The best classic Christmas books for children that you will enjoy reading together. Each book is beautiful literary delight.
The holiday season is a time of joy, wonder, and time-honored traditions, and what could be more delightful than immersing ourselves in the pages of classic Christmas books with our children? These treasured tales, which have touched hearts for generations, offer a perfect blend of nostalgia and the reason for the season. Join us as we delve into the best classic Christmas books for children – each one is a literary delight that reminds us of the true essence of the season. With every turn of the page, experience the joy, love, and timeless wonder that only the Christmas season can bring.
Best Classic Christmas Books for Children:
Christmas Day in the Morning Written by Pearl S. Buck, Illustrated by Mark Buehner
Rob wants to get his father something special for Christmas this year—something that shows how much he really loves him. But it’s Christmas Eve, and he doesn’t have much money to spend. What could he possibly get? Suddenly, Rob thinks of the best gift of all…
The Gift of the Magi Written by O' Henry, Illustrated by P.J. Lynch
As Jim and Della exchange gifts on Christmas Eve, the discovery of what each has done fills them with despair, until they realize that the true gifts of Christmas can be found more readily in their humble apartment than in any fine store.
The Little Match Girl Written by Hans Christian Anderson, Illustrated by Rachel Isadora
Freezing cold and unable to go home for fear that her father will beat her for not making any money – the poor little match girl huddles in a corner between two buildings. As the chill sets into her bones, she lights a match for warmth. The match sparks visions of a better life and the little girl cannot resist lighting match after match to the images coming until she freezes to death.
(Note: Beating, suffering, death mentioned. This is a very real tale of harsh realities of poverty. Better for older children.)
The Night Before Christmas by Clement C. Moore, Illustrated by Tasha Tudor
In 1822 Clement Clarke Moore wrote The Night before Christmas for his own children. Now, of course, his poem is read aloud to children around the world who are anticipating Santa’s arrival.
The Story of Holly and Ivy by Rumer Godden, Illustrated by Barbara Cooney
Ivy, Holly, and Mr. and Mrs. Jones all have one Christmas wish. Ivy, an orphan, wishes for a real home and sets out in search of the grandmother she’s sure she can find. Holly, a doll, wishes for a child to bring her to life. And the Joneses wish more than anything for a son or daughter to share their holiday. Can all three wishes come true?
The Christmas Cat by Efner Tudor Holmes, Illustrated by Tasha Tudor
It is Christmas Eve. An abandoned gray cat shivers alone in the cold, snowy forest. Not far away in a warm and cozy farmhouse, Jason anxiously asks his brother Nate if Santa Claus will be able to come in such bad weather. But soon the bitter wind stops howling and the sound of sleigh bells rings clearly through the woods. Neither the cat nor the boys know it, but a small Christmas miracle is about to occur….
Silver Packages by Cynthia Rylant, Illustrated by Christ K. Soentpiet
In Appalachia each Christmas, a boy named Frankie waits beside the tracks for the Christmas Train, which will bring presents to the children who live in coal towns and hollows. Year after year, Frankie hopes that one particular gift — one very special gift — will be tossed to him from that train. And it is this enduring hope that will guide him to the true meaning of the season.
The Christmas Miracle of Jonathan Toomy by Susan Wojciechowski, Illustrated by P.J. Lynch
Jonathan Toomey is the best woodcarver in the valley, but he is always alone and never smiles. No one knows about the mementos of his lost wife and child that he keeps in an unopened drawer. But one early winter’s day, a widow and her young son approach him with a gentle request that leads to a joyful miracle. The moving, lyrical tale has been widely hailed as a true Christmas classic.
Apple Tree Christmas by Trinka Hakes Noble
When an ice storm fells the old apple tree near their barn, Katrina looses her special place to draw. Not even the upcoming Christmas holiday can cheer her. Inspired by the author’s childhood memories, this tender story reveals the joy of a very special gift and the love between a daughter and father.
The Christmas Day Kitten by James Herriot, Illustrations by Ruth Brown
Debbie, an independent-minded stray cat who becomes a regular visitor to Mrs. Ainsworth’s house despite the three resident Basset hounds, gives Mrs. Ainsworth–and her Bassets–a wonderful Christmas present.
(Note: there is death in this story as Debbie the cat dies.)
Lucy's Christmas by Donald Hall, Illustrated by Michael McCurdy
Lucy Wells likes planning ahead. In her quaint New England town the leaves have just begun to change, but Lucy is already thinking of Christmas. The days grow colder and shorter, the snow grows deeper, and everyone grows more excited. Finally, the day arrives Lucy and her family travel to the South Danbury Church on Christmas to exchange gifts, sing carols with the whole town, and perform in the Christmas pageant.
