Holiday Books for Kids

Last updated: May 20, 2026

Whether you celebrate Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Christmas, or something else entirely, this list of our favorite children's holiday books will help you make wonderful family memories. Choose from the best of the season and get lost in the imaginative illustrations and unforgettable stories. Happy reading, and happy holidays! For more holiday fun, check out our Best Holiday Movies for Kids and Best Holiday Apps.

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Christmastime Poster Image

BOOK

Christmastime

age 2+

Cozy, nostalgic look at the classic elements of the season.

Alison Jay Holiday (2012)

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Owl in knight's armor decorates a tiny Christmas tree with a tiny yellow bird as snow falls against a blue sky

BOOK

Knight Owl's Little Christmas: Knight Owl, Book 3

age 2+

Cute holiday tale spotlights friendship and seasonal fun.

Christopher Denise Holiday (2025)

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5 More Sleeps 'Til Christmas Poster Image

BOOK

5 More Sleeps 'Til Christmas

age 3+

Happy story, warm illustrations capture holiday excitement.

Jimmy Fallon Holiday (2020)

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All-of-a-Kind Family Hanukkah Poster Image

BOOK

All-of-a-Kind Family Hanukkah

age 3+

Little sister finds way to contribute in warm holiday story.

Emily Jenkins Holiday (2018)

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Between Us and Abuela: A Family Story from the Border Poster Image

BOOK

Between Us and Abuela: A Family Story from the Border

age 3+

Heartwarming Christmas story set at the U.S.-Mexico border.

Mitali Perkins Picture Book (2019)

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Busy Betty and the Perfect Christmas Present book cover: Blond girl holds a plate of cookies surrounded by her pug dog Frank and wrapped presents

BOOK

Busy Betty & the Perfect Christmas Present

age 3+

Betty makes homemade gifts for family in cute holiday tale.

Reese Witherspoon Holiday (2024)

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Christmas Parade Poster Image

BOOK

Christmas Parade

age 3+

Cheerful picture book makes Christmas musical.

Sandra Boynton Holiday (2011)

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Construction Site on Christmas Night Poster Image

BOOK

Construction Site on Christmas Night

age 3+

Hardworking trucks get perfect gifts in sweet bedtime tale.

Sherri Duskey Rinker Holiday (2018)

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Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Sleigh book cover: Pigeon in an elf cap with jingle bell against white snow and blue sky with snowflakes

BOOK

Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Sleigh!

age 3+

Pigeon thinks he can do Santa's job in funny holiday tale.

Mo Willems Holiday (2023)

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Grumpy Monkey Oh, No! Christmas Poster Image

BOOK

Grumpy Monkey Oh, No! Christmas

age 3+

Mad monkey learns gratitude with funny, expressive images.

Suzanne Lang Picture Book (2021)

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Here Comes Santa Cat Poster Image

BOOK

Here Comes Santa Cat

age 3+

Cat learns how to make the Nice list in funny holiday tale.

Deborah Underwood Holiday (2014)

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Holy Night and Little Star: Mary rides a donkey, Joseph leads them, a human-like star character above them on starry night

BOOK

Holy Night and Little Star: A Story for Christmas

age 3+

Helpful star oversees kid-friendly biblical nativity.

Mitali Perkins Holiday (2023)

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J is for Janucá book cover: Menorah against blue background, with leaves, stars, and flowers around the border

BOOK

J Is for Janucá

age 3+

Joyful bilingual Hanukkah book honors Latino-Jewish culture.

Melanie Romero Picture Book (2022)

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Little Santa Poster Image

BOOK

Little Santa

age 3+

Cute origin story shows how Santa met elves and reindeer.

Jon Agee Holiday (2013)

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Mr. Willowby's Christmas Tree book cover: Green frame with very tall Christmas tree in front of a window with pulled back red curtains

BOOK

Mr. Willowby's Christmas Tree

age 3+

Sweet story about a Christmas tree that brings joy to all.

Robert E. Barry Picture Book (2000)

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Mr. Willowby's Head Over Heels Christmas book cover: A Christmas tree being ridden like a sleigh by a Bear, a fox, a duck, and a mouse

BOOK

Mr. Willowby's Head Over Heels Christmas

age 3+

Mountain adventure saves Christmas in lively holiday tale.

Robert E. Barry Picture Book (2025)

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Rory the Dinosaur Needs a Christmas Tree Poster Image

BOOK

Rory the Dinosaur Needs a Christmas Tree

age 3+

Dad comes through in sweet Christmas tale.

Liz Climo Holiday (2017)

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Santa Rex Poster Image

BOOK

Santa Rex

age 3+

Holiday havoc and merry mayhem when dinosaurs are guests.

Molly Idle Picture Book (2017)

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Santa's First Christmas book cover: Santa and elves standing in his house decorating a giant Christmas tree

BOOK

Santa's First Christmas

age 3+

Warm images and kind elves are a new take on Santa's day.

Mac Barnett Holiday (2024)

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The Biggest Smallest Christmas Present Poster Image

BOOK

The Biggest Smallest Christmas Present

age 3+

Teensy girl gets jumbo presents in charming Christmas story.

Harriet Muncaster Picture Book (2016)

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