25 Days of Christmas Picture Books

The Carpenter’s Gift by David Rubel and Jim LaMarche (Illustrator)

The story begins with a young boy named Henry, during the Depression-era in New York City. His home is drafty, but he understands that life is hard for many. To make money, Henry and his dad cut down trees to take into the city to sell as Christmas trees. Henry has a wonderful day, but dreams of being in a warm home. His wish comes through when the community comes together to build his family a new home.

This is such a sweet story of being positive during hardship, giving back, community, love, and family. It intertwines with the Rockefeller Center Tree and the Habitat for Humanity program, which opens the door for additional conversation.

The Nutcracker by Susan Jeffers

The classic ballet story is brought to life in this lovely Christmas picture book. There are so many variations to choose from, but we particularly like this one. With its vintage illustrations and traditional storytelling, it is short enough for smaller children to enjoy, but still perfect for kids of all ages.

Dasher by Matt Tavares

Dasher is a young reindeer that lives with her family in a traveling circus. She longs to be free, but her family is afraid of the consequences. Seeing her chance, she escapes and begins the journey north. An encounter with a man in red, with a horse pulling a sleigh, will change her life forever. This heartwarming origin story of Santa’s reindeer is sweet and uplifting, a true favorite for the Christmas season.

The Night Before Christmas by Clement C. Moore and Charles Santore (Illustrator)

This engaging Christmas tale based on the 19th century poem by Clement Moore has been a family-favorite for generations. With charming vintage illustrations and original prose, this read aloud is one that never gets old. Although it has been redone many times, our favorite is still the classic version.

Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Sleigh! by Mo Willems

Once Pigeon has an idea, it’s hard to talk him into anything else and the Pigeon wants one thing this holiday season – to drive Santa’s sleigh on Christmas Eve! Back with his regular antics, Pigeon begs, pleads, and does everything he can to convince the reader to give him his wish. This hilarious Christmas picture book is a wonderful read aloud for the winter season or any time of the year.

How the Grinch Stole Christmas! by Dr. Seuss

First published in 1957, in red and black ink only, this full color edition gives a vibrant new look at the original classic story. The grumpy Grinch hates Christmas and hopes to ruin it for the citizens of Whoville by stealing all of the presents and decorations. Little does he know that the true meaning of Christmas is not found in a store at all. Hearts big and small will enjoy this Dr. Seuss masterpiece.

The Polar Express by Chris Van Allsburg

A Caldecott medal winner, the reading of The Polar Express has been a Christmas tradition in homes since 1986. With his golden ticket, a boy is allowed onto a magical train headed to the North Pole. Being a Santa Claus skeptic, this boy is on the adventure of his life as he meets new friends along the way and learns that the magic of Christmas is always a short twinkling away.

A Charlie Brown Christmas by Charles M. Schulz, Adapted by Maggie Testa and Vicki Scott (Illustrator)

It’s the most wonderful time of the year for Charlie Brown and his friends. From ice skating to the Christmas play, this beloved Christmas special shows us what the true meaning of Christmas is all about. In a beautiful bound hardback, colorful glossy pages, and vivid illustrations, this Christmas picture book makes a wonderful gift or coffee table book to have out during the holiday season.

Elf by Kim Smith

Buddy the Elf has the most Christmas cheer, but he doesn’t quite fit in with the other elves at the North Pole. When he finds out that he was adopted and his father is on the “naughty list,” Buddy is determined to help him find his way again. The illustrations in this Christmas picture book are simply delightful and fans of the movie will be happy to know that the storyline mostly follows the film.

How to Catch an Elf by Adam Wallace and Andy Elkerton

If your kids are fans of the “How to Catch” series, they’re really going to love this holiday version. The traps are set, and they get more intricate as the book progresses, but can they trap this crafty elf? With catchy rhymes and colorful illustrations, this Christmas picture book will surely be a hit with the younger kids in your house.

The Christmas Story by Jane Werner Watson and Eloise Watson (Illustrator)

A Little Golden Book Classic, The Christmas Story highlights the true meaning of the season by sharing a retelling of the birth of Christ. The vintage style artwork and biblically accurate text make this a favorite within Christian households. While there are lots of Christmas picture books that tell this story, we especially love this version for its nostalgic feel.

Turkey Claus by Wendi Silvano and Lee Harper (Illustrator)

Turkey has survived Thanksgiving but is shocked to find out he’s on the top of the list for Christmas dinner. Turkey knows if he can talk to Santa, he will be able to help, but it’s Christmas Eve and no one talks to Santa on Christmas Eve. This zany story is full of laughs as Turkey tries to disguise himself and sneak into Santa’s home. Children will love Turkey’s crazy antics and it of course, has a happy ending.

