21 Best Christmas Books for Kids of All Ages to Enjoy Together

Looking for the best Christmas books for kids of all ages? This list has fun and festive stories that toddlers, kids, and teens will adore.
Christmas Books for children scaled

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One of the best things parents can do is just read with their kids. 

Sitting together, sharing stories, and seeing their faces light up is pure magic, so I absolutely love watching kids get lost in a book.

Christmas is the perfect time for cozy reading sessions. .

Wrapped in blankets with a warm drink, reading together makes those cold nights feel extra special. 

The books I’m sharing here are full of heart and holiday cheer, so they’re just right for winter vibes.

With book censorship on the rise, especially for kids, reading together feels even more important. Stories help kids explore new ideas and understand the world better. That’s why picking the right books matters so much.

We all need to read more – it’s good for the mind, the soul, and even our relationships. 

And these cozy winter books I’m about to share? They’re simply awesome. 

Whether you’re reading to little ones or looking for a festive read yourself, these picks will bring warmth and joy to your winter days. 

There’s an Elf in Your Book by Tom Fletcher & Greg Abbott

Theres an Elf in Your Book

This interactive Christmas book is so much fun. A cheeky little elf has snuck into your book and he’s here to test if you belong on Santa’s Nice List. 

But be careful, because he’ll try to trick you into being naughty.

I love how this book gets children giggling and moving while reading. It’s playful, silly, and full of festive cheer. 

One of my favorite Christmas read-alouds for toddlers and younger kids, it’s perfect for a cozy December night. 

Tom Fletcher and Greg Abbott have created something magical that kids can’t resist.

I think it’s one of the best interactive Christmas books for children because it makes the season even more exciting. 

If your child loves to shout, sing, and laugh, they’ll adore this. It’s a holiday must-have, especially for families who love getting silly together.

The Robin Who Stole Christmas by Rachel Morrisroe & Richard Merritt

The Robin Who Stole Christmas by Rachel

This laugh-out-loud Christmas story follows Rotten Robin, a little bird with a big plan–he wants to steal Christmas.

Robin and his birdy gang sneak around stealing decorations, mince pies, and even Santa.

But he soon learns that Christmas isn’t just about stuff; it’s about joy, kindness, and love. 

I really enjoyed this one because it’s a bit mischievous and still full of heart. 

If you’re looking for funny Christmas books for children that feel a bit different, this is perfect. 

It has bright, joyful illustrations and a message that’s lovely to share.

It’s one of my favorite festive Christmas stories for kids who love a twist on tradition. I know your little ones will be giggling all the way through this clever tale.

A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens

A Christmas Carol

This classic Christmas book is a beautiful story about kindness, change, and the true meaning of the season. 

At first, Scrooge is grumpy and cold-hearted and definitely not in the holiday spirit. But when three magical ghosts visit him on Christmas Eve, everything begins to change. 

I love how this story reminds us to be generous and loving, even if we’ve had a tough year. 

It’s one of those timeless children’s Christmas stories that older kids (and adults) really connect with. 

If you’re looking for meaningful Christmas books for kids that spark important conversations, this is perfect. 

I always feel a little warmer after reading it. It’s a great book to read together as a family, especially by the fire or under the tree with hot cocoa. 

A beautiful Christmas tale that never gets old.

Daisy and the Trouble with Christmas by Kes Gray, Nick Sharratt & Garry Parsons

Daisy and the Trouble with Christmas by

Daisy LOVES Christmas–maybe a little too much. From September, she’s already dreaming of lights, snowmen, and the school play. 

This book made me laugh so much. Daisy is full of excitement, and her wild Christmas adventures will keep kids giggling all through the holidays. 

When the Baby Jesus doll’s head pops off during the school play, well, chaos follows. 

I really like how this story feels so real. Kids do get super excited and things don’t always go as planned. 

It’s one of those funny Christmas books for early readers that captures the ups and downs of the season perfectly. 

If you’re searching for fun and relatable Christmas books for kids, this is a great pick. Daisy’s Christmas may be full of messes, but it’s also full of love and laughter.

That Christmas by Richard Curtis & Rebecca Cobb

That Christmas

This charming story shows what happens when Christmas doesn’t go as planned and I loved every second of it. 

That Christmas is all about breaking traditions and finding joy in the unexpected. 

One year, everything goes completely differently for the families in this story, but that’s what makes it so magical. 

I really connected with this book because it reminds us that even when things feel chaotic, love and togetherness still shine through. 

The illustrations are soft and warm, and the story feels like a cozy holiday movie in book form. 

If you’re looking for heartwarming Christmas stories for children that feel gentle and magical, this one’s a winner. 

