This post is all about the best Christmas and winter books for kids to add to your family’s reading list.
Looking for the best Christmas and winter read aloud books for kids to cozy up with this season? Whether you’re building a holiday read-aloud tradition, homeschooling through the winter months, or simply love filling your home with good books, this curated list includes our family’s favorite Christmas and winter picture books and chapter books.
As a homeschool mom and avid reader, quality literature is a priority in our home. I love having seasonal book stacks we can pull from throughout the year and Advent and winter are no different. l search for stories that encourage wonder, faith, kindness, and a love of reading.
This post brings together classic Christmas books, faith-based favorites, cozy winter stories, and chapter books for older kids, all in one place.
While I have linked all of these books to Amazon for ease, some of them are out of print causing the price to increase or they may be difficult to find.
Best Christmas Picture Books for Kids
The following make up some of the best Christmas books for kids. From cherished holiday classics to newer, lovable stories, I’m sure you will adore these charming children’s Christmas picture books for years to come. Your kids will request them year after year!
- The Most Wonderful Gift in the World— Mark Sperring
A heartfelt story about generosity and selflessness. Perfect for reminding young children what truly matters during the Christmas season. - ’Twas the Night Before Christmas— Clement C. Moore
A timeless, classic poem. A must-have for the Christmas season, ideal for reading aloud on Christmas Eve year after year. - Bear Stays Up for Christmas— Karma Wilson
A cozy, rhyming story about friendship and sacrifice as Bear tries to stay awake to celebrate Christmas with his friends. - The Nutcracker— E. T. A. Hoffmann A beautiful introduction to classic literature and ballet. This magical holiday tale is filled with wonder. There are many different picture book adaptations, however I adore a gorgeous vintage style version.
- A Wish to Be a Christmas Tree— Colleen Monroe
A gentle and lovely story about belonging, hope, and helping friends find purpose. - The Christmas Wish— Lori Evert
Inspired by a true story, this beautifully illustrated book captures a little girl’s determination, faith, and the magic of Christmas traditions in the Nordic region. - A Little Christmas Carol— Charles Dickens
A charming woodland animal version of the original story written nearly 2 centuries ago. This wonderfully illustrated edition is a must-have for every family’s Christmas tradition and makes a great gift. - The Polar Express— Chris Van Allsburg
A 1986 Caldecott winner turned holiday film, this classic tale follows a boy on his peculiar journey to the North Pole in the middle of the night.
Christian-Themed Christmas Books
If you are looking for wonderful Christian Christmas books for children, then the list below is a fabulous place to start. All of these books point back to Christ and his birth or life.
- Little One, We Knew You’d Come— Sally Lloyd-Jones
A delightful retelling of the Nativity that focuses on God’s love and the long-awaited arrival of Jesus. Also available as an edition for new parents. - Charlie Brown Christmas— Charles M. Schultz
Want to reminisce a childhood favorite Christmas show? Look no further than this adorable storybook that brings the Peanuts together. Helping Charlie Brown find the true meaning of Christmas. - The Giving Manger— Allison Hottinger
A beautiful take on a family tradition. This book set is sure to bring new meaning and memories to your holiday season. It encourages the family to practice kindness and generosity, ultimately pointing to the real meaning of Christmas, Jesus’ birth.
- The Birds of Bethlehem—Tomie dePaola A uniquely illustrated tale from a well-known author following birds who overhear stories of the birth of Jesus.
- The Christmas Star— Marcus Pfister With gorgeous foil adorning the illustrations, this simple yet profound story teaches about hope and generosity in a retelling of the Christmas story.
- Song of the Star— Sally Lloyd Jones Another winner from Jones. This poetic book takes children on a journey by retelling the Nativity story from Creation’s perspective.
- The Tale of Three Trees— Angela Elwell Hunt One of my absolute favorites! While this heartfelt book is not specifically about Christmas, it is about the significance of Christ’s life and his sacrifice on the cross.
