Picture Books About Christmas
Today I’m sharing our favorite picture books about Christmas. There is something so delightfully enchanting about the holiday season when you have little ones to share it with. They bring such wonder to every aspect from the decorating the tree to preparing festive treats.
Whether you are reading Christmas books as part of your Christmas Advent Calendar Activities or are simply looking to put some good reads out for your kids to enjoy, reading picture books about Christmas is a wonderful way to learn about different cultures and traditions surrounding this delightful holiday.
So, without further ado, here are some of our favorite picture books about Christmas:
Picture Books About Christmas
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Christmas in the Big Woods by Laura Ingalls Wilder
Another great picture book from Laura Ingalls Wilder! In this one, she aunt, uncle, and cousins arrive in time for a simple yet wonderful Christmas celebration. From delicious foods, to homemade gifts, it was a delight to read this Christmas book!
Cranberry Christmas by Wende Devlin and Harry Devlin
This is a children’s book Christmas classic! Everyone is unhappy because Old Cyrus Grape is claiming that the skating pond is his and no one is allowed on it, not even for Christmas. See what Mr. Whiskers can do to help open the pond for Christmas…
Mr. Willowby’s Christmas Tree by Robert Barry
Mr. Willowby’s Christmas tree doesn’t fit into his parlor. So, they keep trimming the top down. With each trim, someone else gets a tree of their own. This is an older story, but is still very fun to read each year!
Babushka by Dawn Casey
This was a beautiful perspective of giving and Christmas! Babushka was visited by three wisemen and asked if she wanted to join them, but she was too busy. The next day, she took her basket and tried to find them, but she couldn’t. Instead she encountered a hungry boy, and shivering girl and others whom she gave gifts from her basket to help them. (One of our favorite Christmas books for kids.)
Christmas in the Barn by Margaret Wise Brown
This book is a gentle retelling of the nativity story for young kids. Its short and sweet and the illustrations are bright and inviting.
The Little Fir Tree by Margaret Wise Brown
Another fantastic Christmas story by Margaret Wise Brown! A little fir tree was lonely out in the field, until one day it was decorated for Christmas in the sweetest way.
The Nutcracker by Susan Jeffers
In my opinion, the beautiful, detailed illustrations by Susan Jeffers is what makes this rendition of The Nutcracker the best!
Apple Tree Christmas by Trinka Hakes Noble
This family looses their beloved apple tree in a snow storm. But much to their surprise, their father made them beautiful gifts from the tree that would be passed down for generations. Such as wonderful Christmas book! I make sure we read this one every year!
All is Well by Frank Peretti
While this is more of a Christmas in July type of book, I had to include it in this Christmas book list because it’s all about love, giving, and God. Daniels family is having trouble paying for the rent, so Daniel sets out with Christmas ornaments to do what he can to help. (This is a Christian-based book.)
Pick a Pine Tree by Patricia Toht
This book highlights the joyous Christmas tradition of picking out a Christmas tree. With simple text and beautiful illustrations, this book was a delight to read.
How the Grinch Stole Christmas by Dr. Suess
Of course the Grinch had to be included in this picture books about Christmas list, its one of the classics! Our kids love the rhyming words and the mischievous deeds that the Grinch does to get rid of Christmas.
The Night Before Christmas by Clement Clark Moore and Jan Brett
I love that this Christmas classic was illustrated by Jan Brett! This is a favorite to read on Christmas Eve.
Lighthouse Christmas by Toni Buzzeo
This is a unique book about Christmas that is based on the ‘Flying Santa Service’ for lighthouse keepers families. I like that the children in this story learn that Christmas isn’t really about things, but about having each other.
The Little Drummer Boy by Ezra Jack Keats
As the people bring their gifts to the newborn King, the drummer boy comes along. However, he is too poor to buy any gifts, instead he plays him a song on his drum.
Christmas Books for Toddlers
Looking for some Christmas books for toddlers? If so, let me share a few of our favorite ones. Some of these come in board book form which is also nice for this age. (Note: The books in this list are linked to thriftbooks.com which is one of my favorite discount book sites.)
Best Christmas Books for Toddlers
- That’s Not My Snowman by Fiona Watt (Usborne)
- Little Blue Truck’s Christmas by Alice Schertle
- The Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats
- Bear Stays up for Christmas by Karma Wilson
- Room for a Little One by Martin Waddell
- Merry Christmas, Mouse by Laura Numeroff
Best Christmas Books for Preschoolers
Most of the books above would work for preschool age as well as older kids. But here are a few that are short and sweet and I would consider the best Christmas books for preschoolers:
Best Christmas Books for Preschoolers
- How the Grinch Stole Christmas by Dr. Suess
- Pick a Pine Tree by Patricia Toht
- Christmas in the Barn by Margaret Wise Brown
- Christmas in the Big Woods by Laura Ingalls Wilder
- The Night Before Christmas by Clement Clark Moore and Jan Brett
Beautiful seasonal selection for little ones leading up to Christmas. I love you sis.
Thank you! ?
We love Peter Spier’s Christmas. It is only pictures and they are so intricate that Noah will spend a lot of time “reading” it.
Oh fun! I’m going to see if our library has it!
Thank you for this selection Jessica! they all look cute. I know 3 of these books but need to investigate the rest. Have a nice weekend Terri xo.
Sure! You too! ❤️