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With Christmas just around the corner, I’m excited to share my top picks for holiday reading. This list includes both new releases and beloved classics that are perfect for curling up by the fire. I’ve carefully selected 20 Christmas books that will bring joy and holiday spirit to readers of all ages.
These stories range from heartwarming romances to magical adventures. Some transport us to winter wonderlands, while others explore the true meaning of the season.
Whether you’re looking for a cozy mystery or an uplifting tale, you’ll find something to enjoy on this list. I hope these books will become treasured additions to your holiday traditions.
1. A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens
I recommend “A Christmas Carol” as a classic Christmas read. Charles Dickens wrote this novella in 1843, and it quickly became popular.
The story follows Ebenezer Scrooge, a grumpy old miser. He’s visited by ghosts on Christmas Eve who show him visions of his past, present, and future.
This book has a lasting impact on how we celebrate Christmas. It reminds us about kindness and generosity during the holiday season.
The tale is short enough to finish in one sitting. It’s perfect for reading aloud with family or friends on a cold winter night.
2. The Polar Express by Chris Van Allsburg
I highly recommend The Polar Express, a beloved Christmas story. This beautifully illustrated book has captivated readers for decades.
It tells the tale of a young boy who boards a magical train to the North Pole on Christmas Eve. Van Allsburg’s stunning artwork brings the story’s whimsical journey to life.
Published in 1985, The Polar Express won the prestigious Caldecott Medal. It has since become a holiday classic, inspiring both family traditions and a popular movie adaptation.
I love how this book captures the wonder and magic of Christmas. It’s a perfect read-aloud for cozy winter nights with kids or adults alike.
3. How the Grinch Stole Christmas! by Dr. Seuss
I love this holiday classic by Dr. Seuss. It tells the story of the grumpy Grinch who tries to stop Christmas in Who-ville.
The Grinch and his dog Max are unforgettable characters. Cindy-Lou Who also plays an important role in softening the Grinch’s heart.
This book is perfect for readers of all ages. Its heartwarming message about the true spirit of Christmas still resonates today.
The colorful illustrations and rhyming text make it fun to read aloud. I think it’s a must-have for any Christmas book collection.
4. The Night Before Christmas by Clement Clarke Moore
I find “The Night Before Christmas” to be a timeless Christmas classic. Clement Clarke Moore wrote this beloved poem in 1823. It was first published anonymously in a New York newspaper.
The poem paints a vivid picture of Santa’s visit on Christmas Eve. Moore’s words bring to life the magic of the season. His descriptions of St. Nicholas and his reindeer have shaped how we imagine Santa Claus today.
This book is perfect for reading aloud on Christmas Eve. It’s a great way to start a family tradition. Kids and adults alike can enjoy the festive rhymes and charming illustrations.
5. Letters from Father Christmas by J.R.R. Tolkien
I love this charming book by J.R.R. Tolkien. It’s a collection of letters and drawings he created for his children between 1920 and 1943.
Tolkien wrote these letters as Father Christmas, describing his adventures at the North Pole. The book includes colorful illustrations he drew to go with the stories.
It’s a fun read for both kids and adults, especially Tolkien fans. The letters show a playful side of the famous author that many might not know about.
This book makes a great gift for the holidays. It captures the magic of Christmas through Tolkien’s imaginative tales and artwork.
6. Hercule Poirot’s Christmas by Agatha Christie
I recommend this classic mystery novel for Christmas reading. It’s a gripping tale of murder during a family gathering.
The story follows detective Hercule Poirot as he investigates the death of wealthy Simeon Lee on Christmas Eve. Lee had invited his four sons home for the holidays.
Poirot must unravel family secrets and solve the locked-room mystery. Christie’s clever plotting and red herrings keep readers guessing until the end.
This book blends festive elements with a dark crime story. It’s perfect for those who enjoy solving puzzles along with the detective.
7. The Snowman by Raymond Briggs
I love this heartwarming classic picture book. It tells a magical story without any words, using only beautiful illustrations.
