Christmas is almost here — decorations are up, music is playing, and movies are being watched. But the magic of Christmas can also be found in all the amazing holiday themed books. So today, I’m sharing a list of the best Christmas books for kids to read in 2021.
I love Christmas, it’s just such a fun time of year. And I always try to squeeze in some reading time for Christmas books, both old and new!
Whether you’re looking for a new bedtime story, or something to add to the classroom library, this list of 24 Christmas books for kids to read in 2021 will help you celebrate Christmas all month long.
If you’re looking for even more Christmas books for kids, be sure to take a look at this post, which features another 24 books to choose from! And if you’re looking for Christmas books for middle grade, young adult or adult readers, I have lists for them too!
This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase using one of my links, I may earn a very small commission, at no additional cost to you.
Christmas Books for Kids to Read in 2021
An adorable Disney Princess holiday picture book inspired by the classic carol, “The Twelve Days of Christmas.”
Inspired by the famous song “The Twelve Days of Christmas,” a new holiday tradition is here: the twelve days of princess! Countdown to Christmas with Tiana, Rapunzel, Merida, Cinderella, Belle, Aurora, Snow White, and Ariel. Each day brings a new magical gift, like two glass slippers or seven singing dwarfs, from one of your favorite Disney Princesses to help get you into the holiday spirit.
Sing-along to the melody of The Twelve Days of Christmas. The perfect bedtime story read-aloud for the holiday season to Countdown to Christmas with your favorite Disney characters.
Ballet • Random House Books for Young Readers
A reimagined and modern take on the holiday favorite, this picture book weaves together the classic Christmas tale of The Nutcracker and the true-life story of 12-year-old ballerina Charlotte Nebres, the first Black girl to play Marie in the New York City Ballet’s production.
The only thing Charlotte loves as much as ballet is Christmas. So, when she gets the opportunity to play Marie in the New York City Ballet’s The Nutcracker, she leaps at the chance.
Dancing takes practice-hours of adjusting her arms and perfecting her jumps. With the help of her Trinidadian and Filipino families, encouragement from her sister, and a view of her mom and dad in the audience, Charlotte finds the strength to never give up.
In this spectacular debut full of fluid, dynamic illustrations, Charlotte provides youngsters with a multicultural tale of family, dance, and holiday cheer.
Celebrate Christmas with a collection of funny and festive poems from the author of the hugely popular Kindergarten, Here I Come!
It’s the most wonderful time of the year, and everyone is getting into the Christmas spirit! From writing letters to Santa to picking the perfect tree, these heartwarming poems — plus a page of stickers! — from author D. J. Steinberg are sure to delight even the most sullen Scrooge.
Diversity, Inclusion • Sourcebooks Wonderland
There’s no place like home for the holidays! Join our Sesame friends as we celebrate the holiday season together in this multicultural book for kids!
No matter what holidays you celebrate during the most wonderful time of the year, love, family, togetherness, and giving are universal. This all-new, inclusive story from world-renowned brand Sesame Street offers a unique take on holiday picture books. Featuring a multicultural appreciation of diversity, international characters, and celebrations spanning from Thanksgiving to Chinese New Year, this heartwarming story proves there’s no place like home for the holidays. PLUS includes bonus educational content about each holiday in the back!
This sweet story about animal parents and children reminds readers of the best part of Christmas—sharing beautiful songs, special stories, fun games, and favorite treats with the ones we love most, big and small.
Skating on a frozen pond, decorating the fanciest gingerbread house ever, rereading a favorite story … These favorite tastes, smells, sights, and sounds of the holiday come to life as parent and child mice trim the tree, birds warble carols, rabbits share hugs, and more. Wintertime celebrations are the perfect time to be together!
Join these adorable animal parents and children as they share joyful moments with each other and discover the most wonderful, lasting gift of all.
A heartwarming holiday picture book inspired by L.M. Montgomery’s beloved classic Anne of Green Gables.
It’s Christmas in Avonlea, and Anne is thankful for so many things: feathery frosts and silvery seas, and wreaths as round as the moon. But most of all, she’s thankful for her kindred spirits, including Marilla and Matthew Cuthbert, who adopted her, and her bosom friend Diana. But Anne is distracted this holiday by having to recite at the upcoming Christmas concert. And she feels bad that her kindred spirits give her so much during the year when she has very little to give in return. Can Anne overcome her jitters and make her kindred spirits proud — and also think of a way to show her appreciation for the people she loves?
With magical illustrations and a heartfelt message, this festive picture book is the perfect holiday read for Anne fans old and new and a joyous way to celebrate the season.
Readers can giggle their grumps away with Gus and his adorable puppy friend as they celebrate Christmas in this hilarious picture book sequel by Chris Chatterton.
Meet Gus. Gus does not like Christmas. He doesn’t like Christmas carols or decorations, and he certainly doesn’t like scratchy Christmas sweaters! But when his puppy friend tries to help Gus get in the holiday spirit, will Gus stay a Scrooge or give in to the Christmas cheer?
