21 Best Christmas Read Alouds For Kids of All Ages
Christmas read alouds are one of our favorite traditions, especially during the holiday season when we set aside the usual schoolwork and embrace the magic of kindergarten Christmas books.
The holiday spirit fills our home with warmth as we gather to enjoy these classic moments.
Whether it’s the glow of the lights or a cozy winter evening, this time of year brings the chance to share festive stories, creating cherished memories.
It’s the perfect way to celebrate a very merry season together.
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Best Christmas Read Aloud Books
Bring your family together and enjoy the magic of the holidays with our curated list of the best Christmas read alouds.
These Christmas stories are perfect for pairing with festive Christmas activities like decorating the tree or enjoying some cozy Christmas printables.
From classic Christmas tales to new favorites, this book list will fill your home with warmth and joy this December.
Whether you’re creating new traditions or continuing beloved ones, these read-alouds will inspire Christmas spirit and help your family embrace the magic of the season.
Little Blue Truck’s Christmas by Alice Schertle
Age Range: 2-5 years old.
Estimated reading time: 5-10 minutes for adultsIn 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.
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Estimated reading time: 5-10 minutes for adultsIn 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.
The Berenstain Bears and the Joy of Giving: The True Meaning of Christmas
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.
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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.
Pete the Cat Saves Christmas by James Dean and Eric Litwin
Age Range: 3-7 years old.
Read aloud duration: 15 minutesIn 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.
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Read aloud duration: 15 minutesIn 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.
The Crayons’ Christmas by Drew Daywalt
Age Range: 3-7 years old.
Storytime length: 10-15 minutes for teachersIn 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.
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Storytime length: 10-15 minutes for teachersIn 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.
Little Red Sleigh by Erin Guendelsberger
Age Range: 3-7 years old.
Reading session: 10-15 minutes with a teacherIn 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
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Reading session: 10-15 minutes with a teacherIn 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
Bear Stays Up for Christmas by Karma Wilson
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.
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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.
Stick Man by Julia Donaldson
Age Range: 3-8 years old.
Time required: 10-15 minutes to read aloudIn 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.
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Time required: 10-15 minutes to read aloudIn 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.
The Night Before Christmas by Clement Clarke Moore
Age Range: 3-8 years old
Time to read: 10-15 minutes for a teacher to readThis classic poem brings the magic of Christmas Eve to life, following Santa Claus as he visits homes on his sleigh with reindeer. The imagery of stockings hung by the chimney and the famous line "Twas the night before Christmas" captures the excitement and anticipation of the holiday. It's a timeless read, perfect for a cozy evening before bedtime, filled with the wonder of the season.Make sure to check out some of our favorite Christmas Eve family box ideas too!
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Time to read: 10-15 minutes for a teacher to readThis classic poem brings the magic of Christmas Eve to life, following Santa Claus as he visits homes on his sleigh with reindeer. The imagery of stockings hung by the chimney and the famous line "Twas the night before Christmas" captures the excitement and anticipation of the holiday. It's a timeless read, perfect for a cozy evening before bedtime, filled with the wonder of the season.Make sure to check out some of our favorite Christmas Eve family box ideas too!
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer by Robert L. May
Age Range: 3-8 years old
Time to complete: 10-15 minutes for adults to readRudolph, the misfit reindeer with a glowing red nose, faces teasing but ultimately saves Christmas during a foggy night. This heartwarming tale teaches the value of acceptance and finding strength in differences, making it one of the most beloved Christmas read alouds. It's perfect for all ages, offering a message of hope and inclusion that resonates during the holiday season.When you have finished reading why not encourage the kids to imagine what it would be like with our free if I were a reindeer writing prompt!
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Time to complete: 10-15 minutes for adults to readRudolph, the misfit reindeer with a glowing red nose, faces teasing but ultimately saves Christmas during a foggy night. This heartwarming tale teaches the value of acceptance and finding strength in differences, making it one of the most beloved Christmas read alouds. It's perfect for all ages, offering a message of hope and inclusion that resonates during the holiday season.When you have finished reading why not encourage the kids to imagine what it would be like with our free if I were a reindeer writing prompt!
