Each year we add a few new holiday titles to our collection and bring them out again and again. Building a special shelf of seasonal books has become one of our favorite family traditions — a simple, joyful way to mark the holidays and make cold winter days cozier.
Below are some of our favorite Christmas and winter books for kids. Many of these were recommended by readers, so thank you! Most are Christmas-focused, but a few celebrate winter in general. If you have additions, I’d love to hear your recommendations.
Favorite Christmas & Holiday Books
The Nutcracker in Harlem by T. E. McMorrow, illustrated by James Ransome: A stunning, jazz-infused reimagining of The Nutcracker set in New York City. The artwork and storytelling make this a standout holiday read.
Last Stop on the Reindeer Express by Maudie Powell-Tuck, illustrated by Karl James Mountford: An interactive lift-the-flap book with little doors and surprises that lead you through an adorable Christmas adventure — great for curious little hands.
A Piñata in a Pine Tree by Pat Mora, illustrated by Magaly Morales: A vibrant Latinx take on the Twelve Days of Christmas. The book includes pronunciation guides, a glossary, and sheet music so families can sing along and learn new words together.
The Little Reindeer by Nicola Killan: Beautiful illustrations drew me to this one, and the read-aloud story is delightful. A gentle, engaging tale perfect for younger listeners.
Olive The Other Reindeer by Vivian Walsh, illustrated by J.otto Seibold: A reader favorite — a funny, heartwarming story about a dog who believes she’s a reindeer and ends up saving the day. Kids love the humor and charm.
The Story Orchestra: The Nutcracker, illustrated by Jessica Courtney Tickle: A really special experience — each page has a button that plays a short piece from the Nutcracker score. It’s interactive and magical, and quickly became an all-time favorite in our house.
The Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats: A simple, timeless winter story that captures the wonder of a snowy day. Not a Christmas book, but perfect for introducing little ones to the magic of snow.
Christmas Cookie Day by Tara Knudson, illustrated by Pauline Siewert: A sweet board book about making and sharing Christmas cookies. Short, cheerful, and includes a recipe on the back — a great book to inspire baking together.
Too Many Tamales by Gary Soto, illustrated by Ed Martinez: A classic about a holiday tamale tradition. A fun, culturally rich story that’s humorous and heartfelt — great for reading aloud in parts to younger listeners.
Walk This World At Christmas Time by Debbie Powell: A wonderful lift-the-flap book that explores holiday traditions around the globe. Kids enjoy the hidden facts and flaps, and it’s a great way to learn about diverse celebrations.
Little Penguins by Cynthia Rylant, illustrated by Christian Robinson: A simple, beautifully illustrated winter story that has a calming, irresistible rhythm. One of our most requested reads — note: winter-themed, not specifically Christmas.
Pick A Pine Tree by Patricia Toht, illustrated by Jarvis: One of my all-time favorites. This book captures the excitement of choosing and decorating the tree with charming writing and lovely illustrations. It’s a perennial favorite for our family ritual.
12 Days of Christmas by Lara Hawthorne: A visual take on the classic song with rich illustrations and a hidden-pictures activity at the end where kids can find the song’s symbols.
The Sweet Smell of Christmas by Patricia M. Scarry, illustrated by J.P. Miller: A scratch-and-sniff book — a delightful sensory addition to any holiday collection that kids absolutely adore.
Snowmen at Christmas by Caralyn Buehner, illustrated by Mark Buehner: Part of a beloved series, this book imagines how snowmen might celebrate the holidays. It includes hidden-picture surprises on each page for extra fun.
Little Blue Truck’s Christmas by Alice Shertle, illustrated by Jill McElmurry: A favorite in our house, perfect for animal and truck lovers. The ending includes a light-up page that makes this edition especially memorable.
Walking in A Winter Wonderland by Richard B. Smith and Felix Bernard, illustrated by Tim Hopgood: This book presents the lyrics of the classic song alongside evocative illustrations — perfect for families who love singing together.
I Got The Christmas Spirit by Connie Schofield-Morrison, illustrated by Frank Morrison: A warm, joyful story about a child experiencing the season’s spirit. A wonderful recent addition that reads beautifully aloud.
A Note About Shopping for Books
I’ve started linking to Bookshop.org when I share titles because they support independent bookstores. If you use those links, a portion of proceeds goes to a collective that benefits indie stores, and you can also direct purchases to a local bookstore through the site.
That said, buying directly from your local bookstore is the best way to support them. If a title above catches your eye, consider calling or visiting a local shop first. Used bookstores are another sustainable option — give them a call or ask to be notified if they receive a title you want.
When I share books I sometimes include affiliate links; that means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. My priority is making it easy to find these books while also supporting independent sellers whenever possible.
If you have other holiday or winter books you love, I’d love to hear your suggestions below!