34 Best Middle Grade Christmas and Hanukkah Books You Need to Read

A Boy Called Christmas by Matt Haig

Before there was Santa Claus, there was Nikolas—a boy who believed in the impossible. When his father goes missing, Nikolas sets out for the North Pole and discovers a world of elves, reindeer, and holiday magic. Full of heart and adventure, this modern classic is the perfect pick for the season. Once you’re finished reading, you can enjoy the Netflix movie starring celebrities like Kristen Wiig, Maggie Smith and Jim Broadbent. And don’t forget the rest of the series, too!

A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens

No holiday season is complete without Dickens’s classic tale of Ebenezer Scrooge—the grump who learns the true meaning of Christmas after visits from three unforgettable ghosts. Full of heart, redemption, and festive spirit, this middle-grade version of A Christmas Carol remains the quintessential Christmas classic for readers of all ages.

Nancy Drew Diaries: A Nancy Drew Christmas by Carolyn Keene

Nancy’s ski vacation in Montana takes a wild turn when she breaks her leg and a string of holiday disasters hits the resort. Trapped by a snowstorm with a saboteur on the loose, Nancy is determined to crack the case before Christmas is ruined. A Nancy Drew Christmas is a fun and festive mystery, perfect for readers who love cozy winter whodunits.

Aggie Morton Mystery Queen: Peril at Owl Park by Marthe Jocelyn

A charming and clever holiday mystery inspired by Agatha Christie’s childhood, this story follows young detective Aggie Morton as she heads to a country manor for Christmas, only to find a murder instead of presents. With secret passageways, travelling actors, and plenty of suspects, Aggie and her friend Hector must solve the case before the festivities turn fatal. Once you’re done, you’ll want to pick up the rest of the Aggie Morton books.

Bah! Humbug! by Michael Rosen

A funny and heartfelt modern twist on A Christmas Carol, this story follows Harry, who’s starring as Scrooge in his school play while his phone-obsessed dad watches from the audience. As the night unfolds, both father and son discover the true meaning of Christmas in this clever and touching retelling perfect for families to share.

Christmas … Again? by Disney Books

When twelve-year-old Rowena wishes for a Christmas do-over, she ends up reliving the holiday again and again—with hilarious and heartwarming results. Based on the Disney Channel Original Movie, this festive story celebrates family, second chances, and the magic of making every Christmas count.

Christmas Carol & the Defenders of Claus by Robert L. Fouch

Full of action, heart, and holiday magic, this story follows Christmas-obsessed Carol as she discovers she’s part of a secret legacy—the Defenders of Claus, protectors of Santa himself. When a mysterious villain threatens to destroy Christmas, Carol is whisked from Florida to the North Pole for the adventure of a lifetime. This one is a fast-paced, fun read perfect for kids who love humour and heroics with their holiday cheer.

Flat Stanley: Stanley’s Christmas Adventure by Jeff Brown

When Santa decides to skip Christmas, it’s up to Sarah Claus and everyone’s favourite flat hero, Stanley, to change his mind. With plenty of humour, heart, and holiday spirit, this festive Flat Stanley story reminds readers that kindness and belief can make all the difference. This one is a timeless favourite for classrooms and family read-alouds.

Juniper’s Christmas by Eoin Colfer

When eleven-year-old Juniper discovers a mysterious woodsman who might just be Santa himself, she’s swept into a magical adventure filled with reindeer, villains, and North Pole secrets. Bursting with humour and heart, this festive story from bestselling author Eoin Colfer is a joyful celebration of hope, kindness, and the true spirit of Christmas—a new classic to enjoy year after year.

Letters from Father Christmas by J.R.R. Tolkien

Every December, magical letters arrived for Tolkien’s children—complete with stories, drawings, and North Pole mischief from Father Christmas himself. From runaway reindeer to battles with goblins, these illustrated letters capture the wonder and whimsy of the holidays. A beautifully reissued classic for Tolkien fans and anyone who believes in the magic of Christmas.

Nutcracked by Susan Adrian

When Georgie finally lands her dream role as Clara in The Nutcracker, she discovers the magic of the ballet is more real than she ever imagined. Each dance transports her into a dazzling world of oversized toys and sparkling wonder until that magic starts to spill into real life. A beautifully imaginative twist on the classic Christmas tale, perfect for young dancers and dreamers.