Join Pinkalicious as she celebrates Christmas in New York Times bestselling author and artist Victoria Kann’s Pinkalicious: Merry Pinkmas!—complete with poster, cards, and sticker sheet!
This year Pinkalicious has decided she wants a bright pink artificial Christmas tree. But Mommy and Daddy immediately say no—the Pinkertons always get real trees for the holidays. Despite Pinkalicious’s begging and pleading, each family member has a different objection: real trees smell better; it’s tradition; and there is definitely no room to store a big pink tree in the house after Christmas! Pinkalicious is disappointed, but she tries to put on her best cheerful face. Then, the day before Christmas, Mommy and Daddy surprise Pinkalicious by coming home with a gorgeously pink artificial tree and Pinkalicious is delighted! It’s pinkatastic!
Ginger the Halloween witch has a big Christmas wish—a visit from Santa Claus. But Santa doesn’t believe in witches—until Ginger’s letter to him magically appears on his desk!
Ginger is a typical witch. She spends a lot of her time creating spells, and flying through the night on her broom. But Ginger is different from the other witches — because she also ADORES Christmas! Even with Ginger’s good deeds and endless Christmas cheer, she’s never received a single visit from Santa. What’s a Christmas-loving Halloween witch supposed to do? In this twist on the Christmas holiday’s traditional “believe” concept, Ginger’s wish of a Merry Witchmas comes true thanks to some holiday magic and good cheer.
What happens when two holidays collide? Thirteen days of frighteningly festive fun! Count down the days to see Jack, Sally, and their Halloween Town friends put a spooky spin on Christmas traditions!
Jack Skellington is here from Halloween Town.
You’ll notice his handiwork scattered around.
This year, he’s decided to play Sandy Claws.
But when Halloween creates Christmas … you might see a few flaws.
From the minds of Tim Burton, Disney Imagineers, and acclaimed artist Jerrod Maruyama comes a picture book celebrating the classic animated film and the Disneyland ride it inspired.
Renowned Imagineers Steven Davison and Carolyn Gardner’s text turns turtle doves and French hens into floating candles and true-love potions, accompanied by beloved Burton characters painted in a new art style that will appeal to fans of all ages.
Adorably spooky and frightfully festive, this tale will get fans of all ages into the holiday spirit!
In the latest installment of the Little Hedgehog series, it’s almost time for the Christmas party—but someone has taken ALL of the berries and pine cones in the woods! Can Little Hedgehog and his friends figure out who it is?
It’s almost time for Little Hedgehog’s Christmas party, and Little Hedgehog waits patiently for his friends to come over with the decorations. But when they get to his house, they’re very upset! Someone has taken ALL of the holly berries and ALL of the pine cones in the woods, and now, there is nothing to decorate Little Hedgehog’s house with. So the friends set out to see if they can figure out what’s going on. Along the way, they find some very BIG footprints. Who could they belong to?
A little girl’s belief in Santa is restored in this ode to the magic of Christmas.
It’s two weeks before Christmas, and Deja is worried that Santa might not be able to visit her—after all, as a city kid, she doesn’t have a chimney for him to come down and none of the parking spots on her block could fit a sleigh, let alone eight reindeer! But with a little help from her family, community, and Santa himself, Deja discovers that the Christmas spirit is alive and well in her city.
While kids write notes to Santa Claus, / Sharks line up for Santa Jaws. / They tell him all their Christmas wishes. / Santa thinks they sound delicious!
With bouncy, delightful rhymes, Bridget Heos’ Santa Jaws celebrates Christmas under the sea. Every year, Santa Jaws delivers presents to his fellow sharks, spreading cheer wherever he goes. Elfin sharks make toys, horn sharks trim the Christmas kelp, and cookiecutter sharks make sure Santa doesn’t go hungry. Get ready for a ride on Santa’s sled (pulled, of course, by hammerheads) in this joyful holiday tale!
How does Santa Claus manage to deliver Christmas presents to all the good boys and girls in just one night? Take a fun-filled look into the dizzying details of all the amazing things Santa accomplishes every Christmas in order to bring all those millions of presents around the world with Super Santa.
When you’re opening up your perfect gift Christmas morning, have you ever wondered how that gift made it all the way from the North Pole to under your Christmas tree? How does Santa visit every good boy and girl in the whole world while carrying millions of presents in just one winter’s night? Between traveling at 730,000 miles per hour and chowing down on 400 million cookies in one night, Kris Kringle is a Christmas superhero!
Take a peek behind the scenes into Santa’s workshop and discover how a little science and engineering and a whole lot of Christmas magic all work together to make this special day sparkle.
Christmas • Viking Books for Young Readers
CNN news anchor Poppy Harlow has crafted a Christmas classic with lots of heart. Perfect for holiday gift giving!
Luca loves BIG things. BIG trucks. BIG buildings. BIG bowls of pasta. But what he wants most is the biggest Christmas tree of all. With Christmas approaching, Luca goes in search of a special tree. But he soon finds out that what matters most is having a BIG heart.
CNN news anchor Poppy Harlow has crafted a timeless Christmas story brimming with good cheer and Ramona Kaulitzki brings the festive holiday season to life. The Biggest Little Boy reassures all young readers that they are special, just the way they are.