The tale follows a young boy who builds a snowman that comes to life. They have an amazing adventure together on Christmas Eve.
Raymond Briggs first published this book in 1978. It has become a beloved holiday tradition for many families.
The book was adapted into an animated TV special in 1982. This film version is often shown on TV during the Christmas season.
In 2012, a sequel called The Snowman and the Snowdog was released for the 30th anniversary. The original book continues to delight readers young and old with its timeless charm.
8. The Gift of the Magi by O. Henry
I love this heartwarming Christmas classic by O. Henry. It’s a short story about a young married couple, Della and Jim, who are very poor.
They each want to buy the other a special Christmas gift. Della sells her beautiful long hair to buy Jim a chain for his prized pocket watch.
Jim sells his watch to buy Della fancy combs for her hair. Their selfless acts show the true meaning of love and giving.
I think this story captures the spirit of Christmas perfectly. It reminds me that thoughtful gifts mean more than expensive ones.
9. Little Women (Christmas Chapters) by Louisa May Alcott
I love the Christmas chapters in Little Women. They capture the warmth and spirit of the holiday so perfectly. The story opens with the March sisters lamenting their lack of Christmas presents.
But their attitudes change as they focus on giving to others. The girls decide to use their Christmas money to buy gifts for their mother instead of themselves.
On Christmas morning, they wake to find little books under their pillows – a thoughtful gift from their mother. Later, they share their Christmas breakfast with a poor immigrant family.
These scenes show the true meaning of Christmas – generosity, family, and thinking of others. Alcott’s writing brings the holiday to life in a way that still resonates today.
10. Santa’s Husband by Daniel Kibblesmith
I found this book to be a fresh take on the classic Santa Claus story. It introduces Santa as a black man with a white husband who helps him prepare for Christmas.
The book is written by Daniel Kibblesmith, an Emmy-nominated writer and staff member for The Late Show with Stephen Colbert. A.P. Quach provides the illustrations.
I think it’s a clever and heartfelt story that shows Santa’s life at the North Pole. It covers topics like double-checking lists and feeding reindeer organic gluten-free food.
While some criticized the book before its release, I believe it offers a unique perspective on a beloved holiday figure. It could be a good choice for readers looking for more diverse Christmas stories.
11. The Life and Adventures of Santa Claus by L. Frank Baum
I love this imaginative take on Santa’s origin story by the author of The Wonderful Wizard of Oz. Published in 1902, it follows Santa from his childhood, when he was raised by woodland fairies, to becoming the jolly gift-giver we know today.
Baum’s whimsical tale explains how Santa found his flying reindeer and started making toys. It blends elements from Clement Moore’s famous poem with original fantasy lore.
The book has been adapted into beautiful illustrated editions over the years. I especially enjoy Michael Hague’s artwork, which brings the magical scenes to life.
For a fresh spin on Santa’s backstory, I recommend adding this charming classic to your holiday reading list.
12. The Tailor of Gloucester by Beatrix Potter
I think “The Tailor of Gloucester” is a charming Christmas tale by Beatrix Potter. It’s the third book in her famous series of 23 children’s stories.
The book tells of a poor tailor who needs to finish an important coat. Some helpful mice complete the work for him on Christmas Eve.
I find the story mixes fantasy with real-world details about tailoring in Potter’s time. The illustrations are lovely too, showing the quaint streets of Gloucester.
This book makes a great holiday read for kids and adults alike. It captures the magic and kindness of the Christmas season.
13. A Christmas Memory by Truman Capote
I love this heartwarming short story by Truman Capote. It takes me back to his childhood in rural Alabama during the 1930s.
The tale follows young Buddy and his elderly cousin as they prepare for Christmas. They bake fruitcakes, make decorations, and find the perfect tree.
Capote’s beautiful prose brings their holiday traditions to life. I can almost smell the spices and feel the cold winter air.
This bittersweet memoir captures the magic of Christmas through a child’s eyes. It reminds me of simpler times and the joy of giving.
