21 Best Christmas Read Alouds For Kids of All Ages

Every December, I pull out our box of Christmas books, some old favorites, a few new finds, and always the ones we have to read aloud together.

These stories have become part of our holiday rhythm: a book before cocoa, one during lunch, another on Christmas Eve by the tree.

Over the years, we’ve built a list of the best Christmas read alouds for kids of all ages.

Some are funny and quick for younger readers, others are perfect for longer snuggly sessions on chilly afternoons.

Whether you’re looking for sweet bedtime stories, classroom read-alouds, or books to pair with Christmas crafts and activities, these titles have all been hits in our home.

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Best Christmas Read Aloud Books

If you’re planning a Christmas book basket, a December reading challenge, or just want a few festive titles on hand, this list of the best holiday read alouds makes it easy to find the right fit.

You’ll find a mix of timeless classics and newer gems, with options for preschoolers, elementary kids, and even older readers.

Many are quick enough for classroom storytime, while others are perfect for cozy evenings at home.

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.

The Berenstain Bears and the Joy of Giving: The True Meaning of Christmas

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.

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.

The Crayons’ Christmas by Drew Daywalt

This one’s interactive and a bit quirky, just like the other Crayon books. My son always enjoys pulling out the letters and mini gifts tucked into the pages. It’s not the most traditional story, but it’s fun, fast-paced, and great for kids who like surprises and humor.

Little Red Sleigh by Erin Guendelsberger

This is a sweet, inspirational 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 we revisit when we want something with heart.

This is one of the best Christmas books for kindergarten

Bear Stays Up for Christmas by Karma Wilson

We read this right after trimming the tree, 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.

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!

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.

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.

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 follow-up activity like sequencing or retelling, it’s great for preschool and early readers.

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!

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 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.

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 to The Gingerbread Man, and we’ve even used it as a jumping-off point for baking or writing activities. Fun and empowering.

Polar Express Chris Van Allsburg

We save this one for Christmas Eve night. 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 up with the movie or a hot cocoa night. A great choice for ages 4–10.

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

We usually read this one after watching the ballet on TV, 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, so we sometimes split it over two days. A beautiful addition to December reading.

Related: Free Nutcracker coloring pages

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!

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 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.

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.

What are your favorite Christmas read-alouds? Please let me know in the comments below.

Last Updated on 25 July 2025 by Clare Brown

Best Christmas Read Aloud Books

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