30+ Best Holiday Children’s Books to Read in 2025
Holiday reading is a big tradition in our home, and I love building a collection of books that Emmie gets excited about each year. From snowy adventures to silly Santa stories, these seasonal books become part of the rhythm of our December, right alongside baking cookies and hosting little decorating parties (like the one I shared recently).
I also try to keep a mix of new books and gently used ones because it makes building a holiday library more affordable, especially when kids tend to be a little rough with their pages. We pick up new reads from a variety of places, and I often browse World of Books) when I want to add more options without going overboard.
As Emmie gets older, I’ve been leaning more into gifting books during the holidays too. They pair really well with other kid-friendly gifts, especially if you are shopping for that in-between age I talked about in my gift guide for 9-year-olds.
Here are our favorite holiday children’s books to read in 2025.
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Classic Holiday & Winter Favorites
1. How the Grinch Stole Christmas!
Age Range: 3–8
Theme: Kindness, empathy, the true meaning of Christmas
This timeless Dr. Seuss classic is a staple in every holiday library, and I love sharing this story with Emmie because it makes her giggle every time the Grinch slinks around Whoville. The rhythmic storytelling keeps kids engaged, and the message of kindness over material things is perfect for this season. We talk about how “even a small heart can grow,” which sparks sweet conversations with little ones.
2. The Polar Express
Age Range: 4–8
Theme: Believing in magic, wonder, imagination
The Polar Express is one of those magical books that instantly transports you into the holiday spirit. Emmie loves searching for the train throughout the pages and hearing the “bell” at the end — it becomes a whole moment! The illustrations are stunning, and the story beautifully captures childhood wonder and the importance of believing, even as you grow.
3. The Night Before Christmas
Age Range: 3–7
Theme: Tradition, anticipation, holiday excitement
This classic poem is such a fun Christmas Eve tradition. Emmie loves pointing to Santa’s sleigh and shouting “reindeer!” every time they appear. The rhythmic verses make it perfect for bedtime, and many illustrated editions feel like keepsakes. It’s one of those stories that makes the holiday feel official — a comforting, magical read every year.
4. A Christmas Carol
Age Range: 5–9
Theme: Generosity, kindness, redemption
A child-friendly retelling of Dickens’ classic, this version makes the message very accessible. Emmie really leans into the part where Scrooge finally smiles — it’s sweet to see kids recognize emotional change. The simplified storyline still captures the heart: it’s never too late to be kind. A great early introduction to literary traditions.
5. The Wild Christmas Reindeer
Age Range: 4–8
Theme: Patience, gentle guidance, empathy
Jan Brett’s detailed illustrations make this story feel magical. When I first read it to Emmie, she spent half the time pointing out the tiny background details Brett is famous for. The story teaches that kindness works better than force — a perfect lesson for preschoolers learning big emotions. It’s visually stunning and heartwarming.
6. The Snowy Day
Age Range: 2–6
Theme: Curiosity, exploration, simple childhood joy
The Snowy Day beautifully captures what it feels like to discover snow for the first time. Emmie loves following Peter’s footprints and then comparing them to her own little boots when we go outside — it's become a cute tradition. The warm, gentle story encourages noticing small details and appreciating seasonal magic.
7. The Very Hungry Caterpillar’s Christmas 123
Age Range: 0–3
Theme: Counting, early learning, holiday cheer
Toddlers adore this holiday counting spin on the beloved classic. The simple visuals and familiar Eric Carle style make it perfect for early learning. Emmie went through a big Eric Carle phase at this age, and books like this helped her connect something familiar with something festive — especially since she loved counting ornaments.
Snowy Day & Winter Adventure Stories
8. The Mitten
Age Range: 3–7
Theme: Sharing, cooperation, winter nature
This Jan Brett classic is always a crowd-pleaser. The detailed borders let Emmie “predict” which animal is coming next, which keeps her glued to the page. The story follows a boy who loses his mitten in the snow, only for a parade of woodland animals to snuggle inside. It's whimsical, beautifully illustrated, and perfect for conversations about sharing and kindness.
9. Little Owl’s Snow
Age Range: 2–5
Theme: Seasonal change, curiosity, exploration
Little Owl’s Snow is a gentle introduction to winter for younger readers. Emmie always asks to “find Little Owl,” and the soft pastel illustrations make it a cozy bedtime read. The book walks through falling leaves, snowflakes, and winter quietness in a way that feels calm and grounded — perfect for toddlers learning about seasonal transitions.
10. The Snowman (Raymond Briggs)
Age Range: 3–7
Theme: Imagination, wonder, magical adventure
A wordless classic, The Snowman invites kids to tell the story themselves. Emmie loves narrating what the characters are doing, and it’s amazing how different the story becomes every read. The dreamlike illustrations follow a boy and his snowman on a nighttime adventure, making it perfect for cozy winter storytelling.
