Magical Christmas Books For Kids
Are you ready to add some holiday fun to your reading list this year? These are the best Christmas books for kids to really get you in the Holiday spirit.
This is a roundup of the most magical books about Christmas for kids. Share these Christmas books with your family each year and create traditions.
The holidays have a way of really bringing the family together. This is the season we really enjoy family board games, reading with the kids and eating lots of yummy food.
From books for toddlers all the way to chapter books (that even adults could enjoy reading) this is a comprehensive list of Christmas books to help you enjoy the holidays to the fullest.
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Kids Christmas Books To Bring The Holiday Magic
My goal for this roundup of Christmas books is to help you find books that both parents and children enjoy to read. My kids and I are at our local library 1-2 times a week scouring the shelves for good reads that are enjoyable and magical.
Not to mention having to renew books that my kids love too much to bring back to the library. When this happens I add that book to our Christmas list so we can have it in our personal library to enjoy anytime we like.
Reading Christmas books together with children all through December (or even earlier) helps bring the magic of Christmas into our home.
Creating An Advent Calendar Out Of Christmas Books
Advent calendars are super popular to help your children countdown to Christmas. We always buy the chocolate calendars and I allow my kids to eat the tiny chocolate before school starts in the morning. It’s a very exciting time for the kids.
You can create the same kind of thing, but with books instead of chocolate!
Start for December 1st (or you can countdown the 12 days of Christmas and start Dec 12)
How To Create Your Book Advent Calendar
- Get 25 Christmas books. You can find them used, in book stores, online or grab them from your local library for free.
- Wrap up your books and create a stack of wrapped books under your Christmas tree.
- Every day of December, let your children grab a book from the stack and then spend some time reading the book with them.
Children love this Christmas tradition and it’s fun for years to come and is something that your child can pass along as a tradition to their child.
Classic Christmas Books For Kids
- “A Christmas Carol” by Charles Dickens – This classic tale tells the story of Ebenezer Scrooge, a grumpy old man who hates Christmas. But on Christmas Eve, he is visited by three ghosts who show him the true meaning of the holiday. It’s a heartwarming story that teaches kids the importance of kindness and generosity.
- “The Night Before Christmas” by Clement C. Moore – This beloved poem is a Christmas Eve tradition in many homes. It tells the story of a visit from Santa Claus on the night before Christmas, and is filled with imagery that kids will love.
- “The Polar Express” by Chris Van Allsburg – This magical story follows a young boy who takes a ride on a magical train to the North Pole on Christmas Eve. It’s a beautifully illustrated book that captures the wonder and excitement of the holiday season.
- “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” by Dr. Seuss – This classic tale tells the story of the Grinch, a green, furry creature who hates Christmas and sets out to steal it from the people of Whoville. But in the end, he learns the true meaning of the holiday and his heart grows three sizes.
- “The Nutcracker” by E.T.A. Hoffmann – This classic story has been adapted into ballets, movies, and countless picture books. It tells the story of a young girl named Clara who receives a nutcracker for Christmas and goes on a magical adventure to the Land of Sweets.
- “The Christmas Miracle of Jonathan Toomey” by Susan Wojciechowski – This touching story follows a lonely woodcarver named Jonathan Toomey who is hired by a widow and her son to carve a nativity scene. As they work together, they form a bond that helps Jonathan overcome his sadness and find the joy of Christmas.
- “The Little Drummer Boy” by Ezra Jack Keats – This classic tale tells the story of a poor boy who is unable to give a gift to the newborn king. But with his drum, he plays a song for the baby Jesus and receives a miraculous gift in return.
- “The Twelve Days of Christmas” illustrated by Laurel Long – This beautifully illustrated book brings to life the classic holiday song “The Twelve Days of Christmas”. Each page is filled with intricate details and hidden surprises for kids to discover.
- “The Legend of the Poinsettia” by Tomie dePaola – This Mexican folktale tells the story of a young girl named Lucida who wants to offer a gift to the baby Jesus but has nothing to give. With the help of a miracle, she discovers the beauty of the poinsettia and creates a new Christmas tradition.
Picture Books for Young Children
Here are my recommendations for picture books that young children will love:
- “The Littlest Elf” by Brandi Dougherty – This heartwarming story tells the tale of the littlest elf who wants to help Santa but is too small to do so. But when he finds a way to use his size to his advantage, he becomes a hero and saves Christmas.
