“Bear Stays Up for Christmas” by Karma Wilson & Jane Chapman
Bear is known for hibernating through the winter, but this year his friends have a special surprise for him—keeping him awake for Christmas! With simple rhyming text and soft, sweet illustrations, this story is a warm introduction to holiday traditions for little ones.

“Merry Christmas, Curious George” by Margret & H.A. Rey
Curious George is full of Christmas spirit! In this charming tale, George is determined to help with the holiday preparations, whether it’s decorating the tree, finding presents, or getting into a little bit of trouble along the way. This beloved monkey will bring a smile to the faces of even the tiniest readers.

“The Snowman” by Raymond Briggs
A wordless story that has captivated generations of children, The Snowman tells the magical story of a young boy’s snowman that comes to life. The illustrations alone transport children into a whimsical winter wonderland, making this a perfect choice for young imaginations.

“How the Grinch Stole Christmas!” by Dr. Seuss
This holiday classic by Dr. Seuss is full of fun rhymes, zany illustrations, and a powerful message about the true spirit of Christmas. The Grinch’s heart grows three sizes as he learns that Christmas isn’t about presents—it’s about love and togetherness. A must-read for kids of all ages!

“The Polar Express” by Chris Van Allsburg
All aboard! This beautifully illustrated Christmas classic follows a young boy who embarks on a magical journey to the North Pole aboard the Polar Express. The themes of belief, wonder, and the magic of Christmas make this a must-read for kids and parents alike.

“The Best Christmas Pageant Ever” by Barbara Robinson
The Herdman children are notorious for being the “worst kids in the history of the world,” but when they take over the Christmas pageant, they end up teaching everyone the true meaning of Christmas. This hilarious and heartwarming story will leave kids and parents alike with a smile on their face and a little more Christmas cheer in their hearts.

“The Christmasaurus” by Tom Fletcher
William Trundle’s Christmas takes a magical turn when he befriends a dinosaur named Christmasaurus! This fun, adventurous tale combines holiday magic with a large dose of humor and heart, making it a perfect read for middle schoolers looking for a Christmas adventure.

“A Boy Called Christmas” by Matt Haig
This heartwarming story of how Santa Claus came to be is told from the perspective of Nikolas, a young boy who embarks on an incredible journey to find his father and save Christmas. Full of adventure, magic, and plenty of holiday spirit, this book will capture the imaginations of middle school readers.

“Let It Snow” by John Green, Maureen Johnson, and Lauren Myracle
A trio of heartwarming holiday romances set during a snowstorm on Christmas Eve. This collection of three interconnected stories follows teenagers dealing with love, friendship, and holiday mishaps. It’s a fun, lighthearted read for teens looking to enjoy some holiday romance with a twist.

“Hercule Poirot’s Christmas” by Agatha Christie
A perfect read for teen mystery lovers, this Agatha Christie classic features the famous detective Hercule Poirot as he solves a chilling Christmas crime. Set during a family Christmas gathering, this atmospheric mystery is filled with suspense and will keep readers hooked from start to finish.

“The Christmas Wedding” by James Patterson and Richard DiLallo
This is a heartwarming holiday novel about a woman named Maggie who is preparing for her wedding—only there’s a twist. She’s engaged to four different men, and each of them is unaware of the others. As she works through her personal and romantic challenges, she uncovers the true meaning of love, family, and commitment, all set against the backdrop of the festive Christmas season. It’s a cozy, sweet, and surprising read with plenty of holiday magic.

“A Christmas Carol” by Charles Dickens
No list of Christmas books would be complete without this classic! Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol tells the story of Ebenezer Scrooge, a miserly old man who learns the true meaning of Christmas after being visited by three ghosts. This timeless novella is a reflection on kindness, generosity, and redemption and is perfect for parents seeking a more traditional, reflective holiday read.

“The Nutcracker” by E.T.A. Hoffmann, Illustrated by Susan Jeffers
This beautifully illustrated edition of The Nutcracker brings the classic holiday tale to life with stunning artwork and a magical narrative. Perfect for families to read aloud together on Christmas Eve, it tells the story of Clara and her Nutcracker Prince as they embark on a fantastical journey. Whether you’re reading it for the first time or revisiting a holiday favorite, this book will bring the wonder of the season to life for every age group.