The Best Christmas Books for Toddlers, Preschoolers and Little Kids
Discover the best Christmas books for toddlers, preschoolers & little kids! From classics to new favorites, find festive stories for family holiday traditions.
Looking for the best Christmas books for toddlers, preschoolers and little kids? Whether it’s cozy nights in pajamas, Christmas Eve traditions, or simply creating a magical holiday season, there’s nothing quite like snuggling up with your little ones to read festive stories together.
The Christmas season is such a great opportunity to spend extra time together as a family, and reading aloud is a wonderful way to create some really special memories. Christmas books are one of my own favorite traditions with my children; we try to read a different one each of the 24 days leading up to Christmas morning.
Books are a wonderful way to spark joy, share the Christmas spirit, and create meaningful traditions your family will look forward to year after year. From picture books and board books to timeless classics and newer releases, this book list has something for young readers at every stage.
In this post I’ll share some of our favorite Christmas books for kids, and you can also click here to find them all in my Amazon storefront for easy shopping, too.
While we’ve divided these Christmas books by age group, the magic of holiday stories is that they can be enjoyed by kids (and grown-ups!) of all ages. Each one makes a wonderful choice to read together as a family—whether you’re cozy by the Christmas tree, snuggled in Christmas pajamas, or winding down before bed.
Note: Some links may be affiliate links. That means I may make a commission if you use my links to purchase, at no extra added cost to you! I only recommend products that I personally love and believe in. Full disclaimer here.
Why Christmas Books Matter for Kids
The holiday season is the perfect time to slow down and spend quality time as a family. Reading Christmas stories together:
- Encourages literacy skills for preschoolers and early readers
- Teaches holiday traditions and the true meaning of Christmas
- Creates lasting memories during a magical time of year
- Is a fun way to keep younger kids engaged while waiting for Santa Claus
The Best Christmas Books for Toddlers
Board books and sturdy pages are perfect for little hands (and little teeth!). These Christmas books for toddlers are simple, colorful, and often interactive.
- Teeny Tiny Santa by Rachel Matson
A sweet story of a teeny tiny fox who worries Santa might not find him — until a teeny tiny Santa arrives with a surprise. A gentle reminder that no one is too small to be remembered at Christmas. - Llama Llama Jingle Bells by Anna Dewdney
Toddlers love the Llama Llama series, and this one brings holiday cheer with rhyming text and cozy illustrations. Perfect for Christmas Eve storytime or adding to a Christmas Eve box with hot cocoa and pajamas. - Little Blue Truck’s Christmas by Alice Schertle
A toddler favorite! Join Little Blue Truck as he delivers Christmas trees to his animal friends. The last page even lights up for extra fun. - Dream Snow by Eric Carle
Eric Carle’s festive story of a farmer who dreams of snow and cares for his animals once it arrives. Bright illustrations and counting fun make it a hit for little ones.
The Best Christmas Books for Preschoolers
Preschoolers love fun Christmas activities, and books that let them laugh, imagine, and explore traditions are perfect for this age.
- Construction Site on Christmas Night by Sherri Duskey Rinker
The beloved trucks from Goodnight, Goodnight, Construction Site are back with a festive story full of holiday spirit. Each truck gets its own Christmas surprise — a fun way to explore giving and teamwork. - I Got the Christmas Spirit by Connie Schofield-Morrison
This beautiful book follows a little girl who discovers the magic of Christmas through giving, kindness, and compassion — an excellent way to introduce kids to helping others during the holiday season. - 5 More Sleeps ‘Til Christmas by Jimmy Fallon
Count down to the big day with a silly, rhyming book that captures the excitement of waiting for Santa Claus. - Little Robin’s Christmas by Jan Fearnley
A heartwarming tale of generosity, this story follows Little Robin as he gives away his colorful vests to animals in need—earning a special gift from Santa. - The Story Of Christmas by Helen Dardik
This beautiful, timeless board book with stunning illustrations introduces children to the Nativity Story and reminds us all of the true meaning of Christmas. - Dasher: How a Brave Little Doe Changed Christmas by Matt Tavares
A beautifully illustrated story about Dasher, a brave little doe who follows her dreams and helps Santa discover his flying reindeer team. - Christmas in the Manger by Nola Buck
This sweet, simple board book introduces young children to the Nativity story with gentle rhymes and timeless illustrations.
The Best Christmas Books for Kindergarteners and Little Kids
By kindergarten, kids can dive into longer stories and Christmas classics that they’ll treasure for years.
- The Polar Express by Chris Van Allsburg
A Caldecott Medal winner and Christmas Eve favorite, this magical tale of a boy’s train ride to the North Pole is a must-have for every child’s holiday library. - How the Grinch Stole Christmas! by Dr. Seuss
This timeless classic with whimsical rhymes is just as fun to read aloud as it is to watch on TV. A perfect way to teach kids that Christmas is about more than presents. - How Winston Delivered Christmas by Alex T. Smith
Follow Winston the mouse as he tries to deliver a lost letter to Santa. With 24½ chapters and activities, it’s a perfect Advent-style holiday read. - The Night Before Christmas by Clement Clarke Moore, illustrated by Charles Santore
No list of Christmas books for kids is complete without this classic story. The gorgeous illustrations and beloved poem make it a keepsake for the whole family. This is the version of this book my own family owns, and the illustrations are amazing! - The Crayons’ Christmas by Drew Daywalt & Oliver Jeffers
From the creators of The Day the Crayons Quit, this interactive book includes letters and pull-out surprises for kids to enjoy while they laugh at the crayons’ holiday antics. - How to Catch a Gingerbread Man and How to Catch an Elf by Adam Wallace
Kids will laugh along as they try—and fail—to trap the runaway Gingerbread Man or one of Santa’s mischievous elves in these silly, rhyming holiday adventures. - Olive, the Other Reindeer by Vivian Walsh
A quirky and fun story about Olive the dog, who mishears a Christmas carol and sets out to prove she belongs on Santa’s reindeer team.
Religious Christmas Books for Kids
If your family celebrates the Nativity story and are interested in more religious-based books, these books help children learn about the birth of Jesus in age-appropriate ways.
- Room for a Little One: A Christmas Tale by Martin Waddell
- The Tale of Three Trees by Angela Elwell Hunt
- The Beginner’s Bible: The Very First Christmas
- God Gave Us Christmas by Lisa Tawn Bergren
Different Ways to Incorporate Christmas Books into December
If you’re looking for book lists or advent traditions, here are some great ideas:
- Wrap 24 books for an Advent calendar activity
- Use books at the kids’ table on Christmas Eve or Christmas morning
- Pair with Christmas crafts like paper snowflakes or a gingerbread house kit
- Add books to Christmas pajamas or hot chocolate gift baskets
Final Thoughts: The Best Christmas Books for Little Kids
From board books for toddlers to holiday classics for early readers, this list of the best Christmas books for toddlers, preschoolers and little kids is a wonderful way to create new family traditions.
Whether you’re looking for fun activities, a perfect Christmas Eve story, or a special gift, these Christmas books will bring joy, laughter, and the holiday cheer your family deserves.
Happy reading, and Merry Christmas! 🎄