How the Grinch Stole Christmas! by Dr. Seuss
Age Range: 3-8 years old.
Teacher read-through: 10-15 minutesIn 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.
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Teacher read-through: 10-15 minutesIn 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.
There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Bell! by Lucille Colandro
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.
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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.
Santa’s Lost Reindeer by Michael Garland
Age Range: 4-8 years old.
Story length: 10-15 minutes for a classroom settingIn 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. Have fun with our free Santa scavenger hunt printable too!
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Story length: 10-15 minutes for a classroom settingIn 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. Have fun with our free Santa scavenger hunt printable too!
How to Catch an Elf by Adam Wallace
Age Range: 4-8 years old.
Duration: 5-10 minutes to read aloud with childrenIn 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.
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Duration: 5-10 minutes to read aloud with childrenIn 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.
The Jolly Christmas Postman by Janet and Allan Ahlberg
Age Range: 4-8 years old.
Time to read: 20-30 minutes for a parent or 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. Get the kids to create and send their own free printable Christmas cards this year.
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Time to read: 20-30 minutes for a parent or 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. Get the kids to create and send their own free printable Christmas cards this year.
The Gingerbread Girl by Lisa Campbell Ernst
Age Range: 4-8 years old.
Time to read: 10-15 minutes for a teacher to read aloud.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.
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Time to read: 10-15 minutes for a teacher to read aloud.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.
Polar Express Chris Van Allsburg
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.
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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.
Nutcracker by E.T.A. Hoffmann
Age Range: 4-10 years old
Read aloud duration: 15-20 minutesThis enchanting story takes readers on a magical journey with Clara and her Nutcracker through a world of toy soldiers, the Sugar Plum Fairy, and an epic battle against the Mouse King. Adapted into a beloved holiday ballet, this tale makes for an engaging Christmas read aloud. The adventure and fantasy of the story will captivate children and adults alike, making it a delightful addition to Christmastime traditions.Related: Free Nutcracker coloring pages
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Read aloud duration: 15-20 minutesThis enchanting story takes readers on a magical journey with Clara and her Nutcracker through a world of toy soldiers, the Sugar Plum Fairy, and an epic battle against the Mouse King. Adapted into a beloved holiday ballet, this tale makes for an engaging Christmas read aloud. The adventure and fantasy of the story will captivate children and adults alike, making it a delightful addition to Christmastime traditions.Related: Free Nutcracker coloring pages
Freddie The Farting Snowman by JoAnn Sky and Ed Koehler
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. Why not use our free snowman soup bag topper printable too!
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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. Why not use our free snowman soup bag topper printable too!
Christmas Tapestry by Patricia Polacco
Age Range: 8-12 years old.
Storytime length: 20-25 minutes for teachersChristmas 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.
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Storytime length: 20-25 minutes for teachersChristmas 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.
The Best Christmas Pageant Ever by Barbara Robinson
Age Range: 8-12 years old.
Time to read: 30-40 minutes for a teacher to readIn 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.
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Time to read: 30-40 minutes for a teacher to readIn 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.
A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens
Age Range: 8-12 years old
Time to read: 30-40 minutes for a teacher to readThis classic story follows the transformation of Scrooge, a miserly old man, after visits from the ghosts of Christmas past, present, and future. The tale is full of holiday spirit and carries important lessons about generosity, kindness, and the value of family. Ideal for older children, this story brings depth to Christmas traditions and spreads a timeless message of goodwill and redemption.Related: A Christmas Carol coloring pages
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Time to read: 30-40 minutes for a teacher to readThis classic story follows the transformation of Scrooge, a miserly old man, after visits from the ghosts of Christmas past, present, and future. The tale is full of holiday spirit and carries important lessons about generosity, kindness, and the value of family. Ideal for older children, this story brings depth to Christmas traditions and spreads a timeless message of goodwill and redemption.Related: A Christmas Carol coloring pages
What are your favorite Christmas read-alouds? Please let me know in the comments below.
Last Updated on 8 April 2025 by Clare Brown