25+ Classic Children’s Christmas Books Any Age Can Enjoy

Christmas picture books can be such a memorable part of the holiday season. Here are over 25 children’s Christmas books for all ages.

Christmas Books for Kids

The Christmas season is finally in full swing!

I can finally listen to Christmas music without Forrest scowling at me, and there’s just so much joy in the air.

While I definitely try and emphasis Christ during this time of year (since He IS the reason for the season!), I can’t help but enjoy all the other fun parts of the Christmas season.

One thing I really enjoy doing is reading Christmas-themed books. We’ve been slowly building up our collection since we got married, and I can’t help but buy at least one new Christmas book each year.

One idea I heard a while back was doing a Christmas Book Advent Calendar.

Basically, you wrap up 25 books and put them under the Christmas tree.

Each day leading up to Christmas, you open one of the books and read it with your family. I think it’s a great way to read all of your Christmas books and countdown to Christmas.

Here are 25 children’s Christmas books that I think would be a great addition to anyone’s Christmas book collection.

Even if they are mainly for children, I think anyone can enjoy them! What is your favorite Christmas book?

Originally posted in 2013; updated in 2019

Best Children’s Christmas Books

How the Grinch Stole Christmas by Dr. Seuss

“Every Who down in Who-ville liked Christmas a lot . . . but the Grinch, who lived just north of Who-ville, did NOT!” Not since “’Twas the night before Christmas” has the beginning of a Christmas tale been so instantly recognizable. 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.”

The Night Before Christmas by Clement Moore

Here is the wonderful new version of the classic poem every family should own. This edition of The Night Before Christmas is lavishly illustrated by renowned artist Charles Santore, the critically-acclaimed illustrator of The Wizard of Oz, Snow White, The Little Mermaid, and others. This is a hardcover edition of the classic The Night Before Christmas, featuring a four-page gatefold and an embossed and foil-stamped cover.

The Polar Express by Chris Van Allsburg

A young boy, lying awake one Christmas Eve, is welcomed aboard a magical trip to the North Pole . . .   Through dark forests, over tall mountains, and across a desert of ice, the Polar Express makes its way to the city atop the world, where the boy will make his Christmas wish. 

The Spirit of Christmas by Nancy Tillman

Bells jingle, sleds dash through the snow, trees are topped with sparkling stars, and children everywhere dream of candy canes and presents. But the best gift of all-the most magical gift of the season-is when we spend Christmas with those we love.

Once again, this New York Times-bestselling author and artist has created a special, beautiful book that families will want to share year after year. (And readers will want to look for the Spirit of Christmas image that Nancy Tillman has hidden on every page!)

The Jolly Christmas Postman by Janet and Allan Ahlberg

This gorgeously illustrated, full-color classic celebrates a time before email with an interactive picture book full of real letters to read aloud. The Jolly Postman brings a batch of wonderful letters for Christmas, including notes from the Big Bad Wolf and all the King’s men. Open this book, take out the letters, and discover what favorite characters would write to each other–and reimagine best-loved tales together.

Corduroy’s Christmas by Don Freeman

Celebrate Christmas with everyone’s favorite bear and this charming lift-the-flap book. Join in all of Corduroy’s holiday activities, from trimming the tree to baking Christmas cookies. Discover the magic of Christmas with Corduroy in this festive tale, perfect for even the youngest reader.

Olive, the Other Reindeer by Drew Barrymore

Olive is merrily preparing for Christmas when suddenly she realizes “Olive… the other Reindeer… I thought I was a dog. Hmmm, I must be a Reindeer!” So she quickly hops aboard the polar express and heads to the North Pole. And while Santa and the other reindeer are a bit surprised that a dog wants to join the their team, in the end Olive and her unusual reindeer skills are just what Santa and his veteran reindeer team need. Colorful graphic illustrations accompany this zany dog story from the well-known author and artist team, Vivian and J.otto Seibold. Adorable Olive and her hilarious adventures are sure to make anyone’s Christmas merry.

