The Best Christmas Books for Kids (From One New Parent to Another)
Written by a book-obsessed mama + founder of Sparkling Bookshelf
If you’re anything like me—a slightly-sleep-deprived parent of a very energetic two-year-old—then Christmas hits a little differently now. Suddenly, the holidays aren’t just about decorations and dessert; they’re about creating tiny magical moments for our little ones.
And for us at home, snuggling under a blanket with a Christmas book and hot chocolate sounds great for bonding with your kid. As the mama behind a toddler and the founder of Sparkling Bookshelf, I spend a lot of time around children’s books—especially preloved ones that still have plenty of sparkle left in them.
So today, I’m sharing the best Christmas books for kids—the ones that open the doors to a whole new world- Santa Claus, Christmas trees, reindeers, snow, gifts, and everything Christmassy.
Best Christmas Books for Toddlers and Kids
1. Dear Santa by Rod Campbell
If your kid is obsessed with lift-the-flap books (mine treats each flap like a treasure hunt), this one is a no-brainer. It’s simple, sweet, and exactly the kind of book toddlers want to read twelve times in a row. I’ve timed it. Dear Santa is a perfect Christmas read for curious kids.
Age Group: 1–4 years
Perfect For: Lift-the-flap fun, early readers, toddler Christmas gifts
2. The Christmas Bear by Axel Scheffler
Axel Scheffler’s artwork has that warm, nostalgic charm, and The Christmas Bear lift-the-flap book is basically a toddler treasure hunt in story form. My kid opens every flap like it’s a secret Christmas gift hidden just for her. It’s engaging, interactive, and one of the best Christmas books for toddlers if you want something fun that keeps little fingers busy.
Age Group: 1–4 years
Perfect For: Interactive reading, flap-loving toddlers, fun holiday storytime
3. Kevin the Carrot and the Christmas Beanstalk
This story is bright, bouncy, and such a fun pick if you’re looking for the best Christmas stories for kids with a bit of humour. Kevin the carrot ends up on this wild, magical adventure, perfect for toddlers and preschoolers who love animated stories with big personalities. Great as a budget-friendly Christmas gift too!
Age Group: 2–6 years
Perfect For: Silly festive stories, kids who love animated characters, gifting
4. How the Grinch Stole Christmas! — Dr. Seuss
A true holiday classic and one of the best Christmas stories for kids of any age. The bold illustrations and bouncy rhymes make it engaging for little ones, while older kids enjoy the humour and the Grinch’s big change of heart. It works beautifully as a read-aloud and grows with your child year after year. Shop the super-affordable preloved version of How the Grinch Stole Christmas here.
Age Group: 3–10 years
Perfect For: Family reading, classic Christmas storytelling, older siblings
5. Peppa's Christmas Wish
Peppa Pig's Christmas Wish is a simple, colourful, and the perfect Christmas book for toddlers who already adore Peppa’s world. Peppa makes her Christmas wish, Daddy Pig does something adorably silly (as usual), and everything wraps up with warm holiday magic. It’s also an easy, lovable pick if you need small Christmas gifts for little ones — toddlers ALWAYS go for Peppa.
Age Group: 1–5 years
Perfect For: Peppa fans, quick festive reads, stocking stuffer Christmas gifts
6. We Wish You a Merry Christmas – Sound Books
Toddlers LOVE pressing buttons, so Christmas sound books for toddlers are always a win. The music is gentle, the pages are sturdy, and they work for both 1-year-olds and curious toddlers who love anything interactive. If you're specifically searching a Christmas sound book, We Wish You is exactly the kind of thing your little ones will love.
Age Group: 1–4 years
Perfect For: Toddlers who love pressing buttons, Christmas sound books, musical playtime
7. Where’s Santa Claus? – Lift-the-Flap Book
If you're stocking up on Christmas lift-the-flap books, this is such an adorable pick. Little readers get to search through bright, festive scenes trying to spot Santa, and every flap turns into a new surprise. My kid treats this book like it’s his own personal Santa treasure hunt. Where's Santa Claus is one of those simple, interactive Christmas books for 1-year-olds and toddlers that they’ll want to read again and again.
Age Group: 1–4 years
Perfect For: Curious toddlers, Christmas lift-the-flap books, independent “reading”
8. Cookie’s Christmas Invention- A Twinkl Original
Cookie the elf is working on a fancy new invention, and toddlers love pointing to every little detail. If you’re looking for Christmas books for 1-year-olds or curious toddlers, this is such a sweet fit. Definitely one of the best Christmas books for toddlers who love stories full of imagination. Shop here.
Age Group: 2–6 years
Perfect For: Creative kids, imaginative storytelling, classroom or home Christmas reads
9. The Christmas Carol: A Pop-Up Book
The Christmas Carol: A Pop-Up Book Treasury Collection is a beautifully crafted Christmas pop-up book for kids that brings Dickens’ classic to life with stunning 3D scenes and richly illustrated removable booklets. It’s perfect for families with kids of all ages — little ones love the interactive pop-ups, while older kids enjoy the timeless story of Scrooge and the true spirit of Christmas.
Age Group: 4–12 years
Perfect For: Christmas pop-up books for kids, gifting
10. Ten Minutes to Bed: Little Unicorn’s Christmas
One of the best Christmas books for toddlers, this one is a total keeper. The snowy illustrations are so calming that even my two-year-old (who thinks bedtime is optional) slows down to stare at every page. The countdown-to-bedtime format makes it such a soothing Christmas book for toddlers, and honestly, it’s one of those best Christmas stories for kids that works beautifully for 1-year-olds too. Shop here.
Age Group: 1–5 years
Perfect For: Bedtime reading, calm-down time, toddlers who love magical stories
How to Choose the Best Christmas Books for Your Child
A quick guide for parents unsure about age groups or formats.
You can list things like:
- For toddlers → lift-the-flap, sound books, sturdy board books
- For older kids → classics, pop-ups, longer stories
- For siblings → books that work for mixed ages
Whether you’re picking a cosy bedtime read for your toddler, an interactive lift-the-flap adventure, or a classic story to share with older kids, each book adds its own little sparkle to the season.
📚 Where to Find These Preloved Christmas Books
If you’d like to add any of these festive favourites to your child’s holiday reading basket, you’ll find them lovingly curated on Sparkling Bookshelf. Every book is quality-checked, budget-friendly, and ready for a second life in your home.
With preloved Christmas books from Sparkling Bookshelf, you get to share that magic sustainably and affordably. Here’s to warm snuggles, bright pages, and stories that become part of your family’s Christmas traditions year after year. 🎄✨