During the holidays, life is filled with traditions, joy, excitement, and lots of gifts. If you have kids, one of the best gifts you can give is the opportunity for your little ones to develop a love of reading. Holiday books can be an entertaining and inspiring way to bring people together and spread the love!
If you’re looking for wholesome, literacy-rich holiday books for kids this year, here’s a list of suggestions.
Gifting Books to Inspire Kids to Read
Books make excellent gifts because not only are they useful but they’re also meaningful. They inspire imagination and learning for all ages. Specifically, holiday books allow young readers to explore unfamiliar concepts, traditions, and cultures while maintaining the spirit of the season.
For many families, gifting books has become a cherished tradition. You can enjoy reading a new holiday book together each year to create memories that last a lifetime. These books often become treasured keepsakes that children look forward to revisiting each holiday season.
Christmas-Themed Books for Kids
Looking for the perfect holiday-themed children’s books? Start with these timeless recommendations that reflect on the tradition, lore, and excitement of Christmas.
5 More Sleeps ’til Christmas by Jimmy Fallon
Jimmy Fallon’s book, 5 More Sleeps ‘til Christmas, is a delightful countdown to Christmas Day that captures the excitement of waiting for Santa’s arrival. Enjoy this book for the entire week leading up to Christmas with children ages 3-6.
The Night Before Christmas by Clement C. Moore
This classic Christmas poem has been a staple in many households during the holiday season. Enjoy the illustrated version by Clement C. Moore to carry on the tradition of this famous story.
The Polar Express by Chris Van Allsburg
The Polar Express is an enchanting story of a magical train ride to the North Pole that is perfect for fostering the holiday spirit with the whole family, no matter what age.
Little Blue Truck’s Christmas by Alice Schertle
This charming tale follows the much-loved Little Blue Truck as he spreads cheer by delivering Christmas trees to his friends. The Little Blue Truck series is perfect for kids ages 3-7.
Dasher by Matt Tavares
The beautifully illustrated book Dasher is the story of one of Santa’s reindeer who embarks on an adventurous journey to join Santa’s team. Loved by children ages 4-8, this is a fun holiday book about ambition and belonging.
Hanukkah-Themed Books
Celebrate Hanukkah with these kid-friendly books that make wonderful gifts.
A Dragon for Hanukkah by Sarah Mlynowski
A Dragon for Hanukkah follows a young character, Hannah, as she receives magical gifts on each night of Hanukkah. The fantasy story culminates in a heartwarming celebration with family and friends!
Meet the Latkes by Alan Silberberg
Meet the Latkes is a funny tale about a family of potato pancakes (latkes) who are celebrating Hanukkah while partaking in quirky adventures. Capture young children’s attention with this cute and engaging picture book!
Do Dinosaurs Say Happy Chanukah? By Jane Yolen
In this book, dinosaurs celebrate the holiday tradition while trying to navigate the excitement—and challenges—of family gatherings. Ideal for kids who are 2-3 years old.
Diverse Holiday Books for Kids and Families
Discover non-Christmas-related books that capture the holiday spirit from diverse cultures and lifestyles around the world!
The House Without Lights by Reem Faruqi
This book is a beautifully illustrated story that captures the essence—and unique differences—of Christmas, Hanukkah, and Eid through the eyes of a young Muslim child. This is a great book if you want to teach children about the value of all types of celebrations that occur cross-culturally during the winter season.
A City Full of Santas by Joanna Ho
A City Full of Santas is a whimsical tale about a child’s adventure in a city filled with many different Santas, exploring themes of belief and wonders.
The Light Within You by John Green
This story follows a Diya as she explores her home in India for Diwali. She discovers her inner light and the joy of family traditions with her grandmother, touching on themes of belonging, strength, and honoring one’s roots.
Too Many Tamales by Namita Moolani Mehra
In Too Many Tamales, a girl named Maria loses her mother’s ring while making tamales. The story follows the humorous adventures of Maria and her siblings, revealing an important lesson about honesty.
More Book Gift Ideas for Children
When it comes to book gifts, you’re not limited to single holiday stories. There are many ways to make book gifts exciting, interesting, and fun!
Personalized Book Sets
Consider gifting personalized book sets to kids! This can include their favorite characters, holiday activities, or interests. You can even customize storybooks with the child’s name or family members. This adds an extra touch of magic and makes the gift truly unique.
Interactive Books
Interactive books with flaps, pop-ups, or sound effects can engage young readers even more. These features make reading an interactive experience and can be particularly appealing to younger children.
Book-Themed Gift Bundles
Pair a holiday book with related items such as pajamas, plush toys, snacks, or themed crafts. For instance, you could bundle “The Polar Express” with a train set or “Dasher” with a fun headband of reindeer antlers.
Tips for Choosing the Right Holiday Books for Your Child
Selecting the perfect holiday book can enhance your child’s reading experience and foster a love for literature. To choose books your child will cherish, you can:
- Make sure it’s age-appropriate: Select books that are suitable for your child’s reading abilities, age group, and interests.
- Consider the book’s illustrations: Vibrant illustrations can capture young readers’ interest and enhance their understanding of the story.
- Look up reviews and recommendations: Browse holiday books that have received positive reviews from other parents or educators.
Most importantly, read these books with your little one to create memories as you bond over holiday stories.
Reading.com: Give Your Child the Gift of Literacy
Holiday books are special gifts—but more than that, they’re an invitation to explore tradition and create lasting memories. Whether you choose a classic Christmas tale or an adventurous new story, these books will inspire joy and foster a love for reading in children.
Want a more interactive way to involve your child in reading this year? The Reading.com app has everything you and your child need to kickstart their early literacy journey. Through evidence-based instruction, fun activities, and decodable texts, Reading.com helps beginner readers develop the skills they need to become lifelong learners. Download the app today for a free trial this holiday season!