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 children that 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.
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The Complete Guide To Book Advent Calendars
Get the full lowdown on how to create a book advent calendar and tips galore on doing so without breaking the bank!
Our Top Picks For Christmas Books For Kids
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 if you’d like or simply enjoy on its own. This is one of those books that just has to be read each Christmas time!
Find out more here.
Musician-turned-author Tom Fletcher introduces us to the world of William Trundle and the Christmasaurus in this first book, now of a small series. Both are feeling like they don’t fit in when their worlds collide and a wonderfully festive adventure ensues.
Find out more here.
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.
Find out more here.
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).
Find out more here.
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!
Find out more here.
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.
Find out more here.
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.
Find out more here.
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.
Find out more here.
Favourite Festive Reads For Little Ones
Freelance journalist shares four of her favourite Christmas books for toddlers & young children.
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.
Find out more here.
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!
Find out more here.
Young Teeka is in charge of Santa’s reindeer team and learns that kindness and gentleness win over a strong hand. With gorgeous illustrations by the author Jan Brett, this classic Christmas tale has been gracing bookshelves for decades! (Word of warning, the reindeer in the story are not the normal crew)
Find out more here.
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.
Find out more here.
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.
Find out more here.
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.
Find out more about the book 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.
Find out more here.
Another pink and black illustrated adventure from Isadora Moon. Can our young heroine – part fairy, part vampire – save her snow magic creations before they melt away? Easy to read and just the right length, this is a perfect wintry tale for young readers.
Find out more here.
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.
Find out more here.
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.
Find out more here.
Thinking about gifts? We’ve got suggestions for everyone from babies & toddlers to children and your Mum friends! Not forgetting our furry pet friends too!
For the complete list of guides, click here.
Written by Oi Frog author Kes Gray, this festive edition of the ‘Daisy and the Trouble With’ series brings fast-paced action & entertainment, courtesy of the accidental disaster zone that surrounds Daisy as she prepares for her first nativity play!
Find out more here.
This dogs-eye-view of Christmas festivities is brilliantly entertaining and sure to have your young reader giggling away throughout.
Find out more here.
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.
Find out more here.
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.
Find out more here.
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.
Find out more here.
But of course!! This is a traditional edition of the timeless poem, a perfect heirloom to live in your Christmas Eve Box and be enjoyed year upon year!
Find out more here.
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 books do you enjoy reading with your children? Do let us know in the comments below! We love discovering new Christmas books!
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