Clifford’s First Christmas by Norman Bridwell

On Clifford’s first Christmas Eve, he helps the family trim the tree, but even after he’s tucked into bed, he just can’t sleep. He goes out to investigate, but accidentally falls into Emily Elizabeth’s stocking! Who do you think comes to his rescue? Santa, of course!

The Littlest Angel by Charles Tazewell

This book is suitable for children aged 4 to 8 years. This is the tale of a little angel who just cannot stay out of trouble in the celestial city. When the Christ child is born, the mischievous angel learns a timeless lesson in the true spirit of giving. With over seven million copies in print, this book has become a Christmas classic.

A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens (illustrated)

A Christmas Carol is a novella by Charles Dickens, first published in London by Chapman & Hall on 19 December 1843. The novella met with instant success and critical acclaim. Carol tells the story of a bitter old miser named Ebenezer Scrooge and his transformation into a gentler, kindlier man after visitations by the ghost of his former business partner Jacob Marley and the Ghosts of Christmases Past, Present and Yet to Come.

The Christmas Wish by Lori Evert

This New York Times bestselling Nordic tale in the tradition of The Snowman, The Polar Express, and the many books of Jan Brett will have readers of all ages believing in the magic of Christmas. This is one to pull out every year and savor!

Christmas Oranges by Linda Bethers

After being transfered to an orphanage where the director punishes children for disobeying rules they have never been told, Rose looks forward to Christmas, when she will taste her first orange.

The Christmas Train by Thomas S. Monson

In this children s picture book, President Thomas S. Monson recounts a Christmas memory from his childhood. As a boy, he yearned for an electric train. To his delight, on Christmas morning he got exactly that a train that operated through the miracle of electricity. Then he noticed a second train that his mother had purchased for the boy down the street whose family was struggling. Although it was only a wind-up train, it had an beautiful oil tanker car, which little Tommy wanted for his own. Soon after, Tommy s mother invited him to accompany her to the neighbor s home to deliver the gift. Young Mark was thrilled with his new train and, of course, didn t notice the missing train car. However, a remorseful Tommy did. What happened next will bring the spirit of Christmas into every heart and home. 

The Best Christmas Pageant Ever by Barbara Robinson

Laughs abound in this bestselling Christmas classic by Barbara Robinson! The Best Christmas Pageant Ever follows the outrageous shenanigans of the Herdman siblings, or “the worst kids in the history of the world.” The siblings take over the annual Christmas pageant in a hilarious yet heartwarming tale involving the Three Wise Men, a ham, scared shepherds, and six rowdy kids.

The Happy Christmas Tree by Clarence W. Sickles

The Happy Christmas Tree is a story about Billy and Grandma Mary living a simple life in Northern Vermont in the days of the one room schoolhouse where Billy is hired to fill the potbellied stove with wood to provide heat during the cold winters. An electrical storm sets the hillside on fire and destroys the small fir trees Billy used for a Christmas tree. Early on Christmas morning, Billy rides his tricycle into the village and finds a free, skimpy Christmas tree left from the sale of holiday trees. Billy takes the tree back to the cottage and decorates it so that he and grandma have a Christmas tree and skimpy tree has a home.

Christmas Around the World (It’s a Small World) by Calliope Glass

Join Pedro, Zanele, and all their friends for some Christmas merriment around the globe. Watch holiday fireworks in Brazil, decorate a mango tree in South Africa, and set out wooden shoes for Sinterklaas in the Netherlands! Filled with holiday cheer, this 8×8 has simple and engaging text, complemented by adorable illustrations inspired by the famous Disney theme parks attraction, “It’s A Small World”!

Stars, Stockings, and Shepherds: Discover the Meaning of Christmas Symbols by Shersta Chabot

Do you know the symbolism behind evergreens, sheep, or the color red? This adorably illustrated picture book teaches the meanings behind 24 Christmastime objects and is the perfect gift for any children, parents, or grandparents on your list. Make your family’s holiday season one to remember with this inspiring reminder of the gospel roots behind our treasured Christmas traditions.

