28 Best Christmas Books for Children About Santa to Add to Your TBR

If you love collecting Christmas picture books for kids, this list is for you.

I gathered 28 of the best Christmas books for children about Santa, and I am excited to dig into every one of them.

Some are funny Santa books for kids, some are Santa origin story books, and some are sweet Christmas read-aloud books for families.

A few are quieter picks with faith at the center, and a few would work well as Christmas books for preschoolers.

Whether you are building a family Christmas book list or hunting for new Santa Claus picture books for the holiday season, grab a notebook and start your TBR.

Santa Retires by David Biedrzycki

Santa Retires made me do a double take at the title.

Santa and Mrs. Claus are heading for the tropics after years of making and delivering gifts.

That one big night clearly takes a lot out of a person.

I am curious how worried Christmas-loving kids might feel at first.

The question I most want answered is whether Santa can stay jolly without Christmas.

This one is going straight onto my TBR list.

Samurai Santa: A Very Ninja Christmas by Rubin Pingk

A ninja twist on Christmas has my full attention.

Yukio is thrilled when snow begins falling on Christmas Eve, and he wants a snowball fight.

His ninja friends refuse to join in because they fear landing on Santa’s naughty list and losing their gifts.

I keep wondering what Yukio will do about it.

Snowball fights and holiday worries make a fun combination.

I am looking forward to finding out how it all plays out.

My Pen Pal, Santa by Melissa Stanton, illustrated by Jennifer A. Bell

Writing to Santa all year long sounds like my kind of tradition.

A little girl sends her usual letter and assumes that is the end of it.

Then a few cookies are left uneaten on Christmas morning.

She writes Santa a note to ask what happened.

Before long, they are exchanging letters back and forth through the whole year.

I would love to see where their correspondence goes.

This one feels perfect for kids who love writing letters.

The Animals’ Santa by Jan Brett

Jan Brett is a beloved author, so I am excited to pick this one up.

The forest creatures are buzzing as Christmas approaches.

They wonder who the animals’ Santa might be, whether a moose, a badger, or a wolf.

I enjoy a good guessing game in a picture book.

Little ones will apparently adore the big reveal at the end.

I am keeping my fingers crossed that it feels as magical as I imagine.

Santa Baby by Jonathan Stutzman, illustrated by Heather Fox

Santa is worn out from Christmas Eve work and feeling his age.

So he calls on Christmas magic, and suddenly he turns into a baby.

The elves start to worry about how a baby Santa will handle deliveries.

He cannot even say HO HO HO yet, let alone manage the rest of his tasks.

I am so curious how the elves handle that problem.

The premise alone makes me want to read it with a mug of cocoa.

I Am NOT Santa Claus! by T. L. McBeth

The title makes me laugh before I even open the cover.

A man insists he is not Santa Claus, yet several clues suggest otherwise.

I love picture books that let kids play detective.

This Christmas romp is described as full of dry humor that should keep children giggling.

I am eager to see how the clues add up.

The satisfying conclusion has me curious, and I plan to read it aloud when I can.

Santa Jaws by Bridget Heos, illustrated by Galia Bernstein

Santa Jaws takes Christmas under the sea, and I am delighted.

It comes from the author of the Mustache Baby books.

This rhyming story follows Santa Jaws on his annual rounds to all his aquatic friends.

I cannot resist a Christmas book with a splash of ocean fun.

Rhymes make read-alouds so much more enjoyable for me.

I want to see which sea creatures get visited on Christmas Eve.

I will definitely add it to my list.

Santa in the City by Tiffany D. Jackson, illustrated by Reggie Brown

Deja lives in a city apartment, and her home has no chimney.

With only two weeks until Christmas, she begins to worry about how Santa will find her.

She also wonders whether he will have time to visit with so many children.

Her family helps her notice the magic of Christmas all around the city.

I love seeing a story that celebrates city Christmases.

This looks like a warm pick for families who do not have a fireplace.

Presents Through the Window by Taro Gomi

This one is a clever cut-out book, and I am intrigued.

Santa peeks in the window and leaves a gift for each sleeping recipient.

Then you turn the page and realize the view through the window frame does not show everything.

Some of the gifts might not be quite right.

I am curious how the cut-outs create that surprise.

Interactive details like these make me want to hold the physical book.

