17 Best Christmas Read Alouds For Kids of All Ages
These are the very best Christmas read alouds that the kids, and you, will love for the month of December.
Ignite the holiday spirit and spark imaginations with enchanting Christmas books, a perfect addition to your collection of Christmas activities for kids. Let them embark on magical adventures, discover heartwarming stories, and embrace the joy and wonder of the festive season through the pages of these delightful books.
Christmas is our absolute favorite time of the year. Mainly as we put away our core curriculum and just have a great time together with the magic of Christmas.
I stopped doing read-alouds when my son was about 9 (that is apart from Christmas books!).
Until recently I have discovered that a child’s reading age, in general, catches up with their listening age around the age of 13.
We have so many kids’ books. I wanted to share with you what our favorite Christmas books to read aloud are. Even though most of these Christmas books are picture books and aimed at elementary students, they make wonderful Christmas read alouds for kids of all ages.
Grab a hot chocolate and get into the holiday spirit with our favorite Christmas books.
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Best read aloud Christmas books
Gather your loved ones and share the joy of the season with our collection of the best read aloud Christmas books.
From classic tales to heartwarming stories, these books are perfect for creating cherished holiday traditions and spreading the magic of Christmas through storytelling.
Age Range: 2-5 years old.
Time to read: 5-10 minutes for a teacher to read
In this wonderful story, Little Blue Truck is delivering Christmas trees to his animal friends when he encounters a lost and shivering Christmas tree.
Little Blue Truck and his friends come together to decorate the little tree and make it feel loved.
Age Range: 3-7 years old.
Time to read: 10-15 minutes for a teacher to read.
In this story, the Berenstain Bears learn the true meaning of Christmas is not about receiving presents but about giving to others.
The book teaches young children the importance of generosity and compassion. The book is an educational and heartwarming read-aloud.
Age Range: 3-7 years old.
Time to read: 15 minutes for a teacher to read.
In this story, Pete the Cat sets out to help Santa Claus save Christmas after Santa falls ill on Christmas Eve.
Pete has to use his musical talents and cool-cat attitude to deliver presents to all the children.
Age Range: 3-7 years old.
Time to read: 10-15 minutes for a teacher to read.
In this fun story, the crayons prepare for Christmas and write letters to Father Christmas. Each crayon has its own unique wish for the holiday season. The book is full of humor and creativity.
Age Range: 3-7 years old.
Time to read: 10-15 minutes for a teacher to read.
In this story, Little Red Sleigh wants to help Santa Claus deliver presents on Christmas Eve, but Santa tells her she is too small.
Little Red Sleigh doesn't give up, and she eventually proves to Santa that she is strong enough to help. The book is a charming and inspiring read-aloud.
This is one of the best Christmas books for kindergarten
Age Range: 3-7 years old.
Time to read: 10-15 minutes for a teacher to read.
In this heartwarming story, Bear's friends try to keep him awake so he can experience the joys of Christmas. The book teaches children the importance of friendship and being present in the moment.
Age Range: 3-8 years old.
Time to read: 10-15 minutes for a teacher to read.
In this charming story, Stick Man goes on an adventure to find his way back to his family in time for Christmas. Along the way, he encounters various obstacles and characters who try to use him for their own purposes.
Age Range: 3-8 years old.
Time to read: 15-20 minutes for a teacher to read.
In this classic story, the Grinch tries to stop Christmas from coming to Whoville by stealing all the presents and decorations. However, he discovers that the holiday is more than just gifts and decorations.
Age Range: 4-8 years old.
Time to read: 5-10 minutes for a teacher to read.
This book is a festive twist on the classic "There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Fly" rhyme. In this story, the old lady swallows a bell, bow, gifts, and more as she prepares for Christmas.
The book is a fun and silly read-aloud that the kids will love.
Age Range: 4-8 years old.
Time to read: 10-15 minutes for a teacher to read.
In this story, Santa's reindeer goes missing, and he has to find them before Christmas Eve. The book is filled with beautiful illustrations and fun rhymes that make it an enjoyable read-aloud.
Age Range: 4-8 years old.
Time to read: 10-15 minutes for a teacher to read.
In this story, a group of children comes up with various schemes to catch Santa's mischievous elves on Christmas Eve. The book is full of humor and excitement and is a great read-aloud for the Christmas season.
Now we are a little obsessed with Christmas and have had the Elf on the Shelf visit us now for a number of years. This book is also featured in our favorite books about elves.
Age Range: 4-8 years old.
Time to read: 20-30 minutes for a teacher to read.
In this interactive story, the postman delivers letters and gifts to various fairytale characters on Christmas Eve. The book includes removable letters and gifts for children to open and explore.
Age Range: 4-8 years old.
Time to read: 10-15 minutes for a teacher to read.
In this story, a gingerbread girl comes to life and runs away from the kitchen to avoid being eaten.
She encounters several animals along the way who want to eat her, but she cleverly outwits them.
Age Range: 4-10 years old.
Time to read: 15-20 minutes for a teacher to read.
In this magical story, a young boy takes a train ride on Christmas Eve to the North Pole to meet Santa Claus. Along the way, he experiences the wonder of the holiday season and learns the true meaning of Christmas.
Perfect to read just before you watch the film. This year we will do a books vs movies comparison report, and show what the differences are.
Age Range: 5-8 years old.
Time to read: 10-15 minutes for a teacher to read.
In this story, Freddie is a snowman who can't stop farting. The other snowmen and animals in the forest don't want to be around him because of his flatulence, but Freddie eventually finds a way to turn his gas into a useful asset.
Age Range: 8-12 years old.
Time to read: 30-40 minutes for a teacher to read
Christmas Tapestry tells the story of a little girl named Trapeze who is living in a small village in France during the Nazi occupation of World War II.
Trapeze and her family are Jews, and they are in hiding from the Nazis. One day, Trapeze encounters a group of American soldiers who teach her the true meaning of Christmas.
Age Range: 8-12 years old.
Time to read: 30-40 minutes for a teacher to read
In this classic holiday story, the Herdman kids, known for their wild behavior, show up at church one day and decide they want to be a part of the Christmas pageant.
Chaos and hilarity ensue as the Herdmans challenge the traditional notions of what a Christmas pageant should be.
What are your favorite Christmas read-alouds? Please let me know in the comments below.
Last Updated on 5 September 2024 by Clare Brown