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FOR ALL AGES
We all remember the fun we had as children reading exciting Christmas tales while awaiting Santa's arrival.
With Christmas on the horizon, choosing the best books for your child to spend the holidays with can be tough. With thousands of options on the market and new ones coming out every year, we've done the hard work for you and picked out the best Christmas kids' books that we're sure your child will love.
With these children's books, Christmas will be sorted. We've included a range of books including novels, interactive books, picture and board books so that regardless of your child's age, from toddler to tween and everything in between, we've got the perfect Christmas book for them. The best books to read include timeless classics, modern renditions, heartfelt tales and hands-on books that are sure to be festive treats for the entire family.
Christmas Eve is the perfect time for family traditions that will fill your child with holiday cheer and excitement. Fuel your child's imagination by leaving St Nick a cup of milk and some biscuits and letting them discover the next morning that they've all been eaten up. Don't forget to cut up some carrots for the hardworking reindeer and write thank you letters for Santa to take home to his helpful elves. Nothing says Christmas Eve like taking your children on a drive to see the spectacular lights around town, getting cozy by drinking hot chocolates and watching a festive movie. Reading heart-warming children's Christmas books to your little ones as they fall asleep is a great way to make sure they have sweet dreams filled with festive magic.
If you need more ideas to help you get ready for this festive season, check out our recommendations for the best Christmas Eve boxes and the best Christmas Eve box fillers for toddlers and kids.
This wonderful Christmas book follows the Jolly Postman as he delivers seasons greetings to all of your child's favourite fairy tale characters, from Red Riding Hood to Humpty Dumpty. The book features envelopes your child can open themselves and they'll have a blast reading and interacting with this heart warming, magical tale.
Your toddler will be feeling very festive waiting for Santa Claws to arrive with this creative take on the classic poem. This board book is perfect for young readers, featuring original illustrations of adorable cats and kittens, and is sure to keep your child entertained for hours while helping them learn to count.
From the bestselling children's books author Rod Campbell, toddlers will have a delight reading this lift-the-flap board book these holidays. Your child can find all of Santa's presents, with bright illustrations, liftable flaps and a special touch-and-feel festive surprise on the last page.
Toddlers will have hours of fun with this classic Spot lift-the-flap edition from Eric Hill. The fun flaps follow Spot as he decorates the Christmas tree, wraps gifts and sings carols, helping your child develop their fine motor skills, build their curiosity and boost their holiday spirit along the way.
This number one bestselling story by renowned children's books author Tom Fletcher is sure to fill your kids with holiday cheer. Following the magical adventures of William Trundle and the Christmasaurus, your child will be inspired by this tale of friendship and family and will discover that nothing is impossible.
This wonderful festive treat from Matt Haig is the perfect stocking filler to inspire any little girl or boy. Your child will love following Amelia Wishart on her mission to save Christmas from Mr Creeper with stunning black and white illustrations from Chris Mould.
The perfect stocking filler for any little history fan. Older children will love spending hours reading all about the wild history of Christmases across the globe. It even comes with jokes, recipes, a quiz, and gorgeous vibrant illustrations to keep your child entertained.
This is one of Matt Haig's best children's books, an awe inspiring tale of how a little boy named Nicholas became Father Christmas. Featuring magical black and white illustrations, this story is sure to inspire your child to believe that nothing is impossible and will instill extra holiday spirit every year.
With 25 classic Christmas stories from renowned author Enid Blyton, your child will love spending December curled up by the fire reading these Christmas short stories filled with mystery, joy, mischief, and wonder. This book is guaranteed to get your child in the spirit for Christmas.
This tale from the classic Mr Men children's books series is the perfect stocking filler for your child this festive season. Children will have bounds of fun diving into this bonkers Christmas story as the Mr. Men help Father Christmas give a little Australian boy a white Christmas. Filled with kangaroos, ice-skating and even a snowball fight with Santa Claus this tale is sure to be loved by your child.
Your little one will love reading this sweet picture book with you this festive season. Part of Emma Dodd's 'I Love You' children's book series, this is one of the best children's books for your child to cuddle up to, spreading love with its cute and colourful illustrations and rhymes.
This novel from Ben Miller tells the story of a boy named Jackson who, after discovering how Santa Claus became Santa Claus, embarks on an adventure into an enchanting land to teach Torvil, a mean elf, the truth about Christmas. With enchanting illustrations, children will love this magical book and it will leave them teeming with holiday spirit and believing without a doubt that St. Nick does exist.
