20 Classic Christmas Books for Kids

The holiday season is a magical time to spark joy and imagination in children. Classic Christmas books offer heartwarming tales that bring the festive spirit alive.

From timeless stories like The Night Before Christmas to beloved tales. Like The Polar Express, these books capture the wonder of the holidays. Each page weaves together themes of love, giving, and the true meaning of Christmas.

Dive into these literary treasures with your little ones to create cherished memories. These stories not only entertain but also teach valuable lessons about kindness and togetherness.

A Little About Me

Can I let you in on a little secret? I absolutely adore books! Beyond just reading them, I find immense joy in helping teens discover their next great read or guiding librarians in picking the right titles for their schools.

Connecting with readers worldwide through emails and interactions fuels my passion. My mission is to inspire a love for reading and advocate for diverse, engaging books in public schools. Let me help you find your next favorite book—because everyone deserves a story that speaks to them!

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Christmas Time is here

Can you believe it’s already December? The magic of Christmastime fills the air with twinkling lights, joyful music, and a sense of goodwill that’s hard to match.

There’s something extraordinary about how December brings warmth and togetherness to our homes. From cherished traditions to creating new memories, this season is truly unlike any other.

Christmas Traditions with Books

Books make Christmas even more magical with traditions like a holiday book advent or nightly family readings. Whether it’s 25 or 12 wrapped books, unwrapping a story together adds a festive touch to December evenings.

In Iceland, the “Jolabokaflod” tradition spreads literary joy as loved ones gift books on Christmas Eve. They then cozy up and spend the night reading—a heartwarming way to celebrate the holiday spirit!

Books + Christmas at our House

Every Christmas, we gift our daughter a special book to enjoy throughout the year, making reading a cherished tradition. Stories like Christmas Oranges inspire even our stocking surprises, creating lasting memories.

Books bring magic to holiday traditions, and I’d love to hear how they fit into yours! Share your ideas—they might just inspire our family’s next tradition or be featured on our social media.

Classic Christmas Books for Kids

These timeless Christmas tales are perfect for bedtime reading, with enchanting stories and stunning illustrations. Tailored for kids aged 3 to 8, they also evoke nostalgia for older readers.

From beautifully bound hardbacks to beloved classics, these books bring the magic of the season to life. Create your own ranking and dive into the festive cheer together!

1. The Polar Express

This heartwarming tale follows a young boy. Who doubts Santa’s existence but finds himself on a magical journey to the North Pole. Along the way, he learns the true spirit of Christmas through adventure, friendship, and belief.

Having sold over 7 million copies, this beloved story has captivated generations and even inspired a classic Christmas movie. It’s a perfect addition to your holiday reading list—get your copy today!

2. The Night Before Christmas

Since its anonymous publication in 1823, this classic Christmas book has become a beloved holiday tradition. The poem’s depiction of St. Nicholas has shaped the modern image of Santa Claus and continues to bring joy to readers of all ages.

The visit from St. Nicholas captures the magic and mystery of Christmas, igniting imaginations and spreading holiday cheer. Its timeless charm ensures it remains a favorite read during the festive season.

3. A Charlie Brown Christmas

In this classic Christmas tale, Charlie Brown struggles to find the holiday spirit while his friends embrace the festive cheer. His journey reminds us of the importance of finding meaning beyond the commercialized aspects of Christmas.

Through his quest, Charlie Brown learns that Christmas is about kindness, togetherness, and spreading joy to others. This heartwarming story continues to resonate with readers, teaching valuable lessons about compassion and friendship.

4. How the Grinch Stole Christmas

In this timeless Christmas classic, the Grinch, with a heart “two sizes too small,”. Attempts to ruin Christmas by stealing gifts and decorations from Whoville. However, through his journey, he discovers that Christmas is not about presents or material things. But about love, kindness, and togetherness. This story, filled with heartwarming lessons, has inspired countless adaptations, including popular movies, making it a holiday favorite for all ages.

