The Sweetest Christmas Picture Books for Kids

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I just love Christmas. There is no holiday that is quite as magical and beautiful as Christmas. One of the best things about Christmas is watching children get so excited. They love the lights, the decorations, the dreaming of what Santa will bring and they love beautiful picture books!

There are so many beautiful picture books that it was hard to choose my favorite but I have done my best. In future years I may do more posts on more books!

I’m thrilled to share with you these beautiful Christmas picture books for kids that would be perfect for a child in your life this Christmas!

Christmas Picture Books

Twas the Night Before Christmas by Clement Clarke Moore

It just wouldn’t be Christmas Eve night without the beautiful classic The Night before Christmas. I love this edition with this beautiful cover! It is a must have for your collection.

Santa Clause by Rod Green

This book is so great. We had it when our children were growing up. It has so many neat pages with pop up and hidden pockets with letters and all kinds of facts about Santa. It is a very unique book and we loved it.

The Polar Express by Chris Van Allsburg

If you are familiar with the movie The Polar Express don’t pass up reading the book. It has beautiful illustrations and takes you for a Christmas journey on the way to the North Pole.

Cobweb Christmas by Shirley Climo

This charming picture book captures the warmth and magic of Christmas while sharing the sweet story behind how tinsel first appeared on Christmas trees. It’s a tale that will leave kids delighted and full of wonder about the season.

Red & Lulu by Matt Tavares

Red and Lulu build their nest in a gorgeous evergreen tree—a tree that keeps them cool in summer, warm in winter, and glows with Christmas lights each year as neighbors gather to sing O Christmas Tree. But one day their peaceful world is shattered, and the two birds are separated. Finding each other again will take nothing short of a Christmas miracle.

Apple Tree Christmas by Trinka Hakes Noble

The old apple tree beside the Ansterburgs’ barn is a big part of their everyday life. Its crisp, sweet apples end up in pies, applesauce, lunch boxes—and even as decorations on their Christmas tree. It’s also Katrina’s favorite spot. One sturdy branch makes the perfect perch for her to sit, sketch, and let her imagination wander. It’s her own little studio in the leaves.

Inspired by the author’s childhood, this gentle story celebrates a meaningful gift and the special bond between a father and his daughter.

Christmas in Exeter Street by D. Hendry

This delightful story captures the real spirit of Christmas and is one every holiday bookshelf should have! It’s Christmas Eve, and the house on Exeter Street is overflowing—every corner is filled with guests, and there’s even a baby sleeping in the kitchen sink. But with so many people tucked into every nook and cranny, will Father Christmas be able to find them all?

The Christmas Owl by Ellen Kalish & Gideon Sterer

When Little Owl’s tree is chopped down by people who think it will make a perfect Christmas tree, she wants nothing to do with Christmas—whatever it even is. But everything changes when she’s rescued by a woman named Ellen, whose home is warm, festive, and full of birds who need extra love and care. Surrounded by kindness and new friends, Little Owl starts to realize that maybe Christmas isn’t so bad after all…

Dasher

Dasher is a young reindeer with a brave heart and a big dream. Though she travels with her family in a hot, bustling circus, she longs for a different life — one with snow under her hooves and the North Star shining overhead. So when the chance finally comes, she follows her heart and runs toward the life she’s always imagined.

Pick a Pine Tree by Patricia Toht

So much of Christmas magic comes from the traditions we repeat year after year — hanging stockings, lighting up the windows, and of course, choosing the perfect Christmas tree to bring home. With warmth and charm, debut author Patricia Toht and illustrator Jarvis capture every step of decorating the tree: opening boxes packed with ornaments, draping tinsel, and finally flipping the switch to make the lights glow.

Rhythmic, joyful, and beautifully illustrated, this story is a heartfelt celebration of family, friends, and one of the season’s most cherished traditions.

How the Grinch Stole Christmas by Dr. Seuss

It wouldn’t be Christmas without the Grinch. You have to have the classic How the Grinch Stole Christmas on your bookshelf. The mean rotten Grinch who thinks he can stop Christmas from coming as long as he steals the presents, the meals and the decorations. But Christmas can’t be stopped!

Bear Stays Up for Christmas by Karma Wilson

Bear’s friends are set on making sure he doesn’t sleep through Christmas this year! They gently wake him and pull him into all their holiday fun — finding a Christmas tree, baking treats, hanging stockings, and singing carols. With their help, Bear manages to stay awake, and along the way he learns that the joy of giving is one of the very best parts of Christmas.