- The Jesus Storybook Bible— Sally Lloyd Jones This isn’t just another children’s bible. It’s a treasured read-aloud for families always pointing to Christ as the Savior in every story.
- The Christmas Miracle of Jonathan Toomey— Susan Wojciechowski A touching story about grief, healing, and redemption that resonates deeply with older children and adults alike.
- Mary, Did You Know?— Mark Lowry Based on his popular Christmas song, Lowry sheds light on the relationship between Mary and the Christ child.
Cozy Winter Picture Books for Young Kids
Looking for winter books for kids age 3-12? Add these lovely read alouds to your list this winter!
- Mama, Do You Love Me?— Barbara M. Joosse
Set in the Arctic, this tender story reassures children of unconditional love while introducing winter landscapes and cultures.
- Whale Snow—Debby Dahl Edwardson
An Alaskan winter adventure that blends science, nature, tradition and empathy as a young girl learns about whales.
- A Redwall Winter’s Tale— Brian Jacques
A festive, cozy story set in the Redwall world, perfect for fans of animal tales and winter traditions.
- Red Fox Running— Eve Bunting
This tale introduces young readers to woodland animals and the quiet beauty of winter.
- The Snowy Day— Ezra Jack Keats
A classic winter picture book turned animated show that my kids adore. This book celebrates curiosity, imagination, and the simple joy of a snowy day.
- The Great Serum Race— Debbie S. Miller
An engaging true story of bravery and perseverance during Alaska’s historic dogsled race to deliver lifesaving medicine during the diphtheria outbreak.
- Togo— Robert J. Blake
A beautifully illustrated companion to The Great Serum Race. Focusing on the heroic sled dog Togo and his battle to lead his team during treacherous Alaskan winter weather.
Christmas & Winter Chapter Books for Ages 6–9
Perfect for independent young readers, these Christmas and winter chapter books are heartwarming and exciting. We reread them every year around Christmas.
- The True Gift— Patricia MacLachlan A quiet, heartfelt chapter book about generosity and the meaning of giving, ideal for early independent readers, but also a heartwarming Christmas read aloud.
- Balto and the Great Race— Elizabeth Cody Kimmel
An early reader chapter book retelling of the famous dogsled relay. Perfect for kids who love animal heroes and true stories.
- The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe— CS Lewis This gorgeous hardcover edition is perfect for breaking out year after year. While it has the complete Chronicles of Narnia series, The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe is a cozy winter story everyone will be excited to read!
- Miracle on 34th Street— Valentine Davies A novella written in preparation for the release of the 1947 film, Davies captures the heart of readers helping bring Christmas magic to all.
Christmas & Winter Chapter Books for Older Kids (Ages 9–12)
Lastly, these Christmas and winter books for older kids ages 9-12 make a great addition to any winter homeschool booklist. Perfect for independent reading time.
- Julie of the Wolves— Jean Craighead George
A Newbery award winner, this powerful survival story set in the Alaskan wilderness that explores courage, nature, and cultural identity.
- Julie— Jean Craighead George The sequel to Julie of the Wolves, it continues Julie’s journey as she navigates change, family, and her connection to the wild.
- A Christmas Carol— Charles Dickens A timeless classic about redemption and compassion. It’s best enjoyed as a family read-aloud during Advent or Christmas week.
- Classic Tales of Christmas— Canterbury Classics Beautiful, leather bound collection of 20 classic Christmas stories from authors like Dickens, Alcott, Hans Christian Anderson, Clement Clarke Moore, and more!
- The Christmas Pig— JK Rowling Delightful holiday story about loss, hope, and love. Rowling blends fantasy and redemption into a modern Christmas tale perfect for read alouds or independent readers.
Finally, I hope you’ve enjoyed this list of classic Christmas books, faith-based favorites, cozy winter stories, and chapter books for older kids. Save this post and check back for new additions!
