60 Christmas Books for Kids: Santa, Faith, Traditions & More

For more ideas for the season, also see my four easy Christ-centered Christmas traditions and five ways to create a peaceful, Christ-centered Christmas.

A Curated Christmas Book List Just for You

I’ve curated a perfect Christmas book list filled with plenty of heartwarming favorites for you this festive season. I am grateful for all the moms who share their favorite books each year. As I come across new books, I keep a running list of those that catch my eye. While I have only included books we own, have read, and fondly love, there is a world of Christmas books we have yet to devour and experience. There are also many books we encounter that have not made the list just because it did not catch our attention or did not feel warm and cozy. I personally believe that many of the books on this list will fill your heart with warmth, evoke emotions, inspire you, convey kindness and unconditional love, or lead you toward a connection with Jesus. 

Remember that what one person loves may not always be a book you enjoy, so take the time to read the summaries, look up reviews on Amazon and Goodreads, and determine for yourself whether it is a book you will enjoy. You can also find many read-aloud videos on YouTube.

To purchase or Not to Purchase? 

Personally, I heavily rely on the library to gauge a book’s quality. I prefer buying books that we anticipate reading repeatedly, especially when it comes to picture books. When it comes to Christmas books, I am more inclined to make a purchase, considering many can be enjoyed for years to come. I consistently add a few titles to my collection each year. If you would rather not buy, I recommend checking your local library first.. Additionally, I suggest exploring archive.org, especially for older books. 

And with that, here’s my Christmas booklist. 

Fictional Stories Inspired by the Essence of Christmas

Immerse yourself in tales that capture the very essence of the Christmas spirit. Each story is beautiful and touching and reminds us of why we need to be kind, loving, caring, humble, and grateful. It also reminds us that Christmas can bring out the best in us and it is an excellent time to give grace to others just as Christ gives to us. I hope you’ll enjoy reading through this booklist. I have so many favorites in this category such as Mortimer’s Christmas Manger, The Christmas Tapestry, Silver Packages, and Great Joy to names just a few.

Books on Christmas Customs and Traditions

We love in times when children forget the true meaning of Christmas and focus on the symbols that represent Christmas. What if I told you many of these symbols are tied to the story of Christmas, bringing people together? This curated booklist unveils the narratives behind stockings, candy canes, poinsettias, Santa Claus, the Rockefeller tree, and various customs and traditions worldwide.

Stories That Point to Jesus

Children adore engaging picture books, and what better story to read to them than one about Jesus, complete with beautiful illustrations that capture their hearts. There are so many books to choose from and each uniquely written. Some of my favorites are The Wise Men who Found Christmas, The Good News of Christmas, and the Donkey who carried a King. While the last one I mentioned is a little long, I highly recommend sticking with it or breaking it up into two days.

Winter-Themed Books

When cold and frost hit us, we know that the holidays are around the corner. This short booklist is a reminder of the joy that winter brings and the adventures that go along with it.

Holiday-Themed Books

This booklist is centered around the holidays. For instance, Richard’ Scarry’s Christmas book is filled with the busyness of Christmas that many can relate to. It is fun for the little ones especially. There are some interactive books such as the Pigeon book and the Little Blue Truck.

Santa-Themed Books

While we don’t incorporate Santa into our home traditions, we will not pass up on beautifully written stories about him. Among this booklist are two books introducing St. Nicholas which we found particularly useful last year when we decided to share the truth about Santa with our children. One of my personal favorites in this booklist is “When Santa Learned the Gospel.” Its a touching narrative that shows us Santa’s humility and willingness to accept that he was also in need of a Savior. Lastly, my boys adore the Dasher books, captivated by the beautiful illustrations that accompany the stories.

Nutcracker Christmas Books

Who could resist delving into at least one Nutcracker book during the festive season? There’s an abundance of picture books, and I’ve personally read several of them, five of which did not make the cut. A standout for me on this list is “The Story Orchestra” because it not only immerses you in the narrative but also lets you experience the accompanying orchestra music—a delightful bonus for the holiday season.

Berenstain Bear Christmas Books

My eldest cherished watching the Berenstain Bears during her early years. If you’re not aware, they also have a TV series. Their books are clean, wholesome, and always teach valuable lessons. They have a quite the collection of Christmas books, so we of course grabbed a few of them last year. These are small paperback books, so they are also very affordable.

Conclusion 

I hope you find a treasured read for your family from this booklist. Share with me in the comments what books you have already read. If you have questions about any of the books above, you can leave a comment below and I’ll respond as soon as I see it.. I hope you read many wonderful books this season that bring adventure, joy, and comfort to your home.

If you want more Christmas book ideas, see my Best Christmas Chapter Books for Kids & Families, 12 Picture Books About the Origins of Christmas Traditions, and The First Christmas Children’s Books.

(This post contains Amazon affiliate links which means that I will receive a commission without any added cost to you. If you do purchase any of these books, I hope you will consider using these links. Thank you for being in my community.)