best Christmas books for kids

The Best Christmas Books for Kids

In this list

12 books

  1. The Littlest Reindeer · Brandi Dougherty and Michelle Todd
  2. Little Red Sleigh · Erin Guendelsberger and Elizabeth Tretyakova
  3. Elf · Kim Smith
  4. Santa’s Lost Reindeer · Rachel Hilz and Remesh Ram
  5. Santa and the Goodnight Train · June Sobel and Laura Huliska-Beith
  6. The Polar Express · Chris Van Allsburg
  7. The Girl Who Saved Christmas · Matt Haig and Chris Mould
  8. I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas · John Rox and Bruce Whatley
  9. How the Grinch Stole Christmas · Dr. Seuss
  10. 5 More Sleeps Till Christmas · Jimmy Fallon and Rich Deas
  11. Dasher · Matt Tavares
  12. How to Catch an Elf · Adam Wallace and Andy Elkerton

If you’re looking for the best Christmas books for kids, we’ve got you covered! Reading Christmas books can enhance the Christmas experience for kids in a number of ways. Christmas books can help kids learn about the traditions and customs associated with the holiday, such as gift giving, tree decorating, and baking cookies. This can help them understand and appreciate the holiday more fully.

Reading the best Christmas books for kids can also help get them into the holiday spirit by getting them excited about the festive season. The stories and illustrations in Christmas books can be very magical and help kids feel the magic of the holiday. Christmas books can help kids develop their language and reading skills. Reading with kids can help them improve their vocabulary and comprehension skills, which can have a positive impact on their overall academic development.

Reading Christmas books can be a fun and enjoyable way for kids to spend time with their families and loved ones. Sharing stories and spending quality time together can help strengthen family bonds and create lasting memories. Overall, reading Christmas books can be a great way to help kids learn about, appreciate, and enjoy the holiday season.

Let’s dive into the best Christmas books for kids…


1.

The Littlest Reindeer

“The Littlest Reindeer” is a charming holiday book written by New York Times bestselling author Brandi Dougherty and Michelle Todd. It tells the story of a small reindeer named Dot who wants to help Santa deliver presents on Christmas Eve. Despite her best efforts, Dot struggles to fly and fears she may be too small for the job.

With the help of her friends and a bit of Christmas magic, will Dot learn to fly in time for Santa’s big journey? This heartwarming tale is sure to bring a smile to readers of all ages and spread holiday cheer.

2.

Little Red Sleigh

“Little Red Sleigh” is a heartwarming children’s Christmas book that tells the story of a little red sleigh with big dreams. Despite being told she is too small and too young, the Little Red Sleigh is determined to one day become Santa’s big red sleigh. With the help of some friends, she sets out to do the impossible and prove that no dream is out of reach if you believe.

This charming Christmas story is full of winter joy and holiday magic, and is sure to be a hit with parents, grandparents, and teachers reading to kids. It is also a screen-free activity that provides entertainment and inspiration during the winter season, and makes a great Christmas gift or holiday stocking stuffer for kids ages 4-8.

3.

Elf

“Elf” is a delightful picture book that follows the adventures of Buddy, a lovable elf with more Christmas spirit than anyone. Though he tries his best to fit in with the other elves at the North Pole, Buddy always seems to stand out. When he discovers that he is actually a human and that his father is on the Naughty List, Buddy sets off for New York City to bring his dad some holiday cheer.

Along the way, he encounters all kinds of challenges, but with the help of his new family and a bit of Christmas magic, Buddy is able to save the day and spread joy to all. Featuring adorable illustrations by Kim Smith and all the iconic moments and humorous lines from the film, “Elf” is a must-have for readers of all ages.

4.

Santa’s Lost Reindeer

“Santa’s Lost Reindeer” is a hilarious Christmas tale that is sure to get everyone laughing. The book follows a stressed-out Santa as he searches for his missing reindeer, who are essential for his big Christmas Eve journey. Without them, Santa is in trouble and needs help fast.

Written by Rachel Hilz, a mom of two special needs children, “Santa’s Lost Reindeer” was a passion project that was created with her autistic kids in mind. It has now become a source of joy and laughter for them and is sure to bring cheer to readers of all ages.

5.

Santa and the Goodnight Train

“Santa and the Goodnight Train” is a festive sequel to “The Goodnight Train” and “The Goodnight Train Rolls On!” that follows Santa’s sleigh on a magical journey through a winter wonderland. As the Goodnight Train chugs along, readers can hear the jingle bells, taste some candy canes, and spot a few flying hoofs on their way to Dreamland, with one special detour just in time for Christmas.

This delightful holiday book is filled with festive fun and is sure to be a hit with kids and adults alike. So hold on tight and join Santa and the Goodnight Train for an unforgettable ride through a winter wonderland.

6.

