24 Christmas books for kids. Perfect for young readers or reading together, and ideal for a Book Advent Calendar or Christmas Eve Box.
Whether you’re looking to add a book to a Christmas Eve Box, create a Book Advent Calendar or simply want to find a festive book you can enjoy with your young reader, we’ve got a whole host of Christmas books for kids ready to be enjoyed.
There are so many wonderful Christmas book options available now for little ones and it’s hard to pick just a few. But we’ve rounded up some of our favourites to get you started.
Let the reading begin!
Scroll down for all the details and links. Happy Browsing!
Looking for more festive activity inspiration to enjoy? Click here to discover more.
We all know that children learn to read and enjoy stories at difference paces. So use the below purely as a guide and please feel free to check out our other book ideas for more inspiration too.
Note: This post contains some affiliate links. This means that we may earn a small commission when you click on such links, at no additional cost to you. As an Amazon Affiliate, we earn from qualifying purchases. We only share links to products we would use ourselves and all opinions are our own. You can read the full disclaimer here.
A classic! What more can we say?! Once added to the book advent calendar, this book will last and last, captivating a whole host of ages! Pair it with a movie night or simply enjoy on its own. This is one of those books that just has to be read each Christmas time!
Tom Fletcher brings his usual engaging fun-filled tone in this latest instalment in the world of William Trundle and the Christmasaurus. This time, the duo are on a mission to find Scrooge and save Christmas!
The stunning timeless illustrations-only story by Raymond Briggs is of course a great Christmas book option. But we were pleasantly surprised by this written version penned by the fabulous Michael Morpurgo.
Turning the Santa story on its head, what if in fact Christmas was the creation of two young girls?! Blanche Claus and her new from Rinki are in fact the brains behind the operation and this highly entertaining read will certainly keep young minds captivated (though probably for the older end).
This Christmas classic read sees the Peanuts gang help Charlie Brown on his quest to discover the true meaning of Christmas. Perfect for a little festive nostalgia and who can resist Snoopy at any time of year!
A thoughtful story of a little Christmas tree, not grand enough to be of interest to any shoppers, but which finds itself the centre of a very special Christmas Eve when it is taken by a young homeless boy. Beautifully illustrated, this story navigates a tricky subject matter to provide a great conversation starter for family discussions.
With Rudolph poorly, Santa’s sleigh is grounded and Christmas Day looks set to be a non-event. Unless Rover the wonder-dog can help out … Roddy Doyle’s wit shines through in this easy cheerful read.
30 short stories from one of the most famous children’s authors of all time. With plenty of nostalgia for us grown-ups reading along, these classic tales are packed full of festive cheer and uplifting tales.
Where Christmas and Halloween collide! Tim Burton’s vivid imagination in all its glory in this fabulously illustrated edition of the poetic Nightmare Before Christmas story, as Halloweenland’s Jack Skellington discovered cheery Christmastown for the first time.
Winnie & Wilbur have been entertaining children for well over three decades now. In this festive outing, the duo join Santa on his sleigh to help deliver the presents by Christmas morning after an unfortunate incident with Santa in their own chimney!
Not a Christmas story but one that starts with last year’s snow angel so we reckon it can count on the loose wintry theme! With its gentle message about not taking things for granted and caring for others, this magical tale is sure to touch the heart of young readers.
A little mouse with a big job to do! Written in 24.5 chapters, this book is designed to be read a chapter a night through the advent season and includes a Christmas activity idea to enjoy as a family – from writing to Father Christmas to making presents and decorations.
This retelling in poetic form is the perfect introduction to the Charles Dickens novel for a younger audience. With its evocative illustrations and easy flow script, it’ll keep children’s attention throughout.
Russell Ince is Santa Claus’ official biographer. More than that, he has been granted permission by the big man himself to disclose some of the most closely guarded secrets from the North Pole. Stunningly illustrated, this beautiful book has been made to be treasured. Read more about Russell here.
Katherine Rundell never disappoints and this beautiful story is spot on. Only 64 pages long, it tells the tale of a lonely boy called Theo who wishes on an odd-looking star on Christmas Eve for some friends. Sure enough life gets a little more interesting.
Another pink and black illustrated adventure from Isadora Moon. It’s a race against time for our young heroine, as she searches for her family and pink rabbit before the fairy lights are switched on at the Frost Festival. Easy to read and just the right length, this is a perfect wintry tale for young readers.
With gorgeous illustrations and a gentle poignant tale, this classic story is now over 25 years old. Jonathan Toomey is a lonely man who keeps away from others until one winter a widow and her son reach out with a request.
The Christmas Miracle of Jonathan Toomey by Susan Wojciechowski
The ever-popular Horrid Henry hardly needs an introduction! Perfect reading for this age group, the first of four stories sees Henry’s competitive streak ignited when building snowmen.
Who doesn’t want a front seat ticket to life inside Santa’s workshop?! Now a three-part series, the Diary of a Christmas Elf is the first instalment as we follow Tog the apprentice elf on his new adventure. Fun and heart-warming, they are everything you want from a festive tale!
Hannah’s favourite childhood tale meets Jo’s favourite childhood author! How could we not include this new chapter in the world of the Magic Faraway Tree and the residents of the Enchanted Wood!
A Christmas Adventure (The Magic Faraway Tree) by Jacqueline Wilson
With Father Christmas, Mary Christmas and Head Elf Blinky all poorly, it’s down to Clara Claus and her older brother Nick to save the day. This fun tale of determination and hope (and characterful reindeer!) is perfect for its young reader audience and full of festive cheer.
As the snow falls heavily, all hopes of an early release from school fade when a hungry yeti appears in the playground! A fantastically fun wintry read from Blue Peter Award winning duo Pamela Butchart & Thomas Flintham.
Poor Granny’s nostril is tested to its limit (and then some!) in this hilarious rhyming tale. Perfect for some Christmas cheer, this is an ideal story to share with the whole family.
But of course!! This is a traditional edition of the traditional poem, a perfect heirloom to live in your Christmas Eve Box and be enjoyed year upon year!
Simple christmas Eve Box
Ideas for filling a DIY Christmas Eve Box – perfect for last-minute panics or when you don’t want to splurge.
More Christmas Book Inspiration
Looking for Christmas book ideas for other age children? We’ve got suggestions for everyone. Click below for more.
Which other Christmas books for kids do you enjoy reading with your children? Do let us know in the comments below! We also love discovering new Christmas books!
Looking for more inspiration?
And be sure to check out our Jolly Festive gift guides – we’ve got gift ideas for everyone on your nice list!
Share Your Festive Adventures!
Don’t forget to follow us on Instagram @jollyfestive.
And be sure to tag #jollyfestive in your photos. We love to see what you’ve been preparing for advent this year!
More Christmas Ideas
Winter Butternut Squash Salad
Our Winter Butternut Squash Salad is a perfect alternative to the richer festive fare whilst still celebrating the flavours of the season.
Winter Nail Care: 11 Tips For Strong, Beautiful Nails
Tips for an easy winter nail care routine to keep your nails healthy and strong during the chilly weather.
11 Tips For Visiting Lapland on a Budget
Explore Lapland on a budget with our top tips for affordable arctic travel in this winter wonderland. Save more, enjoy more!
