Christmas Books for Kids and Families
by Dena McMurdie
One of my favorite holiday traditions is reading timeless Christmas books with my children. Whether it’s a beloved classic or a modern favorite, we read these books year after year and they have become an essential part of our celebrations.
The classic Christmas books on this list have stood the test of time and are just as popular today as when they were published. Many of them grace my childhood memories and are now cherished by my own children as well. In addition, the newer offerings are quickly becoming household favorites.
-
The Littlest Christmas Tree
Buy from:Children will love this festive new title from beloved author Jane Chapman. Cubby and his dad find the perfect Christmas tree, take it home, and decorate it. But when Christmas is over, and they take down their decorations, Cubby can’t bear to part with his beloved tree. Thankfully, his dad knows how to save the tree.
Buy from: -
The Christmas Story
Buy from:With beautiful illustrations and a simple retelling of the birth of Christ, this book has become a beloved Christmas classic for families. First published in 1952, it is one of the most popular children’s books about the Christmas story.
Buy from: -
The Year of the Perfect Christmas Tree
Buy from:Well-known for its heartfelt message, this enduring classic will stay with you long after you read it. Set in a small Appalachian community, it’s a meaningful story about family, sacrifice, and gifts from the heart.
Buy from: -
The Night Before Christmas
Buy from:A young father wakes up to find Santa Claus shimmying down his chimney in this enduring Christmas story. This classic 1949 Little Golden Book is now available for a new generation of readers to know and love.
Buy from: -
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer
Buy from:Visit the North Pole and go on a Christmas adventure with this retelling of the classic film. Anyone who watches the stop-motion movie every year will love reading the book. It makes an excellent stocking stuffer!
Buy from: -
Everett Green: The Not-So-Christmas Tree
Buy from:It’s Christmastime in Hawaii, and Everett Green is a little palm tree with festive dreams. He wants to become the Christmas tree in Rockefeller Center in New York City more than anything. However, when he gets stuck in the airport, he realizes that spreading Christmas cheer wherever you are is more important than fame.
Buy from:
Gift Guides, Holiday Stories, & More!
❄️ EXPLORE NOW ❄️
-
Dream Snow
Buy from:Vibrant artwork, simple text, and a heartwarming holiday story make this modern classic a must-read for every family. Young children will love interacting with the story as they lift snowy flaps to reveal the farm animals and press a button that lights up a tree and plays holiday music.
Buy from: -
Elmore the Christmas Moose
Buy from:From the creators of Don’t Eat Bees and I Don’t Want to Be a Frog comes a giggle-worthy holiday story about a Moose with high-flying aspirations. Elmore wants to help pull Santa’s sleigh, but moose can’t fly — or can they? Elmore tries everything he can think of to learn how to fly and relays his efforts in a series of hilarious letters to Santa. Eventually, Elmore and Santa devise a way to make his dream come true.
Buy from: -
Mr. Willowby’s Christmas Tree
Buy from:Mr. Willowby’s Christmas tree is too tall for his parlor, so he cuts the top off and gives it to the maid, who in turn cuts the top off and gives it away. By the end of the festive tale, the tree has brought joy to a wide assortment of people and animals.
Buy from: -
Jan Brett's Christmas Treasury
Buy from:This perfect gift set contains seven of Jan Brett's beloved Christmas titles, including The Wild Christmas Reindeer and The Mitten.
Buy from: -
Tamales for Christmas
Buy from:This heartwarming holiday story is based on the author’s real grandmother. Grandma wants to buy gifts for all her children and grandchildren but does not have enough money. So, long before the holiday season begins, she starts making tamales. As the days and weeks pass, her tamale stash grows larger until she has enough to sell and buy gifts for her family. She then shares the extras with people who need them.
Buy from: -
The Life and Adventures of Santa Claus
Buy from:From the author of The Wizard of Oz, this delightful fairy tale chronicles the life of Santa Claus. From choosing reindeer to sliding down chimneys, this tale of magic and kindness celebrates the jolly old elf.
Buy from: -
Madeline’s Christmas
Buy from:When Miss Clavel and 11 little girls fall ill at Christmas, Madeline is left to care for them all. A rug merchant, a kind deed, and a magical journey make this charming holiday story an essential read for Madeline fans.
Buy from: -
The Twelve Days of Christmas
Buy from:Fresh, whimsical artwork breathes new life into the popular Christmas song. Sing about the 12 days of Christmas with the bright colors and cheerful characters that grace the pages of this delightful picture book.
Buy from: -
The Christmas Miracle of Jonathan Toomey
Buy from:When Jonathan Toomey accepts a woodcarving job from a widow and her young son, he never expects to have his heart healed in the process. This beautiful story is a favorite among Christmas lovers and carries strong messages of kindness and hope.
Buy from: -
The Christmas Wish
Buy from:A determined young girl named Anja wants to be one of Santa's elves in this winter classic. As Anja skis her way to Santa, a menagerie of animals help her along the way.
Buy from: -
A Christmas Carol
Buy from:Three ghosts take Ebenezer Scrooge to visit his past, present, and future in Charles Dickens’ haunting Christmas story. A true classic, A Christmas Carol is a must-read for families about kindness, redemption, and the spirit of Christmas.
Buy from: -
There's an Elf in Your Book
Buy from:This Christmas edition of the Who's In Your Book? series puts readers to the test! Are you naughty or nice? The Elf will be testing you (in the most fun way!) in this participatory read-aloud.
Buy from: -
The Little Drummer Boy
Buy from:A young drummer boy gives a unique and personal gift to the newborn baby Jesus in this beautifully illustrated book. Ezra Jack Keats’ signature collage artwork makes The Little Drummer Boy a holiday treasure you’ll want to read year after year.
Buy from:
You might also like:
- Brand-New Children’s Books To Read This Christmas
- Delightful Santa Stories for Kids
- Books That Celebrate Diverse Holidays and Traditions
- The Reason for the Season: Books That Celebrate the Meaning of Christmas
Editor’s Note: This article was originally published in 2018 and updated in 2025.