The Best Christmas Books List

During the holiday season I switch up the usual bedtime stories and read from our basket of Christmas favorites (click here for my post on other holiday traditions). Some are Bible-based and others are not. These are some of the best Christmas books that kids (and adults) love!

Can You See What I See?: Picture Puzzles by Walter Wick. Fun, fun, fun book. Look for pictures (like 8 snowmen, a blue angel) within each colorful page. Bonus: The classic poem is on the back cover.

The Christmas Story by Jane Werner Watson. An illustrated story of the nativity.

The Tale of Three Trees: A Traditional Folktale by Angela Elwell Hunt. Cute story about the birth, life, and death of Christ told from the perspective of a tree. I know, that sounds odd. You have to check it out, it’s great.

The Night of Las Posadas by Tomie dePaola. A story about a Christmas miracle in the middle of a Santa Fe traditional celebration.

The Legend of the Poinsettia by Tomie dePaola. A little girl’s humble gift to baby Jesus results in the first poinsettia flowers.

These are some that I read at home but also share with my students. They are non-religious:

Auntie Claus by Elise Primavera. This is one of my absolute favorites. I’ve given it as a gift to several nieces, but boys enjoy the story as well because of its magical fantasy and bright illustrations. A fun, colorful story about a curious girl and her special aunt.

Snowmen at Christmas by Caralyn Buehner. From the author of Snowmen at Night comes the story of the night time activities had by snowmen when no one is looking during the Christmas season.  We always get a kick out of the silly snowmen’s antics in this one.

If you Take a Mouse to the Movies by Laura Numeroff.  One of the ever-popular “If you give a…” books. The domino effect of Mouse: Follow along and find out where a trip to the movies leads Mouse during the Holidays.

Too Many Tamales by Gary Soto. It’s not totally a Christmas book, but this story tells a little girl’s lesson learned about lying at a family Holiday gathering.

The Littlest Matryoshka by Corinne Demas Bliss. A story of one traditional Russian doll’s adventure in America.

How the Grinch Stole Christmas by Dr. Seuss. A classic. Need I say more?

Bear Stays up for Christmas by Karma Wilson. A preschool-aged rhyming book but still fun for older kids.

The Polar Express by Chris Van Allsburg. Before the movie, there was the book. Wonderful illustrations accompany a boy’s adventure to the North Pole. It’s a long read but worth it!

Do you have any favorites that I left out? Share in the comments!