The 12 Dares of Christa by Marissa Burt

Christa loves everything about Christmas—until her parents’ separation turns her favourite season upside down. But when a surprise package from her dad sends her on twelve dares across Europe, Christa discovers new friendships, unexpected joy, and a little holiday magic along the way. A funny and touching story about healing, hope, and finding Christmas spirit in surprising places.

The Angel Tree by Daphne Benedis-Grab

In the small town of Pine River, a mysterious tree appears every Christmas, granting wishes to those who need them most. When four kids set out to uncover who’s behind the beloved tradition, they discover the true meaning of generosity, friendship, and holiday magic. This one is a heartwarming Christmas mystery that also inspired the Hallmark movie The Angel Tree.

The Best Christmas Pageant Ever by Barbara Robinson

An oldie but a goodie, this Christmas classic has been making readers laugh for generations—and it’s getting a fresh new life with the recent movie release. When the notorious Herdman kids take over the town’s Christmas pageant, chaos, hilarity, and a few touching surprises follow. A timeless favourite that proves even the most unlikely people can discover the true meaning of Christmas.

The Christmas Carrolls by Mel Taylor-Bessent

If you think your family loves Christmas, wait until you meet the Carrolls—they celebrate it every day of the year! For nine-year-old Holly, life is full of tinsel, fairy lights, and endless cheer until she starts a new school and realizes not everyone shares her holiday spirit. Funny, festive, and full of heart, this middle-grade favourite is perfect for readers who love stories about friendship, kindness, and Christmas magic. Once you’re finished, you’ll want to pick up the rest of the books in the series.

The Christmas Genie by Dan Gutman

It’s the last day of school before Christmas break when a meteorite crashes through the classroom window—and out pops a genie ready to grant one wish. Now Alex, Chase, and their classmates have to agree on what to wish for (which is easier said than done!). A funny, fast-paced holiday story with a magical twist that will keep readers laughing to the end.

The Christmasaurus by Tom Fletcher

Why ask Santa for a puppy when you could get a dinosaur? When young William Trundle’s Christmas wish comes true, he finds himself on an unforgettable adventure with the one and only Christmasaurus. Packed with humour, heart, and holiday spirit, this modern classic from singer-songwriter Tom Fletcher is pure festive fun for the whole family.

The Elf on the Shelf Santaverse: The Rise of Nicholas the Noble by Chanda A. Bell

From the creator of The Elf on the Shelf comes an epic holiday adventure full of elves, gnomes, and North Pole magic. When a dark force threatens to destroy the spirit of Christmas, young Saint Nick and his friends must protect the legendary Lumistella Stone. A captivating origin story that blends wonder, bravery, and the timeless magic of believing in oneself.

The Girl Who Ruined Christmas by Cindy Callaghan

When California girl Brady accidentally ruins a small town’s prized Christmas tree, she’s sentenced to spend the holidays making things right. Stuck in festive Harper Hollow Falls, she discovers new friendships, a little holiday romance, and the true meaning of Christmas. A funny, feel-good story perfect for fans of Dash & Lily and cozy holiday movies.

The Lotterys More or Less by Emma Donoghue

In this delightful sequel to The Lotterys Plus One, Sumac Lottery is determined to keep her family’s many holiday traditions alive. But when a surprise guest overstays his welcome, an ice storm hits, and plans fall apart, she must find new ways to keep the spirit of the season shining. A funny and big-hearted story about family, flexibility, and finding joy in the unexpected.

The Mystery at Snowflake Inn by Gertrude Chandler Warner

A true classic series, The Boxcar Children has delighted readers for generations with its mix of mystery and adventure. When the Aldens head to a cozy New England inn for the holidays, strange happenings threaten to spoil the fun—and it’s up to the kids to solve the case before Christmas is ruined. A timeless winter mystery perfect for young detectives.

The Mystery in the Snow by Gertrude Chandler Warner

Another Boxcar Children holiday mystery full of snow, suspense, and teamwork! During the winter carnival at Snow Haven Lodge, the Aldens are having a blast until skis go missing and snow sculptures are destroyed. Now it’s up to the siblings to solve the mystery before the competition is ruined. A fun, wintry read perfect for young detectives.

The Naughty List by Michael Fry and Bradley Jackson

When Bobbie accidentally gets her brother on Santa’s Naughty List, she heads straight to the North Pole to set things right—and chaos follows! With mischievous elves, moody reindeer, and one very tired Santa, this laugh-out-loud adventure is bursting with holiday humour and heart. Perfect for readers who enjoy their Christmas stories filled with fun and festive mayhem.

