25+ Christian Christmas Books For Kids

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Are you looking for good Christian Christmas books to enjoy with your kids? 

In our home, the winter holiday months are the time we emphasize the importance of Jesus to our kids. I’ve noticed the more we focus on Jesus as a family during the holidays the more consistent we are in seeking Him when the holidays are over. Is that true for you too? Christmas books are my favorite way to explain Christmas to a child.

What popular Christmas story books do children enjoy? In this article, you’ll find well over 25 of the best Christian children’s books available. Our list includes:

• Christmas books for toddlers and preschoolers (this list includes a ton of phenomenal Christmas picture books as well). 
• Christmas picture books
• Best Christmas books for 8 year old (and up)
• Fun Christmas books for Christmas Eve

and our all time Favorite Christian Christmas books to read as a family! You’ll love them and you’re kids will too. 

We’re putting a fun Advent twist on this book list by using these Christmas books to count down to our FAVORITE Jesus celebration of the year.

We’re taking, “to know Him and make Him known,” serious this Advent, friend. I want Jesus to be made famous in our home. I’ve found Christmas storybooks about Jesus are a fun and effective way to help children understand the importance of Jesus and Christmas.

Christmas Books and the Original Christmas Story

What is a Christmas book? For most people, a Christmas book is a book based on the Christmas holiday. In addition to enjoying Christmas classics; because I believe Christmas is all about Jesus we put extra effort into finding Christmas books about Jesus. You’ll find both in this booklist.

Are books good Christmas gifts for children? Books make great Christmas gifts for children, especially during seasons like Christmas! The memories that come with childhood Christmas books and Christmas stories are priceless. They’ll stick with your kiddos for a lifetime. If you’re hoping for a way to make those memories more tangible, you’ll love the options available for personalized children’s Christmas books. More on those in a minute!

What is a good Christmas book to read? I’m head over heels excited to share my list of best Christmas books for kids with you. It’s important to note though; none of these Christmas stories can compare to the original Christmas story in the Bible. In fact, let’s just make that #1 on your list.

What I do appreciate about these Christmas books is that they’ll all point back to the original Christian Christmas story. Jesus’ birth and life are the foundation of this entire Christmas celebration, and even more so, the foundation of our faith. We can’t drive that point home enough. Our kids need to witness Jesus at the center of our lives and celebration.

They always say the original story is the best. So let’s take them back to the original and best story of Christmas. You can find the original Christmas story in a couple of different places in your Bible:

• Matthew chapters 1 &2
• Luke chapters 1&2

If you prefer to use a kid’s Bible, The Jesus Story Book Bible Christmas Collection is BEAUTIFUL and perfect for little ones.

A Complete List of the Best Christmas Books for Kids

Okay. I’m sure you’re ready to be done with the formalities so we can get on with actual Christmas books. You’re a champ for hanging in there! Here’s our master list of Children’s Christian Christmas books. Starting with my all time favorite! 

1. Manger – This is hands down one of the most creative Christmas books I’ve read with my kids! It’s the night of Jesus’ birth and the animals around him are in awe. Each page of the book presents the poetic response of the animals who witness the Savior being born. Guess which farm animal had this response. “Though it’s not dawn, and stars still blaze, I, who announce the star of days, feel the need to crow to herald a tiny prince who will change the world.” If you guessed rooster, you nailed it.
2. The Song of the Start by Sally Lloyd-Jones – The Bible talks about how even the earth was eager for the arrival of a Messiah. This beautiful rhythmic read portrays both the earth’s and the animal’s hopeful anticipation of the birth of Jesus.
3. Home By Another Way – In this captivating retelling of the story of the wisemen, we get a picture of the hope Jesus had to offer even those who were far away from Him. In biblical days, the word wisemen often described mystics, astrologers, and magicians. Home by Another Way shares the story of how the birth of Jesus changed the hearts of the wise men so they could accept their Savior. Based on Matthew 2:1-2

Best Baby Christmas Books

Christmas In the Manger by Nola Buck – With texts that read like lyrics and beautiful illustrations, this is the perfect book for mom, dad, grandma, or grandpa to enjoy with young ones.

The Little Blue Truck Christmas by Alice Chertel – A wholesome Christmas storybook for kids. A classic baby Christmas book that isn’t about Jesus but somehow still capture the heart of the season. Great for babies!

Good News! It’s Chrismas! by Glenys Nellist

Goodnight Manger by Laura Sassi – This book weaves “…together comforting and familiar bedtime routines with the special magic and wonder of the manger story as Mary and Joseph try to lull baby Jesus asleep inside the noisy stable.”

