. What’s a pup to do?
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
New Christmas Early and Beginning Reader Books (6-9)
The Grumpus: And His Dastardly, Dreadful Christmas Plan
Author: Alex T Smith
Release Date: September 10, 2024
Genre: Early Reader
Age: 5 – 9
Plot
Meet the Grumpus, a Grinch-type character for modern families. He’s a grumpy, mean monster determined to stop Christmas. Divided into short, illustrated chapters, this is a perfectly funny Christmas story for beginning readers.
Path of the Winter Beast
Author: Jordan Quinn
Illustrator: Robert McPhillips
Release Date: August 27, 2024
Genre: Early Reader
Age: 5 – 9
More info: Kingdom of Wrenly #21
Plot
The beloved Kingdom of Wrenly early-reader series has added a holiday story to it’s collection. The Winter Drop festival is coming up and Prince Lucas is having trouble concentrating while Clara is off baking with her father. But when a beast-catcher arrives on the scene, Lucas and Clara get a brand new adventure.
Grandma is Overly Generous: A Retelling of the Twelve Days of Christmas
Author: Alex T. Smith
Release Date: October 15, 2024
Genre: Beginning Reader
Age: 5 – 9
Plot
Another fun Alex T. Smith Christmas story for the list! This one is about an overly generous grandma and is a fun retelling of The Twelve Days of Christmas. Your kids will be singing along at laughing at the hysterical illustrations.
Christmas at Hogwarts
Author: J. K. Rowling
Illustrator: Ziyi Gao
Release Date: October 15, 2024
Genre: Beginning Reader
Age: 6+
More info: Part of the Harry Potter series
Plot
This is an illustrated excerpt from Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, specifically Chapter 12, which depicts Harry’s first Christmas in the wizarding world. Now a gorgeous keepsake, this is a perfect introduction for those new to Harry Potter.
New Christmas Middle Grade Books (10-13+)
Plot
At pagent tryouts at a local senior center, Aviva and Holly meet and are shocked that they look like identical twins – because they are! Each was adopted at birth and neither knew they had a sister. They’ve grown up celebrating different religions and customs and think it would be fun to swap lives before telling their families what they discovered.
It’s basically a holiday version of The Parent Trap. What could possibly go wrong?
The Christmas Club
Author: Mel Taylor-Bessent
Illustrator: Selom Sunu
Release Date: October 15, 2024
Genre: Middle Grade
Age: 8 – 12
More info: The Christmas Carrolls #3
Plot
Book 3 of this Christmas series finds the Carrolls in NYC where Holly and her family are set to lead the Christmas parade. They have been invited to join an exclusive Christmas club if they can find the entrance to it, all they need to do is follow the white reindeer. But when that reindeer appears in the middle of the parade, they can’t decide if they should leave their station or follow the reindeer!
A Christmas Carol
Author: Charles Dickens (Intro by Neil Gaiman)
Release Date: Nov 5, 2024
Genre: Classic Children’s Literature
Age: 9 – 12
More info: Oxford Children’s Classic Edition
Plot
Charles Dicken’s beloved holiday classic is being reprinted this year with an introduction by famed author, Neil Gaiman. It features bonus content including illustrations, timelines, and fun facts, making it a perfect present for any middle-grade reader.
Plot
When Georgie is chosen to play Clara in The Nutcracker, she is so delighted – it’s everything she’s been working towards, even if her best friend didn’t get the part. When rehearsals start, she dances with the nutcracker for the first time and something mysterious happens – she’s brought into another world – literally!
As she tries to help the trapped nutcracker in the other world, she’s dealing with the fallout from her bestie not getting the role. As she’s navigating her old friendship, she starts to make a new friend who just might be able to help her save the nutcracker.
Why Kirsten loves it
I’m always looking for holiday-specific books geared toward tweens. This one delivers a unique spin on a story that most children grow up knowing. I like how it also focused on the ups and downs of friendship.
Find this book in: New Christmas Books for Kids / Christmas Chapter Books
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.
- 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 Busy Betty & the Perfect Christmas Present for younger kids and Nutcracked for older ones!
What is a good new Christmas book for a baby?
Who Said Merry Christmas? is an adorable interactive Christmas book for a baby or toddler!
Related Content
Epilogue
These are our most anticipated new Christmas books for kids in 2024. 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!
The Best Book Lists by Age for 2024
Looking for books for a specific age group? We’ve got lists divided by age for 1 to 13-year-olds!
