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🎁24 Christmas Holiday Read Alouds! 📚

We've been hearing alot, in recent years, just how important reading aloud is for our children's development and success. Well I receive it!

This Christmas I'm giving the gift of reading aloud for the holidays. 🎁 

The holidays are the perfect time to gather around the fireplace or curl up under a blanket with loved ones to enjoy the magic of Christmas stories. Here’s a selection of delightful read-aloud books, sorted by relevance to specific days, that will add joy and warmth to your holiday season. These stories range from timeless classics to newer gems that will create lasting memories for families.

In this blog you'll find a Month (ish) long Christmas Reading.

1. Red and Lulu 

By Matt Tavares  

Best read weeks before Christmas 

This heartwarming story about two cardinals who are separated and reunited under the Christmas tree will make your heart sing. Red and Lulu is a beautifully illustrated tale of love, family, and the joy of Christmas.


2. The Polar Express 

By Chris Van Allsburg

Best read on Christmas Eve or Christmas morning

This enchanting story about a boy who travels to the North Pole on Christmas Eve is a magical journey that speaks to the power of belief. With its beautifully illustrated pages and heartwarming message, The Polar Express is a holiday classic that will spark the imagination of listeners of all ages.


3. The Snowy Day

By Ezra Jack Keats

Best read on a snowy winter day

The beautiful simplicity of The Snowy Day captures the wonder of a young child experiencing their first snowfall. This short, sweet story about Peter’s adventure in the snow is ideal for early readers or a cozy read-aloud on a crisp winter day.


4. How Winston Delivered Christmas 

By Alex T. Smith  

Best read December 1-25!  

Winston the mouse is on a mission to deliver Christmas presents, but things don’t go as planned. This charming tale is full of humor, kindness, and the magic of the season, making it a perfect read leading up to Christmas Day.


5. How the Grinch Stole Christmas 

By Dr. Seuss 

Best read on Christmas Eve 

The Grinch's heart grows three sizes in this beloved Dr. Seuss classic, and it’s the perfect story to remind everyone about the true spirit of Christmas. This book is a festive favorite for children and adults alike and will fill your home with Christmas cheer.


6. Bear Stays Up For Christmas 

By Karma Wilson

Best read in the days leading up to Christmas 

Bear is usually hibernating during winter, but this year he decides to stay awake for Christmas to celebrate with his friends. This sweet, rhyming story is perfect for younger children and helps build excitement for the holidays.


7. Snowmen at Night  

By Caralyn Buehner

Best read during a snowy evening

What happens when the snowman you build in the afternoon is left alone at night? This delightful story imagines the playful activities snowmen get up to when the world is asleep. It’s a great read for snowy evenings.


8. Snowmen at Christmas 

By Caralyn Buehner 

Best read a few days before Christmas

Following the same characters as Snowmen at Night, this sequel celebrates the joy of snowmen during the Christmas season. The story brings a festive spirit, perfect for sharing with the family as Christmas draws near.


9. The Stick Man  

By Julia Donaldson  

Best read during the countdown to Christmas 

In this wonderfully rhymed and illustrated tale, Stick Man embarks on a journey to get back to his family in time for Christmas. It’s a fun adventure that builds anticipation for the big day, making it a great read for the holiday season.


10. The Night Before Christmas

By Clement C. Moore

Best read on Christmas Eve

This timeless poem, The Night Before Christmas, is a perfect way to prepare for the arrival of Santa. With its familiar rhyme and rhythm, it has become a beloved holiday tradition for families. Read it aloud on Christmas Eve to build excitement as the children eagerly await Christmas morning.


11. A Charlie Brown Christmas  

By Charles M. Schulz

Best read in the week leading up to Christmas

Charlie Brown and his friends search for the true meaning of Christmas in this classic story. With themes of simplicity, generosity, and the real spirit of Christmas, it's a must-read for families during the holiday season.


12. The Christmas Pig 

By J.K. Rowling 

Best read a few days before Christmas  

In this whimsical tale from the creator of Harry Potter, a boy’s beloved toy pig is lost, and he embarks on an adventure to rescue it. This magical and heartwarming story is a great read for families with older children looking for a bit of adventure during the holidays.


13. Merry Christmas, Curious George 

By Margret & H.A. Rey

Best read on Christmas morning

Curious George's holiday adventures never fail to delight young readers. In this festive story, George’s curiosity leads him to holiday mishaps and heartwarming moments. It’s a great read to start Christmas morning.


14. Dasher 

By Matt Tavares

Best read early in December

This beautifully illustrated tale imagines the story of Dasher, the reindeer, and how she became part of Santa’s team. It’s a charming and heartwarming read that builds anticipation for Christmas Eve.


15. The Velveteen Rabbit

By Margery Williams

Best read throughout the season 

Although not strictly a Christmas book, *The Velveteen Rabbit* is often read during the holiday season. This classic story about a toy rabbit's quest to become real is full of warmth and is a timeless reminder of love and the magic of childhood.


16. Pick a Pine Tree 

By Patricia Toht 

Best read at the start of the Christmas season

This beautifully illustrated book tells the story of picking and decorating a Christmas tree. It’s a perfect way to begin the season’s celebrations and a great choice for families preparing for their own tree traditions.


17. The Crayon’s Christmas 

By Drew Daywalt

Best read in the days leading up to Christmas

The Crayons from the Crayons series have a holiday adventure of their own. This colorful and humorous tale is a fun read for children who enjoy the antics of these beloved characters.


18. Santa In the City

By Tiffany D. Jackson  

Best read the week of Christmas  

This uplifting story shows how Santa works to bring joy to the children in the city. The diverse and festive illustrations add to the warmth of the season, making it a beautiful read for Christmas week.


19. Elf on the Shelf

By Carol Aebersold and Chanda Bell  

Best read the days after Thanksgiving  

This modern Christmas tradition has captured the hearts of families. The Elf on the Shelf book introduces the elf who watches over children to report back to Santa. It’s a perfect read to kick off the holiday season.


20. Mr. Popper’s Penguins

By Richard Atwater

Best read throughout December 

The story of Mr. Popper, who receives a group of penguins, is a delightful and humorous holiday read. It’s full of quirky fun and adventure, perfect for older children and families looking for a heartwarming classic.


21. Carla and the Christmas Cornbread

By Tami Charles  

Best read during the week before Christmas

This beautiful and heartwarming story celebrates a young girl’s holiday tradition with her grandmother and the importance of family, culture, and the food that brings them together. It’s a wonderful read that highlights the joy of sharing and family traditions.


22. Jan Brett’s Christmas Treasury  

By Jan Brett

Best read throughout the season 

This collection includes a variety of Christmas tales from Jan Brett, with her stunning illustrations bringing each story to life. From The Wild Christmas Reindeer to The Twelve Days of Christmas, this treasury offers a perfect read for every day leading up to Christmas.


23. The Good News of Christmas 

By Rousseaux Brasseur

Best read on Christmas morning 

This beautifully illustrated book shares the story of the birth of Jesus, making it a meaningful and spiritual addition to your holiday reading. It's an excellent choice for families wanting to focus on the true meaning of Christmas.


24. Over and Under the Snow 

By Kate Messner 

Best read in early winter 

This lovely story explores the world of animals beneath the snow, showing the hidden life that continues while winter blankets the earth. It’s a quiet and contemplative read perfect for winter mornings.


Take Away


These Christmas read-alouds are perfect for creating lasting memories, teaching valuable lessons, and sharing the joy of the holiday season with loved ones. Whether you're counting down the days to Christmas or enjoying a cozy evening with your family, these books are sure to bring the magic of Christmas to life.



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