From timeless classics to playful picks, Christmas books make every bedtime feel a little more magical. Curl up and enjoy!
There’s something magical about curling up with your kids during the holiday season and reading stories that sparkle with snowflakes, twinkling lights, and a little bit of Christmas wonder. Whether you’re snuggled under a blanket, sipping hot cocoa, or winding down after a day of decorating, the right book turns an ordinary evening into a memory. If you’re looking to build a festive reading list this year, here are ten charming Christmas books that make perfect companions for family time.
The Polar Express by Chris Van Allsburg
Let’s start with a classic! The Polar Express is practically required reading in December. Its dreamy illustrations and magical train ride to the North Pole are irresistible. Kids love the idea of hearing the bell only true believers can hear, and parents… well, we all get a little misty-eyed at that final line. It’s the perfect book to read before bed on Christmas Eve, and you get bonus points if you ring a little sleigh bell afterward for dramatic effect.
How the Grinch Stole Christmas! by Dr. Seuss
No Christmas reading list is complete without the Grinch. Kids adore the rhymes, adults enjoy the humor, and everyone loves watching that grouchy green fellow’s heart grow three sizes. It’s funny, it’s warm, and it has a timeless message that never feels preachy. Christmas isn’t about stuff. It’s about connection. Plus, reading it aloud gives you a free pass to try out your best Grinchy voice. You might not beat Jim Carrey, but you can give it your best shot!
The Snowman by Raymond Briggs
Okay, technically, you can’t read this one to your kid because there are no words. That being said, this gentle, wordless picture book is beautiful and bittersweet, and kids are surprisingly captivated by it. The story of a boy and the snowman who comes to life is told entirely through illustrations, which makes it a wonderful book for encouraging children to narrate the story in their own words. It feels peaceful, a little dreamy, and perfect for quiet afternoons when the world outside looks like a snow globe.
Olivia Helps with Christmas by Ian Falconer
If you have a child who relates to the joyful chaos of Christmas excitement, bouncing off the walls, “helping,” and causing just a tiny bit of trouble, Olivia is your girl. This book is funny, slightly mischievous, and full of the kind of real-life moments that parents find a little too relatable. It’s a nice pick when you want something lighthearted that makes everyone giggle.
The Jolly Christmas Postman by Allan and Janet Ahlberg
This one is pure fun. The jolly postman cycles around delivering Christmas letters to fairy-tale characters… and here’s the best part: your kids get to open the letters. There are envelopes, cards, little surprises… the whole thing feels like a little hands-on adventure. If you’re reading with younger children who love books they can play with, this is a winner, and will be sure to keep their attention.
Bear Stays Up for Christmas by Karma Wilson
This sweet story stars Bear, who’s determined to stay awake so he can enjoy Christmas with his friends. It has a soft read-aloud style that’s great for bedtimes and winding down. The illustrations are cozy and warm, and the themes of friendship and giving are perfect for holiday season reminders about kindness.
The Nutcracker by E. T. A. Hoffmann
Every family seems to have their favorite version, some beautifully illustrated, some simplified for younger readers, some traditional and ornate. Whichever one you pick, reading The Nutcracker is a wonderful way to introduce children to a story they might see in ballet form or hear as music throughout December. It’s full of fantasy: toy soldiers, dancing sweets, a battle with the Mouse King, what’s not to love?
Little Blue Truck’s Christmas by Alice Schertle
If you’ve got a toddler or preschooler in the house, this is a joyful pick. Little Blue Truck is back with gentle rhythm, friendly animals, and a sweet Christmas delivery. The last page even lights up, which basically guarantees instant child approval. This is one of those books that toddlers ask for again and again… and again. (At least it’s cute!)
The Christmas Miracle of Jonathan Toomey by Susan Wojciechowski
This is the kind of story that makes the grown-ups tear up just a little. It follows a lonely woodcarver who slowly rediscovers joy with the help of a widow and her son. The illustrations are rich and detailed, and the story feels deeper than your average holiday book. It’s especially nice if you have older children who enjoy more emotional storytelling.
Pick a Pine Tree by Patricia Toht
If your family has a tradition of picking out and decorating the tree together, this book will feel wonderfully familiar. The rhyming text has a great rhythm, and the illustrations are festive and lively. It’s basically a celebration of everything that makes decorating the tree feel magical: hauling it home, stringing lights, hanging ornaments, and turning it into the sparkling centerpiece of the season.
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Millie Ramm
Millie has been writing since she was a child, and has spent more time with her nose in books than anywhere else. She has been ghostwriting novels and editing for the past few years, and when not working she is curled up with her cats, looking for her next read.
