Christmas Books to Read with Young Children
Enjoy the magic of the season and create cherished memories with your little ones by curling up together with heartwarming Christmas stories they’ll treasure forever.
There’s something magical about the Christmas season—twinkling lights, warm cocoa, and the excitement in the air as little ones count down the days to Christmas morning. Amid the hustle and bustle, one of the simplest yet most meaningful traditions you can create is reading Christmas books with your children.
Stories have a way of capturing the heart, and Christmas books are no exception. They bring the wonder of the season to life, spark imaginations, and teach timeless lessons about kindness, generosity, and love. Cozying up together with a good book isn’t just a way to keep little ones entertained; it’s a way to build connection, foster a love of reading, and create cherished memories that will last a lifetime.
I am so blessed to have a sweet daughter-in-law (Hannah Claire) who was also a librarian. She’s such a good mom and her 3 little ones already love to read! She shared this list with me and I am so thankful! Some of the books are religious and others are not. Either way, these stories are sure to bring a smile to your face and joy to your children! Merry Christmas!
Why Christmas Books Matter
Books hold the power to transport us to different worlds, and during the holidays, they can bring the spirit of Christmas into our homes. When I was a little girl, my mom always read the book: Twas the Night Before Christmas to me and my brother. It was a special tradition that I carried over into my own mothering.
For young children, the right story book can:
- Encourage Imagination: Tales of snow-filled adventures and delightful surprises ignite a child’s sense of wonder.
- Teach Values: Christmas books often share themes of generosity, gratitude, and the joy of giving. Learning about the story of Jesus birth is a wonderful way to teach little ones about the gospel.
- Create Traditions: Reading a favorite book each December or even wrapping books to open one each night builds meaningful family traditions.
Tips for Making Storytime Special
To get the most out of your Christmas reading time, consider these tips:
- Create a Cozy Atmosphere: Dim the lights, light a candle or turn on your Christmas tree, and snuggle under a blanket. The ambiance makes reading feel like an event.
- Make It Interactive: Encourage your children to ask questions, predict what happens next, or point out details in the illustrations.
- Build Anticipation: Wrap each book like a present and let your children open one each day leading up to Christmas. This creates excitement and builds a sense of holiday magic.
- Discuss the Story: After reading, talk about what they liked most or what the story taught them about Christmas.
9 Christmas Books to Read to Toddlers and Kids
'Twas the Evening of Christmas ('Twas Series)
Twas the Evening of Christmas echoes the familiar language and rhythm of Dr. Clements' poetry, but instead of focusing on Santa, it focuses on the baby Jesus, who is, after all, the true hero of Christmas. All families will delight in this simple retelling of the most famous story ever told.
The Christmas Barn
When the Old Pine Tree cracks and falls after an autumn storm, Farmer John knows just what to do. He will give the farm animals a very special present for Christmas. He draws up a plan, and piece by piece, a structure is built, while the farm animals--sheep, dogs, chickens, geese, ducks, and some alpacas--look on in wonder at what it will be!
Santa and the Goodnight Train Board Book: A Christmas Holiday Book for Kids
Ho-ho-hold on to your teddy bear! The Goodnight Train follows Santa’s sleigh on a magical ride through a winter wonderland in this Christmas sequel to The Goodnight Train and The Goodnight Train Rolls On!
What the Dinosaurs Did the Night Before Christmas (What the Dinosaurs Did, 3)
From the creative parents that brought us the internet sensation "Dinovember" and the bestselling book What The Dinosaurs Did Last Night comes this hilarious reimagining of the classic Christmas poem!
Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Sleigh!
It’s the most wonderful time of the year—for driving a sleigh! ’Tis also the season—for driving a sleigh! Oh, and joy to the—driving a sleigh! The Pigeon has made a list and checked it once. Can his holiday dream come true? Or will The Pigeon be left out in the cold?
Karma Wilson, Jim McMullan'sHogwash! (Wilson, Karma) [Hardcover]2011
The day before Christmas, snuggled on his floor, Bear sleeps soundly with a great big snore. "Dear Bear. Get up!" Mouse shouts in his ear. "We won't let you sleep through Christmas this year." Bear's friends are determined that he be awake for Christmas and they get him up from his hibernation on Christmas Eve.
The Jesus Storybook Bible Advent Activity Book: 24 Guided Crafts, plus Games, Songs, Recipes, and More
This is your guide to a complete and creative celebration of the holiday season, filled with crafts, games, recipes, songs, and activities for every day of Advent. The Jesus Storybook Bible Advent Activity Book highlights the significance of the Nativity and meaning of God’s most precious gift.
A Mustache Baby Christmas: A Christmas Holiday Book for Kids
Mustache Baby is headed straight for the naughty list until he figures out it is much more fun to give than to receive in this hilarious holiday gift book.
The Joy of Sharing
As you read these stories, remember that the magic lies in the moments shared. Watching your child’s eyes light up as they follow along with the adventures, hearing their giggles, and soaking in their wonder makes the effort worthwhile. And don’t forget that young children thrive on reading the same stories over and over again!
This season, make reading an integral part of your holiday traditions. Even the simplest moments—snuggling with a book in hand—can become the ones they remember forever.
