20+ Best Christmas Books for Kids to Read This Holiday Season

By Marlieke Kemp-Janssen

Published:

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A copy of "How the Grinch Stole Christmas" by Dr. Seuss lying upside down on a red surface, surrounded by pinecones, ornaments, and tinsel.

In our home, bedtime stories are a cherished nightly tradition. Our daughter absolutely loves books, and there’s something so special about curling up together to read before bed. As the holiday season approaches, adding a few Christmas-themed books to our collection is always a must. These stories not only bring the magic of the season alive but also make for wonderful moments of connection as a family.

Three of our all-time favourite Christmas books for kids have become staples in our December routine: How the Grinch Stole Christmas, a timeless tale of kindness and redemption; How to Catch an Elf, a playful and imaginative story full of festive fun; and The Christmas Story, a beautifully told classic that reminds us of the true meaning of Christmas.

If you’re looking for ways to make the holiday season even more magical for your kids, Christmas books are a simple yet meaningful way to do just that. With years of nightly reading under our belts, we’ve put together this list of fantastic Christmas books for kids to help you find the perfect additions to your family’s festive traditions.

Let’s dive into the magic of holiday storytelling!

A young girl in a pink sweater and green skirt stands in front of a bookstore shelf filled with various children's Christmas books.

Classic and Timeless Christmas Tales

A book titled "The Christmas Story" lies on a red surface, surrounded by pine cones, a Christmas tree branch, and gold ornaments.

The Christmas Story

This Little Golden Book adaptation, first published in 1952, is a great retelling of the story of the birth of Jesus Christ.

Frosty The Snowman

A classic Christmas sweet story about everyone’s favorite snowman who tries to fit in as much fun as he can, before he melts away.

Santa Mouse

Based on the story by Michael Brown, Santa Mouse Makes a Wish is about a mouse who wants to work in Santa’s Workshop and help the elves, only to have a hard time finding out which job suits him best.

A Charlie Brown Christmas

Christmas would not be complete without this Christmas classic. Bring on the Christmas cheer with this Peanuts story.

How the Grinch Stole Christmas

Written by Dr. Seuss, this  classic Christmas book is a must have at Christmastime.

Fun and Playful Christmas Books

A book titled "How to Catch an Elf" lies on a red surface surrounded by a pine cone, black tinsel, and three decorative baubles.

How to Catch an Elf

A fun holiday story about an Elf on the loose and the chaos he causes!

5 More Sleeps ‘til Christmas

This book by NBC Tonight Show Host Jimmy Fallon is a story about excitement and anticipation during the last week before Christmas.

The Grumpy Reindeer

A story about a reindeer who just wants some peace and quiet and to be left alone; however, when Santa asks for his help he must now go to the reindeer he is usually grumpy to, and convince them to help him complete the task.

Llama Llama Jingle Bells

In this rhyming tale, Llama Llama and his friends give gifts, sing songs, and decorate cookies.  A great Christmas version of the series by Anna Dewdney.

Bluey’s 12 Days of Christmas

Bluey and Bingo count down the 12 days of Christmas in this story based on the animated series by Disney.

Moo, Ba, Fa La La La La!

A fun version of a famous Christmas song, using the sounds that animals make.

Heartwarming and Inspirational Stories

Wooden bookshelf filled with various children's Christmas books, including titles about Santa, Christmas carols, and themed activity books.

The Berenstain Bears and the Joy of Giving

Young readers will learn the true meaning of Christmas with the help of Sister Bear and Brother Bear in this beautifully illustrated book.

The Littlest Christmas Tree

The Littlest Christmas Tree wants nothing more than a family who will take him home for Christmas.  With only 5 days left, he is worried it will never happen.  Then finally his wish comes true.

Little Bird Finds Christmas

Little Bird Finds Christmas is a delightful story about a little bird who is trying to be patient for Christmas time to arrive, but it is not going well.  She decides she is going to go out and find Christmas herself, no more waiting.

The Mouse in the Hammock, A Christmas Tale

This book about a mouse who sleeps in a hammock in the Christmas tree teaches children that you don’t have to be big to do kind deeds for others.

You’re My Little Christmas Cookie

Your toddler will love this hands-on board book filled with cut-outs and raised elements.  With pictures featuring gingerbread men, snowmen and snowflakes, it is sure to become a favorite.

Interactive, Anthologies, and Activity Books

Christmas books for kids in a christmas tree

Disney’s 5-minute Christmas Stories

This is a great book: a collection of 12 Disney/Pixar stories for the Christmas Season. Each story read aloud lasts 5 minutes. 

Little Blue Truck’s Christmas

Little Blue Truck spends the day delivering Christmas trees to his friends.  He saves the last one for himself, and it lights up.

Elmo’s Countdown to Christmas

This Christmas board book featuring Elmo and all his Sesame Street friends has more than 30 flaps that your little ones can open to see what’s inside!

The Very Hungry Caterpillar’s Peekaboo Christmas

In this search and find board book featuring Eric Carle’s famous character, try to find the Very Hungry Caterpillar amongst the ornaments, gifts, and more!

Bonus Book: The Elf on the Shelf

No Christmas book list would be complete without mentioning The Elf on the Shelf. This playful storybook introduces children to the beloved holiday tradition of a magical scout elf sent by Santa to help him manage his naughty and nice list. Along with the book, the Elf brings excitement to your home, creating fun surprises (and maybe a little mischief) each morning.

Curious about starting this tradition in your home? Check out our article that covers everything you need to konw: What is Elf on the Shelf and How Does it Work?

An Elf on the Shelf figurine stands amidst snow-covered trees, clutching a wrapped gift and a phone displaying "Elf Kindness Cards," inviting a magical touch to your holiday traditions.
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Christmas Books for Kids: Magical Stories to Spark the Holiday Spirit

No matter how you celebrate the season, there’s something magical about gathering with your little ones and sharing a good book. Whether you’re drawn to timeless classics, playful adventures, or stories that warm the heart, this list offers plenty of inspiration to make your family’s Christmas extra special.

We hope these recommendations help you create new traditions, spark laughter, and inspire your kids with the joy of the season. Have a favourite Christmas book we’ve missed? Come, join our Facebook group and share it with us—we’d love to grow our list of festive favourites! 


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About Marlieke Kemp-Janssen:

Marlieke is a proud mom of two—a newborn and a five-year-old—and, together with daddy, they love living in and exploring Kuala Lumpur. They’ve been based in KL for the past 3 years and still enjoy discovering new things to do. As well as being the founder of Kuala Lumpur with Kids, Marlieke is a digital marketing consultant who has helped small businesses grow through her company, Aureum Hospitality Advisers.

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