Written by Debbie Brown | November 22, 2022
Have you ever noticed that a big part of Christmas for little ones (and grown-ups too!) is all the fun things that go on before Christmas morning arrives? For preschoolers, Christmas books can add to all the holiday excitement just like baking cookies, decorating a tree, and riding around looking at Christmas lights.
But just because a book has the word “Christmas” in the title, doesn’t necessarily make it a fun book (even preschoolers have standards – lol ). With so many books out there, finding appropriate ones your preschooler will love can be a challenge.
So, if you’re looking for exciting kid-tested Christmas books for preschoolers that are sure to spark the Christmas spirit this season, here’s a list just for you!
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Christmas Books for Preschoolers
The Night Before Christmas by Clement Moore
This classic story uses the original text that was first printed under the title “A Visit From Saint Nicolas.” This version is perfect for reading to preschoolers.
The Littlest Reindeer by Brandi Dougherty
Dot, the littlest reindeer wants to help Santa with his sleigh. Her family tries giving her lots of supporting help. Her friend Oliver the littlest elf encourages her too. This is a charming book with a fun surprise ending preschoolers will enjoy.
Bear Stays Up For Christmas by Karma Wilson.
This book is told in fun rhyming text about Bear’s friends who are determined to keep him up this year for Christmas.
The Polar Express by Chris Van Allsburg
This story of a young boy’s adventure to the North Pole on Christmas Eve has been delighting preschoolers long before the movie came out. I remember reading this book some 30 years ago to a class of wide-eyed excited preschoolers and it’s still delighting little ones today.
Construction Site on Christmas Night by Sherri Duskey Rinker
This is a story of construction vehicles working hard to complete an important building on Christmas Eve. As each vehicle finishes its job, they find a special present just for them. Children will anxiously be waiting to find out what each vehicle gets as a Christmas present, not to mention the anticipation of finding out what the construction vehicles are working so hard to build.
That’s Not Santa by Leonard Kessler
This is a fun silly book. It’s Christmas Eve and Santa can’t find his red suit. As he tries on different outfits children will love chiming in with, ” That’s Not Santa!”
Little Blue Truck’s Christmas by Alice Schertle
Children can count along as Little Blue spreads holiday cheer as he delivers Christmas trees to his friends. The rhyming text and cute illustrations are a big hit with preschoolers.
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer by Kristen Depken
This is my favorite version of the story of Rudolph for preschoolers. The book is illustrated with pictures from the Burl Ives movie with cliff-note style text of the story that preschoolers will enjoy.
Frosty the Snowman Snow Day! by Courtney Carbone
Likewise, this is my favorite version of the story of Frosty the Snowman for preschoolers. The book is illustrated with pictures from the 1969 classic movie narrated by Jimmy Durante, also with cliff-note style text of the story that preschoolers will enjoy.
How the Grinch Stole Christmas! By Dr. Seuss
The classic Dr Seuss story of the Grinch who tried to stop Christmas from coming but soon learns it’s something he can’t do.
Christmas Tree Books for Preschoolers
Mr. Willowby’s Christmas Tree by Robert Barry
Children have been loving this classic story of Mr. Willowby’s Christmas Tree since 1963. In this whimsical story, Mr. Willowby gets a Christmas tree for his house but it’s too big. He cuts off the top and throws it away but then the gardener finds it and takes it home but it’s too big so he cuts off the top and a bear finds it …Children will love seeing the tree top get smaller and smaller until eventually, it won’t need to be cut anymore.
Who’s in My Christmas Tree by Christopher Santoro
This is a silly flip-the-flap book that will get your little ones chuckling as they explore what’s hiding in this unusual Christmas tree.
The Biggest Tree Ever by Steven Kroll
This is a fun story about a town mouse and a country mouse who both have the same idea of finding the biggest Christmas tree ever.
The Pine Tree Parable by Lizz Curtis Higgs
This is a sweet story that shares the spirit of Christmas. For years a tree farmer’s wife has refused to part with one of the biggest most perfect-looking trees on their lot. She has kept a “not-for-sale sign” on it to let everyone know…until one year something changes that.
