Ho, ho, ho! ‘Tis the season for snowball fights, baking Christmas cookies, watching holiday movies and cuddling up with your kid for a Christmas bedtime story. Whether you have a little bookworm running around or are looking to start a new holiday tradition this season, we’ve found the best Christmas books for kids that are guaranteed to make reading time merry and bright.

These festive stories celebrate all of the wondrous parts of the holiday season. From learning the true meaning of Christmas to getting in the holiday spirit and so much more. Kick off Christmas season with a new book or two, or three, maybe four—they’re all so festive and cute. May the days be filled with magic, cheer and holiday books for kids! Scroll through for the best children’s Christmas books.

19 Christmas books for kids that celebrate the holiday season

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1. An Elf’s Journey Home by Kristen Denzer

For those whose holiday season revolves around finding new hiding places for Elf on the Shelf, this heartwarming children’s picture book is about an elf’s love for his family and his desire to spend as much quality time with them as possible.

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2. Little Blue Truck’s Christmas by Alice Schertle

Perfect for ages 1-3, this children’s board book chronicles Little Blue Truck’s fun holiday adventures as he delivers Christmas trees to all his animal friends. It’s the perfect way to start or end your own Christmas tree festivities!

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3. It’s Christmas, David! By David Shannon

David is up to his funny and crazy shenanigans once again in “It’s Christmas, David!” But this time, he’ll have to be on his best behavior if he doesn’t want to wake up to a lump of coal in his stocking come Christmas morning.

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4. How the Grinch Stole Christmas! by Dr. Seuss

A holiday classic, Dr. Seuss’s Christmas-inspired picture book and its animated movie adaptation make for the perfect winter night double feature.

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5. Christmas Songs: Interactive Children's Sound Book by Holly Berry-Byrd

The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear! In this interactive board book, your little one will learn and hear 10 popular Christmas songs like “Deck the Halls,” “Joy to the World,” and “We Wish You a Merry Christmas” alongside its accompanying lyrics and colorful illustrations, all at the push of a button

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6. Little Red Sleigh by Erin Guendelsberger

If your kid loves watching “The Polar Express,” then they’ll enjoy this magical story of one sleigh’s journey to becoming Santa’s Christmas Eve vessel, aka his big red sleigh!

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7. The Littlest Reindeer by Brandi Dougherty

A great picture book to pair with “Little Red Sleigh, The Littlest Reindeer” follows a little reindeer named Dot whose dream is to help pull Santa’s sleigh one day. There’s just one problem, her flying skills aren’t up to par.

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8. Dasher: How a Brave Little Doe Changed Christmas Forever by Matt Tavares

Born into a traveling circus family, Dasher has always been a performer; but she feels a calling to do something larger in life. When she accidentally runs into a jolly old man with a white beard, dressed in all red, she joins him in hopes of feeling the snow crush beneath her hooves and the crisp winter air in her antlers.

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9. Mr. Willowby’s Christmas Tree by Robert Barry

Follow along as one gigantic Christmas tree is passed from house to house in celebration of the yuletide season. Your kids will get a laugh out of all the cute little forest critters and animals who admire it from afar.

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10. You’re My Little Christmas Cookie by Nicola Edwards

The Christmas cookie-themed board book is filled with hands-on features like cut-outs, raised elements, and text fun enough to rhyme outloud. Your child will love looking at the adorable snowmen, decorated gingerbread cookies, and beautiful snowflakes. After the book, treat yourself to a Christmas cookie!

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11. Babies Love Christmas: Lift-a-Flap Board Book by Holly Berry-Byrd

Teach your baby or toddler all about Christmas words alongside pictures in this lively lift-a-flap board book dedicated to educating your child linguistically while also developing their fine motor skills.

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12. The Berenstain Bears’ Night Before Christmas by Mike Berenstain

Join Mama, Papa, Sister, Brother, and Honey Bear as they celebrate one of the most anticipated days of the year, Christmas Eve. From wrapping presents to putting out cookies for Santa, this picture book will get you and your child right in the holiday spirit.

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13. My First Christmas by Disney Baby Books

Introduce your baby to the thrills of Christmas with this baby’s first Christmas holiday board book, or gift it to a friend or relative who just welcomed their own new family member. It features Mickey Mouse, Pluto, and the whole Disney gang.

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14. A Charlie Brown Christmas by Tina Gallo and Charles Schulz

The holidays are never complete without a visit from the Peanuts gang. The children’s picture storybook is a colorful retelling of the holiday special we’ve all come to know and love—stream it after!

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15. Dear Santa: A Lift-the-Flap Book by Rod Campbell

Featuring touch and feel elements and lift-the-flaps, your kid will have fun playing Santa’s little helper as they help Santa find the perfect gift for someone on the nice list.

 

Related: 10 best Montessori busy books to keep your little one entertained while learning

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16. The Truth About Mrs. Claus by Meena Harris

This empowering children’s story follows Amalia the Elf, a teddy bear making elf who finds the true meaning of the holidays with a little help from Mrs. Claus.

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17. Construction Site: Merry and Bright: A Christmas Lift-the-Flap Book by Sherri Duskey Rinker

If your child enjoys, “Goodnight, Goodnight Construction Site,” then they’ll love this festive story about how the trucks at the construction site get ready for the holidays.

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18. Joy to the World! by Kate DePalma

This lyrical picture book shows little ones how Christmas is celebrated in 13 different countries around the world.

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19. Merry Christmas, Anne by Kallie George

This festive picture book featuring beloved Anne, from the classic “Anne of Green Gables,” is the perfect Christmas book for kids. Celebrate the season with Anne as she discovers how to give back to her friends and loved ones.

A version of this post was published November 15, 2021. It has been updated.