We’re rounding up the best Christmas picture books! Discover Christmas classics, multicultural picture books, and new 2020 holiday titles for kids.
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Who doesn’t love giving and receiving books for the holidays!?
Nothing spreads Christmas joy like opening up a book to a winter wonderland. Travel to the North Pole, discover Christmas traditions across the world, and uncover heartwarming stories of holiday magic that will keep the little ones believing for years to come.
This list of the top Christmas picture books rounds up classics, new releases, and everything in between.
Whether you’re shopping for your own littles or a special kid in your life, you can’t go wrong with these holiday titles.
The Best Christmas Picture Books for Kids
Classic Christmas Picture Books
How the Grinch Stole Christmas! by Dr. Seuss
“Every Who down in Who-ville liked Christmas a lot . . . but the Grinch, who lived just north of Who-ville, did NOT!” The holidays are not complete without this classic story of the Grinch and his learning of the true Christmas spirit.
Polar Express by Chris Van Allsburg
A young boy wakes and boards the magical train to the North Pole where he will get to make his Christmas wish. This Caldecott winner and one of the world’s most loved Christmas picture books reminds us that we’re never too old to believe in magic.
The Nutcracker by Susan Jeffers
Susan Jeffers transforms the classic tale of Marie, Fritz, and the nutcracker. With minimal text and exquisite illustrations, it will seem as if readers have a front row seat to the Nutcracker ballet.
The Night Before Christmas by Clement C. Moore
One of the most famous Christmas poems, originally written by Clement C. Moore is brilliantly illustrated by Charles Santore, to vividly tell the story of Santa’s visit on Christmas night.
Dream Snow by Eric Carle
On Christmas Eve night, a farmer goes to bed wondering how it can be Christmas the next day without snow. He dreams of the white flurries, until he awakens the next morning to see that it really snowed, and remembers an important task.
The Wild Christmas Reindeer by Jan Brett
Little Teeka’s bossy nature only gets the reindeers’ antlers all tangled up, until she tries something a little gentler. Brett’s classical illustration style shines in this Swedish inspired folk-tale.
Room for a Little One by Martin Waddell
A beautifully illustrated telling of the nativity. Kind Ox welcomes Old Dog, Stray Cat, Small Mouse, Tired Donkey, and finally baby Jesus into his stable on the first Christmas night.
The Year of the Perfect Christmas Tree by Gloria Houston
Ruthie and her mother wonder how they will get the perfect Christmas tree to the town for the holiday celebration, since Papa has left Appalachia to go to war. One of the most heartwarming Christmas picture books, this will leave readers with feelings of courage and joy.
Great Joy by Kate DiCamillo
Just before Christmas, an organ grinder and his monkey play music and sleep outside Frances’s apartment. On the day of her Christmas pageant, all she can think about is the organ grinder’s sad eyes. Will she finds the perfect message to share?
Multicultural Christmas Picture Books
Tree of Cranes by Allen Say
As a young Japanese boy recovers from a chill, his mother folds origami silver cranes for his first Christmas. Say marries both Japanese and American tradition in his classic holiday tale.
The Legend of the Poinsettia by Tomie DePaola
This Mexican legend tells of how the poinsettia came to be through a young girl’s gift to the Christ Child. DePaola captures the beauty of festive Mexico, as well as a child’s genuine excitement for Christmas.
The Nutcracker in Harlem by T. E. McMorrow
In this jazzy rendition of the classic tale, Marie receives a nutcracker for Christmas from her uncle. Set in 1920s Harlem, follow one little girl as she discovers her voice as a musician, all thanks to her magical journey.
The Little Match Girl by Hans Christians Andersen
Jerry Pinkney brilliantly transforms Hans Christian Andersen’s classic, yet heartbreaking tale into one set in the tenements of 1920s America, while also shining a light onto the invisibility of the poor.
Too Many Tamales by Gary Soto
Christmas Eve started off perfect, until Maria is convinced she lost her mother’s diamond ring in a batch of tamales. What ensues is a hilarious attempt by Maria and her cousins to eat their way out of trouble.
Between Us and Abuela: a Family Story from the Border by Mitali Perkins
One of the new multicultural Christmas picture books, Between Us and Abuela tells the story of Maria and her family, traveling south to the Mexican border to visit their Grandmother just before Christmas. For just a few minutes they are able to exchange gifts. When her brother’s gift is too big to fit through the fence, Maria has a brilliant idea.
2020 Christmas Picture Book Releases
The Spider Who Saved Christmas by Raymond Arroyo
One of 2020’s most anticipated and best selling Christmas picture books, The Spider Who Saved Christmas brings us the legend of Nephila, a cave-dwelling spider who plays a vital role in the Christmas story. Discover the origin of Christmas tinsel and rekindle hope, even in the darkest places.
5 More Sleeps ’til Christmas by Jimmy Fallon
Fallon lovingly rekindles the building excitement all children experience when anticipating Christmas. Through witty rhyme, the comedian makes the week before Christmas exciting, as he counts down the sleeps that remain until Santa’s arrival.
It’s a Wonderful Life by Paul Ruditis
Based on one of the most loved holiday movies, Ruditis brings us the story of George Bailey. His guardian angel shows George his very own acts of kindness and how he has changed the lives of so many in his community for the better. Children will love this heartwarming story of Christmas compassion.