5. The Nutcracker

This enchanting retelling of The Nutcracker captures the magical journey of Marie and her beloved nutcracker. As they venture through a winter wonderland, the story transports readers to a land of sugarplum fairies, brave battles, and sweet surprises.

With its beautifully illustrated pages, this version brings the ballet’s wonder to life for young readers. It’s a perfect introduction to the beloved holiday tale and a charming way to experience the magic of The Nutcracker year after year.

6. Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer

Rudolph, the reindeer with a glowing red nose, is often seen as different from the other reindeer. His uniqueness makes him an outcast, but it’s his special nose that ultimately leads him to save Christmas during a foggy Christmas Eve.

This heartwarming story celebrates the importance of embracing our differences and how they can be the very thing that makes us special. Rudolph’s courage and kindness continue to inspire readers and make this classic tale a holiday favorite.

7. The Best Christmas Pageant Ever

In The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, the notoriously mischievous Herdman kids take over the church’s Christmas pageant, turning it into a chaotic and hilarious affair. With their wild antics, they bring their own quirky version of the nativity story, complete with a ham and terrified shepherds.

Despite their unruly behavior, the Herdmans end up teaching everyone the true meaning of Christmas. This heartwarming and humorous story reminds us that the holiday spirit can often be found in the most unexpected places.

8. The Gift of the Magi

In The Gift of the Magi, Della wants to buy her husband Jim a special Christmas gift but only has a small amount of money. To make her gift meaningful, she sells her long, beautiful hair to buy him a chain for his prized pocket watch.

Jim, in turn, sacrifices his watch to buy Della a set of combs for her hair. Their selfless acts of love demonstrate the depth of their bond, showing that the greatest gifts come from the heart, even when the material value is lost in the sacrifice.

9. The Snowman

The Snowman is a wordless classic that tells the magical story of a young boy who builds a snowman on a snowy winter day. Through stunning illustrations, the tale unfolds as the snowman comes to life in the boy’s dreams, sparking an unforgettable adventure.

The book’s beautiful artwork and lack of text allow readers of all ages to immerse themselves in the wonder of winter and the power of imagination. This enchanting story captures the joy and innocence of childhood, making it a beloved holiday tradition for families.

10. Room for a Little One: A Christmas Tale

Room for a Little One offers a fresh take on the traditional nativity story by telling it from the perspective of the animals that welcomed baby Jesus. Each animal in the stable, from the donkey to the ox, offers a place for Mary and Joseph, showing kindness and hospitality.

This heartwarming story highlights the themes of generosity and compassion, reminding readers that everyone has something to offer. With its beautiful illustrations and gentle tone, Room for a Little One brings a new layer of meaning to the Christmas story.

11. Christmas Oranges

Christmas Oranges tells the touching story of Little Rose, who has spent her entire life in an orphanage. Just before Christmas, the girls receive a special gift of oranges, which are saved for the big day. This heartwarming tale emphasizes the power of kindness and thoughtfulness, showing how small acts of generosity can bring joy and hope to those in need during the holiday season.

12. Olive, the Other Reindeer

Olive, the Other Reindeer is a charming story about a dog who believes she’s a reindeer after hearing a part of a song. Determined to help Santa, Olive travels to the North Pole, where her unique skills prove to be just what’s needed to save Christmas. This delightful tale showcases the importance of believing in oneself and the magic of the holiday season.

13. Frosty the Snowman

Frosty the Snowman is a beloved Christmas classic that brings to life a snowman who magically comes to life every year when he wears a special magic hat. With his button nose and friendly smile, Frosty brings joy and excitement to all the children who meet him.

Based on the 1969 TV special, this book captures the magic of friendship, fun, and the Christmas spirit. It’s a heartwarming tale that reminds us how the true magic of the season lies in the bonds we share with others.

14. Bear Stays Up for Christmas

In Bear Stays Up for Christmas, Bear is ready for his long winter sleep, but his friends have other plans. They work together to keep Bear awake, bringing him treats and fun activities, all while trying to make sure he experiences the joys of Christmas before he falls asleep.

