There’s something about Christmastime that makes you want to snuggle your kids in close and get lost in a touching story. If you’re looking for some good Christmas titles, these are our very favorite Christmas read-alouds from board books for your littles to chapter books you can savor over the course of the whole season. We hope you find a new favorite here!
Picture Books
Bear Stays Up for Christmas by Karma Wilson
The Bear Books are always a hit with my little ones. In this Christmas story, Bear’s friends try to keep him busy so he can stay awake until Santa comes. The catchy rhyming text and the sweet animal illustrations will definitely win over your kiddos.
Christmas Tapestry by Patricia Polacco
When a leak damages the wall of the church and threatens to disrupt the Christmas Eve service, Jonathan and his father save the day by finding a beautiful tapestry just right to cover over the damaged wall. Little do they know that there is an incredible story behind the special tapestry.
The Crippled Lamb by Max Lucado
Joshua is a lamb with a crippled leg who misses out on all the fun as the other little lambs run and play. But God has a very special plan for Joshua’s life. Your whole family will be touched by the message about God’s care for those who are different and feel left out.
The Miracle of St. Nicholas by Gloria Whelan
On Christmas Eve Young Alexei faithfully sweeps out the old village church which has stood empty for sixty years ever since soldiers swept through the town and robbed the church of its treasures. Imagine their surprise when the villagers awake on Christmas morning to find the church miraculously restored! Your family will love this touching story about persevering when all seems lost.
The Night of His Birth by Katherine Paterson
This lyrical text penned by beloved Newbery medalist Katherine Paterson captures the intimacy of that first Christmas night as Mary cradles her newborn babe and contemplates the splendor and majesty of God who humbled himself as a tiny infant.
Gifts of the Heart by Patricia Polacco
Richie and Trish are spending their last Christmas on the family farm before Grandpa sells it, and there is no money for Christmas gifts, but when a new housekeeper arrives, she teaches the children about the power of faith and the value of “gifts of the heart.”
Gingerbread Christmas by Jan Brett
Your children may already know and love Jan Brett’s Gingerbread Baby. In this playful tale, the Gingerbread Baby leads a gingerbread band through the Christmas festival, but when the children start in pursuit of the tasty treats, Gingerbread Baby leads them in a hilarious chase.
God Gave Us Christmas by Lisa Tawn Bergren
This sweet story is perfect for introducing the true meaning of Christmas to your littlest ones as Mama leads Little Cub on an adventure to discover how God gave us Christmas. Along the way, they discover that God is at work all around us and that Jesus is the most precious gift.
How the Grinch Stole Christmas by Dr. Seuss
Generations of children have enjoyed this classic tale of the miserly Grinch who wants to keep Christmas from coming, but who learns that even without the presents and feasting, the true spirit of Christmas endures.
Humphrey’s First Christmas by Carol Heyer
Humphrey the camel is quite grumpy about the three huge chests he is forced to carry, but his resentment disappears when he looks into the face of the tiny child his master has come to honor. Your children will love this cute story of worshipful adoration told from the perspective of a camel.
Jesus Calling: The Story of Christmas by Sarah Young
Many have been touched by Sarah Young’s Jesus Calling, and this kid-friendly book of devotions and Scriptures brings that same heart-warming inspiration and encouragement to the Christmas story. Your children will witness God’s perfect design unfolding from creation all the way to the birth of the Savior.
The Legend of the Poinsettia by Tomie dePaola
Award-winning author and illustrator, Tomie dePaola, gives a beautiful rendering of the Mexican legend of the poinsettia, the flower of the Holy Night whose striking red blossoms light up the countryside at Christmas time.
Mouse’s Christmas Gift by Mindy Baker
Illustrations sprinkled with glitter really make this book sparkle. Your children will love this sweet story of a tiny church mouse who saves the day when the pastor falls sick and the Christmas Eve service is cancelled.
The Night Before Christmas by Clement C. Moore
This version of the beloved holiday poem depicts a New England family from the turn of the 19th century tucked under their quilts waiting for Santa. The perfect bedtime read-aloud on a chilly December night.
Night Tree by Eve Bunting
Each Christmas Eve a young boy and his family go out to the woods by moonlight to decorate a tree with goodies for the animals. This uplifting story beautifully captures both an appreciation for the outdoors and the spirit of Christmas generosity.T
Nutcracker by E. T. A. Hoffmann
This retelling of the classic Nutcracker story with illustrations by Maurice Sendak is a great one to read-aloud over several days or weeks. Your children will join the generations of artists, composers, and listeners whose imaginations have been set afire by this fanciful tale of a girl and her toys come to life.
An Orange for Frankie by Patricia Polacco
A Michigan farming family in the early 1900s, the Stowells always decorate for Christmas with oranges brought all the way from Lansing. But when a storm delays Pa on his return trip with the oranges, Frankie wonders if Pa will ever make it home, and if Christmas will really be Christmas without the oranges. Based on a true story, Polacco brings to life this vision of what Christmas was like in previous generations.
Longer Read Alouds
The Family Under the Bridge by Natalie Savage Carlson
Our favorite Christmas chapter book read-aloud, this book tells the story of a homeless Parisian man named Armand who enjoys his solitary and carefree life. But when he finds a family of children has moved into his spot under the bridge, his heart begins to open up. As Armand and the children adventure around Paris, they all learn about the gift of family and togetherness.
The Gift of the Magi by O. Henry
This classic Christmas tale of sacrificial giving definitely deserves a place in your Christmas read-aloud stack! When this husband and wife each give up what they love most to give something of worth to the other, the result is a tender story that will speak to your whole family.
The Best Christmas Pageant Ever by Barbara Robinson
This chapter-book read-aloud is perfect for your older elementary and middle schoolers who want a funny Christmas read. When the despicable Herdman kids try to take over the church Christmas pageant, there are plenty of surprises for everyone.
One Wintry Night by Ruth Bell Graham
With a foreword by Billy Graham, Ruth Bell Graham weaves a heart-warming story of a lost little boy and the old woman who finds him. As they spend the night in a snowbound cabin, the woman tells the boy the Christmas story starting from creation all the way to the resurrection. This is a great one to savor over several readings.
A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens
When a miserly old man is visited by the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Christmas Present, and Christmas Yet-to-Come, he learns how his selfish choices have robbed him of joy and harmed those around him. He finds himself a new man when he wakes on Christmas morning and begins a life of generosity and kindness. This classic story is a perfect read-aloud to return to year after year.
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