We have a small Christmas Book problem in our house: We buy all of them. We (ok, I…) can’t help ourselves – there are just so many great ones to read! So trap a cup of hot cocoa and snuggle up with your children to read some of fabulous Christmas tales I’ve found for you (this isn’t our whole collection – I trimmed it down just a tad for you). Merry Christmas!
20 Family Christmas Books
Olivia Helps Christmas by Ian Falconer – Olivia puts her own spin on Christmas by lending a helping hand while passing the time before Santa’s arrival.
Turkey Claus by Wendi Silvano – Turkey managed to avoid getting eating for Thanksgiving dinner, but now he has to make sure he’s not on the menu for Christmas dinner – and for that he will need Santa’s help.
Eloise at Christmastime by Kay Thompson – Eloise’s normal grandiose nature is in overdrive with Christmas on it’s way. She’s a perennial favorite book character – maybe it’s because children think it’s awesome that she lives in a hotel.
Pete the Cat Saves Christmas by Eric Litwin – A new take on the Night Before Christmas, Santa is sick and calls Pete the Cat to come help him. Luckily, Pete was happy to take a break from enjoying the sun and surf to aid a hand.
The Night Before, The Night before Christmas by Natasha Wing – Natasha Wing uses Clement C. Moore’s classic tale again, this time to tell a slightly different tale – this one is of the the night BEFORE the night before Christmas, where she captures the craziness leading up to the big day.
Judy Moody & Stink: The Holly Joliday by Megan McDonald – A classic Judy Moody story full of laughs and this time, paired with her brother Stink. Stink is really wishing for snow this Christmas and suspects their new mailman Mr. Jack Frost might be able to help make that happen.
Junie B. First Grader: Jingle Bells, Batman Smells! (P.S. So Does May) by Barbara Park – Room One is busy getting ready to celebrate Christmas, and Junie is very excited – except for the fact that Tattletale May keeps trying to crush her Christmas cheer.
The Berenstain Bears and the Nutcracker by Mike Berenstain – The Berenstain Bear family acts out their own version of the Nutcracker.
Auntie Claus by Elise Primavera – Sophie’s Aunt is a bit eccentric and even more so around the holidays. She always takes a “business trip” right before Christmas, and she bakes Christmas cookies all year long. Sophie decides to figure out the mystery once and for all.
Santa Kid by James Patterson – The Big Boss of the Exmas Express Company has taken over Christmas. Everything changes at the North Pole and not for the better. Chrissie, Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus vow to save the day that we all know and love.
The Christmas Sweater: A Picture Book by Glenn Beck – A young boy finds the true meaning of Christmas in an unexpected way. This is the children’s book version of the full novel. Delightful read for little ones.
A Child’s Christmas in Wales by Dylan Thomas – While this venerable classic might not immediately appeal to young children – have them give it a chance, because Dylan Thomas’ prose will soon have them entranced. The addition of the charming illustrations will help hold their attention!
The Polar Express by Chris Van Allsburg – There’s a chance that your children may have seen the movie version without reading the classic story first, but that doesn’t mean they will enjoy it any less. There’s still the same magic and wonder to behold, only from the pages of this book versus the movie screen. And I bet they will still be able to hear the bell ring.
How the Grinch Stole Christmas! by Dr Seuss – Another tale that kids may have watched before reading, but this story will sound even better when you read it in your own Grinch voice. A must-have for any Christmas book library.
The Littlest Elf by Brandi Dougherty – The littlest elf at the North Pole is having a hard time finding his perfect job at the North Pole. Luckily a little reindeer is able to help him.
Christmas in the Manger by Nola Buck – A simple board book that will help tell the tale of the Nativity to the youngest children.
Legend of the Christmas Stocking by Rick Osborne – A Christmas tale set in the 1800s, Peter learns the meaning behind Christmas stockings and in turn, a lesson in kindness and generosity. Very detailed and beautiful illustrations will have you pouring over the pages again and again.
Charlie and the Christmas Kitty by Ree Drummond – Charlie the Ranch Dog is back and it’s time for Christmas. He even gets an unexpected surprise under the tree.
Room for a Little One: A Christmas Tale by Martin Waddell – The ox invites animal visitors into his stable on a cold winter’s night, and all the animals are there to witness the birth of baby Jesus.
Snowmen at Christmas by Caralyn Buehner – Snowmen come to life at night and celebrate Christmas in their own way!
What are some of your family’s favorite Christmas stories? Share them with us in the comments!
10 Timid Ghosts on Christmas Eve is one of our favorites with its repetition and rhymes.
Good to know! It’s not one of the 9 on this list we’ve read yet!