Christmas In the Country by Cynthia Rylant, Illustrated by Diane Goode
This sweet book evokes the warmth of the joyful Christmas season and celebrates the greatest gift of all–the love of family. The cheerful watercolors capture the festivities of the season, from Christmas trees loaded with homemade ornaments to the snow-covered countryside. A warm portrait of a loving family and a favorite season.
The Year of the Perfect Christmas Tree by Gloria Houston
A touching and unforgettable story of how Ruthie didn’t give up on Christmas or her father keeping his word – even though he was called to war and hasn’t yet returned. Her mother just may have to lend a hand to keep her Christmas special and help her husband keep his promise of providing the church’s Christmas tree.
The Carpenter's Gift by David Rubel, Illustrated by Jim LaMarche
Opening in Depression-era New York City, The Carpenter’s Gift tells the story of eight-year-old Henry and his father selling Christmas trees. They give a Christmas tree to construction workers building Rockefeller Center and celebrate together. Through the kindness of the construction workers and neighbors, Henry gets his wish for a nice, warm home to replace his family’s drafty shack. He plants a pinecone from that first Rockefeller Center Tree.
The First Christmas by Phillips Brooks, Illustrated by Will Moses
Based on the lyrics of the beloved carol “O Little Town of Bethlehem,” this beautiful picture book in Will Moses’s acclaimed folk art style is perfect for families to read together and cherish year after year.
Red and Lulu by Matt Tavares
Red and Lulu make their nest in a particularly beautiful evergreen tree. It shades them in the hot months and keeps them cozy in the cold months, and once a year the people who live nearby string lights on their tree and sing a special song: O Christmas Tree, O Christmas Tree. But one day, something unthinkable happens, and Red and Lulu are separated. It will take a miracle for them to find each other again.
The Little Fir Tree by Margaret Wise Brown, Illustrated by Jim LaMarche
This book tells the touching story of a small fir tree that dreams of a special and significant life. Its wish comes true when it is chosen to be a Christmas tree, bringing a special kind of joy to a weak young boy for Christmas.
A Pussycat's Christmas by Margaret Wise Brown, Illustrated by Anne Mortimer
Experience all the mystery and beauty of Christmas through the eyes of a cat in this simple, rhythmic story. “She heard the rustle of tissue paper, the whisper of snow, and the twinkle of bells. She smelled the sharp tangy smell of candles, and nuts and apples. And she saw the sparkling gold, silver, and blue lights on the tree. This, to Pussycat, was Christmas Eve.”
The Christmas Tree Ship by Carol Crane, Illustrated by Chris Ellison
It was November of 1912. With Captain Herman Scheunemann at its helm, the Rouse Simmons set off from the small Northern Michigan town of Manistique with its traditional load of trees bound for Chicago. The captain would sell the trees for 50 cents or $1.00 and even gave many away to needy families. The ship had been affectionately nicknamed the Christmas Tree Ship. Using stories she loved to hear her grandfather tell, the author weaves this heartwarming fictional tale based on the true events of the little schooner carrying up to 5,000 trees.
Silent Night by Will Moses
It is a silent, snowy December night. Shopkeepers and country folk in the tiny Vermont village are hurrying everywhere, lighting candles, wrapping gifts, baking pies–getting ready. But for what? For Christmas Eve? Or is there more? The Miller family knows there is! Pa and the boys rush to the train station through the blizzardy twilight to pick up Grandma Stokes. Old Paul, the hired hand, rides to get Doc Herrick. Mama’s friend Tinker won’t leave her side. They all know something truly wonderful is going to happen this Christmas Eve, snow or no snow, right here at Miller farm.
A Little Women Christmas by Heather Vogel Frederick, Illustrated by Bagram Ibatoulline
It’s almost Christmas, and Jo March is determined that this year, unlike the last, there will be presents. It is in this spirit that she and her dear friend Laurie build a snow maiden for poor, sick Beth. The next day, Beth is thrilled with her present, and each of the girls, in turn, receives a little something from the others. But the best gift of all arrives when Papa, who has been away at war and ill, makes a surprise return home for Christmas dinner.
Christmas In the Big Woods by Laura Ingalls Wilder, Illustrated by Renee Graef
Christmas has come to the Big Woods of Wisconsin! Laura and her family are excited to celebrate. When Laura’s cousins, aunt, and uncle arrive, they spend their time together eating sweets, playing in the snow, and reading. Their holiday celebrations are full of simple joys.
The Puppy Who Wanted a Boy by Jane Thayer, Illustrated by Lisa McCue
Petey the puppy has one wish for Christmas: to have a boy of his very own. But boys are in short supply this year, and he can’t seem to find one who is just right! Is there a boy out there just for him? A heartwarming Christmas story.
