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. And the newer offerings are quickly becoming household favorites!
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A Very New York Christmas
Buy from:Experience the wonder of New York at Christmastime through this lift-the-flap delight. Join Kit and Olivia navigating snowy sidewalks, twinkling lights, and the Rockefeller Center tree. With gentle narrative flaps to reveal hidden holiday gems, and rich illustrations, this book captures both the magic of the season and the city’s winter sparkle.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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What Does Santa Want for Christmas?
Buy from:Every Christmas, children tell Santa what they want. But Dorim wonders what Santa might like for a change. With help from his friends, he sets out to make the perfect present for the jolly old elf. This sweet and funny story puts a fresh spin on Christmas gift-giving and celebrates kindness, generosity, and the joy of giving to others.
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An Anthology of Christmas
Buy from:Fact-loving kids can get their fill of Christmas trivia with this delightful anthology. If your kid has ever wondered what real reindeer are like or where the Christmas cactus comes from, they’ll love reading this book. It’s packed with interesting stories, holiday lore, and fun facts about items associated with Christmas.
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Santa in the City
Buy from:Deja has some serious questions about Santa. How can he visit her city apartment without a chimney? And where could he possibly park his sleigh? With a little help from her family and community, Deja discovers that Santa’s magic can reach kids anywhere. This warm, joyful story celebrates Christmas in the city and the wonder of believing.
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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.
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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.
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'Twas Nochebuena
Buy from:Celebrate Christmas Eve with a joyful Latino family as they make tamales, decorate their home, sing festive songs, and sip champurrado before gathering for a midnight feast. Told in lively verse and sprinkled with Spanish words, this colorful story celebrates the warmth of family and beloved Nochebuena traditions.
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The 13th Day of Christmas
Buy from:Prolific children’s book creator Adam Rex puts a humorous spin on the classic The 12 Days of Christmas. A man’s true love sends him impractical gifts while they’re spending the holiday season apart. With his home full of swans, milkmaids, and drummers, the onslaught of bizarre gifts takes a heartwarming turn. This feel-good and funny Christmas story is a must-read!
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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.
Now, thanks to a previously unpublished manuscript, this beloved classic has a sequel: Mr. WIllowby's Head Over Heels Christmas. When Mr. Willowby’s Christmas tree can’t be delivered, five of his woodland friends go searching for another option. This thrilling holiday adventure will win over a new generation of readers.
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Jan Brett's Christmas Treasury
Buy from:Nobody does Christmas quite like Jan Brett, and fans will love poring over the detailed illustrations of this gift set. It contains seven of Jan Brett's beloved Christmas titles, including The Wild Christmas Reindeer and The Mitten.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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 2026.