- “The Christmas Wish” by Lori Evert – This beautifully illustrated book follows a little girl named Anja who sets out on a quest to find Santa Claus. Along the way, she encounters animals and makes new friends, ultimately discovering the true spirit of Christmas.
- “The Gingerbread Man” by Jim Aylesworth – This classic story follows the adventures of a gingerbread man who comes to life and runs away from the people who made him. It’s a fun and silly tale that kids will love.
- “The Snowman” by Raymond Briggs – This wordless picture book tells the story of a boy who builds a snowman that comes to life and takes him on a magical journey through the night sky. The beautiful illustrations capture the wonder and magic of the holiday season.
- “Corduroy’s Christmas Surprise” by Don Freeman – This charming story follows Corduroy the bear as he sets out to find the perfect Christmas gift for his friend Lisa. Along the way, he discovers the joy of giving and the true meaning of Christmas.
These picture books are sure to delight young children and create cherished holiday memories. So grab some hot cocoa, cuddle up with your little ones, and enjoy some festive reading together!
Christmas Chapter Books for Kids
Here are my recommendations for Christmas chapter books that kids will enjoy:
- “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever” by Barbara Robinson – This hilarious story follows the Herdman siblings, the “worst kids in the history of the world,” as they take over the annual Christmas pageant. It’s a heartwarming tale about the true meaning of Christmas and the power of kindness.
- “The Christmasaurus” by Tom Fletcher – This magical story follows a boy named William who meets a dinosaur who loves Christmas. Together, they embark on a wild adventure to save Santa and bring holiday cheer to the world.
- “The Christmas Mystery” by Jostein Gaarder – This enchanting story follows a little girl named Joachim who receives a mysterious advent calendar in the mail. As she opens each door, she uncovers clues to a magical Christmas mystery.
- “The Legend of Holly Claus” by Brittney Ryan – This epic adventure tells the story of Holly Claus, the daughter of Santa Claus, who sets out on a quest to save Christmas from an evil sorceress. It’s a thrilling tale that kids will love.
- “The Last Holiday Concert” by Andrew Clements – This heartwarming story follows a boy named Hart Evans who reluctantly takes on the role of choir director for his school’s holiday concert. As he learns to embrace his leadership role, he discovers the true meaning of Christmas.
These Christmas chapter books are sure to capture kids’ imaginations and keep them engaged throughout the holiday season. So snuggle up with a good book and enjoy some festive reading together!
Religious Christmas Books for Kids
Here are my recommendations for religious Christmas books for kids:
- “The Story of Christmas” by Patricia A. Pingry – This board book tells the story of the birth of Jesus in a simple and easy-to-understand way for young children. It features colorful illustrations and is perfect for little hands.
- “The Nativity” by Julie Vivas – This beautifully illustrated book tells the story of the birth of Jesus from the perspective of the animals who were present in the stable. It’s a unique and engaging way to introduce kids to the Christmas story.
- “Room for a Little One: A Christmas Tale” by Martin Waddell – This heartwarming story follows the journey of a donkey who carries Mary to Bethlehem and the animals who make room for them in the stable. It’s a touching reminder of the true spirit of Christmas.
- “The First Christmas” by Rod Campbell – This interactive board book allows young children to lift the flaps and discover the story of the first Christmas. It’s a fun and engaging way to teach kids about the birth of Jesus.
- “The Christmas Story” by Jane Werner Watson – This classic Little Golden Book tells the story of the first Christmas through simple text and beautiful illustrations. It’s a timeless tale that kids will love.
These religious Christmas books are a great way to introduce children to the biblical story of Christmas and to remind them of the true reason for the holiday season. So gather your little ones and enjoy some meaningful holiday reading together!
Funny Christmas Books for Kids
Here are my recommendations for funny Christmas books for kids:
- “How the Grinch Stole Christmas!” by Dr. Seuss – This classic tale follows the Grinch, a grumpy creature who sets out to steal Christmas from the Whos down in Whoville. It’s a funny and heartwarming story that has been a holiday favorite for generations.
- “The Twelve Days of Christmas” by Greg Pizzoli – This silly twist on the classic Christmas song features wacky illustrations and a fun surprise at the end. Kids will love counting along with each day and discovering what the true love gave them.
- “The True Meaning of Smekday” by Adam Rex – While not strictly a Christmas book, this hilarious sci-fi story takes place during the holiday season and follows a girl named Gratuity as she befriends an alien named J.Lo and sets out on a wild adventure to save the world. It’s a funny and action-packed tale that kids will love.