11. Snowmen at Night
Age Range: 3–7
Theme: Play, imagination, humor
This book answers the age-old kid question: what do snowmen do at night? Emmie cracks up at the snowmen having snowball fights and drinking hot cocoa. The story encourages imagination and silliness while teaching kids to notice subtle illustration clues. It’s a fun winter staple that gets requested again and again.
12. Wolf in the Snow
Age Range: 4–8
Theme: Courage, empathy, helping others
This almost-wordless story is visually stunning and teaches compassion in such a simple, heartfelt way. A girl helps a lost wolf pup find its pack, and the wolves later return the favor. Emmie loves the dramatic snowy scenes and how brave the characters are. It’s a powerful story without feeling heavy — perfect for early elementary kids.
Santa & North Pole Fun
13. Little Blue Truck’s Christmas
Age Range: 2–5
Theme: Friendship, giving, holiday cheer
We love the Little Blue Truck series, and it's great because there's a book for nearly every holiday. Little Blue Truck is spreading cheer by delivering Christmas trees to his animal friends. There are fun ways to count with flip-ups throughout the book, so it's very engaging for kids.
14. Construction Site on Christmas Night
Age Range: 3–6
Theme: Teamwork, celebration, holiday excitement
The Construction Site series is a favorite in our house. It's made our family walks super fun, and the Christmas edition is so well done. The Christmas edition is similar to Goodnight, Goodnight Construction Site, but with more holiday themes, fun flaps, and storytelling around what the equipment does for the holidays.
15. How to Catch an Elf
Age Range: 4–8
Theme: Creativity, problem-solving, humor
A silly, high-energy story that always gets kids laughing. The elf dodges clever (and chaotic!) traps on Christmas Eve, and Emmie loves pointing out which trap “might actually work.” The rhymes are catchy, the illustrations are bold, and it taps perfectly into kids’ mischievous imaginations while keeping things light and fun.
16. Santa Mouse
Age Range: 3–7
Theme: Thoughtfulness, giving, holiday wonder
This classic has such a sweet message about giving back. Emmie adores the tiny details showing Mouse preparing his gift for Santa, and it’s sparked great conversations about how small acts of kindness matter. The soft vintage illustrations feel nostalgic, making it lovely for both kids and adults who grew up with the story.
17. Santa’s Story
Age Range: 3–7
Theme: Traditions, storytelling, family connection
In this cute and gentle tale, Santa can’t find his reindeer — until he realizes he forgot their most important tradition: storytime! Emmie loves identifying which reindeer appears on each page, and the message about slowing down and reconnecting is perfect for busy families during the holidays. It’s warm, whimsical, and beautifully illustrated.
18. The Littlest Reindeer
Age Range: 3–7
Theme: Perseverance, believing in yourself
This adorable story follows a tiny reindeer determined to prove she belongs at the North Pole. Emmie always cheers for her and says, “She can do it!” which melts my heart every time. The message is empowering, and the cozy winter illustrations make it a fun seasonal read with a great confidence-building lesson.
Kindness, Giving & Family Themes
19. Bear Stays Up for Christmas
Age Range: 3–7
Theme: Friendship, giving, holiday joy
Bear Stays Up for Christmas is a new series to us, and it's so cute. Emmie really loves the part where they yell, "Get up!" It's the first book we've purchased in the series, and I can't wait to get more from secondsale.com. This book is about Bear’s friends and how they are determined to keep Bear awake for Christmas! So they wake Bear up and have him help them find a Christmas tree, bake cakes, hang up stockings, and sing Christmas songs. Bear stays up—by discovering that giving is one of the best Christmas presents of all!
20. Busy Betty: Christmas Adventure
Age Range: 4–8
Theme: Creativity, problem-solving, holiday fun
Busy Betty is full of energy and endless ideas — something kids can absolutely relate to! This Christmas edition follows Betty as she tries to make the perfect gift, and Emmie loves the silly chaos that unfolds. The story blends humor with a great lesson about thoughtfulness, reminding kids that the best gifts often come from the heart.
21. Pick a Pine Tree
Age Range: 3–8
Theme: Family traditions, togetherness, celebrating the season
This beautifully illustrated book follows the joyful tradition of picking, decorating, and celebrating with a pine tree. Emmie loves pointing out the ornaments and saying which ones she wants for our tree. The rhythmic text makes it feel musical, and the message celebrates the little moments that make the holidays meaningful for families.
22. The Giving Snowman
Age Range: 3–7
Theme: Generosity, kindness, compassion
This charming story features a snowman who helps others through small acts of kindness. Emmie loves the gentle winter scenes and often asks, “Can we help someone today too?” which is exactly the kind of conversation starter I love. It’s simple, sweet, and perfect for teaching empathy during the holidays.