14. The Best Christmas Pageant Ever by Barbara Robinson
I love this holiday classic by Barbara Robinson. It tells the funny story of the Herdman kids taking over a church Christmas pageant.
The book has been popular since it came out in 1972. Now it’s becoming a movie too. Lionsgate is making a film version that will be in theaters on November 8, 2024.
The movie is directed by Dallas Jenkins, who also made The Chosen series. It stars Judy Greer, Lauren Graham, Elizabeth Tabish, and Pete Holmes.
I think both the book and new movie could be great additions to your Christmas traditions this year.
15. Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer by Robert L. May
I think this classic Christmas tale is a must-read for kids and adults alike. Robert L. May wrote the original story in 1939 while working as a copywriter for Montgomery Ward.
The book tells the story of Rudolph, a young reindeer with a glowing red nose. At first, the other reindeer make fun of him. But on a foggy Christmas Eve, Santa asks Rudolph to guide his sleigh.
May’s simple rhyming text and heartwarming message of acceptance have made this book a holiday favorite for generations. I love how it teaches kids that our differences can be our greatest strengths.
16. The Jolly Christmas Postman by Janet & Allan Ahlberg
The Jolly Christmas Postman is a magical holiday story I love to revisit each year. This interactive picture book, created by the talented husband-wife team Janet and Allan Ahlberg, brings Christmas cheer to life.
I’m always delighted by the real letters and gifts tucked inside the book’s pages. It’s like getting a peek into Santa’s mailbag! The charming illustrations and playful rhymes make this a joy to read aloud.
Though Janet passed away in 1994, her work with Allan on this book continues to enchant readers. It’s no wonder it has sold millions of copies. I think it’s a perfect addition to any family’s holiday reading list.
17. The Christmas Box by Richard Paul Evans
I recommend “The Christmas Box” by Richard Paul Evans for your Christmas reading list. Evans wrote this touching story as a gift for his daughters in 1993.
The book follows a widow and the young family who moves in with her. It explores themes of love, family, and the true meaning of Christmas.
Initially self-published, the book’s popularity spread quickly by word of mouth. It soon caught the attention of major publishers.
“The Christmas Box” became a holiday classic, touching readers with its simple yet profound message. It’s a short, heartwarming read perfect for the Christmas season.
18. Skipping Christmas by John Grisham
I think “Skipping Christmas” is a fun and different take on holiday stories. John Grisham wrote this book about a couple who decided to skip Christmas and go on a cruise instead.
The main characters, Luther and Nora Krank, get tired of the stress and cost of Christmas. They plan to avoid all the usual holiday stuff like parties, decorations, and gifts.
Their decision causes some funny problems with their neighbors and community. The book shows how hard it can be to break from traditions, even when we want to.
I find this story gives a light-hearted look at the pressure we often feel during the holidays. It’s a quick, easy read that might make you laugh and think about your own Christmas habits.
19. The Child’s Christmas in Wales by Dylan Thomas
I love this nostalgic poem by Dylan Thomas. It captures the magic of Christmas through a child’s eyes in Wales. Thomas paints vivid pictures with his words, describing snowy days and family gatherings.
The book brings back memories of my own childhood Christmases. I can almost smell the spiced cider and feel the excitement of opening presents.
Thomas’ lyrical style makes this short work a joy to read aloud. It’s perfect for sharing with family on a cozy winter evening. The whimsical anecdotes and rich details transport me to another time and place.
This classic has delighted readers for generations. It’s a timeless addition to any Christmas reading list.
20. The Christmas Miracle of Jonathan Toomey by Susan Wojciechowski
I love this heartwarming Christmas tale about Jonathan Toomey, the best woodcarver in the valley. He’s known for being grumpy and never smiling.
The story takes a turn when a widow and her young son ask him to carve Christmas figurines. As Jonathan works on the carvings, he slowly opens up to them.
P.J. Lynch’s beautiful watercolor illustrations bring the early American setting to life. They add so much richness to the story.
I think this book shows how kindness can change someone’s life. It’s a touching story about healing from grief and finding joy again.
