Discover the Best Picture Books for the Holiday Season

The holiday season is a truly magical time, and one of my favorite ways to celebrate is by cozying up with little ones and sharing a good story. Over the years, we’ve discovered so many wonderful holiday picture books that have become family favorites. In this list, you’ll find a blend of treasured classics and delightful newer finds—many of which I’ve linked for easy shopping. I hope these books bring as much joy to your holiday season as they have to ours!

 1.  The Christmas Wish by Lori Evert  - A breathtaking book with beautiful photographs all about a little girl who wants to be one of Santa's elves.

 

2.  The Christmas Story by Jane Werner Watson  - A beautiful picture book that covers the true meaning of Christmas. It's written simply for little ones to appreciate.

 

3.  Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer by Barbara Shook Hazen - A classic in every sense of the way.

4.  The Christmas Baby by Marion Dane Bauer - This book not only celebrates the birth of Jesus, it also celebrates babies everywhere.

 

5.  The Berenstain Bears and the Joy of Giving by Jan and Mike Berenstain - I love that this book reminds us that it is better to give than receive.

6.  The Night Before Christmas by Clement C. Moore - Another classic that cannot be missed.

 

7.  Strega Nona's Gift by Tomie dePaola - Of course there's Big Anthony getting himself into trouble in this book, but it also covers Italian Christmas traditions as well as feast days. 

8.  Frosty the Snow Man by Annie North Bedford - I love this story, but I especially appreciate this 1950s classic.

9. How the Grinch Stole Christmas by Dr. Seuss  - A favorite in our house! Who doesn't love the Grinch?

10.  The Polar Express by Chris Van Allsburg - Another modern classic that is much loved.

 

11.  A Charlie Brown Christmas by Charles M. Schulz - Another modern classic that is a must-read for the holiday season.

12.  The Twelve Days of Christmas by Jan Brett - A timeless tale and readers love the beautiful illustrations in this book covering the famous Christmas carol. 

13.  The Gingerbread Pirates by  Kristin Kladstrup - This is such a fun Christmas story about a little boy who makes gingerbread men and at night they come to life as pirates and encounter Santa. 

14.  Night Tree by Eve Bunting - A story of a family who decorate a Christmas tree with treats for the animals in the forest.

 

15. Jingle Bells by Kathleen N. Daly - This classi has animals who help Santa deliver the gifts and the lyrics of Jingle Bells are throughout. 

 

16.  The Nutcracker by Susan Jeffers - A beautifully illustrated version of the classic tale.

 

17.  Room for a Little One by Marin Waddell - The illustrations in this book are absolutely beautiful! A nativity story complete with some new animals in this heartfelt tale.

 

18. Steam Train, Dream Train: Next Stop, Christmas! by Sherri Duskey Rinker - The long awaited holiday edition of this much beloved train series.

 

 

 

 

 

 

19. The Snowman by Raymond Briggs - A beautifully illustrated picture book about a snowman coming to life.

 

20.  The Mitten by Jan Brett - This is a much loved classic that is perfect for wintertime.

 

 

 

 

21. A Bad Kitty Christmas by Nick Bruel - This laugh out loud picture book follows Kitty after she doesn't get all the gifts she wanted for Christmas. Cue the hilarious antics.

22. Pete the Cat Saves Christmas by Eric Litwin and James Dean - Everyone's favorite cat proves it's cool to be giving. 

 

 

 

 

23.  The Legend of the Poinsettia by Tomie dePaola - Who doesn't love learning more about the Mexican legend of the poinsettia and the origins of one of our favorite holiday plants.

24. Green is for Christmas by Drew Daywalt -  This is a cute story and is perfect for fans of The Day the Crayons Quit. Green thinks he is the only holiday color in the box, but red, white and silver think otherwise!

 

 

 

 

25. Merry Christmas, Strega Nona by Tomie dePaola - You can't go wrong with Strega Nona at the holidays as she prepares for her Christmas Eve Feast.

26.  Mr. Willowby's Christmas Tree by Robert Barry - This picture book is a classic holiday tale about the joys of a Christmas tree and spreading holiday joy. 

 

 

 

 

27.  The Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats - While this isn't necessarily holiday related, it is wintertime fun at its best and a classic that shouldn't be missed. 

28.  Little Blue Truck's Christmas by Alice Schertle - Little Blue Truck fans won't want to miss this holiday edition as he spreads Christmas joy. 

 

 

 

 

 

29. 5 More Sleeps 'til Christmas by Jimmy Fallon - A sweet picture book that captures the excitement of Christmas.

30. Snow Kid by Jessie Sima - A heartwarming picture book about what it means to truly be yourself.

 

 

 

 

31. Dasher by Matt Tavares - It's about a brave little doe who meets Santa. 

 

32. Snowmen at Christmas by Caralyn Buehner - A perfect holiday read-aloud for those who enjoy the series.

 

 

 

33. Dasher and the Polar Bear by Matt Tavares - The only thing better than Christmas is sharing it with a friend. 

 

34. How Does Santa Go Down the Chimney? by Mac Barnett - It's the question that everyone has been wondering!

 

 

 

 

  

35. Harold Loves His Woolly Hat by Vern Kousky - A sweet wintertime picture book that showcases the importance of helping others.

 

36. Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Sleigh by Mo Willems -  Everyone's favorite pigeon is back at it again. 

 

 

 

 

 

37. Little Red Sleigh by Erin Guendelsberger - A heartwarming tale about the little red sleigh that could. 

 

38. Construction Site Hanukkah Lights by Sherri Duskey Rinker  - Celebrate Hanukkah with everyone's favorite construction crew and it's a lift the flap book!

 

 

 

 

  

39. Llama Llama A Gift For Mama by Anna Dewdney - The cutest Christmas installment of the Llama series. 

 

40. You're My Little Christmas Cookie by Nicola Edwards - This board book is such a festive tale to share with a little one this holiday season.

 

 

 

  

41. Elmore and the Big Christmas Rescue by Dev Petty - Elmore is back with a holiday tale all about believing in yourself.

 

42. Have Yourself a Cheesy Little Christmas by Jory John - A Christmas book featuring the ever popular Big Cheese.

 

 

 

 

 

43. How to Catch Santa Claus by Alice Walstead - A new Christmas adventure from the How to Catch series.  

 

44. Bluey's Night Before Christmas by Lauren Holowaty - Experience the holiday magic in this Bluey retelling. 

 

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Let me know in the comments below which picture books are your favorites, any recommendations, as well as any new picture books you hope to read this holiday season.