23. Jacob’s Hanukkah Surprise
Age Range: 4–8
Theme: Inclusion, cultural celebration, resilience
It's important to me to share stories with Emmie about holidays that we don't necessarily celebrate so she's well-rounded. Jacob's Hanukkah Surprise is a heartwarming story of a young boy who celebrates his birthday and Hanukkah together.
24. The Berenstain Bears’ Night Before Christmas
Age Range: 3–7
Theme: Family, excitement, tradition
Berenstain Bears is a classic series! I remember growing up with the series myself, so it's fun to now share it with Emmie. I picked up The Night Before Christmas to share with Emmie as one of the used books we purchased.
Winter Animals & Nature
25. The Christmas Wish
Age Range: 3–7
Theme: Kindness, courage, winter magic
This stunning Nordic-inspired story feels like opening a fairy tale. The photography-style illustrations always make Emmie ask, “Is this real?” which sparks fun conversations about imagination and adventure. The story follows a brave girl who wants to become one of Santa’s elves, meeting woodland animals along the way. It’s visually breathtaking and perfect for cozy winter reading.
26. Owl Moon
Age Range: 4–8
Theme: Patience, nature appreciation, bonding
Owl Moon beautifully captures a father-daughter winter walk in search of owls. It’s a calm, poetic story that encourages kids to slow down and notice small details — something Emmie tries to mimic on our own family walks. The gentle illustrations paired with the quiet adventure make this a timeless winter nature classic.
27. Winter Dance
Age Range: 3–6
Theme: Seasonal change, friendship, self-discovery
This sweet story follows a little fox who isn’t sure how to prepare for winter, so he asks his animal friends what they do. Emmie loves shouting out each animal as it appears, and we talk about how everyone (and every animal!) has their own way of coping with big changes. The illustrations are charming, and the story feels warm and encouraging.
28. Goodbye Autumn, Hello Winter
Age Range: 3–7
Theme: Observing seasonal transitions, nature exploration
This book is wonderful for helping kids notice what changes as winter arrives. Emmie loves pointing to the shifting colors and spotting details in each spread. The simple text gently guides children through the transition from fall to winter, making it perfect for early learners and nature-loving families.
Interactive & Toddler-Friendly Books
29. Where Is Baby’s Christmas Present?
Age Range: 0–3
Theme: Curiosity, discovery, early learning
Karen Katz lift-the-flap books are always a hit with toddlers, and this Christmas edition is no exception. Emmie used to squeal every time she lifted a flap and found a surprise underneath — it’s such a fun way to practice fine motor skills. The bright illustrations, simple text, and predictable pattern make it perfect for little ones who love hands-on reading.
30. That’s Not My Snowman
Age Range: 0–3
Theme: Sensory exploration, descriptive language
This touch-and-feel book is great for toddlers who love exploring textures. Emmie always ran her fingers over each page, saying “soft!” or “scratchy!” depending on the snowman’s hat or scarf. The repetitive phrasing helps build early vocabulary, and the cute illustrations keep little readers engaged. It’s a must-have sensory book for winter.
31. Dear Santa (Lift-the-Flap)
Age Range: 0–4
Theme: Surprises, curiosity, holiday fun
From the creator of Dear Zoo, this festive lift-the-flap book follows Santa choosing the perfect gift. Emmie loves guessing what’s behind each flap — and she’s almost always right, which makes her incredibly proud. The sturdy flaps make it durable for tiny hands, and the cheerful illustrations make it great for December bedtime stories.
32. Peek-a-Flap Christmas
Age Range: 1–4
Theme: Holiday vocabulary, exploration, festive scenes
This chunky board book is full of interactive peek-a-flap moments, with tabs that are easy for little hands. Emmie loves exploring each busy holiday scene, especially the pages with twinkling lights and woodland animals. It’s a great early introduction to Christmas vocabulary and seasonal scenes without being overwhelming.
About World of Books
If you’ve been here a while, you already know how much I love mixing new books with gently used favorites for Emmie, especially during the winter holidays. We go through a lot of children’s books this time of year, from merry Christmas stories to the Christmas classics I grew up with, like Dr. Seuss and other great books that young readers love to revisit every season.
World of Books (formerly SecondSale) is one place I often check when I’m looking for a children’s book that’s sold out locally or when I want to add something new without overspending. Their selection makes it surprisingly easy to find colorful illustrations, fun stories, and favorite holiday books that are perfect for young children.
I also appreciate that browsing secondhand options helps keep things sustainable and affordable, especially as Emmie outgrows stories so quickly. Whether you’re searching for a Christmas classic, a sweet new book to introduce to your little one, or a gently used gem, secondhand shopping can be such a simple way to refresh your shelves for the season.
Happy reading, and Merry Christmas if you’re celebrating.