It is described as a huge favorite in one family’s home, which only adds to my interest.

Little Santa by Jon Agee

Little Santa is all about a young Santa who adores living in the North Pole.

His family dislikes the cold and plans to move to Florida.

Just as they are ready to leave, a terrible blizzard traps everyone inside the house.

I want to see how Santa rescues his family.

Origin stories for Santa are such a treat.

Agee’s version sounds extra cute to me, and I am eager to read it.

Mr. Santa by Jarvis

Imagine having Santa all to yourself for a little while.

On Christmas Eve, a little girl comes face to face with him.

She wastes no time and asks every question she can think of.

I would probably do the same thing.

This sounds like an adorable addition to any holiday collection.

I am curious which questions she picks and how Santa answers them.

It looks like a sweet read for the season.

Santa Claus the World’s Number One Toy Expert by Marla Frazee

Who on earth knows toys better than Santa Claus?

Marla Frazee clearly agrees, since this book shows him playing with all the toys.

Well, testing them out, to be exact.

All that hard work means he knows just what to give every child on Christmas Eve.

The premise makes me smile.

I am wondering what a day of toy testing looks like in the pages.

This delightful pick is landing on my TBR.

The Legend of the Christmas Witch by Dan Murphy and Aubrey Plaza, illustrated by Julia Iredale

This Christmas story sounds unlike any other I have come across.

It follows Kris Kringle’s long-lost twin sister, Kristtōrn.

She is a powerful witch.

Her tale is promised to change everything you thought you knew about the holiday.

I love a story that shakes up familiar traditions.

Aubrey Plaza shares the author credit with Dan Murphy, which adds to my curiosity.

Julia Iredale illustrates it, so I am looking forward to the artwork too.

I cannot wait to see what this twin’s story reveals.

Who Will Pull Santa’s Sleigh? by Russ Willms

This is Santa’s very first Christmas, and I find that idea charming.

He is still working out how to visit children all over the world.

He has a sleigh but still needs animals to pull it.

So he puts out an ad, and plenty of animals respond.

Not all of them seem like the right fit for such an important job.

I am curious which candidates show up and who ends up getting the position.

Santa’s First Christmas by Mac Barnett, illustrated by Sydney Smith

Santa usually gives himself an extra half hour of sleep after delivering presents.

This year, the elves want to thank him with a surprise celebration.

They plan breakfast in bed, cut down a spruce tree, and decorate the North Pole with lights.

They even bake cookies for the jolly old man.

Cute and cozy are the words that come to mind.

I am looking forward to seeing how the elves carry out their plan.

Hey, You’re Not Santa! by Ethan T. Berlin, illustrated by Edwardian Taylor

Christmas Eve gets chaotic fast in this one.

Santa realizes some toys were left behind at the North Pole.

A cow steps in to keep the presents moving.

That means a bovine in a red suit takes over for Santa.

I am dying to know whether anyone will notice the switch.

The silly idea makes me giggle already, and I want to see it play out.

I will happily read this one aloud to anyone willing to listen.

I Believe in Santa Claus by Diane G. Adamson

This book draws a connection between Santa Claus and Jesus.

It is described as a beautiful picture of that symbolism.

The pairing of the Santa story with the true meaning of Christmas feels meaningful to me.

I appreciate books that bring both parts of the season together.

This would be a lovely choice for families who want faith woven into their Santa stories.

I am adding it to my list for a quiet evening read.

Super Santa: The Science of Christmas by Bruce Hale, illustrated by Guy Francis

Every kid who asks how Santa visits every home in one night needs this book.

It explains the science behind the world’s most magical night.

The details are described as delightfully nerdy.

I adore the idea of mixing holiday wonder with a little science.

I am curious how the book explains such an impossible-seeming trip.

It sounds ideal for curious children and the adults who read to them.

I am planning to pick it up before Christmas Eve.

The Real Santa by Nancy Redd, illustrated by Charnelle Pinkney Barlow

A young Black boy wonders what the real Santa looks like.

He compares the Santa in pictures, commercials, and at the mall with the idea that Santa might look like him.

He wants to stay up late enough to find out.

The story is described as a joyful celebration of the season, identity, and representation.

I love how much heart this sounds like it has.

Representation in holiday books matters, and I am looking forward to reading it.

Santa Mouse by Michael Brown

First published in 1966, Santa Mouse was just re-released this year.