The First Christmas by Holly Berry-Byrd – Travel with Mary and Joseph through Bethlehem to the place Jesus was born. The lift-a-pop feature invites little hands to explore the story right along with you by opening and closing the pop-up flaps that uncover classic illustrations and artwork to complement the story.

Christmas Songs: Interactive Sound Book – Introduce little ones to Christmas with 10 classic Christmas carols and festive illustrations. Songs like Hark the Harold Angels Sing, Away in A Manger, We Wish You A Merry Christmas, Joy to the World, and more! Read the words, then sing the song! Perfect holiday fun for the little ones you love.

One Night In Bethlehem by Jill Roman Lord – A touch and feel board book that follows the imagination of a young boy pondering what it might have been like to be present when Jesus was born. “He sings with the angels in the sky, becomes a spotted cow at the nativity scene, and alongside the Wise Men, he offers his precious teddy bear as a gift.”

Christmas Stories for Preschoolers

Toddlers love books with fun colors and engaging pictures. These Christmas books for preschoolers and toddlers provide both whiles also offering an appropriate presentation of the Christmas story. If you’re looking for the best Christmas books for preschoolers or really great Christmas picture books, try these:

The Small One by Alex Walsh – When “Small One” the family donkey becomes too old and weak to work – his owner, a young boy, is given the tasking of selling him. The boy loves Small One and promises to find a good home for him, but the pickings are slim. He gets offers from a tanner and a horse trainer and even attempts to auction him off. None of the offers sit right with the boy, until He meets Joseph – a young man looking for a donkey to take he and his pregnant wife to Bethlehem.  This Christmas book that is beyond precious and a beautiful introduction to the Christmas Story.

Silent Night by Laura Hawthorne – Based on one of the world’s most beloved Christmas carols – a retelling of the nativity story. Sing the song together or use the book as a read a loud. Either way its a beautiful book to read. 

The Story of Christmas book by Patricia Pingry – The story of Jesus from the KJV Bible put to beautiful artwork! My kids loved talking about the illustrations. They’re very well done. 

Room for A Little One: A Christmas Tale by Martin Waddel – In a manger, on a cool winter night, in the presence of the animals, a baby was born. A simple picture book telling of the story of Jesus

God Gave Us Christmas by Lisa Tawn Berges – If you’re not already a fan of the “God gave us…” series you’re about to be!

The Christmas Baby – A timeless retelling of the nativity story.

The Legend of the Candycane – The inspirational story behind your favorite Christmas candy! Would it surprise you to know it has everything to do with Jesus? Get in on the story and learn with this small town as they welcome a stranger into their Christmas and embrace his beautiful Christmas message.

And let’s not forget the Christmas story as told by, The Jesus Story Book Bible Christmas Edition

What are the Best Books for Four Year Olds? ( Ages 4 – 8)

Who Built the Stable by Ashley Bryan – A creative and unique story of a young boy, a shepherd, and a carpenter who lovingly prepared the stable for baby Jesus to be born in. Who Built the Stable is a precious story that prepares our hearts for Christmas.

A Christmas Journey for Jesus by Susan Jones – This Christmas book tells the story of Badger and his forest friends as Badger puts together a very special Christmas dinner that demonstrates the importance of community in our celebration of Jesus.

A Birthday Party for Jesus by Susan Jones –  A heartwarming reminder that teaches kids, God gave us Christmas to celebrate Jesus. 

Itsy Bitsy Christmas: You’re Never Too Little for His Love by Max Lucado – “…A true nativity story reimagined in a fictional narrative through the eyes of two mice.” A reminder that Jesus came to give his love to even the littlest of us.

25 Days of Christmas Story – A family Advent devotional.

The Little Drummer Boy by Ezra Jack Keats – A story of a boy, who has nothing fancy to give to baby Jesus, the newborn king. What he does have is a drum and a song in his heart. Turns out his simple gift was an amazing gift. 

Everyone Is Invited to Christmas by Susan Jones – Through beautiful illustrations and a heartfelt storyline of Little Racoon and his forest friends, readers learn that we share Christmas with everyone because Jesus’ love is for everyone and He is the true reason for the season.

Christmas In the Barn – “Christmas in the Barn tells a childlike interpretation of the Nativity story with all-new full-color illustrations”

Humphrey’s First Christmas – Humphrey’s first Christmas is a beautifully illustrated picture book that gives the account of the wise men’s journey from the country to Bethlehem from the perspective of the camel (Humphrey) who carried them there. The love expressed towards baby Jesus inspires Humphrey to give him a very special gift. 

Christian Christmas Books for 8 years old (and up)!

The first three books mentioned are Christmas devotionals for kids. The books that follows are Christmas story books.

