My kids love having me read books to them and it’s something the whole family can enjoy. Since it’s Christmas time I like to switch out our normal books for Holiday themed ones. Not only are books fun to read, but they make perfect gifts. There are so many great Christmas books out there, but I put together a list of 20 of our top Christmas books. The kids love them and if you’re doing advent gifts with books these would be perfect for that.
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How the Grinch Stole Christmas! by Dr. Seuss
This is a holiday classic and something that is read (and watched) every year. How can you not love the Grinch with his naughty tactics and watching as his heart grows bigger?
This heartwarming story about the effects of the Christmas spirit will grow even the coldest and smallest of hearts. Like mistletoe, candy canes, and caroling, the Grinch is a mainstay of the holidays, and his story is the perfect gift for young and old.
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer by Little Golden Books
Children will love to read this Little Golden Book retelling of the classic 1964 holiday TV special, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. All of the other reindeer make fun of Rudolph and won’t let him play in their reindeer games because he’s different. But when Christmas is almost cancelled because of a huge snowstorm, Rudolph comes to the rescue with his wonderful shiny red nose.
A young boy, lying awake one Christmas Eve, is welcomed aboard a magical trip to the North Pole . . .
Llama Llama Jingle Bells by Anna Dewdney
I may have an obsession with Llamas and we may own all of the Llama books, but my kids love them. If we’re reading a book, chances are there is a Llama Llama story in there somewhere.
With short and simple rhyming text, the Llama Llama board books introduce Llama Llama to babies and toddlers before they’re ready for longer full-length stories. And their small size and durable pages are perfect for little hands. In Llama Llama Jingle Bells, little llama and his friends give gifts, sing songs, and decorate cookies. It’s a very merry holiday indeed!
Frosty the Snowman by Little Golden Books
Everyone’s favorite snowman with a magic hat, a button nose, and eyes made out of coal comes to life on Christmas every year. Based on the beloved 1969 television special, this Little Golden Book retells the whole magical story of Frosty the Snowman.
How Do Dinosaurs Say Merry Christmas? by Jane Yolan
From decorating the tree to wrapping presents, little dinosaurs love to celebrate Christmas-and everything about it. With ornaments on the branches and carolers singing at the door, the spirit of Christmas is finally here and filling the hearts of families everywhere. But when the stockings are hung on the chimney, and the cookies are left out for Santa, how can little dinosaurs go to sleep? It’s so exciting! How can they possibly calm down and behave?
The Not Very Merry Pout-Pout Fish by Deborah Diesen
Will Mr. Fish find perfect gifts for everyone on his list? Will he finish his shopping in time?
Swim along with The Pout-Pout Fish on his holiday shopping quest. He might just discover that the best gifts of all come straight from the heart.
A Charlie Brown Christmas by Tina Gallo
Christmas is almost here, which means ice-skating, Christmas carols, and sparkly lights everywhere—even on Snoopy’s doghouse! Everyone is enjoying the holiday celebrations except Charlie Brown. Can the Peanuts gang help Charlie Brown discover the true meaning of Christmas?
In this delightful tale, Santa is looking for the perfect present to send to a special child. Lift the flaps to reveal a big kite, a bouncy ball, and a mask! But nothing seems quite right…until Christmas Eve, when Santa finds the perfect gift to leave under the tree.
Don’t Push the Button! A Christmas Adventure by Bill Cotter
My kids loves the Don’t Push the Button! books. They’re so much fun for them and it’s followed by so many laughs and squeals. Adding the Christmas book to the collection will send them over the moon.
It’s almost Christmas and Santa is coming, so whatever you do―DON’T PUSH THE BUTTON!!
Well, maybe just once can’t hurt…uh oh!
Merry Christmas, Mouse! by Laura Nemeroff
Join Mouse from If You Give a Mouse a Cookie as he decorates his Christmas tree in a holiday counting adventure.
How to Catch Santa by Jean Reagan
After waiting for days and days and days, it’s finally Christmas Eve. And that’s when you can try to catch Santa….
A Bad Kitty Christmas by Nick Bruel
A greedy Bad Kitty didn’t get all the presents she wanted for Christmas, but after she goes on a Christmas caper across town and through multiple alphabets, she makes a new friend, finds an old friend, and learns the true meaning of Christmas.
The Night Before Christmas by Charles Santore
A story of St. Nicholas climbing down the chimney and filling all the stockings before springing back to his sleigh.
The Berenstain Bears and the Joy of Giving by Jan Berenstain – 15
In The Berenstain Bears and The Joy of Giving Brother and Sister Bear can’t wait for Christmas and all the presents they’ll open. But during the Christmas Eve pageant, something special happens! The Bear cubs learn a very valuable lesson about the joy of giving to others.
How to Catch an Elf by Adam Wallace
Is this the year you’ll finally catch an elf? Start a new Christmas tradition with this hilarious children’s book from the creators of the New York Times best-seller How to Catch a Leprechaun!
The Itsy Bitsy Snowman by Jeffrey Burton
A fun and playful seasonal twist on “The Itsy Bitsy Spider” makes this favorite nursery rhyme perfect for wintertime!
Little Blue Trucks Christmas by Alice Schertle
It’s the most wonderful time of the year! Little Blue Truck is spreading cheer by delivering Christmas trees to his animal friends. Can you help count each green tree from one to five and back again? Don’t forget to save one for Blue! Beep! Beep!
Dream Snow by Eric Carle
It’s December 24th, and the old farmer settles down for a winter’s nap, wondering how Christmas can come when there is no snow! In his dream he imagines a snowstorm covering him and his animals—named One, Two, Three, Four and Five—in a snowy blanket. But when the farmer awakens, he finds that it has really snowed outside, and now he remembers something! Putting on his red suit, he goes outside and places gifts under the tree for his animals, bringing holiday cheer to all.
Celebrate the spirit of Christmas with this enchanting 64-page picture book complete with ribbon marker, featuring one story for each of the 25 days of December leading up to Christmas.
What are your children’s favorite Christmas/Holiday books? Tell me what I’m missing in the comments below!
Janet W.
Tuesday 12th of December 2017
My grandsons love to read Christmas themed books on the days leading up to Christmas! Thanks for some more book ideas!
Sara Zielinski
Thursday 7th of December 2017
This is a good list of books for kids to read during the holiday season.
Tiffany Schmidt
Wednesday 29th of November 2017
We love reading Christmas stories the weeks leading up to the big day!