It’s the most wonderful time of the year! The best children’s books for Christmas will teach them the meaning of the season in a very literary way. You’ll feel all that Christmas magic with your child as if you were young again with these popular Christmas books for various ages. Add these books to your Christmas bucket list to have a very merry December!
List of the Best Children’s Books for Christmas Reading
- American Girl “Surprise” Books
- The Best Christmas Pageant Ever by Barbara Robinson
- A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens
- How the Grinch Stole Christmas by Dr. Seuss
- Miracle on 34th Street by Valentine Davies
- Nutcracker and Mouse King by E.T.A. Hoffmann
- The Polar Express by Chris van Allsburg
- Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer by Robert L. May
- The Snowman by Raymond Briggs
- The Night Before Christmas by Clement Clarke Moore
Reading Tip: Check my age ratings and recommended adaptation pairings for each book.
Reviews of the Most Famous Holiday Fiction for Kids
American Girl “Surprise” Books
American Girl’s “Surprise” books teach the reader about historical Christmas themes through meaningful stories and memorable illustrations that bring the girls to life. From Kirsten’s celebration of Saint Lucia celebration to Molly’s yearning for a holiday treat from her father overseas during World War II, these books highlight the nostalgic feelings of the season while imparting history lessons at the same time.
Mothers can even gift their vintage copies along to their little girls!
The Best Christmas Pageant Ever by Barbara Robinson
“Hey! Unto you a child is born!” So goes The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, about a ragtag group of unparented, misbehaving siblings who join the local Christmas pageant. Naturally, they wreak havoc on the production — that is, until they teach everyone the real meaning of the Nativity story.
While I first read this book as an adult, it’s the type of book I would have loved around age 10. It’s funny, yet also heartfelt.
I do want to note some language and content may not appeal to all parents (for example, the young siblings are caught smoking cigars. That being said, this story means so much to so many readers of all ages. I’ve heard people say they cry at the end more times than I can count!
A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens
A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens is widely considered the best Christmas story of all time. First published in 1843, this timeless Christmas short story follows Ebenezer Scrooge’s redemption after encountering three spirits: the Ghosts of Christmases Past, Present, and Yet to Come. Its message is about the spirit of Christmas.
Its brevity, easy readability, and beautiful prose make it a classic that’s well worth the read, no matter how many adaptations you’ve seen, heard, or read.
Reading Tip: Look for the audio version narrated by the incomparable actor Tim Curry. It’s exquisitely performed.
Related Post: A Christmas Carol Quotes
How the Grinch Stole Christmas by Dr. Seuss
The classic Christmas book How the Grinch Stole Christmas is about spreading Christmas cheer, even if you’re the meanest curmudgeon of all. With the furry and cartoonish green Grinch at its core and Dr. Seuss’s whimsical writing, it’s one of the most famous Christmas books for families to read aloud each year with toddlers and young children.
Miracle on 34th Street by Valentine Davies
Miracle on 34th Street is a bestselling, award-winning novel that has sold millions of copies. And yes, it’s still worth reading if you have already seen the movie.
An elderly man named Kris Kringle fills in for Santa in Macy’s annual Thanksgiving Day parade, becoming a popular regular at the store. But his claim that he is the real Santa leads to a court battle with the power of belief at the heart of it.
Reading Tip: Try the dramatized audiobook format for an especially immersive reading experience.
Nutcracker and Mouse King by E.T.A. Hoffmann
Did you know you can read the beloved ballet based on Nutcracker and Mouse King?! It’s the timeless, magical story of a wooden doll, the Nutcracker, who becomes alive to fight the evil seven-headed Mouse King after a Christmas party. It reminds people of all ages about the magic of the Christmas holiday every year, both on the page and at the ballet.
The Polar Express by Chris van Allsburg
The Polar Express has been one of the most popular children’s Christmas books for decades, beloved by so many who re-read it each holiday season, including me.
Savor the stunning illustrations as you follow a boy who travels to the North Pole to learn the power of believing in the spirit of Christmas as he finds a special gift under the Christmas tree. It’s pure magic.
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer by Robert L. May
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer is a holiday character as famous as Santa Claus himself! So, don’t just sing the song or watch the adaptation — read aloud his full, original story too.
The Snowman by Raymond Briggs
The Snowman isn’t exactly the story of Frosty from the Christmas carol, but it has shared the same sentiments for over four decades now. Through timeless illustrations, a child builds a snowman that magically comes to life and then disappears. It’s a bittersweet story for a bittersweet time of year.
The Night Before Christmas by Clement Clarke Moore
Filled with memorable Christmas book quotes, the #1 bestseller The Night Before Christmas has been read as one of the best bedtime stories on Christmas Eve (or, as Icelanders call it — Jolabokaflod), particularly by generations of families to feel the magic of Santa’s work while awaiting his arrival.
Related Christmas Book Posts
If you enjoyed this post on the best children’s books for Christmas, you will love these posts:
remember, it’s a good day to read a book. – jules