I think families will treasure reading it together. It shows that the best Christmas memories aren’t always the ones we plan–they’re the ones that happen naturally.

Hetty Feather’s Christmas by Jacqueline Wilson & Nick Sharratt

Hetty Feathers Christmas

Hetty Feather is back, and this time, it’s Christmas. I really enjoyed this Victorian holiday story because it mixes adventure, friendship, and tradition all in one. 

Poor Hetty is in trouble on Christmas Day and gets left out of the fun at the Foundling Hospital. 

But just when things feel hopeless, someone special comes to take her on a surprise Christmas adventure. 

This is one of those lovely historical Christmas books for children that feels both cozy and exciting. 

I think kids who enjoy stories set in the past will be swept away. The snowy setting, the emotions, the pretty illustrations, and everything about it feels magical. 

It’s also a great reminder to be kind to others, especially during the holidays. If your child is a fan of Jacqueline Wilson, this makes a wonderful Christmas gift. 

Everybody’s Tree by Barbara Joosse & Renée Graef

Everybodys Tree

This beautiful Christmas picture book made my heart feel full. It’s the story of a tree that grows alongside a little boy–through childhood, fatherhood, and even grandfatherhood. 

And then, when it’s tall and grand, the tree is chosen to become the city’s Christmas tree.

I absolutely love how this book shows that Christmas joy is for everyone, no matter your age or background. 

The illustrations are peaceful and warm, perfect for bedtime reading.

It’s one of my favorite meaningful Christmas books for kids because it reminds us of love, time, and community. 

If you’re looking for emotional and touching holiday stories for children, this one is special. 

I think families will cherish reading this together and talking about what really matters during Christmas. It’s gentle, sweet, and simply unforgettable.

The Very Hungry Caterpillar’s Christmas Eve by Eric Carle

The Very Hungry Caterpillars Night

The Very Hungry Caterpillar is back and just in time for Christmas. In this adorable lift-the-flap story, little ones can peek behind each flap to see who’s getting ready for Christmas. 

I really love how simple and magical this one feels, especially for babies and toddlers. 

The snowy setting and cozy scenes make it perfect for quiet moments before bedtime. 

The big question is: will Santa come? 

I think this is one of the best first Christmas books for toddlers, because it’s gentle, interactive, and full of joy. 

Eric Carle’s classic art style shines, and kids will be so excited to turn each page. 

If you’re looking for festive Christmas board books for babies and toddlers, this one is such a sweet pick. 

I smile every time I read it, because it’s like a soft Christmas hug in a book.

A Shirley Hughes Christmas by Shirley Hughes

A Shirley Hughes Christmas

This lovely treasury brings together three of Shirley Hughes’ most loved holiday stories and I adore it.

It includes Lucy and Tom at Christmas, Alfie’s Christmas, and Dogger’s Christmas, each one showing the joy of family, traditions, and the little things that make the season bright. 

What I love most is how calm and warm the stories feel. Everything from wrapping gifts to decorating the tree is shared with so much heart. 

If you’re looking for traditional Christmas stories for kids, this collection is a beautiful choice.

I think children will love spotting familiar characters and seeing Christmas through their eyes. 

This is one of those special Christmas books to read year after year, because it feels like home, laughter, and love all wrapped together.

The Christmas Tree Mouse by Joseph Coelho & Farah Shah

The Christmas Tree Mouse

On Christmas Eve, a tiny mouse sneaks out to help Santa. She checks presents, tidies crumbs, and clears footprints all from her cozy home inside the Christmas tree. 

But when she spots that baby Ola got the wrong gift, she sets off on a brave little adventure to fix it. I absolutely love how clever and kind this Christmas Tree Mouse is.

This is one of the most delightful and imaginative Christmas picture books for kids I’ve read lately. 

It’s funny, heartwarming, and full of holiday wonder. I think kids will fall in love with the mouse’s secret world. 

The illustrations are adorable, and the rhymes bounce along so nicely. 

If you want magical Christmas Eve stories for children, this book is just perfect.


I hope this list of cozy winter books inspires you to spend more magical moments reading with your little ones this Christmas season. 

If you loved these recommendations, don’t forget to check out my related posts on creating the perfect reading nook and planning a bookish Christmas self-care day.

Preye

Hi! I'm Preye ("pre" as in "prepare" and "ye" as in "Kanye"), and I am a lifelong book lover who enjoys talking about books and sharing bits and pieces of all the fascinating things I come across. I love books and, on this blog, I share everything from book recommendations to book reviews and writing tips, so feel free to stop by anytime you like!

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