When researching kids’ Christmas books, we took reading level, diversity, and entertainment value into consideration. We also spoke with children’s librarian Betsy Bird, who blogs at The School Library Journal’s “A Fuse #8 Production,” about the importance of reading as a family. So pour some hot cocoa, grab a book, and snuggle up by the tree, because these are the best Christmas books for kids. Price at time of publication: $7
Price at time of publication: $21
Price at time of publication: $10
Price at time of publication: $10
Price at time of publication: $10 Price at time of publication: $8
Price at time of publication: $7
Price at time of publication: $10

Picture Books

Price at time of publication: $18 Price at time of publication: $10
Price at time of publication: $17
Price at time of publication: $18 Price at time of publication: $19 Price at time of publication: $17 Price at time of publication: $20 Price at time of publication: $8 Price at time of publication: $17 Price at time of publication: $20 Price at time of publication: $17 Price at time of publication: $19 Price at time of publication: $13 Price at time of publication: $35 Price at time of publication: $10 Price at time of publication: $18 Price at time of publication: $8 Price at time of publication: $18 Price at time of publication: $8

Chapter Books

Price at time of publication: $20 Price at time of publication: $18 Price at time of publication: $19 Price at time of publication: $8 Price at time of publication: $7 Price at time of publication: $25 Price at time of publication: $8

What to Look for in Christmas Books for Kids

Reading Level

When picking out Christmas books for kids, consider the child’s age and reading level to make sure it’s a good fit for their skills and development. Babies and toddlers will benefit from board books with thick, durable pages they can touch (and even chew), while older elementary-aged kids and tweens may be ready for beginner chapter books. Picture books are a great middle ground, as they’re great for family read-aloud time and for independent exploration, depending on your child’s reading fluency. 

Diversity

There are a wide variety of holiday traditions and celebrations to learn about, and Christmas books can be a great introduction to a range of perspectives and cultures. “I think it’s key to mix up your older titles with your newer ones,” Bird tells Verywell Family. So, in addition to classics like “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever” and “How the Grinch Stole Christmas,” she suggests “[working] in some newer titles that feature a diverse range of voices,” such as “Eight Candles and a Tree” and “‘Twas Nochebuena.”

Why Trust Verywell Family

Phoebe Sklansky is Verywell Family’s Associate Commerce Editor. As the daughter of a children’s book author, she grew up reading with her family every night. Her favorite holiday tradition growing up was listening to her Grandpa read Clement C. Moore’s “A Visit from St. Nicholas” on Christmas Eve.