The Polar Express

“The Polar Express” is a beloved Christmas classic that follows the journey of a young boy who is invited to board a magical train on Christmas Eve. The train takes him on an exciting journey through dark forests, over tall mountains, and across a frozen desert to the North Pole, where the boy gets to make his Christmas wish. Written and illustrated by Chris Van Allsburg, “The Polar Express” has won the Caldecott Medal and has been enjoyed by millions of readers around the world.

This thirtieth-anniversary edition features a new jacket design and expanded interior layout, making it the perfect addition to any holiday book collection. “The Polar Express” is also a popular holiday movie and has been adapted into stage productions that take place across the United States during the holiday season.

7.

The Girl Who Saved Christmas

“The Girl Who Saved Christmas” is a heartwarming and whimsical story about the first child to ever receive a Christmas present. When her mother falls ill, Amelia Wishart is sent to the workhouse, where she spends a year working under the cruel Mr. Creeper and struggling to keep hope alive. As Christmas approaches, magic levels at the North Pole dip dangerously low, and Santa knows that something is wrong.

With the help of his reindeer, a curious cat, and Charles Dickens, he sets out to find Amelia and help her believe in Christmas magic again. This delightful holiday story is perfect for reading aloud with the entire family and is sure to spread holiday cheer. It is written by Matt Haig, the author of “A Boy Called Christmas,” which is now a Netflix movie starring Kristen Wiig, Maggie Smith, and Henry Lawfull.

8.

I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas

“I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas” is a charming children’s book that is sure to delight any child who has begged for a pet for Christmas. The story follows a little girl as she makes an unusual Christmas wish: she wants a hippopotamus to play with and enjoy. Despite the objections of her parents and Santa Claus, she is determined to get her wish.

Based on the popular Christmas song by John Rox, this edition also includes the sheet music and lyrics to “I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas.” With catchy refrains, classic artwork, and a heartwarming story, this timeless tale has been a holiday favorite since 1953. So why wait? Join this little girl on her quest for a hippopotamus and spread some holiday cheer.

9.

How the Grinch Stole Christmas

“How the Grinch Stole Christmas” is a classic Christmas story that is sure to bring holiday cheer to readers of all ages. Written by the beloved children’s author Dr. Seuss, this book follows the Grinch, a grumpy creature who lives just north of Who-ville and hates Christmas. Despite the joy and excitement of the holiday season in Who-ville, the Grinch remains determined to ruin Christmas for everyone.

But as the Grinch carries out his mischievous plan, he begins to learn about the true meaning of Christmas and the power of love and kindness. With its catchy rhymes, memorable characters, and heartwarming message, “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” is a must-have for any holiday book collection.

10.

5 More Sleeps Till Christmas

“5 More Sleeps Till Christmas” is a festive and charming children’s book written by Jimmy Fallon, host of NBC’s “The Tonight Show,” and illustrated by Rich Deas. The book captures the excitement and anticipation of the holiday season, as readers count down the final days until Christmas. With fun rhymes and colorful illustrations, “5 More Sleeps Till Christmas” is sure to become a new holiday tradition for families.

This sweet and spirited picture book is the perfect way to get into the holiday spirit and celebrate the magic of Christmas. So why wait? Start counting down the sleeps and get ready for the most exciting week of the year with “5 More Sleeps Till Christmas.”

11.

Dasher

“Dasher” is a heartwarming and inspiring story about a young reindeer named Dasher who longs for a different life. Tired of performing in the hot sun in a traveling circus, Dasher sets out to find a place where she can run on snow-covered ground and see the North Star above her head.

Along the way, she meets a kind man in a red suit named Santa and discovers that with a powerful Christmas wish, anything is possible. Written and illustrated by the celebrated creator of “Red and Lulu,” “Dasher” is a must-read for anyone who loves Christmas and the magic of believing in your dreams.

12.

How to Catch an Elf

“How to Catch an Elf” is a delightful and humorous children’s book about a mischievous elf who is causing chaos on Christmas Eve. The book is part of the bestselling “How to Catch” series and is perfect for kids who love a good adventure. With its zany traps, vibrant illustrations, and even a cameo from Santa Claus himself, “How to Catch an Elf” is sure to become a new holiday tradition for families.

This funny stocking stuffer or Christmas gift is suitable for kids ages 4-8 and is loved by children, parents, and educators alike. So why wait? Join in the fun and see if you have what it takes to catch an elf in “How to Catch an Elf.”


As the holiday season approaches, there is no better time to curl up with a warm blanket, a cup of cocoa, and a festive Christmas book. Whether you’re looking for a heartwarming tale of holiday magic, a playful story about a mischievous elf, or a humorous adventure with Santa Claus, there is a Christmas book on this list that is sure to delight kids of all ages.

So why wait? Gather your family together, pick out one of these delightful Christmas books, and get ready to spread some holiday cheer. May your days be merry and bright, and may your nights be filled with the magic of Christmas. Happy reading!

If you enjoyed this reading list of the best Christmas books for kids, you may also enjoy our reading list of the best books to enjoy at Christmas.

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