All the Colors of Christmas by Matthew Paul Turner
Celebrate all of Christmas’s colorful experiences, like sledding, festive markets, and holiday tree decorating. Discover classic red and greens, along with white, golf, blue, and brown holiday hues.
The Lost Christmas Letters by Debbie Dearen Richmond
What are the forest animals to do when they gather to mail their Christmas letters to Santa, only to discover that the mailbox isn’t there? They must move quickly, as a snowstorm is coming, to ensure their letters get to Santa.
More Christmas Picture Books to Bring Holiday Cheer
Construction Site on Christmas Night by Sherri Duskey Rinker
The trucks are getting ready for Christmas in this holiday companion to Rinker’s original classic. As Excavator, Bulldozer, Crane, Dump Truck and Cement Mixer finish their very important job, they get their very own Christmas surprises.
How Do Dinosaurs Say Merry Christmas by Jane Yolen
Dinosaurs love to celebrate Christmas. From wrapping gifts to stringing lights, how can little dinosaurs possibly sleep through the excitement on Christmas Eve? Especially with cookies left out for Santa…
Snowmen at Christmas by Caralyn Buehner
Have you ever wondered what snowmen are up to at night, when the rest of the world is asleep? Buehner’s snowmen are back to celebrate all the best parts of Christmas, from holiday treats to city adventures.
Llama Llama Holiday Drama by Anna Dewdnew
Get ready for the holidays with llama, as he sings songs, bakes cookies, and gives gifts. But waiting for Christmas is hard, and Llama is about to learn the most important holiday lesson of them all.
Bear Stays Up for Christmas by Karma Wilson
In this installment of Wilson’s popular series, Bear’s friends awaken him the day before Christmas and help him stay awake as they prepare for the holiday. When Bear’s friends fall asleep, he prepares his own surprise.
The Gingerbread Pirates by Kristin Kladstrup
A funny tale of Captain Cookie and his daring adventure on Christmas Eve to rescue his crew from the mysterious cannibal, Santa Claus. Unique and witty, The Gingerbread Pirates deserves a spot among our favorite classic Christmas picture books.
Little Blue Truck’s Christmas by Alice Schertle
The popular Little Blue Truck spreads Christmas cheer by delivering Christmas trees to his animal friends. Children will love counting the Christmas trees, and finding one for Blue!
The Christmas Miracle of Jonathan Toomey by Susan Wojciechowski
Jonathan Toomey, the best woodcarver in the land, is always alone and never smiles. No one knows about his lost wife and child. When he’s approached by a widow and her son, a Christmas miracle might just happen, though.
Pick a Pine Tree by Patricia Toht
Celebrate the magic of Christmas traditions, including stringing lights, hanging stocking, and picking out a Christmas tree to decorate with family. Reminiscing on the joyous ritual of decorating with ornaments, tinsel, and lights, families will love sharing this one together.
Red and Lulu by Matt Tavares
A pair of Cardinals make their home in a beautiful evergreen tree. One day the unthinkable happens and Red and Lulu are separated. Will a Christmas miracle and some New York City magic do the trick? Love surrounds this story that so beautifully marries the true meaning of Christmas and the magic of New York City.
Related: The Perfect Christmas in New York City
The Crayons’ Christmas by Drew Daywalt
The lovable crayons are back, just in time for Christmas – and to remind us that the best gift of all is the one you give. Children will love the pop-ups and folded letters, tucked within the pages.
Don’t Shake the Present by Bill Cotter
When monster receives a present, he needs help opening it…but, no matter what, don’t shake the present!. The silly, interactive nature of Cotter’s story makes it one that children will return to over and over again.
What are some of your favorite holiday reads? What Christmas picture books are on your list this year?
I love sharing holiday books with my children. Some of my favorite Chrismtas picture books are Snowmen at Christmas, How the Grinch Stole Christmas, and Bear Stays Up. Red and Lulu warmed my heart as a native New Yorker, too.
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Will you snag any of these top holiday favorites for someone special this year? What would you add to this list?
To be honest with you I never thought to buy a book for my little cousins! Moreover, I am a book nerd so I don’t know how I forgot about the idea to buy for my cousin’s books. Plus, one of my cousin’s love reading. Thank you so much! If it wasn’t for this blog post I think I would never think about buying books to my family and friends.
I’m glad you enjoy the list! I always buy holiday books for my nephews; such a great way to add a little something to their gifts…plus they’re educational =) Enjoy!!
What a great list! I’m looking for a couple of books to get my little one in the Christmas spirit so will definitely look into buying a couple of these!
So glad you like the list! I tried to vary up some classics with a few popular, modern titles…it’s hard to pick just 20 but these are beloved by my son and all the kids who come to the library where I work! Hope it helps.
I agree those are some great books.
Nice list! I’ve been looking for children’s books to gift this christmas and this was perfect!
I’m so glad! Books make the best gifts!
This is a great list! I needed a few new Christmas books. Thanks!
absolutely! Hope you end up with a few good ones =)
These are great books. We have a few of them already. Thanks for sharing. Getting the kids a Christmas book is a tradition of ours!
Us too! It’s a great tradition and doesn’t give you too many toys to put away!!
I can’t wait to get some Christmas books to read to my daughter! I loved hearing Christmas stories when I was a kid and I’m hoping she does as well! xo, Brittany Nicole | http://www.theblistblog.com
I try to read some to my son every night, too. Brings back childhood for sure =)