21 Best Christmas Read Alouds & Holiday Books for Kids

Add us as a preferred source on Google »

Every December, we bring out our favorite Christmas read alouds, including old favorites we’ve had for years and a few new books to enjoy together.

Some are funny and silly, while others have become part of our Christmas traditions. I’ve included picture books for younger kids as well as longer stories that work well for elementary readers.

Whether you’re choosing a book for the classroom, bedtime, or a cozy afternoon in December, these are the Christmas stories we’ve enjoyed most over the years.

Best Christmas read alouds for elementary kids featuring The Grinch, The Polar Express, Pete the Cat, Stick Man, and other Christmas books

**This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate and a participant in other affiliate programs, I earn a commission on qualifying purchases.**

Christmas Books to Read Aloud

If you’re planning a Christmas book basket, a December reading challenge, or simply want a few festive stories to enjoy, these are some of our favorites.

There’s a mix of classic and newer books for different ages, from quick picture books for younger kids to longer stories for older readers. Many work well for classroom storytime, while others are perfect for reading together at home.

How the Grinch Stole Christmas! by Dr. Seuss

This one never gets old. We take turns doing the Grinch voice, and it always gets laughs. Beyond the fun, it’s such a good reminder that the heart of Christmas isn’t about stuff. Ideal for kids 3–8, but honestly, it holds up for everyone.

The Polar Express by Chris Van Allsburg

We save this one for Christmas Eve. The artwork feels like a dream, and the story still gives me chills at the end. It’s quiet, nostalgic, and deeply magical, especially if you follow it with the movie and a hot cocoa night. A great choice for ages 4–10.

It’s also a fun choice for a books vs. movies comparison after watching the film.

Pete the Cat Saves Christmas by James Dean and Eric Litwin

If your kids already love Pete the Cat, this is an easy win. Pete steps in for Santa, and his laid-back attitude and catchy phrases make it fun to read aloud. It’s silly, colorful, and upbeat, perfect for younger elementary kids or a light-hearted classroom read.

How to Catch an Elf by Adam Wallace

This one always turns into a giggle-fest. The traps are so over-the-top that my son starts brainstorming his own versions before we’ve even finished the book. It’s quick, funny, and full of rhymes, perfect for reading aloud in the days leading up to Christmas. Great for ages 4–8, especially if you're deep into Elf on the Shelf season.

The Crayons’ Christmas by Drew Daywalt

This one is interactive and a bit quirky, just like the other Crayon books. My son always loved pulling out the letters and little surprises tucked into the pages. It’s especially fun with younger kids who can explore everything as you read together.

Stick Man by Julia Donaldson

Stick Man goes through all kinds of chaos trying to get home for Christmas, and it’s one of those stories that keeps kids engaged right to the end. We love reading this one with silly voices, it’s fun, a bit wild, and full of that classic Donaldson rhythm. Great for ages 3–8, especially if they enjoy The Gruffalo.

The Night Before Christmas by Clement Clarke Moore

We read this one every Christmas Eve, usually just before stockings go out. It’s timeless, and even though my son knows it by heart, he still asks for it. The rhymes feel cozy and familiar, and the imagery is so nostalgic. A must-have read aloud, even just once a year.

Make sure to check out some of our favorite Christmas Eve family box ideas too!

Bear Stays Up for Christmas by Karma Wilson

We often read this after trimming the tree because it feels just right for winding down. Bear’s woodland friends keep him awake for his first Christmas, and the ending always makes us smile. The rhythm is lovely to read aloud, and it’s ideal for ages 3–7.

Little Red Sleigh by Erin Guendelsberger

This is a sweet story that always gets a quiet moment at the end. Little Red Sleigh wants to help Santa but is told she’s too small. The illustrations are beautiful, and the message about perseverance really sticks. It’s one of our favorite Christmas books for kindergarten and one we revisit when we want something with a bit more heart.

The Jolly Christmas Postman by Janet and Allan Ahlberg

This feels more like an experience than a typical read-aloud. The tiny letters and interactive pieces make it so much fun. We save this one for quiet afternoons when we can open every envelope slowly. A lovely pick for kids who like fairy tales, storytelling, or surprises.

Get the kids to create and send their own free printable Christmas cards this year.

Santa’s Lost Reindeer by Michael Garland

This has been one of our surprise favorites. The rhyming text moves quickly, and the mystery of where the reindeer went keeps kids guessing. The illustrations are bold and festive, and it’s a fun pick for group read-alouds or a school Christmas party.

Have fun with our free Santa scavenger hunt printable too!

The Berenstain Bears and the Joy of Giving by Jan and Mike Berenstain

We’ve used this one to talk about gratitude during the holidays, especially when wish lists start getting long. Brother and Sister Bear learn that Christmas isn’t just about presents, it’s about helping others. The message lands well without feeling too heavy, and it’s a nice pick for ages 4–7.

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer by Robert L. May

This version of Rudolph is a little longer and closer to the original poem than the TV special, but it still hits that same note of kindness and belonging. We use it as a springboard for talking about differences, and sometimes follow it with our reindeer writing prompt for a bit of fun.

There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Bell! by Lucille Colandro

If your kids like repetition and silliness, this one’s a hit. It’s fast, goofy, and easy for younger kids to join in. We usually pair it with a sequencing or retelling activity afterward, which works particularly well with preschoolers and early readers.

The Gingerbread Girl by Lisa Campbell Ernst

This twist on the classic gingerbread story has a clever, fast-paced heroine who keeps outrunning danger in creative ways. It’s a great one for comparing with The Gingerbread Man, and we’ve even used it as a jumping-off point for baking or writing activities.

The Best Christmas Pageant Ever by Barbara Robinson

This one had us laughing out loud the whole way through. The Herdmans are chaotic, wild, and unexpectedly heartwarming. It's great for family reading or older elementary kids who can appreciate the humor and the message. A nice reminder that sometimes the “worst kids in the world” have the most to teach us.

Christmas Tapestry by Patricia Polacco

This one is more emotional and definitely for older kids. We read it together for the first time when my son was about 9, and it opened up such a thoughtful conversation about kindness, history, and faith. The storytelling is layered and moving, best for quiet moments when you’re ready for something deeper.

The Nutcracker by E.T.A. Hoffmann

We usually read this after watching the ballet because it helps bring the story to life. The characters and magical settings are captivating, especially for kids who love fantasy. It’s a bit longer than most of the books on this list, so we sometimes split it over two days.

Related: Free Nutcracker coloring pages

A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens

We read this one slowly, a little each night over the course of a week. It’s a classic for a reason, there’s so much to unpack about generosity, regret, and transformation. For older kids, it’s a powerful story, especially if you follow it up with a film version or a discussion about past, present, and future.

Little Blue Truck’s Christmas by Alice Schertle

This one has been a December favorite in our house for years. The lights on the last page always get a little gasp, even from older kids. Little Blue Truck delivers trees to his animal friends, and it’s sweet, rhythmic, and just the right length for bedtime. Great for toddlers and preschoolers, especially if they already love the Little Blue series.

Freddie The Farting Snowman by JoAnn Sky and Ed Koehler

Total silliness, and my son thought it was hilarious. If you have a kid who loves toilet humor, this one will be a favorite. It's short, loud, and playful, and honestly, it still makes me laugh out loud when we read it together.

Why not use our free snowman soup bag topper printable too!

Last Updated on 16 September 2026 by Clare Brown

Best Christmas Read Alouds for Elementary Kids

Christmas Books to Read Aloud

Leave a Reply Cancel reply