Best Children’s Christmas Books
One of the best parts of Christmas for children is reading holiday stories. Whether you read Christmas books the night before Santa arrives or keep them out all season long for the kids to look at and enjoy, there is something magical about classic holiday tales. The top 10 best children’s Christmas books feature both classic stories and new favorites sure to delight your younglings.
Read the timeless story of Rudolph, the red-nosed reindeer rejected by his peers only to become Santa’s holiday savior one foggy night. Discover how the Grinch Stole Christmas (and gave it back) in the legendary story by Dr. Seuss. Read the 30th-anniversary edition of The Polar Express the night before Christmas, or find new stories to share with your children. The best children’s Christmas books list provides a number of more recent holiday stories guaranteed to entertain, such as Llama Llama Jingle Bells or Merry Christmas, Daniel Tiger!
Make reading Christmas stories a tradition your children will continue with their kids. Have fun watching their eyes light up as you turn the pages knowing they will receive a visit from Santa very soon!
What’s here: This fantastic compilation of the ten best Christmas books for children was created by real moms and educators who enjoyed these books themselves or taught them in class. Numerous types and themes of books are included in the list to keep your youngin’ stimulated.
For shoppers: Purchasing any of these high-quality book options is easy–just visit Amazon! Please note that we sometimes get a commission through purchases made through our links. Also, note that our recommendations are 100% made because we love the companies and products and are never influenced in any way by any commission we may receive.
What’s Here:
1. Little Blue Truck’s Christmas by Alice Schertle
2. The Polar Express (30th Anniversary Edition) by Chris Van Allsburg
3. What Light by Jay Asher
4. How the Grinch Stole Christmas! by Dr. Seuss
5. Llama Llama Jingle Bells by Anna Dewdney
6. The Berenstain Bears and the Joy of Giving by Jan Berenstain
7. Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer (Little Golden Book) by Rick Bunsen
8. Merry Christmas, Stinky Face by Lisa McCourt
9. The Coloring Book of Cards and Envelopes: Christmas by Rebecca Jones
10. Merry Christmas, Daniel Tiger! by Angela C. Santomero
Top 10 Christmas Books for Kid
1. Little Blue Truck’s Christmas by Alice Schertle
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Ages: 3 – 5
For the holiday season, the #1 pick of the top 10 Christmas books for kids is Alice Schertle’s Little Blue Truck’s Christmas.
Little Blue Truck is a children’s book favorite. She is headed on an entirely new holiday adventure this year. Spreading Christmas cheer, Little Blue Truck is delivering holiday trees to her animal friends and their families. Told in lullaby rhythms.
2. The Polar Express (30th Anniversary Edition) by Chris Van Allsburg
Ages: 4 – 7
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Not a huge surprise, The Polar Express by Chris Van Allsburg comes in second of the ten best Christmas books for kids.
Can you believe the Polar Express is 30? Wowwie. This book has made a mega impact on Christmas fanatics worldwide. It’s about a little boy with a bad case of “simply can’t sleep,” who makes a fantastic journey to the North Pole. All on board Santa Claus’s train.
3. What Light by Jay Asher
Ages: 12 and up
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A new addition to the list – What Light by Jay Asher comes in at 3rd.
For preteens, this book features all of the must-have story elements, like romance, a little drama, lots of humor, and a heartfelt message. This is the tale of Sierra, a teenager caught between a family she loves and a boy she’s in love with. Quite an emotional Christmas story!
4. How the Grinch Stole Christmas! by Dr. Seuss
Ages: 5 – 9
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Always a huge favorite during the holidays, How the Grinch Stole Christmas! by Dr. Seuss makes it to the fourth spot on this year’s “hot list.”
How the Grinch Stole Christmas is a classic that I read every single night in December when I was a kiddo. It was a bedtime ritual. And I still love the story. In true Dr. Seuss fashion, this book is all about rhymes, quirks, and a “humbug” kinda character called The Grinch. He hates the holidays, so he steals it.
5. Llama Llama Jingle Bells by Anna Dewdney
Ages: 3 and up
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Llama Llama Jingle Bells by Anna Dewdney also makes its mark as one of the top kids’ Christmas books this year.
In dedication to the amazing author, Anna Dewdney, this book is an instant classic that kids would love to read on Christmas Eve. It’s a board book, perfect for toddlers and babies. And it’s told in simple rhymes with pictures.
6. The Berenstain Bears and the Joy of Giving by Jan Berenstain
Ages: 4 – 7
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Coming in next on the list – The Berenstain Bears and the Joy of Giving by Jan Berenstain.
The Berenstain Bears are a classic critter family from way back. And this year, Momma and Poppa are teaching the cubs about The Joy of Giving. This story has a huge life lesson about sharing, caring, and making others happy.
7. Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer (Little Golden Book) by Rick Bunsen
Ages: 2 – 5
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Based off the seasonal holiday TV special, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer by Rick Bunsen comes in as #7 of kids’ top Christmas books.
I love this version of Rudolph because it has such a rich and vivid vocabulary. If it were a book without pictures, readers could easily see all of the scenes in vibrant detail because the words are so powerfully, beautifully written. This reindeer tale is the original story from 1939.
8. Merry Christmas, Stinky Face by Lisa McCourt
Ages: 4 – 8
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A rather amusing title enters in as 8th of the best Christmas books for kids this year with Merry Christmas, Stinky Face by Lisa McCourt.
I am a huge fan of the author’s other books like, “I Love You, Stinky Face.” It’s a regular bedtime read in my household. So I am delighted about this book! Merry Christmas, Stinky Face is storytelling from a patient, loving mother to a quirky, questioning kiddo. Imaginatively, beautifully illustrated.
9. The Coloring Book of Cards and Envelopes: Christmas by Rebecca Jones
Ages: 5 and up
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Here is a unique twist on the concept of holiday books! The Coloring Book of Cards and Envelopes: Christmas by Rebecca Jones also holds a place on the list.
For little artists, this Christmas book is actually a coloring book of tear-out cards and mail-away envelopes. Kiddos make a list of their Christmas card recipients, then use colored pencils and markers to color the festive designs. Tear out, seal in an envelope, stamp it, and mail it. Easy peasy!
10. Merry Christmas, Daniel Tiger! by Angela C. Santomero
Ages: 3 – 7
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And – the final item on this year’s list of top ten kids’ Christmas books is Merry Christmas, Daniel Tiger! by Angela C. Santomero.
Living in the Neighborhood of Make Believe (just like Mr. Rogers), Daniel Tiger and his family are eager to celebrate Christmas together. In this lift-flap board book, kiddos will decorate the tree with mom, bake cookies for Santa with the local baker, and unwrap presents with Daniel’s baby sister, Margaret.