24 Christmas Books to Read to Your Family

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Counting down to Christmas can be magical with these 24 Christmas books to read to your family!

Reading a Christmas book every night during December is a Christmas tradition I started when Tyler was a toddler, nearly seven years ago. As he got a bit older I added in a level of fun by wrapping each book and he got such a kick out of unwrapping one before bed each night. When Simone was born I continued this Christmas Countdown but took it a step further by including activity books, coloring books and crafting books- something I know Simone loves.

This tradition took a turn last Christmas when Tyler started reading the books to his sister! I cannot even put into words the feeling I got watching them read together under the Christmas tree. I’m literally counting down the days until I can see that beautiful site again. What’s your favorite Christmas book? Let me know in the comment.

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24 Christmas Books to Read to Your Family

 

How to Catch An Elf

Do you think you catch an elf this year?  Have you been thinking about starting a new Christmas tradition?  This a funny children’s book; sure to please the whole family.

The Littlest Elf

An enjoyable holiday story filled with Christmas cheer and cute stickers! Oliver, the littlest elf in the North Pole, has a yearning to find his very special job in Santa’s workshop! Filled with elfin shenanigans.

 

Christmas in the Manger

The classic Christmas story to share with young children   The story of the first Christmas with lyrical text and beautiful artwork. We have been reading this since every year since Tyler was a brand new baby. It’s beautifully done.

The Night Before Christmas

A family favorite! We read this Christmas book every year before we go to bed on Christmas Eve. It’s been a tradition for many years and I hope it continues for many years to come Every family should own a copy of this classic.  “The Night Before Christmas” has enchanted children since 1823.

 

The Joy of Giving

 

Brother and Sister Bear can’t wait for Christmas. During the Christmas Eve pageant, something special happens and the bear cubs learn a very valuable lesson about the joy of giving to others.

Pete The Cat’s 12 Groovy Days of Christmas

Pete the Cat is one of our family favorites and this Christmas book does not disappoint! Pete and his friends are rocking and grooving counting down the days to Christmas. This is the perfect gift for Pete the Cat fans

 

The Littlest Christmas Tree

Such a sweet, sweet story. This Christmas book is adorable for kids of all ages. With only five days before  Christmas, the Littlest Christmas Tree is patiently waiting for a family to take it home, decorate it, and sing “O Christmas Tree”.  The Littlest Christmas Tree starts to think no one will take it home.

Christmas Miracle of Jonathan Toomey

This touching, sentimental story, illustrated by P.J. Lynch, has been widely welcomed as a true Christmas classic. This beautiful anniversary edition includes a \ note from the author and an audio narration by James Earl Jones available to download which adds a whole new layer of perfection for this Christmas book.

Jingle Bells Homework Smells

My school-age children love this Christmas book! When the teacher gives the class homework for the weekend, Gilbert can’t find the time to complete it.  It is because Gilbert is busy getting ready for the holidays.   The perfect book for anyone who’s ever put off a chore.

Finding Christmas

Squirrel, Mouse, and Hare are preparing for Christmas; however, while Mouse is out looking for the perfect gift for Hare, she finds Swallow sick in the snow. The three friends try to nurse to health. They realize their Christmas gifts will help Swallow get well.

 

8 Candles and a Tree

This story is a personal favorite because I think it’s important my children learn all about the traditions of others. This book helps in a tremendous way. Eight Candles and a Tree is for all children and families who celebrate both Christmas and Hanukkah.

A Charlie Brown Christmas

Both of my children LOVE Charlie Brown. We’ve been reading this Christmas book for years! This is one we’re sure you’ll want to add to your collection.  Can the Peanuts gang help Charlie Brown discover the true meaning of Christmas?

Splendiferous Christmas: Fancy Nancy

 Fancy Nancy is Simone’s favorite character so we love reading this together! Presents with glittery paper, shiny decorations, cookies with rainbow sprinkles, and of course, a Christmas tree!  There is never too much tinsel!  Will Christmas be splendiferous?

Arctic Christmas

Arctic animal friends welcome special visitors for a very Merry Christmas!  This book is enjoyed by all ages

The Littlest Reindeer

Dot is the littlest reindeer in the North Pole, but she wants to help Santa pull his sleigh! Try as she might, Dot can’t seem to fly the right way no matter how hard she tries.  Is she just too little?

How the Grinch Stole Christmas

You’re a mean one Mr. Grinch! No Christmas is complete without this classic story. We read the Grinch all year long!

Snowmen at Christmas

Have you ever wondered what snowmen do for Christmas? Well, now’s your chance to find out! The snowmen are back, and this time they’re celebrating Christmas—the snowman way!

Bear Stays Up

Bear’s friends have him help them find a Christmas tree, bake cakes & cookies, and sing Christmas songs. Bear stays awake by discovering that giving is one of the best Christmas presents of all!

The Polar Express

If you just BELIEVE!  A mysterious journey to the North Pole has become a beloved classic. In this anniversary edition, the artistry of Chris Van Allsburg, new jacket design and layout. This particular set Includes downloadable audio read by Liam Neeson, and a golden “All Aboard” ornament.

 

Olive, the Other Reindeer

Olive is preparing for Christmas when suddenly she realizes “Olive… the Other Reindeer… Hmmm, I must be a Reindeer!” So she quickly hops aboard the polar express and heads to the North Pole. And while Santa and the other reindeer are surprised that a dog wants to join their team, Olive and her unusual reindeer skills are just what Santa and his veteran reindeer team need.

 

 

Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer

All of your favorites Rudolph, Clarice, Santa, Bumble and Hermy are in this classic Christmas book. Do you remember the most famous reindeer of all? My family sure does!

 

Llama Llama Jingle Bells

I think my family has ever Llama llama book in the series and this Christmas edition is no exception. We love Llama llama. Little llama and his friends give gifts, sing songs, and decorate cookies for a very merry holiday.  The durable pages are perfect for little hands.

 

Santa’s Workshop

Perfect for a Baby’s 1st Christmas! Lift the flaps to explore the North Pole with Santa’s penguin tour guide! You will get to see inside the workshop, visit the kitchen of Mrs. Claus, and stop by the elves’ break room!

 

River Rose and the Magical Christmas

I’m a huge Kelly Clarkson fan and this book she wrote for her daughter, River, does NOT disappoint! River Rose wants to stay awake on Christmas Eve to hand-deliver a letter Santa. Unfortunately, River Rose has fallen asleep and been swept off on another magical adventure; this time to the North Pole.

Room for a Little One

Room for a Little One is the tale of the original Nativity Story.  It tells the story of how all the animals are welcomed into the stable to see the birth of a little one.

How Do Dinosaurs Say Merry Christmas

My Tyler’s favorite Christmas book! He looks forward to reading How Do Dinosaurs Say Merry Christmas every year! The dinosaurs take part in many of the same traditions our family does at Christmas so it’s really a special book in our home

Final thoughts

Reading is a phenomenal way to spend time as a family and makes Christmas even more magical. One year in lieu of an Advent Calendar I used our basket of books to help us countdown Christmas and it was a HUGE hit. The holiday season can be incredibly busy so using these books to take a moment to slow down can be great for everyone in your family.