The Best Christmas Books for Kids

This is my son’s first Christmas where he is truly excited for the season. Since mid November, he has wanted to read all the Christmas books before bed! So, this year, we are starting a new tradition. We have gotten him a box, similar to this one, where a Holiday themed book is placed every night. One of these bags would also work well too, especially if you have multiple children.

Here is a list of books my two year old would highly recommend. If you are on a budget, the list can also be reserved from the library, which has been how we got so many fantastic titles. Please know, if you choose to buy, I receive commission at no cost to you.

The Classics

  1. The Grinch Stole Christmas by Dr. Seuss
  2. The Christmas Wish by Lori Evert and Per Breiehagen
  3. The Polar Express by Chris Van Allsburg
  4. Dream Snow by Eric Carle
  5. The Night Before Christmas by Charles Santore
  6. The Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats
  7. Stick Man by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler
  8. A Christmas Carol by Jennifer Adams and Alison Oliver
  9. Merry Christmas Mom and Dad by Mercer Mayer
  10. Favorite Little Golden Books for Christmas by Various authors
  11. Dear Santa by Rod Campbell
  12. Santa’s Littlest Helper by Anu Stohner and Henrike Wilson
  13. A Wish to be a Christmas Tree by Colleen Monroe and illustrated by Michael Glenn Monroe
  14. The Magical Christmas Horse by Mary Higgins Clark and paintings by Wendell Minor
  15. The Gifts by Regina Fackelmayer illustrated by Christa Unzner
  16. Rudolph the Red-nosed Reindeer by Barbara Shook Hazen
  17. Ernest’s Special Christmas by Laura T. Barnes and illustrated by Carol A. Cambrun

Popular Characters

  1. A Charlie Brown Christmas: Deluxe Edition by Charles M. Schulz and Vicki Scott
  2. Olivia Helps with Christmas by Ian Falconer
  3. Madeline’s Christmas by Ludwig Bemelmans
  4. Little Blue Truck’s Christmas by Alice Schertle
  5. Snowman at Christmas by Carolyn Buehner and Mark Buehner
  6. Pete the Cat Saves Christmas by Eric Litwin
  7. Construction Site on Christmas Night by Sherri Duskey Rinker
  8. Olive, the other Reindeer by J. Otto Siebold and Vivian Walsh
  9. Merry Christmas, Little Elliot by Mike Curato
  10. Elmer’s Christmas by David McKee
  11. Bear Stays Up for Christmas by Karma Wilson and Jane Chapman
  12. An Otis Christmas by Loren Long
  13. Fancy Nancy Splendiferous Christmas by Jane O’Connor and illustrated by Robin Preiss Glasser
  14. Merry Christmas, Ollie! by Olivier Dunrea
  15. Grumpy Badger’s Christmas by Paul Bright and Jane Chapman
  16. Eloise at Christmas Time by Kay Thompson and illustrated by Hilary Knight
  17. Tough Cookie by Edward Hemingway
  18. Froggy’s Best Christmas by Jonathan London and illustrated by Frank Remkiewicz
  19. Construction Site: Merry and Bright by Sherri Duskey Rinker

The New Classics – Christmas books written in the past 5 years

  1. 5 More Sleeps ’til Christmas by Jimmy Fallon
  2. Narwhal’s True Christmas Wish by Lisa Ann Scott
  3. Will Santa Stop Here by Christy Garnhart
  4. Bookscape Board Books Christmas Cheer
  5. How to Catch an Elf by Adam Wallace
  6. How to Hide a Lion at Christmas by Helen Stephens
  7. This is Christmas by Tom Booth
  8. Christmas Farm by Mary Lyn Ray
  9. One Cozy Christmas by M. Christina Butler and illustrated by Tina Macnaughton
  10. Dasher by Matt Tavares
  11. The Christmas Pig by J.K. Rowling
  12. The Biggest Little Boy: A Christmas Story by Poppy Harlow
  13. Santa in the City by Tiffany D. Jackson

Religious Christmas Books

  1. Christmas in the Manger by Laura Godwin
  2. Come and See: A Christmas Story by Monica Mayper Illustrated by Stacey Schuett
  3. ‘Twas the Evening of Christmas by Glenys Nellist
  4. The First Christmas: A lift-a-pop book
  5. Hare’s Christmas Gift by Eleonore Schmid

I truly hope your child loves these books as much as El! If there are any Christmas books that are must tries, please put them in the comments below. Merry Christmas!