Animals • Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
The story that captivated the country about a little owl who was found in the world’s most famous Christmas tree.
When Little Owl’s home is cut down by people saying it will make a beautiful Christmas tree, she’s not sure she wants anything to do with Christmas, whatever that means. But then she is saved by a woman named Ellen, whose house is merrily decorated for the holiday, and filled with birds who need someone to care for them. Surrounded by kindness and helpful new friends, Little Owl begins to wonder if Christmas might not be such a bad thing after all …
Co-written by Ellen Kalish, caretaker of the real owl found inside the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree, The Christmas Owl is a charming story of friendship, compassion, and the true meaning of this special time of year.
Celebrate the joy of love, family, and the magic of Christmas with this touching story about the most important gifts that money can’t buy.
Christmas for Benji this year has lost its magic. He desperately wants to feel the joy of this special season, but his family has very little. He is out walking in the city on Christmas Eve when he stumbles upon a magnificent store. A polar bear invites him in, and Benji visits different rooms that are filled with silly sounds, invisible items that appear using one’s imagination, and wonderful, inviting smells. Will he be able to find the perfect Christmas gifts for his family?
Santa • Random House Books for Young Readers
Join one Black family on their journey to discover what the real Santa looks like in this joyous tale celebrating identity, family and holiday cheer, from the New York Times bestselling author of Bedtime Bonnet.
It’s not Christmas without Santa! But what does Santa truly look like? Does he match the figurines on the mantel, or the faces on our favorite holiday sweaters? Does he look like you or like me?
Find out in this joyous and cozy celebration of family, representation, and holiday spirit! Destined to be a new classic, and perfect for any child looking to see some of themself in Santa Claus.
High, high up in the clouds a tiny snowflake is made. Perfectly small, fluffy, crystal and white, it tumbles and bounces inside the cloud. But then she begins to fall …
Exquisitely told and beautifully illustrated, The Snowflake tells the tale of one snowflake and one little girl — both longing for something and looking for their own special place in the world. The Snowflake is an utterly unforgettable and classic picture book from the multi-award winning and internationally bestselling picture-book creator, Benji Davies.
Santa • Frances Lincoln Children’s Books
This cozy, cuddly Christmas story tells how Santa makes sure he leaves the perfect gift for each child—with a little help from their favorite toys!
It is Christmas Eve and Noah’s toy elephant, Fanfan, has gone missing! Little does he know that Fanfan has crept out of the house to join other soft toys on their annual Christmas journey: to see Santa Claus!
Just in case letters don’t reach Santa, toys all around the world make this trip so they can tell Santa what their child wants most of all. (After all, who knows a child better than their best-loved toy?)
Will Fanfan return in time for Christmas morning? And will Noah get the present that he so longs for?
Perfect to curl up with at bedtime, this sweet and magical tale is illustrated by Genevieve Godbout, the artist behind Apple Cake.
After reading this charming, festive story, kids can join in this fun Christmas tradition and place their own wishes to Santa on a wishing tree with the punch-out cards in the back of this book.
A powerful wish and a magical tree …
Theo loves everything about Christmas—from the twinkling lights to the merry carolers … and don’t forget about Santa! But with days before before December 25th, there isn’t even a single holly in sight.
Determined to show his town what Christmas is all about, Theo finds ways to share his holiday cheer. And along the way, with a little help from the magical wishing tree, Theo discovers the true meaning of Christmas and a new holiday tradition.
Tiny Reindeer is too small to pull Santa’s sleigh. Will he figure out a way to prove his worth before Christmas day? A sweet Christmas picture book for fans of When Santa Was a Baby and Dasher.
Santa and his reindeer are getting ready for Christmas, but Tiny Reindeer is too small to join in! Santa knows that a nudge in the right direction could change Tiny’s life forever. When Tiny discovers a letter from a bereft little girl who is wishing for a tiny reindeer to match her grandfather’s final gift, a hand-carved tiny sleigh, Tiny realizes that this might be his big chance. But will he have the courage to take a (literal) leap into the unknown? And what can Santa do to help?
This picture book is a sweet, funny and heartfelt look at being different and feeling too small to matter, and reassures readers that even the smallest gift — whether it’s a tiny reindeer or a seemingly small opportunity to help — can bring lots of joy.
From a sparkling green tree to Santa’s jolly red coat, there are so many colors to see at Christmas!
Snow is falling on the ground;
the colors of Christmas are all around.
From a sparkling green tree to Santa’s jolly red coat, there are so many colors to see at Christmas! Learning becomes festive fun with this bright board book.
Unwrap a smile with this board book about a little penguin who discovers that the joy of Christmas and the love of friends are all they’re stacked up to be.
In Where’s My Christmas Tree? a little penguin wants nothing more than to see a Christmas tree, but where will he find one in his Antarctic home? After his exhaustive search, his friends take action to help. Bringing together the pure joy of Christmas anticipation, a simple quest, and friends who will do whatever they can to make you smile, this board book is the ticket to a bit of holiday happiness.
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