Though you’re busy shopping, attending pageants, and trimming the tree, you may find yourself in need of a little downtime this season with your family. Why not use that time to curl up on the couch with the kids and read some classic family-friendly kids books? So here are our family’s 13 Favorite Kids Books for Christmas. With titles ranging from childhood classics to new culturally-minded titles, this selection of my family’s favorite kids Christmas book list is sure to have a few selections we’re sure your entire family will enjoy!
The Night Before Christmas (2012):
We all know the magical words of Clement C. Moore’s traditional holiday poem. As a family, we love the Rachel Isadora version, which features collages, pastels, and oil paints, and adds a modern twist: Santa wears hipster pants, sports dreadlocks, and leaves the children traditional African gifts.
Recommended for ages 5 and up.
The Best Christmas Pageant Ever (1972)
Remember this one from when you were a kid? I sure do! Children of all ages will love this 1972 classic, in which the six misbehaving Herdman kids—the “worst kids in the entire history of the world”—take over the church pageant and reinterpret the story of Christmas. The mix of outrageous moments and profound heartwarming surprises makes this a read parents will love as much as kids.
Recommended for ages 5 and up.
Dream Snow
If your family loves of Eric Carle’s classic The Very Hungry Caterpillar you will love his wintery tale of Dream Snow, as it hosts the same style collage illustrations, and like Caterpillar, the pages hold extra interest for young readers, with learning opportunities with cutouts and counting.
Recommended for ages 5 and up.
How the Grinch Stole Christmas (1957):
What would Christmas be without the Grinch? Kids love this misfit character, who plots to cancel the holiday, only to find it happens anyway, even without the who hash. This is a family favorite and true story of selfless redemption.
Recommended for ages 5 and up.
Santa Mouse (1996):
This modern classic by Micheal Brown tells the tale of a Santa that is always giving presents but never gets them, so he leaves a gift. His thoughtfulness is rewarded when he becomes Santa’s little helper each and every year himself! A must read!
Recommended for ages 3 and up.
The Polar Express (1986):
This tale by Chris Van Allsburg of children hopping on a night train to visit Santa at the North Pole is pure holiday magic and is ideal for holiday car rides or to help excited kids drift off on Christmas Eve! Also, worth noting, the kindle version of this story is currently free for Amazon Prime members!
Recommended for ages 5 and up.
The Nutcracker by Susan Jeffries (2007):
Caldecott Honor and New York Times bestselling artist Susan Jeffers reimagines this classic take on the Christmas Eve tale of a young girl’s nutcracker doll transforms into a prince who battles an evil Mouse King and escorts the girl to the magical Land of Sweets. Jeffries rendition is unique in its incredibly beautiful illustrations and should not be missed.
Recommended for ages 5 and up.
The Christmas Miracle of Jonathan Toomey by Susan Wojciechowski (1995):
This story centers on Grumpy Jonathan Toomey, known to children as “Mr. Gloomy,” who is the best woodcarver in the valley but is always alone, hiding a tragic age-old secret. When a widow and her son move to town and ask him to carve a Nativity manger scene for them, the woodcutter’s life is forever changed. This story is told through the healing power of friendship and the magic of Christmas, but make sure you have plenty of kleenexes ready when you read this tale!
Recommended for ages 8 and up.
Carl’s Christmas by Alexandra Day (1990):
When Carl the dog is tasked with taking care of his family’s baby on Christmas Eve, a charming tale of Carl and his little charge’s Christmas Eve adventures is unfolded in an easy-to-understand and extremely adorable book.
Recommended for ages 3 and up.
The Year of the Perfect Christmas Tree by Gloria Houston (1996):
In the Appalachian town of Spruce Pine, one family is responsible for providing the town with a Christmas tree each year, and this year it’s Ruthie’s family’s turn. Ruthie and her father choose the tree early in the spring, but by the time winter comes, he’s in Europe, as the Great War has just ended. Through sacrifice and the magic of Christmas, the village gets its perfect tree and Ruthie gets a perfect holiday.
Recommended for ages 5 and up.
The Snowman by Raymond Briggs (1977):
This classic picture book story revolves around a little boy builds a snowman on a wintry day, only to find later that night that his creation has come alive…and can fly! While a wordless book it’s a perfect story to share with children of all ages this holiday season.
Recommended for ages 3 and up.
The Legend of the Poinsettia by Tomie dePaola (1997):
This story revolves around the profound Mexican legend, in which a young girl, named Lucinda and her mother, who when asked to weave a new blanket to cover the church’s statue of baby Jesus, who falls ill, and Lucinda accidentally ruins the work while trying to finish it. Ashamed, the little girl is afraid to go to the church on Christmas Eve because she hasn’t a gift until a kind stranger reminds her that the baby Jesus will love anything that she gives with love. Lucinda’s humble gift of weeds and her prayers cause a miracle to take place within the church. Tomie dePaola’s gorgeous illustrations bring the story to life and is a must read for our family each year.
Recommended for ages 5 and up.
Yes, Virginia, There Is a Santa Claus by Francis P. Church (1897):
In 1897, an 8-year-old girl named Virginia O’Hanlon asked her father if Santa Claus was real. Caught off guard, Mr. O’Hanlon advised his daughter to send the question to The Sun newspaper, telling her, “If you see it in The Sun, it’s so.” The paper’s beautiful response to the child’s question would eventually become the most reprinted editorial ever to run in any newspaper in the English language. This story is the perfect reminder of the immortal spirit of Father Christmas and which is why we read it aloud as a family each year.
Recommended for ages 3 and up.
So that’s it everyone, my family’s 13 favorite holiday books. I encourage you all to take some time this season to let loose, curl up, and enjoy a few of these favorite stories with your loved ones at home. So friends, do you have any family favorite books at Christmas? If so, I’d love to hear about them below!
I don’t think we have any of these yet! Will have to check them out 🙂
Awesome, Val! Many titles are also available free as Kindle book downloads, including the Polar Express. Also, be sure to check the OverDrive App so you can save a trip out. Have a great week and holiday!
What a great list of books! I LOVE Yes, Virginia and forgot we have that one! I am going to pull it out tonite and read with my son! I love to give books for gifts too, and one of these will be sure to add some smiles to a family ! Thanks for this list
Awesome, Carissa! Yes, my MIL’s name is Virginia and my maternal grandmother hails from SW Virginia, so that title is a staple here are well!
Thanks for the suggestions! We love Dr. Seuss!
Awesome! Thanks you for stopping by, Jehava!
We love The Snowman here. It is at the top of our Christmas reading list!
Awesome book and movie!
My favorite is The Best Christmas Pageant Ever! I also love Carl’s Christmas (all of the Carl books, actually!)
They are both awesome! Thanks for stopping by, Rebekah!