Best Christmas Chapter Books for Kids and Families (2025)

The True Gift: A Christmas Story

This is a beautiful story about a brother and sister who discover the true meaning of Christmas while spending the holidays with their grandparents.

When they realize that their grandparents’ beloved cow, White Cow, is all alone after her companion is sold, the children decide to do something special to make things right. Their act of kindness sets off a touching chain of events that captures the spirit of generosity and love.

Nancy and Plum

I just finished reading this book, and it is a beautiful story about two orphaned sisters who lose their parents in an accident and end up in a boarding home with the very cruel Mrs. Monday. If you have read the book Mrs. Piggle Wiggle, then you will probably enjoy this author’s writing style.

The story follows the girls through their difficult days in the home. They are given endless chores, punished often, and sometimes sent to bed without any dinner. Eventually, they decide they cannot stay there any longer. They make a brave plan to escape in the hope of finding their uncle, who placed them in the home in the first place. The story does have a happy ending, and you will have to read it to find out exactly how everything comes together. The story also starts and ends with Christmas, hence making it on this list. 

The Family Under the Bridge

This touching story follows a homeless old man living under the bridges of Paris who unexpectedly finds himself caring for a family that has fallen on hard times just before Christmas.

Together, they find shelter beneath the bridge. The mother works during the day, while the man watches over the children and grows to love them as his own. What begins as an unlikely friendship blossoms into something beautiful: a story of kindness, belonging, and hope.

A Christmas Carol

I just love British literature; there’s something so timeless about it. The book follows Mr. Scrooge, a cold-hearted miser who is visited by three ghosts from the past, present, and future. Through these encounters, his heart softens, and he’s transformed into a kinder, more generous man. My favorite part is right at the beginning, when Dickens emphatically declares that Marley is dead; “dead as a doornail.” And if you have read the book, you’ll understand why this is important. Audible has an audiobook version narrated by Hugh Grant that I thoroughly enjoyed.

A Return to Christmas

I just started reading this one myself, but my 11-year-old finished it and gave it a solid thumbs-up. The story follows twin boys who tragically get separated at just three years old. One is presumed dead, and they grow up in completely different worlds. Years later, their paths cross again, and they find their way back home. The story unfolds during Christmastime, but I’ll be honest: if you’re not in the mood for anything sad, this might not be the book for you.

The Christmas Pig

This enchanting story follows a little boy and his beloved stuffed animal, the Christmas Pig. When his favorite toy gets lost, the boy is swept into a magical world where toys come to life.

Together, they embark on an unforgettable adventure through the Land of the Lost, a place filled with courage, friendship, and love, as they race to find the missing toy before it’s gone forever.

Juniper’s Christmas

Another wonderful Santa story that follows a brave girl named Juniper, who finds herself swept into an unexpected journey full of magic, hope, and so much heart.

After losing her mother, Juniper is determined to find her again. Along the way, she seeks help from a mysterious woodsman who just might be Santa Claus… a Santa who has been missing for quite some time. Between searching for her mom, trying to revive Christmas, and stopping a crime that could end Santa forever, Juniper sets off on a magical adventure she never saw coming.

The Night I Met Father Christmas

This is my favorite Santa story, one that feels so magical. You don’t have to believe in Santa to enjoy the magic that comes from his fictional character. 

Written by Ben Miller, The Night I Met Father Christmas tells the story of a young boy named Jackson who’s always been curious about how Father Christmas came to be. One Christmas Eve, his wish comes true when he actually meets Father Christmas and hears the remarkable story of his life before he took on the role we all know today.

The Boy Who Is Called Christmas

This book has also been made into a movie and is a good one to watch this season. It follows a boy named Nikolas, who is left in the care of his not-so-kind Aunt Carlotta while his father sets out on an expedition to find the legendary village of the elves, called Elfhelm. When Nikolas realizes his father may be in danger, he sets off on a brave journey to find him. Along the way, he discovers the magical village, uncovers secrets about his past, and learns that his mother was once known for saving Christmas itself.

The Legend of Holly Claus

This is another imaginative fictional tale of Santa or King Nikolas, ruler of the Kingdom of Forever. When one child gives away his wish to Santa, Santa and Mrs. Claus are blessed with a child, Holly. Sadly, Holly is cursed by an ancient warlock, Herrikhan, who sets her heart in ice and locks the gates of Forever. The book takes you through Holly’s escape to New York and her path to breaking the curse and setting Forever free. 

Top Elf

By now, you probably figured I love a good Santa story, and this one is such a fun twist on the classic! In Top Elf, Santa decides it’s time to retire and opens up nominations across the entire North Pole for a new Santa to take his place. That’s when one of his loyal elves signs up, determined to make sure the title doesn’t go to someone unkind.

The story takes you through a series of exciting challenges that the contestants must face to earn the honor of becoming the next Santa, a possible Santa sabotage, and a new possibility to Santa’s existence. 

The Best Worst Christmas Pageant

My kids and I first read this story two years ago, and we loved it so much that we went to see the movie together when it was released last Christmas. Now, we can’t wait to read it again and rewatch the film this year.

The book follows four siblings who come from an unstable home with very little support. At school, they often act out, even taking other children’s lunches just to get by. One day, they learn that joining the church’s Christmas pageant will give them access to free snacks and meals. That’s enough motivation for them to sign up, and somehow they end up taking the lead roles in the nativity. What starts as a way to get food turns into something completely unexpected. Their involvement in the pageant transforms not only their own lives but the entire community around them.

Treasures of the snow

This story feels especially nostalgic to me because it’s set in Switzerland, a place I called home for a few years as a child. It’s a sweet, faith-filled tale about two children, a bully, and the transforming power of forgiveness and grace. As the story unfolds, we see how Jesus quietly finds His way into their hearts, bringing healing, redemption, and the true spirit of Christmas.

Jotham’s Journey

This book comes in a set of 4 books; however, they are each unique stories and don’t have to be read together. It is written in Advent form so that you can read one story a day. This book follows Jotham, who runs away from home after being upset with his father. He tries to make his way back, but his family has left, thinking he was dead. The story follows Jotham as he encounters many trials along the way. However, he also encounters the wise men, shepherds, and innkeepers until he finds his way to Bethlehem, where he sees the Savior himself.