A tiny, nameless mouse wants to give Santa a special gift.

The results are delightful for both Santa and the mouse.

I enjoy classic holiday picture books.

I am glad this old story is back in circulation.

Seeing a story from 1966 return makes me curious about why it has lasted.

I want to find out what gift the little mouse chooses.

When Santa Was a Baby by Linda Bailey, illustrated by Genevieve Godbout

Baby Santa is a concept I cannot resist.

Even as a tiny tot, he did things his own way.

He loves the cold, gives away his birthday presents, and has a strange fascination with chimneys.

His parents are proud of him and support him just as he is.

That detail makes me want to read it right away.

Its warm illustrations and jolly tone are praised by readers, so I am eager to see them myself.

How Does Santa Go Down the Chimney? by Mac Barnett

Every child has wondered how Santa actually gets into the house.

This sweet and festive book offers plenty of ideas about what might happen.

It covers chimneys, and it also considers homes that do not have one.

I love picture books that celebrate a child’s curiosity.

Imagining different possibilities sounds like a fun way to spend Christmas Eve.

Mac Barnett’s name on the cover already has me interested.

I am eager to see which idea makes me grin the most.

Santa’s Prayer by Tom Roberts, illustrated by Doug Moss

A brother and sister walk through town talking about their Christmas wishlists.

Along the way, they spot Santa slipping into the local church.

He goes in to offer a prayer before setting out on his journey.

The story is described as a sweet reminder of the real reason we celebrate Christmas.

I like how it blends the fun of wishlists with something quieter.

This one sounds lovely for families who keep faith at the center of Christmas.

The Day Santa Stopped Believing in Harold by Maureen Fergus, illustrated by Cale Atkinson

What a clever twist on the usual Santa story!

Santa adores Harold, enjoys his yearly letters, and waits eagerly for the cookies Harold leaves out.

This year, though, Santa isn’t convinced that Harold is real.

His friends have doubts too, and Harold looked a little different last time he sat on Santa’s knee.

Santa is determined to uncover the truth.

I am so curious about how he does it, and the reversal has me hooked.

Santa Claus and the Christmas Surprise by Dorothea Lachner, illustrated by Maja Duskov

Christmas is almost here, but deep snow has Anna and Michael worried.

They fear Santa might not come this year.

Things work out in a sweet and delightful way that brings the community together.

I enjoy holiday stories that put neighbors and togetherness in the spotlight.

The snowy setting alone makes it feel like a perfect winter read.

Anna and Michael already have my sympathy.

I want to see how that community comes together.

Here Comes Santa Cat by Deborah Underwood, illustrated by Claudia Rueda

The Cat series is clever and surprising, so a Christmas edition excites me.

In this one, Cat worries he is not on the nice list.

He decides to hand out gifts himself.

It turns out to be harder than it looks.

Maybe the real Santa needs to step in.

Cat trying to earn his spot sounds like a recipe for fun.

I cannot wait to see how Cat’s holiday plan goes.

I am bringing this one to the top of my list.

Santa’s Favorite Story: Santa Tells the Story of the First Christmas by Hisako Aoki, illustrated by Ivan Gantschev

This one is described as a classic by someone who grew up with it.

Animals find Santa in the woods.

He retells the story of Christ’s birth to them.

Oh, how beautiful that sounds.

I enjoy older books that have stayed with readers for years.

Hearing Santa share the first Christmas story feels special.

I would love to start a new tradition by reading it to the little ones in my life.

It’s Not Easy Being Santa Claus by Marilyn Sadler

Santa’s life gets overwhelming here, and I am already laughing.

The letters pile up, the reindeer fight, and his slippers go missing.

So he decides to try out a few other professions.

None of them feel quite right.

He realizes that nothing compares to simply being Santa.

If you need a good laugh, I would put this one near the top.

I am excited to see how he gets through the holiday craze.

Time to Start Your Santa TBR

That is my full list of Santa Claus picture books for this Christmas season.

Pick the ones that match your family, whether you want silly stories, cozy Christmas Eve read-alouds, or faith-filled favorites.

I am keeping a running list and plan to read these slowly, one cozy evening at a time.

Save this post, take it to the library, and keep an eye out for your favorites on the shelves.

Tell me which Santa book you are most excited to read, and happy reading!