A Charlie Brown Christmas by Charles M Schultz

If you love the Iconic A Charlie Brown Christmas tv show you can’t miss the book. I was born in the 70’s and I have such special memories of Charlie Brown and all the Christmas specials and cartoons so I have to have my Charlie Brown book on my shelf.

Olivia Helps with Christmas by Ian Falconer

Olivia Helps with Christmas by Ian Falconer (Atheneum Books for Young Readers, 2007) is a delightful hardcover holiday story featuring Olivia as she jumps into all the Christmas preparations with her usual enthusiasm and charm.

The Christmas Wish (A wish book) by Lori Evert

Long ago, a brave little girl named Anja wished to become one of Santa’s elves. After leaving a note for her family and helping her elderly neighbor get ready for the holidays, she sets off on skis into a snowy wonderland. Along the way, a series of winter animals — from a red bird to a polar bear to a reindeer — guide her toward Santa’s home. With its large trim size, soft matte cover, and stunning photographs, this book feels like a treasured holiday keepsake.

Emma’s Christmas by Irene Trivas

A simple farm girl is wooed by a prince who brings her the gifts from the Twelve Days of Christmas. With each charming surprise, he wins her heart — and in the end, the prince happily joins her on the farm

Merry Christmas Anne by Kallie George & Genevieve Godbout

It’s Christmas in Avonlea, and Anne is full of gratitude — for the sparkling frost, the shimmering sea, and wreaths as round as the winter moon. But most of all, she’s thankful for her “kindred spirits,” like Marilla and Matthew Cuthbert, who took her in, and her dearest friend Diana.

Still, Anne can’t help feeling nervous about reciting at the upcoming Christmas concert. And she worries that the people she loves give her so much all year, while she has so little to give in return. As the holiday draws near, Anne must find the courage to face her jitters and discover a heartfelt way to show just how much her kindred spirits mean to her.

Who’s That Knocking on Christmas Eve? by Jan Brett

Every Christmas Eve, trolls burst through Kyri’s door and devour her holiday feast. But this year, things are different — a traveling boy and his pet ice bear arrive seeking shelter from the cold. And when the trolls show up again, the ice bear makes sure they won’t be coming back next year!

Jan Brett delivers another magical Christmas tale filled with cozy charm and Nordic wonder. With her signature detailed borders, rich illustrations, and a breathtaking view of the Northern Lights, Who’s That Knocking on Christmas Eve? is sure to become a beloved holiday favorite for the whole family.

Christmas in the Country by Cynthia Rant & Diane Goode

Returning to her Appalachian roots, Rylant tells the story of a young girl living with her grandparents in the country. Much like her beloved debut, When I Was Young in the Mountains, this tale captures the simple joys of the holiday season and highlights the greatest gift of all — the love of family. Diane Goode’s cheerful watercolor illustrations bring the festivities to life, from a tree decorated with handmade ornaments to peaceful, snowy hillsides. It’s a tender, nostalgic portrait of Christmas and a family’s deep affection for one another.

The Christmas Cat by Efner Tudor Holmes

It’s Christmas Eve, and a lonely gray cat has been left to shiver in the snowy forest. Not far away, a young boy sits in a cozy farmhouse, worried that Santa might not make it through such terrible weather. But soon the wind settles, the night grows calm, and the clear sound of sleigh bells drifts through the trees. Neither the boy nor the cat realizes it yet, but a small Christmas miracle is on its way. With Tasha Tudor’s classic, timeless illustrations, this touching holiday story feels like a treasure to read year after year.

Little Red Sleigh by Erin Guendelsberger

The Little Red Sleigh has always had one big dream — to become Santa’s very own sleigh. But everyone tells her she’s too small, too young, and unable to fly… and definitely not someone who could ever meet Santa. This Christmas, with the help of a few good friends, she sets out to prove them wrong.

Little Red Sleigh is a cozy, heartwarming holiday story you’ll want to revisit every year. Filled with winter magic and joyful hope, it gently reminds readers of all ages that no dream is too big when you believe in yourself.

How Does Santa Go Down The Chimney by Mac Barnett

Ever wonder what Santa actually does when he gets to a child’s house on Christmas Eve? Does he slide down the chimney headfirst or feetfirst? And what if he gets stuck—then what? And what about the homes without chimneys at all? Maybe he squeezes under the door like a sheet of paper… or even pours himself in through the faucet!

IN CONCLUSION

This is the perfect time to read some beautiful picture books at Christmas. It creates special memories with the young ones in your life. And, let’s be honest you don’t have to even have children to love picture books. They still delight me in every way!

I hope you enjoyed our favorites. I would love to hear yours, I may just add to this list. Leave them in the comments!

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