Christmas is an absolutely magical time of year for children. These Christmas picture books all beautifully capture the magic and joy of the holiday season! You may also want to check out my list of other winter holiday books to use with your students!
This post includes affiliate links for which I may make a small commission at no extra cost to you should you make a purchase.
12 Picture Books for Christmas
Red & Lulu
Red & Lulu by Matt Tavares is a heartwarming story about two birds and their connection to the Rockefeller Christmas tree. Plus the book includes facts about the tradition of the tree, so it’s perfect to use as a paired text. Definitely, a must-read during the holiday season! Another similar book worth checking out is Everybody’s Tree. It tells the story of how a tree goes from the countryside to being the center of a city’s celebration.
Are You Grumpy, Santa?
Are You Grumpy, Santa? by Gregg Spiridellis is definitely one that I LOVE to read each year! Students will find it absolutely hilarious and you’ll love the skills you can target with this book. It’s perfect to use with character analysis and how a character changes throughout the book. In fact, you can use this FREE Reading Response sheet with students!
Olive the Other Reindeer
Olive the Other Reindeer by Vivian Walsh features Olive the dog who think she’s really a reindeer. The other reindeer are surprised to see a dog wanting to join them. But could she really be just the perfect fit for Santa’s team? Your students will also enjoy Olive My Love for Valentine’s Day!
Little Red Sleigh
The Little Red Sleigh by Erin Guendelsberger dreams of being Santa’s sleigh but no one thinks she can do it. Will her dreams come true and can she find a way to make Christmas magical?
Dasher
Dasher by Matt Tavares tells the story of the lesser-known reindeer Dasher. It is a story of determination and perseverance that is filled with beautiful illustrations and a heart-warming story that is sure to delight!
How Santa Got His Job
Have you ever wondered what Santa did before he was Santa? How Santa Got His Job by Stephen Krensky follows Santa on his journey to becoming the guy who delivers presents on Christmas Eve. Your students will love making the connections between Santa’s failed jobs and the way he operates now!
The Littlest Elf
The Littlest Elf by Brandi Dougherty may be small but he learns a big lesson in this adorable holiday story. It’s the perfect addition to the fun elf activities that may be doing with your students.
The Day Santa Stopped Believing in Harold
The Day Santa Stopped Believing in Harold by Maureen Fergus takes a hilarious spin on the idea of kids not believing in Santa anymore. Santa used to look forward to all of the excitement Harold brought to him – the letters, the cookies, and carrots for his reindeer. But his friends have made him start to wonder if Harold is even real. So Santa sets off to find out the truth!
Pick a Pine Tree
Pick a Pine Tree by Patricia Toht explores all of the yearly traditions of putting up Christmas trees. From picking out the perfect tree and decorating it to gathering around to celebrate with family, each step is beautifully detailed. It can also generate conversations about students’ own holiday traditions with their families.
![Children's Book for Christmas: Santa is Coming to [Your State]](https://thereadingroundup.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/christmas-books-roundup-santa-is-coming-to-your-state-the-reading-roundup.jpg "12 Christmas Picture Books to Capture the Magic of the Season 11")
Santa is Coming to [Your State]
Santa is Coming to [Your State] by Steve Smallman explores the landmarks in each state! What a special way to make Christmas Eve feel even more magical for the kids in your life than to read about Santa visiting their state!
A World of Cookies for Santa
A World of Cookies for Santa by M.E. Furman is ideal for learning about winter holidays in other places! It even includes recipes so you can try baking some of the cookies for students!
The Little Reindeer
The Little Reindeer by Nicola Killen tells the story of the friendship between a young girl and a little reindeer and their magical adventure together. The unique but stunning illustrations are mostly black and white with small pops of red. It’s sure to spark young readers’ imaginations!
Which of these books do you love to use with your students? Do you have other favorite Christmas picture books that didn’t make my list? Share them in the comments!
Want to Learn More?
You’ll love these related posts!
WANT TO PIN THIS FOR LATER?