This hilarious Christmas book features a collection of 10 short, funny Christmas stories for kids that will have the whole family laughing and in tears (of joy). Cuddle up to these wacky stories straight from Terry Pratchett's brilliant mind, including Santa's adventures working at a zoo, wreaking havoc at a toy store and even being arrested for burglary.
This is another fantastic dinosaur themed holiday tale from Tom Fletcher that your child will laugh out loud reading. It tells the story of a boy named Danny whose crazy Christmas present is a dinosaur who eats Christmas. With presents, poop, and dinosaurs, what isn't there to love about this fantastically wacky story?
Ian Whybrow's witty pop-up book is sure to leave your child in fits laughter with all of the silly situations in which Bear finds himself. Your child will have a ball lifting flaps on every page and following Bear as he races after Santa's sleigh all the way from the North Pole to Tom's house in time for Christmas.
This hilarious book from Tom McLaughlin tells the story of Ben, a young boy who has always had one Christmas wish that never comes true, he wants his father to be home for the holidays. Your child will have a ball following Ben's wild adventures after he starts to lose faith in Santa's existence and decides to set a trap to catch Father Christmas.
This classic Christmas book for children is guaranteed to help boost your child's holiday cheer and teach them to truly believe in the magic wonder of the festive season. With gorgeous pastel illustrations, your children will love this timeless tale of a boy boarding a mysterious train and travelling to the North Pole to meet Santa.
This wonderful tale from Alan Durant tells the story of a girl who has a very special pen pal: a friendly, chubby, old man in a red suit. Filled with lift the flap festive surprises, your child will love to read about the magic of elves, reindeer and Lapland. It even comes with letters and a silver ticket from Santa Claus to help bring the man in the red suit to life.
Your child will love spending Christmas eve with Peppa Pig as she tries to save Christmas while Mummy Pig and Daddy Pig are sick in bed. This inspiring tale has plenty of hands on activities for your child to play around with, including six festive cards and envelopes, decorations they can make, and even recipes to fill them with holiday cheer.
This fabulous bestseller from Drew Daywalt is one of the best Christmas books for kids who love reading with extra interaction. It comes with games, letters, ornaments, a poster and a pop-up Christmas tree so your child can practice their reading while engaging in tactile play.
Your child can start the holiday season with loads of fun, following four rabbits on an elf chase in this lift the flap picture book where the goal is to discover all the hiding elves. Featuring polar bears, reindeer, and penguins your child is bound to have a blast with this enticing tale.
This Christmas countdown book is sure to get your child excited for the holidays as they join Peter Rabbit in counting down the days until Santa Claus comes to visit. Your child will love the book's 24 stories and activities for every day of December and it is the perfect gift for fans of Peter Rabbit and all his friends.
Celebrate the festive season this year with everyone's favourite cat, Mog. Your child won't be able to put this wonderfully illustrated picture book down. It even includes a gorgeous foil cover for extra sparkle this Christmas. Your child will love following Mog and her friends on her marvellous holiday adventures in this 32 page book.
This magical, festive delight is the perfect bedtime story to read to your child this holiday season to help calm their holiday excitement. After following Twinkle the unicorn's Christmas Eve adventures helping her special friend, children can fall asleep alongside her.
From the classic Zog series, your child will adore this wonderful edition from the highly acclaimed Julia Donaldson. They will love following Zog, the clumsiest but most excited dragon on his journey to earn a gold star in this festive novel.
This comes with an advent calendar for your child to count down the days 'til Christmas day with Bear and all of his friends. Your child will be fascinated by all of the strange gifts Bear gives to his friends, and on the edge of their seat waiting to find out what his big festive surprise is. With fun and vibrant illustrations, your kid will love spending December with Bear on his adventures.
This children's adaptation of the beloved tale is one of the best Christmas books for you and your kids to cosy up to these holidays. The story follows the once miserable, old Scrooge as he meets the ghosts that change his downhearted ways, with wonderful illustrations.
This is one of the best picture books, based on the timeless poem by Clement C. Moore, and is perfect for a Christmas Eve bedtime story that is sure to get your child excited for Christmas Day. 'Twas the Night Before Christmas features vibrant illustrations and over 120 hidden festive items that the entire family can enjoy searching for.