The Nutcracker by E.T.A. Hoffmann

The beloved tale that inspired Tchaikovsky’s famous ballet comes to life in this enchanting holiday classic. When Maria’s nutcracker springs to life and battles the fearsome Mouse King, she’s whisked away on a magical adventure filled with sugarplums, toy soldiers, and Christmas wonder. A must-read for anyone who loves timeless holiday stories.

The Secret of Helmersbruk Manor by Eva Frantz

When twelve-year-old Flora arrives in the seaside town of Helmersbruk for Christmas, she discovers a crumbling mansion full of eerie secrets—from ghostly whispers to a mysterious boy who appears out of nowhere. As the holiday approaches, Flora must unravel the truth before time runs out. A haunting and beautifully written tale, perfect for readers who prefer more mystery than cozy Christmas cheer.

The Vanderbeekers of 141st Street by Karina Yan Glaser

The Vanderbeekers love their Harlem brownstone—it’s the heart of their big, lively family. But when their grumpy landlord refuses to renew their lease right before Christmas, the five siblings have just eleven days to change his mind. Heartfelt, funny, and full of warmth, this modern classic is perfect for readers who love The Penderwicks and stories about family, community, and a little holiday hope.

Twelve Classics of Christmas by Various Authors

Celebrate the season with this cozy anthology of beloved holiday tales and poems from authors like Louisa May Alcott, F. Scott Fitzgerald, the Brothers Grimm, and Charles Dickens. From The Gift of the Magi to A Visit from St. Nicholas, these timeless stories capture the humour, hope, and heart of Christmas. Perfect for reading one story each night as you count down to the holidays.

Top Elf by Caleb Zane Huett

When Santa announces he’s retiring and opens a contest to find his replacement, elves Ollie and Celia jump at the chance—and chaos quickly follows! Between racing sleighs, wild reindeer, and too many cookies, the competition gets out of hand. A hilarious and festive adventure perfect for readers who love humour, heart, and holiday mayhem.

Tru & Nelle by G. Neri

When a lonely young Truman Capote runs away from New York to spend Christmas with his best friend, Nelle Harper Lee, he’s hoping for a little happiness—and maybe a miracle. But small-town life isn’t as simple as he remembers. Inspired by the real-life friendship between two beloved authors, this heartwarming holiday story is filled with warmth, hope, and the magic of second chances.

Virtually Christmas by David Baddiel

In a future where Christmas has been taken over by robots, holograms, and drones, eleven-year-old Etta and her friend Monty are determined to bring back the true spirit of Christmas. Their quest to find Santa and save the spirit of the season is packed with laughs, action, and holiday heart. A hilarious and clever festive adventure perfect for readers who love humour with a dash of Christmas magic.

Young Scrooge: A Very Scary Christmas Story by R.L. Stine

Rick Scroogeman hates everything about Christmas—the songs, the lights, even A Christmas Carol. But when three ghosts show up to teach him a lesson, Rick’s holiday goes from annoying to downright terrifying. A funny, spooky twist on the classic tale from Goosebumps author R.L. Stine—perfect for readers who like their Christmas stories with a dash of fright.

Let it Glow by Marissa Meyer and Joanne Levy

When identical twins Aviva and Holly meet by chance at a holiday pageant tryout, they’re stunned to learn they were separated at birth. Curious about each other’s lives and traditions, they secretly swap places to experience both Christmas and Hanukkah. What follows is a funny, heartwarming story about family, friendship, and finding joy in unexpected connections.

Rachel Friedman and Eight Not-Perfect Nights of Hanukkah by Sarah Kapit

Rachel is determined to make this Hanukkah the best one yet, with eight perfect activities for eight special nights. But when her brother’s bad attitude leads to holiday chaos, she’ll need all her creativity and spirit to save the celebration. While technically a chapter book, this quick, funny, and heartwarming story is just right for the holiday season.

The Festival of Lights: 16 Hanukkah Stories edited by Henry Herz

This beautiful anthology brings together sixteen Jewish writers to share stories and poems that celebrate the many meanings of Hanukkah. From heartfelt family moments to historical tales and contemporary reflections, each piece highlights the joy, resilience, and connection at the heart of the holiday. A moving, hopeful collection that readers of all backgrounds will find illuminating.