Night Tree by Eve Bunting
A beautiful story about the adventure a little boy and his family have as they go into the woods on Christmas Eve to decorate a Christmas tree for all the woodland critters.
Christian Christmas Books for Preschoolers
These are perfect books for sharing the story of Jesus and the first Christmas with your little one. These books have captivating pictures and simple age-appropriate text, preschoolers will enjoy!
Humphrey’s First Christmas by Carol Heyer
This is an absolutely wonderful book for sharing the true meaning of Christmas with preschoolers! The illustrations are amazing and the storyline, told from a grumpy, cold camel’s perspective, is perfect for keeping little ones excited to see what happens. This is one you’ll want to read every year.
The Christmas Baby by Marion Dane Bauer
This book tells the story of the first Christmas that even the youngest children will adore. It has lots of beautifully illustrated farm animals awaiting the birth of the Savior, that will keep your little one captivated.
Who is Coming to Our House by Joseph Slate
All the barnyard animals are cleaning up and making room for the visitors coming to their house. This book makes a cute introduction to the story of Baby Jesus for little ones.
God Gave Us Christmas by Lisa Tawn Bergen
In this story, Little Cub has lots of questions about Christmas. These are great questions your preschooler may even be asking. Mommy Bear takes her little cub on a journey to help answer those questions by using analogies from nature to show how (and why) God gave us Christmas. This story is told in a wonderfully simple way so that preschoolers will be able to understand.
Twas the Evening of Christmas Glenys Nelliest
This book uses the rhyming style of Clement Moore’s, “Night Before Christmas” to tell the story of Jesus’ birth.
The First Christmas According to Luke edited by James Heine
This book is one we read every year, on Christmas morning, before opening presents. The text is taken directly from the book of Luke in the Bible. The illustrations are breathtaking.
Christmas Books with Favorite Characters
Most preschoolers have a favorite character they just adore. It’s exciting for little ones to see how these special friends spend Christmas. This list of Christmas books includes some of those favorites.
Merry Christmas, Woody by Kristen L. Depken
Olaf’s Night Before Christmas by Jessica Julius
Tractor Mac Saves Christmas by Billy Steers
Froggy’s Best Christmas by Jonathan London
Maisy’s Snowy Christmas Eve by Lucy Cousins.
Merry Christmas Mom and Dad by Mercer Mayer
Dino Christmas Lisa Wheeler
A Car’s Christmas by Melissa Lagonegro (Disney’s Cars)
Merry Christmas Curious George Christmas by H.A. Rey
Christmas Cheer for the Grouchy Ladybug by Eric Carle
Berenstain Bears Joy of Giving by Jan and Mike Berenstain
If You Take a Mouse to the Movies by Laura Numeroff
The Very Hungry Caterpillar’s Peekaboo Christmas by Eric Carle
A Very CoComelon Christmas by Maggie Testa
Spot’s Christmas by Eric Hill
Merry Christmas Splat by Rob Scotton
Merry Christmas Rainbow Fish by Marcus Pfister
Deck the Halls With Elmo! by Sonali Fry
Caillou Waits for Santa by Annie Paradis
Biscuit’s Christmas Eve by Alyssa Satin Capucilli
Peppa’s Christmas Wish by Neville Astley
Merry Christmas, Baby Shark! by Pinkfong
Pete the Cat’s 12 Groovy Dys of Christmas by Kimberly and James Dean
How Do Dinosaurs Say Merry Christmas by Jane Yolan and Mark Teague
Merry Christmas Daniel Tiger by Angela Santomero
Llama Llama Jingle Bells by Anna Dewdney
Corduroy’s Christmas by Don Freeman
Be sure to check out more fun book lists!
- A Giant List of Winter Books for Preschoolers
- 10 Fun Counting Books for Preschoolers
- Silliest Sandra Boynton Books
- The Ultimate List of Books About Shapes
DEBBIE BROWN | Owner and Curriculum Designer
Hi! I’m Debbie Brown. I created Tothood 101 because I’m passionate about sharing preschool activity ideas, and resources that I’ve gleaned from my 20+ years of experience teaching preschoolers at home and in the classroom. My goal is to encourage, guide, and help inspire you to make learning SUPER FUN for your preschooler at home! Check out the ABOUT page to learn more.
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