As the day goes on, Bear learns the true meaning of Christmas: the joy of giving. When Santa makes a surprise visit, Bear realizes that being with friends and sharing the holiday spirit is the best gift of all. This heartwarming story is a perfect way to celebrate friendship and the magic of Christmas.

15. Christmas Tapestry

In The Christmas Tapestry, a family’s church is damaged by a terrible leak, and they struggle to find a way to repair it. They discover a beautiful tapestry that covers the damaged wall, but what they don’t know is that this tapestry will lead to a Christmas miracle.

The story highlights the power of love and generosity, especially between people of different religious faiths. It emphasizes how kindness and selflessness can bring about true miracles, especially during the holiday season, when goodwill and compassion shine brightest.

16. How to Catch an Elf

How to Catch an Elf is a playful and imaginative book about a group of kids who set out to catch an elf on Christmas Eve. With zany, creative methods to trap the elf, this light-hearted story brings plenty of laughs to young readers. While adults may have mixed opinions, children are sure to find the antics hilarious and entertaining, making it a fun holiday read for the whole family.

17. Little Blue Truck’s Christmas

Little Blue Truck’s Christmas is a delightful holiday story where Little Blue Truck spreads Christmas cheer by delivering Christmas trees to all his animal friends. This heartwarming tale is filled with festive spirit, and its simple, bite-sized message teaches young readers about counting while sharing the joy of the season. With charming illustrations and a gentle, rhythmic narrative, it’s perfect for little ones during the holidays.

18. The Not Very Merry Pout-Pout Fish

The Not Very Merry Pout-Pout Fish follows Mr. Fish as he embarks on a holiday quest to find the perfect gifts for his friends. As he rushes through his shopping, he discovers that the best gifts aren’t always the ones you buy, but the ones that come from the heart. This sweet story teaches kids about the true spirit of giving and the joy of thoughtful gestures during the holiday season.

19. If You Take a Mouse to the Movies

In If You Take a Mouse to the Movies, the little mouse from If You Give a Mouse a Cookie is back and bringing holiday fun. One simple trip to the movies leads to a series of silly antics, from decorating the Christmas tree to unexpected holiday adventures. This playful, festive story is sure to entertain young readers with its fun, whimsical charm and holiday cheer.

20. The Christmas Pig

The Christmas Pig follows Jack, a young boy who is devastated when his beloved childhood toy, DP, is lost on Christmas Eve. However, a magical new toy, the Christmas Pig, comes to life and leads Jack on an adventurous journey to find DP. This heartwarming chapter book, perfect for readers aged 8 to 12, combines a touching story of friendship with exciting holiday adventure.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes a Christmas book a “classic” for kids?

A classic Christmas book for kids often features timeless holiday themes like love, generosity, and the spirit of Christmas, with engaging stories and memorable characters that endure through generations.

At what age can children start reading classic Christmas books?

Classic Christmas books are suitable for a wide range of ages, from picture books for toddlers to more complex stories for older children, usually around 3 to 12 years old.

Are these classic Christmas books available in hardback?

Yes, many classic Christmas books are available in hardback editions, making them great keepsakes for families and perfect holiday gifts.

Can these Christmas books be used as bedtime stories?

Absolutely! Many classic Christmas books are short, engaging, and filled with beautiful illustrations, making them perfect for bedtime reading during the holiday season.

Where can I find these classic Christmas books for kids?

You can find these classic Christmas books at most major bookstores, libraries, or online retailers, especially during the holiday season when they’re in high demand.

Conclusion

Classic Christmas books for kids hold a special place in the hearts of families, offering timeless stories that celebrate the magic of the holiday season. These books not only captivate young readers with their enchanting tales and charming illustrations, but they also impart valuable lessons about kindness, generosity, and the true meaning of Christmas. Whether it’s the heartwarming adventures of Rudolph or the beloved antics of the Grinch, these books create lasting memories that are shared year after year. Perfect for bedtime reading, family traditions, or as thoughtful gifts, classic Christmas books bring warmth and joy to every home. By introducing children to these stories, we help them connect with the spirit of the season and build meaningful holiday traditions that can be passed down for generations.