The Very Best Christmas Books for Kids
Of the many wonderful Christmas books for kids out there, parents say these are the very best! These new and classic family favorites capture the wonder and joy of the holiday for children of all ages.
Whether you're planning a 25 books of Christmas countdown, picking cozy bedtime stories that celebrate the season or revisiting your kids' favorite Christmas movie characters, you'll find your new favorites here.
What kids Christmas books does your family love reading every year? Add them to the list!
As an Amazon Associate, Upparent may earn commission from qualifying purchases from Amazon.com.
How The Grinch Stole Christmas!
Age 5-9
Brigitte Nohra Miller: Generations old and new will adore Dr. Seuss' classic holiday tale about the power of the Christmas spirit. Your holiday season will not be complete without the Grinch, Max, Cindy-Lou and the residents of Who-ville!
North Pole Ninjas
Age 3-7
Beth Wood: Our family discovered this story last year and it quickly became one of our favorite Christmas books for kids! Join the North Pole Ninjas as they perform random acts of kindness. The book comes with different "suggestions of kind acts" that kids can complete...from donating unused toys to charity to shoveling a neighbor's driveway to doing a chore without being asked to giving hugs to those you love...these are acts of kindness even the youngest North Pole Ninja can perform!
Pete the Cat Saves Christmas
Age 4-8
Erin P.:
We love Pete the Cat in our house and this book is another favorite! The always upbeat Pete proves to us how groovy the Christmas spirit can be.
Elf on the Shelf
Age 3+
Kristy Pepping: Based on the tradition author Carol Aebersold began with her family in the 1970s, this clever children's book explains that Santa sends an elf to every home during the holiday season. The elf is to watch the children and report who has been naughty or nice to Santa. After the elf's nightly trip to the North Pole, the elf will be hiding in a different location each morning.
The Night Before Christmas
Age 2+
Brigitte Nohra Miller: "Twas the night before Christmas, and all through the house not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse..." This rhythmic poem by Clement C. Moore, first published in 1823, has been a classic for generations and reading it on Christmas Eve is a beloved Christmas tradition for many families!
Snowmen at Christmas
Age 3-7
Kelly R.:
This is a cute book with wonderful illustrations. While everyone is sleeping on Christmas Eve, the snowmen gather to celebrate and prepare for the arrival of Santa. Loved by preschool and kindergarten aged children.
The Littlest Elf
Age 3-5
Beth Wood: This adorable story about the smallest elf at the North Pole was always one of my family's favorite Christmas books for kids. We still read it each year even though they are a bit older now. Follow Oliver on his quest to find the perfect job at the North Pole. Not all of the available jobs are easy when you're the littlest elf around! Lots of giggles will be had by all as you read about Oliver's adventures!
A Charlie Brown Christmas
Age 4+
Brigitte Nohra Miller: Snoopy and the rest of the PEANUTS gang help Charlie Brown discover the true meaning of Christmas in this classic retelling of the much loved holiday special.
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer
Age 4-8
Sue Krawitz Tandoc: A timeless classic, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer brightens the holidays each year for children and adults alike. Children will root and cheer for Rudolph to win over Santa with his bright red nose to lead the sleigh on Christmas Eve and deliver presents across the world.
For an added holiday treat, watch the original Christmas cartoon with your child and create special holiday memories.
Frosty the Snowman
Age 2-5
Sue Krawitz Tandoc: The magic of Christmas comes to life with the treasured Frosty the Snowman. Young children will delight in Frosty leading a parade wearing his magic hat while strutting through town with the children. They will cheer at the happy ending and will want to hear the story again and again.
To make additional memories with Frosty, watch the televised special with your child and if you are lucky enough to get snow in the winter, build your very own Frosty complete with eyes made out of coal, top hat and a button nose!
The Christmas Story
Age 2-5
Brigitte Nohra Miller:
Originally published in 1952, this classic holiday book retells the story of Jesus' birth in Bethlehem.
Home Alone
Age 4-8
Sue Krawitz Tandoc: Home Alone is based on the favorite Christmas movie and is a delight for all children, whether or not they have seen the movie. The illustrations are expertly created by Kim Smith, in which she brings the movie to printed treasure as the two burglars get caught up in all of Kevin's traps including tar, feathers, and slipping on ice, Kevin's daring escape to the tree house, as well as his family returning home at the end.
My kids laughed out loud reading it and they enjoyed the printed book as much as the movie. It is our new holiday reading tradition.
Look & Find: Merry Christmas, Charlie Brown
Age 4+
Erin P.: Look and find books are great indoor activity for kids on a snowy day. This book has pages and pages filled with the classic Peanuts characters and will keep your kids occupied for quite awhile! Many of the illustrations are taken straight from the Charlie Brown Christmas TV show.
No Room at the Inn: The Nativity Story
Age 6-8
Tim Ponisciak: If you have a child who is learning to read, this early reader book is a nice way to give them some practice while also having them learn about the Christmas story. The book helps child readers learn how to pronounce certain harder words from the story like "Nativity," "Nazareth" and "Galilee."
Madeline's Christmas
Age 3-7
Brigitte Nohra Miller: One of my favorite books in the Madeline Series, this book is a great spirit lifter when your little one has the sniffles during the holidays. It's Christmas Eve and Madeline is taking care of eleven sick girls and Miss Clavel. She finds help from a magic merchant selling flying carpets. The girls take a Christmas journey that will surely make them forget their sniffles and sneezes.
Primary photo: Eleonora Albasi on Unsplash
Upparent collects community-submitted recommendations and reviews, and any ideas that are shared reflect the opinions of individual contributors.