Our Favourite Children’s Christmas Books

As a teacher, I started collecting children’s Christmas books long before I had little ones of my own. Over the years, that collection has grown into a treasured box of festive stories we bring out each December - so yes, we definitely have more than most! And no - you don't have to rush out and buy a tonne of new books!

In this post, I’m sharing our absolute favourite children’s Christmas books, from timeless classics to modern gems. These beautifully illustrated picture books are perfect for reading aloud to younger children, yet engaging enough to be enjoyed by confident readers too. Many of the links included are affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you, helping me continue to share recommendations we genuinely love. But please shop around - I've built my collection from charity shops and second hand book sales too!

For the Youngest Christmas Book Readers

When it comes to introducing babies and toddlers to the magic of the season, sensory books are always a hit. These children’s Christmas books are perfect for tiny hands, curious minds and short attention spans - offering textures, sounds, flaps and pop-ups that make story time feel truly festive.

That’s Not My… Donkey / Angel – Touch-and-Feel Christmas Classics

The That’s Not My… series is always a favourite with little ones and the Christmas editions are no exception. With bold illustrations and tactile patches on each page, babies and toddlers can explore soft tails, fluffy wings, fuzzy ears and more. These sturdy board books are perfect for first Christmas libraries. There are also elf, fairy and robin alternatives available too!

That’s Not My Donkey https://www.stylink.it/DO3R4t9ejG7 

That’s Not My Angel https://www.stylink.it/YQg7qcy56JB 

Away in a Manger / Jingle Bells – Musical Board Books

Musical books add an extra layer of excitement and these festive editions are wonderful introductions to classic Christmas songs. With the press of a button, children can hear Away in a Manger or Jingle Bells as they turn the pages - ideal for keeping even the youngest readers engaged.

Away in a Manger  https://www.stylink.it/QPMlxFGRpb4 

Jingle Bells https://www.stylink.it/oj960SRw37V 

Exploration Books: Lift-the-Flap, Touch-and-Feel & More

Interactive books are a brilliant way to spark early curiosity. Titles like Where’s Santa Claus?, Busy Reindeer and Dear Santa by Rod Campbell (the creator of Dear Zoo) are full of flaps to lift and surprises to find. Young children adore the sense of discovery on every page.

Where’s Santa Claus? https://www.stylink.it/lDRlxSMBeLm

Dear Santa https://www.stylink.it/GQa9rckzoaJ

Busy Reindeer https://www.stylink.it/q2oqjs3gDB2 

Reindeer’s First Christmas – A Pop-Up on Every Page

Pop-up books never fail to delight and Reindeer’s First Christmas brings the festive season to life with a new 3D scene each time you turn the page. It’s a wonderfully visual, hands-on Christmas book for little learners. This one is a family favourite in our house!

Reindeer’s First Christmas https://www.stylink.it/Mj6kGSLBMj6 

The 12 Days of Christmas – A Gentle Introduction to a Traditional Rhyme

This beautifully illustrated version of The 12 Days of Christmas helps introduce young readers to the traditional rhyme. The rhythmic, repetitive structure is perfect for toddlers and early readers, making it a lovely way to share a piece of Christmas tradition.

The 12 Days of Christmas  https://www.stylink.it/10gAnHqJOjk 

Our Favourite Children's Christmas Picture Books

If you’re looking to expand your festive bookshelf further, here are some of our absolute favourite children’s Christmas books - all brilliant picks for snuggly picture-book reading throughout December:

We’re Going on an Elf Chase https://www.stylink.it/B4YO3HNo4Yr

The Christmas Bear https://www.stylink.it/NMzm6u6Nrxb

Aliens Love Panta Claus https://www.stylink.it/wpqN9uJkmAo

The Crayons’ Christmas https://www.stylink.it/RP7eJF6gorL

A Christmas Advent Story https://www.stylink.it/g715eCgqpx1

Father Christmas Needs a Wee https://www.stylink.it/05RArSBYyxQ

The Jolly Christmas Postman https://www.stylink.it/bnz9qCDlpmP

Pick a Pine Tree https://www.stylink.it/XlRMzc5dmj2 

A Festive Chapter Book for Older Children 

For families looking to build a cosy December tradition, How Winston Delivered Christmas is a truly special choice. Unlike most children’s Christmas books, this one is designed to be enjoyed slowly, with 24 and a half chapters - perfect for reading one chapter each evening in the lead-up to Christmas. Whether you read it snuggled on the sofa, just before bedtime or as part of your advent routine, this book turns the countdown to Christmas into a magical shared moment your children will remember year after year.

How Winston Delivered Christmas https://www.stylink.it/q2oqjs3gDnd

For Children Who Love a Laugh

Not every festive read has to be soft and sentimental - sometimes a good giggle is exactly what keeps children turning the pages! If you have a little comedian at home, these children’s Christmas books are perfect for adding humour to your holiday reading.

Stinky Sprouts Christmas – A Silly, Smelly Festive Adventure

If your child loves anything mischievous, Stinky Sprouts Christmas is guaranteed to make them laugh. With colourful illustrations and lots of silliness, it’s a brilliant pick for children who enjoy light-hearted, laugh-out-loud stories.

Stinky Sprouts Christmas https://www.stylink.it/LYG5eil1wBp

A Poop Powered Christmas – Perfect for Toilet-Humour Fans

For children who think poo jokes are the height of comedy, A Poop Powered Christmas is a must-have. It’s cheeky, fun and packed with the kind of humour that young readers adore. Perhaps one to avoid just before bed!?

A Poop Powered Christmas https://www.stylink.it/45AJ3SR0oDQ

More Great Options for a Book Advent

If you're creating a Christmas book advent, here are some additional children’s Christmas books from our collection that work brilliantly for daily December reading.

Mr Men Christmas Collection https://www.stylink.it/rXlxDuQ0bOm

Santa’s 12 Days of Christmas https://www.stylink.it/V5OqGSlXZw4

There’s an Elf in Your Book https://www.stylink.it/kPwoqFJAO0O

Mog’s Christmas https://www.stylink.it/Jrl2os0MoL1

Norman the Slug Who Saved Christmas https://www.stylink.it/oj960SRw3qA

The Polar Express https://www.stylink.it/eXM2ouQ6aRJ

Dear Father Christmas https://www.stylink.it/GQa9rckzobX

Reindeer of the Year https://www.stylink.it/6Zrl1serlqj

Little Reindeer Saves Christmas https://www.stylink.it/z67RjcPmkAP 

Christmas Eve & Boxing Day Favourites 

For families who love rhyming stories filled with humour and charm, these two festive favourites from the creator of Oi Frog make the perfect Christmas Eve and Boxing Day pairing.

The Night Before Christmas  https://www.stylink.it/LYG5eil1wRp

The Night After Christmas https://www.stylink.it/QPMlxFGRpvZ 

Building a collection of children’s Christmas books has become one of my favourite parts of the festive season - what started in my classroom all those years ago has grown into a family tradition filled with cosy evenings, shared stories and lots of laughter. And remember, these festive reads don’t need to be bought brand new. Charity shops, online second-hand book stores and your local library are brilliant places to find Christmas books at affordable prices, and they’re often full of hidden gems.

Whether you’re choosing sensory books for your youngest readers, looking for something silly to make the whole family giggle or starting a chapter-a-night ritual in December, there’s a Christmas story here for every child. I hope this list helps you discover new favourites to enjoy year after year.

Merry Christmas!