The Way to the Manger – The Way to the Manger is a 25-day family devotional designed to help kids engage with the biblical truths of the Christmas story and affirm their need for a Savior and the amazing gift of Jesus.

Uncovering Mercies At the Manger – In this devotional children spend 25 days leading up to Christmas exploring how the different events of Jesus’ life fit together to bring us the greatest gift we could ever know. “As you work through each lesson, marvel at the goodness of God in sending His Son to be the perfect gift to this lost and hurting world.”

The Birth of a King by Pip Reid – This adventurous tale tells the story of Jesus’ escape from Bethlehem after King Herod discovered a king is soon to be born there. It’s full of colorful illustrations and highlights part of Jesus’ story we are quick to forget. A great educational Christian Christmas book, for sure!

The Donkey Who Carried A King by R.C. Sproul – There are two special moments in Jesus life where God used a donkey to accomplish something special. In a Donkey who Carried A King we revisit both.

The Very First Christmas – The story of Christmas adapted from scripture, featuring colorful pop-up illustrations on every page.

Adoration at the Manger: A Christmas Hymn Study – People have been using music to tell stories for centuries. Adoration at the Manger is a Christmas devotional that uses classic Christmas hymns to bring the Christmas story to life.

The First Christmas: Lessons from the Nativity – Unique lessons and wonderfully illustrated scenes inspired by the original Christmas story. This childrens Christmas book designed for people of all ages with something new for everyone to learn.

A Jesus Christmas: Explore God’s Amazing Plan for Christmas by Barbara Reaoch – A Christmas devotional for kids and families. “Each day’s devotional looks at one of the serpent’s lies from Genesis 3, and then shows how the glorious truth of Christmas beats it every time!”

The Advent Story Book – 25 Christmas Stories that teach us why Jesus came to earth. Perfect for family night on the couch or at the family dinner table.

Best Christmas Eve Books for Kids

Twas the Evening of Christmas by Gleys Nellist – A lyrical echoing of the classic “Twas the Night Before Christmas” but with a nativity twist and full focus on the birth of Jesus.

The Night Before Jesus by Herbert Brokering – Another fun one set to the rhythm of “Twas the Night Before Christmas” with classic illustrations and joyful rhymes to teach children about the birth of Jesus and the key characters and events surrounding it.

Away in A Manger – Perfect a sing-a-long or as a read-a-loud. The pictures on each page correspond with the lyrics to the ever popular Christmas hymn, Away in A Manger

Personalized Children’s Christmas Books

Personalized Children’s Christmas books are great for passing down memories and gifting keepsakes.

• Use personalized Chidrens Christmas books like these to embed your child’s name in classic Christmas stories like, “Twas the Night Before Christmas.”
• Baby’s first Christmas? Turn it into a keepsake with these “Baby’s first Christmas personalized Christmas story books. The stories (though not exclusively about Jesus) are sweet as ever.
• Create a memory book full of the baby’s first special moments and save it for a Christmas gift further down the road. You’ll find tons of cute baby keepsake and milestone books here.

How to Turn Your Book List into An Advent Countdown!

Remember that fun Advent Twist I mentioned earlier? Curious how that works?

Here are the details:

1. Go through the list of best children’s Christmas books and pick 25. You can use the quick links above to purchase or find them at your local library. If you prefer audiobooks, most of these titles can be found on YouTube for free.
2. Starting December 1^st read one book a day with your kiddos. Make it a Christmas date. Stories and peppermint hot chocolate at the kitchen table.

It’s that simple. Along with remembering Jesus and all He’s done for us, this is a great time to create your own special family memories. Here are a couple of ways you can use this Christmas book countdown to make some lovely memories.

• Gift wrap each book and set it on the kitchen table. Let the kids unwrap the book each morning.
• Place a special note inside each book. When your kids open the book, they get an awesome story AND a sweet letter from you.
• Have a nice cup of peppermint hot cocoa (or your kid’s favorite) ready just for this time! Your kids will love that they get to sip and listen.
• Pay it forward! After reading each Christmas book help your children wrap the book up and gift it to someone else; a neighbor, a friend from school, the church nursery, safe houses for kids healing from traumas. Teach them the blessing and fun of giving!
• Read each story with a sweet treat; cookies, brownies, candy canes. Whatever the family favorites are. Use this time to create memories with your children that go beyond your usual family fun. They’re sure to love these stories but in addition, they’ll surely treasure these moments you were so diligent to create.

Explaining Christmas to a child should be special and fun. In addition to special and fun, Christian Christmas books make sharing explaining Christmas to a child simple. I hope you enjoy your picks from our list of best Christmas books for children!

Do you have a favorite book that’s not on this list? Drop the titles of your favorite Christian Christmas books in the comments!