Dr Suess' classic book is perfect for teaching your child the true meaning of Christmas: love, kindness, friends, and family. This beloved Christmas book for kids will give your child many valuable lessons as they follow the story of the Grinch who attempts to ruin the holidays for the town of Who-ville. Its wonderful illustrations and rhymes will provide entertainment for you and your kids for many holidays to come.
You won’t be able to separate your child from this book as their favourite Disney characters are brought to life. This is the perfect gift for any fan of Tim Burton's classic film 'The Nightmare Before Christmas'. It has a gorgeous pop-up Christmas tree that your child can decorate with 25 ornaments hidden inside compartments, and they will delight in reading the retelling of the story which includes special Halloween Town facts.
This breathtaking tale is sure to fill your child with holiday cheer. With lyrical rhymes, joyful illustrations, and all of the classic holiday traditions, from picking out a pine tree to hanging up tinsel and fairy lights, your child will love reading this beautiful tale. It even includes a gorgeous pop-up tree on the last page.
This take on the classic Nutcracker tale is one of the most stunning Christmas books kids will spend hours admiring. With seven pages of enchanting pop-ups, your child will love following the story of Marie and her special present, from ballrooms and ballets to boats and battles, this treat is filled with non-stop pop-up action.
This timely, warm hearted tale from award winning Michael Morpurgo is the perfect story to teach your child about protecting the environment. The story follows a grandpa who writes a letter to his granddaughter wishing she could have a better future, fearing that their most beloved things could be lost. Grandpa's letter is really a call for Mia (and everyone) to take better care of our environment. It is perfect for the whole family to enjoy these holidays and for your children to learn about the importance of protecting our planet.
Delia Huddy's touching book is a beautiful tale that teaches your child to appreciate the small things. This Christmas book tells the story of a damaged fir tree that only a homeless boy wanted to take and the magical, musical, song-filled Christmas Eve that ensues.
Nothing says festive cheer like a tale of bravery, love and magic. This wonderful Christmas book tells the story of Dasher, a young and adventurous reindeer, who leaves the travelling circus, meets Santa Claus and changes Christmas forever with one magical wish. With beautiful illustrations and a heart-warming story, your child will be enthralled by this page turner.
This book is from Daisy Meadow's classic Rainbow Magic Early Reader series. Holly the Christmas Fairy is another great book to add to or even begin your child's collection. The Christmas story for kids is great for helping young readers on their reading journey and filling them with festive excitement this holiday season as they follow Rachel, Kirsty and Holly on their adventure to rescue the elves from Jack Frost and save Christmas for everyone.
From award winning author Katherine Rundell, this warm hearted and humorous tale will be one of your child's seasonal favourites. With magical shooting stars, wishes and even decorations that come to life, your child will learn that what really matters isn't the presents you receive, but the people you love. It includes gorgeous illustrations from Emily Sutton that will keep your child totally captivated.
This Christmas storybook from Raymond Briggs is based on the classic film of the same name. Children will delight in following the magical story of a Snowman that comes to life and flies through the night with the boy that built him. It even comes with an audio CD from Matthew MacFayden.
This board book is great for teaching your child about the origins of Christmas day. With colourful illustrations, your child will love reading this simple retelling of Mary and Joseph's journey to Bethlehem, the birth of Jesus and the three wise men who travel to meet the newborn baby.
This Nativity Story for kids from the Usborne Touchy-Feely team is perfect for a child's first holiday season. Featuring donkeys, sheep, a glittery angel and baby Jesus in his soft blanket, it will provide hours of tactile, festive joy for your little one.
Kidadl Best Buys selects the top parent-recommended products across the web for families of all ages. If you liked our article on the best Christmas books and want more ideas to help make these holidays extra special, check out our lists on the best Christmas socks and slipper socks for kids and the best pyjamas for families who love to match.
Hannah is a lover of all things fitness, she is a qualified personal trainer and is currently training to be a yoga instructor. She is also knowledgeable about mindfulness and meditation and is passionate about helping people find their best selves. Hannah has travelled extensively and has spent the last four years working and living in many different countries across Asia and the Americas and loves writing about her travels. At any moment you might catch her running for a plane or a PB!
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Kidadl provides inspiration to entertain and educate your children. We recognise that not all activities and ideas are appropriate and suitable for all children and families or in all circumstances. Our recommended activities are based on age but these are a guide. We recommend that these ideas are used as inspiration, that ideas are undertaken with appropriate adult supervision, and that each adult uses their own discretion and knowledge of their children to consider the safety and suitability.
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