- “The Jolly Christmas Postman” by Janet and Allan Ahlberg – This interactive book follows the Jolly Postman as he delivers letters to various fairy tale characters, including the Big Bad Wolf and Cinderella. Kids will love opening the envelopes and discovering the surprises inside.
These funny Christmas books are sure to bring laughs and holiday cheer to kids of all ages. So grab a cup of hot cocoa, curl up with your little ones, and enjoy some festive reading together!
Non-Fiction Christmas Books for Kids
Here are my recommendations for non-fiction Christmas books for kids:
- “”The Story of Christmas” by Mary Packard – This non-fiction book tells the story of Christmas from the biblical account of Jesus’ birth to modern-day celebrations. It’s a great way to teach children about the history and meaning behind the holiday.
- “The Christmas Bird” – Elizabeth K Howell – The Christmas Bird follows the adventures of a little bird when his tree home is hauled from the woods and placed inside a cozy cabin to become the family’s Christmas tree.
- “Christmas Around the World” by Mary D. Lankford – This book takes readers on a journey around the world to discover how different cultures celebrate Christmas. It’s a great way to introduce kids to diversity and to teach them about the different customs and traditions that exist around the globe.
- “The Christmas Tree Book” by Phillip V. Snyder – This non-fiction book delves into the history of the Christmas tree, from its origins in Germany to modern-day traditions. It’s a great way to teach kids about the symbolism and meaning behind this beloved holiday tradition.
These non-fiction Christmas books are a great way to teach kids about the history, culture, and traditions behind the holiday season. So gather your little ones and learn something new together this Christmas!
Choosing Christmas Books For Your Family
“Don’t judge a book by its cover,” they say, but I encourage you to do just that. Consider the stories you’d like to tell your child. Do you want to hear a storey from another country? Are you seeking for a natural, outdoor Christmas storey? or Are you drawn to the whimsical illustrations that are fun to look at?
Make an effort to incorporate a diversity of artistic styles. My preference is for a natural sense, but my son prefers humorous graphics.
This holiday season, even the tiniest babies will appreciate snuggling on a loved one’s lap. Choose a durable board book that they can bite on and grasp without destroying the pages. The lift-the-flap books and interactive storytelling will delight toddlers.
See also: 11 Ways To Make Christmas Magical For Children
Creating An Advent Calendar Out Of Christmas Books
Advent calendars are super popular to help your children countdown to Christmas. We always buy the chocolate calendars and I allow my kids to eat the tiny chocolate before school starts in the morning. It’s a very exciting time for the kids.
You can create the same kind of thing, but with books instead of chocolate!
Start for December 1st (or you can countdown the 12 days of Christmas and start Dec 12)
How to create your book advent calendar
- Get 25 Christmas books. You can find them used, in book stores, online or grab them from your local library for free.
- Wrap up your books and create a stack of wrapped books under your Christmas tree.
- Every day of December, let your children grab a book from the stack and then spend some time reading the book with them.
Children love this Christmas tradition and it’s fun for years to come and is something that your child can pass along as a tradition to their child.
More Things To Do With The Christmas Books
The holiday season is, without a doubt, hectic. It’s easy to get caught up in the rush and bustle of Christmas between class and work parties, visits to Santa, and excursions to the store. Every day in December, taking the time to calm down and read aloud to my children helps us build significant connections. These connections with family are essential for children. It will assist them in better coping with the season’s challenges.
Every day, set aside time to read with your child.
Add reading extras like hot cocoa and a roaring fire to make it more enjoyable.
For each day of December, wrap and deliver a book. Use this as a Christmas countdown.
Make a Christmas book donation to a local school or charity that is in need.
How To Store Your Christmas Books
We like to decorate the shelves where we keep our seasonal literature. However, because we have so many Christmas books, this does not work (3 large bags full). Instead, I have a spot in one of our closets set aside for our Christmas book bags. We usually display them the day after Thanksgiving. It’s a fantastic treat since the kids will sit and read them for hours.
Christmas Books For Kids
If you haven’t yet started a 25-day Picture Book Advent with your children, it’s not too late to find ones on this list at your local library or bookshop and perform a 12 Days of Christmas Books activity with them. From the 14th to the 25th, just wrap 12 favourites and unwrap one each day (or the 13th to the 24th).
It’s amazing how much more enjoyable reading gets when you get to open a wrapped book from beneath the tree every day!
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