The Christmas Owl by Gideon Sterer and Ellen Kalish, Ramona Kaulitzki (Illustrator)

Little Owl is curious about something called Christmas. She doesn’t know much about it, but her life changes when her tree home is unexpectedly cut down. Trapped inside the tree as it is transferred to its new location, Little Owl is weak and unsure of what’s going on. In this great adventure, children will learn about the important role of animal rescuers while Little Owl learns about the spirit of Christmas.

The Tale of Three Trees by Angela Elwell Hunt and Tim Jonke (Illustrator)

While not necessarily a Christmas picture book or holiday story, this Christian folktale follows three young trees who have big dreams for their future. As time passes, the trees are cut down and turned into what initially seem like simple items. But each tree soon finds that its true purpose is so much greater than they could have ever imagined.

If you’ve never read this story before, I don’t want to give it away, but it will be easy to see how this book fits into your Christmas tradition.

Over and Under the Snow by Kate Messner and Christopher Silas Neal (Illustrator)

This story takes young readers on a winter journey, exploring the different environments of animals and life above and beneath the snow. Following a child and her parents, the narrative beautifully contrasts the peaceful snowy day above with the busy life happening underneath the earth. The lyrical nature of the text, lovely illustrations, and ecological information make this a wonderful story for the winter season.

The Snow Thief by Alice Hemming and Nicola Slater

Squirrel and Bird are at it again in this winter tale. Squirrel has never seen snow before and is very hesitant about it. Bird shows him that snow can be beautiful and fun, but the snow starts to disappear. Is there a snow thief on the loose? This fun read aloud is the perfect book for the changing of the seasons and will be best enjoyed by younger elementary-aged readers.

The Message of the Birds by Kate Westerlund and Feridun Oral (Illustrator)

The beauty of nature is intertwined with the nativity story in this whimsical Christmas tale. Told by a wise old owl, the birds start to wonder why people don’t sing the song of blessing, joy, and goodwill anymore. However, as the story unfolds, the bird’s song of “Let there be peace. Peace on Earth,” resonates with those of the most tender of hearts, the children of the world.

Pick a Pine Tree by Patricia Toht and Jarvis (Illustrator)

Following a poetic rhyming sequence, this holiday picture book details the process of picking out a pine tree from a Christmas tree farm and transforming it into a Christmas Tree. Every detail of the story is so meticulous and lovely, the reader feels like they too are a part of this grand tree decorating party. But our absolute favorite scene in the book appears at the end when the Christmas tree is complete, and the wonder of Christmas is seen on all of the children’s faces.

Here Comes Santa Cat by Deborah Underwood and Claudia Rueda (Illustrator)

This hilarious Christmas picture book follows the dialogue of Cat and the narrator during the holiday season. Cat is unsure he made the “nice” list this year and decides to be Santa Claus instead. When the narrator describes all the responsibilities of being Santa, Cat has a change of heart, but can Cat get on the nice list before Christmas and the real Santa comes? With the adorable illustrations and funny storylines, we’re big fans of the “Cat” series in our house.

The Legend of the Candy Cane by Lori Walburg and Richard Cowdrey (Illustrator)

A holiday classic, with over half a million copies sold, this recently illustrated version follows the familiar Christmas story tale while also giving an origin story to the candy cane. The picture book begins with a new candy shop owner in town who befriends a little girl who helps him in his shop. When she asks him what this new candy is, he explains how the candy cane came to be. He intertwines Jesus’ birth and death and the need to share it with the world.

Sneezy the Snowman by Maureen Wright and Stephen Gilpin (Illustrator)

Who knew that snowmen could be too cold, but that’s exactly what happens to Sneezy the Snowman. In this funny wintry tale, Sneezy the Snowman is freezing every minute. Unfortunately, every time he comes up with a way to warm up, he melts and has to be made new again. Can the kids ever help Sneezy feel just, right?

Tough Cookie: A Christmas Story by Edward Hemingway

This story begins like the Gingerbread Man tale with a fox that wants to eat the cookie, but there’s a twist. Cookie does not taste good. What’s a sugar cookie to do? Feeling sorry for Cookie, Fox befriends him and tries to help him find his true purpose. This is a truly inventive tale with a twist, but the real delight is the illustrations and sweet ending.