Christmas Tree Farm by Ann Purmell

After working all year tending to them as they grow and preparing them for sale, Grandpa proudly opens the Christmas Tree Hut the day after Thanksgiving and awaits his happy customers who come by to pick out just the perfect Christmas tree for their special home and family.

Why Christmas Trees Aren’t Perfect by Richard H. Schneider

Long, long ago, in a land far away, lived a perfect little tree named Small Pine. Small Pine hoped to maintain its perfect form and be selected by the Queen as her Christmas tree. But as the warm-hearted little tree gave shelter to birds, rabbits, and deer in the forest, its branches became damaged. Fortunately, the Queen had a different idea of perfection

Christmas in the Manger by Nola Buck

The gentle beauty of the story of the first Christmas is now available as a board book. With a simple, lyrical text and radiant artwork, this book is perfect for the youngest child to be a part of the wonder of the Nativity.

Parents, grandparents, and caregivers have all embraced this telling. Don’t miss this beautiful little book from the acclaimed team of Nola Buck and Felicia Bond.

Olivia Helps with Christmas by Ian Falconer

Christmas is coming, and Olivia is incredibly busy. She has to wait for Santa, make sure dad sets up the tree, wait for Santa, watch mom make the Christmas dinner, wait for Santa, oversee the care with which the stockings are hung and, of course, OPEN HER PRESENTS! Do you see how hard it is to be so helpful during the holidays?

Sam’s Christmas Wish by George D. Durrant

Sam Edwards isn’t looking forward to Christmas, at least not this year. Since losing his job six months before, he hasn’t had any luck in finding a new one. He isn’t sure how he can give his family a merry Christmas, and the last thing he wants is charity from his neighbors. But when he falls asleep in his living room with his shotgun across his lap just to make sure no one attempts to visit him he wakes up to find out who left the presents, the freshly fallen snow reveals no footprints.

The Berenstain Bears’ Night Before Christmas by Mark Berenstain

Mama, Papa, Sister, Brother, and Honey Bear are back in this heartwarming retelling of Clement Clarke Moore’s classic Christmas tale. It is the night before Christmas, and all through the tree house . . . the Berenstain Bears are ready to celebrate!

The Christmas Sweater: A Picture Book) by Glenn Beck

Adapted from the original bestselling novel, The Christmas Sweater: A Picture Book is the story of a young boy who finds the true meaning of Christmas in the most unlikely of places. Eddie wants a bicycle for Christmas, but his mother knits him a homemade sweater instead. His disappointment is obvious, but a magical journey makes Eddie realize that the sweater is far more than it seems. Ultimately it teaches him that the true meaning of a gift is that it is given with love.

Snowmen at Christmas by Carol Buehner

Snowmen at Night shared with us the magical, slip-sliding adventures of snowmen after dark . . . but have you ever wondered what snowmen do for Christmas? Well, now’s your chance to find out! The snowmen are back, and this time they’re celebrating Christmas—the snowman way!

The Christmas Owl by Angela Muse

A Barred owl becomes injured and must ask others for help. He promises to give back to those who have a generous heart and he is true to his word. Also check out Lil Glimmer, The Nutt Family: An Acorny Adventure, The Pig Princess, The Bee Bully, Eager Eaglets: Birds of Play, Cactus Charlie, Suzy Snowflake, Monsters Have Mommies, Ten Thankful Turkeys, Caterpillar Shoes and The Fox & the Snowman by this author.

The Wild Christmas Reindeer by Jan Brett

Little Teeka thought she had to be firm with the reindeer to get them ready for Santa’s important flight, but when her bossy yelling only got their antlerstangled up, she knew she had to try something different.

Christmas Wish by Lori Everett

This New York Times bestselling Nordic tale in the tradition of The Snowman, The Polar Express, and the many books of Jan Brett will have readers of all ages believing in the magic of Christmas. This is one to pull out every year and savor!

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer by Rick Bunsen

Children ages 3-6 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.

Santa’s Favorite Story by Hisako Aoki

Then on Christmas Day, the last book you could unwrap is the Bible, or a child’s Nativity book, and read that so you can emphasize the true meaning of Christmas!

What is your favorite Christmas book?

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