Our 24 Favorite Christmas Read-Alouds

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In about two weeks, I will spend an evening putting in all my winter library holds. I know there’s a popular “12 Days of Christmas” unwrapping of books tradition, but my version is a little different. I simply spend December jaunting back and forth to the library, bringing home our favorites and some new offerings. Then we read two or three every evening, before Daddy does the chapter book read-aloud for the night. It’s a sweet time and I look forward to it every year,  as do my kids. I suppose some teens snub their noses at picture books, but they’ve never shared my address— perhaps because I steer clear of much of the tripe on the children’s shelves at the library? At any rate, this is one tradition I encourage you to try. It’s a beautiful, simple way to gather each evening. And it’s free!

Here are two dozen of our favorites:

Christmas Tapestry

You must read this book. And if you have the funds to buy one from this list to add to your personal collection, make it this one. A beautiful story that still makes me cry with every reading.

The Christmas Miracle of Jonathan Toomey

A sweet, sweet story, beautifully illustrated and engaging for all ages.

An Orange For Frankie

This story has all the anticipation children feel at the holidays, wrapped up in a message of family and love and cozy home life.

Silver Packages: An Appalachian Christmas

It’s possible that my love for this story is rooted in my own family history, but I don’t think it’s magic stops there. The Christmas Train was a real and beloved part of Appalachian culture for many children, and provided more than just gifts from its stores.

The Story of Holly and Ivy

This classic tale has heart, and happiness after a long wait. What more can you ask for?

Christmas Day in the Morning

Pearl S. Buck is the author of so many excellent stories for adults and children; her writing is entrancing and inviting no matter your age. This story weaves together the story of a boy and his father, and the end result is nothing short of breathtaking.

Tree of Cranes

This story of a mother’s love speaks to my heart every year.

The Year of the Perfect Christmas Tree

Another story where family is the central theme. Yes, I cry over this one, too.

Christmas in Noisy Village

This book is fun, and children appreciate the celebration of their own brand of loud joy.

The Christmas Tree Ship

Based on a true story, this book’s illustrations are lush and fascinating, and it’s characters offer much to ponder in terms of what we think of as “the Christmas spirit.”

Christmas in the Country

Another book set in the Appalachians. Told by Cynthia Rylant, this story is sweet and evocative and just feels like home.

Apple Tree Christmas

Another book with artwork so beautiful you pause long and linger over each page. The story is simple and sweet, and just makes you long for an afternoon of falling snow.

Christmas Farm

A garden, a neighbor, and a lyrical style that is delicious to read aloud.

The Baker’s Dozen

The legend of a colonial baker whose greed is costly.

The All-I’ll-Ever-Want Christmas Doll

If you have children with big eyes this season, this is the story you need to read. Set during the Depression, a young girl gets a costly gift, only to find that it is less satisfying than she’d assumed.

Great Joy

If you choose to add a second book from this list to your collection, choose this one. Kate DiCamillo’s story of a girl’s heart being stirred by the needs of a stranger is exactly the kind of compassion the that you will want to revisit every holiday season.

The Money We’ll Save

You will laugh out loud at this story, which focuses on a frugal father and a close-knit family living in a busy community.

Cranberry Christmas

I remember reading this book to my own little brother, and attempting to bake the cookie recipe at the end with disastrous results.  I still read it every year, and my cranberry cookies are much, much better these days.

Red and Lulu

A new favorite. A pair of cardinals are the main characters, and their journey is one you won’t want to miss.

Walk This World at Christmastime

This is a lilft-the-flap book, which is normally something that I don’t file under “classic.” However, the details here are simply enchanting, and the conversations we have as we explore each page are priceless and worth sharing again and again.

There Was No Snow on Christmas Eve

You’ll notice my list is decidedly light on nativity-themed stories. The well-meaning but non-Biblical details of that genre are a big turn off for me, personally. But this book somehow transcends my general aversion and focuses on the birth of Christ in a very simple way.

Night Tree

A twist on the idea of a Christmas Tree. Maybe even a new tradition for your own family!

Mr. Willowby’s Christmas Tree

This story is sweet and sincere and never grows old.

A New Coat for Anna

I will read this book in any season, but Christmas is, of course, the best time. Set in the days following WWII, Anna has outgrown her coat. Her mother’s efforts to have a new one made are more than a trip to the store. This story is a classic for a reason.