The Best Holiday Books to Read with Kids This Season

Ready for the holidays? You can celebrate the season by reading one of these fun and festive children's books.

It’s the most wonderful time of the year! If you’re anything like me, you take advantage of the season and try to jam pack the calendar with every. single. one. of the things for the family – holiday lights, ice skating, cookie decorating and more.  But I’ve recently come to find out (the hard way) that while staying busy and experiencing the season at its finest can be fun, it’s also exhausting. 

Sometimes, the core memories we make with our families are the ones that don’t involve running around. If you’re lucky enough to have some downtime, cozy up with your kiddos and enjoy some holiday books. Here are some of our family’s and friends’ favorite holiday reads.

Read more: Best Holiday Activities for Chicagoland Kids

Holiday books to read with kids

Shmelf the Hanukkah Elf

  • Best for ages: 3-8

In this adorable Hanukkah story, Shmelf is one of the hardest working elves in the North Pole. But just as he’s double-checking Santa’s list in preparation for Christmas, he notices that some children who celebrate Hanukkah are missing from the list. When he investigates further, he discovers the wonderful traditions of Hanukkah. 

Dasher: How a Brave Little Doe Changed Christmas Forever

  • Best for ages: 3-8

Dasher is an adventurous young reindeer who longs to leave the circus in search of a different life — one where there is snow beneath her hooves and the North Star above her head. One day, when the opportunity arises, Dasher takes off in pursuit of the life she wants to live. It’s not long before she meets a nice man in a red suit with a horse-drawn sleigh — a man named Santa.  

How to Catch a Snowman

  • Best for ages: 3-6

In this edition of the bestselling How to Catch Series comes a winter adventure like none other! How will the Catch Club Kids fare when the snowman they built magically comes to life and escapes! Will they trap him to win first place in the snowman building contest?

Dear Santa, Love Rachel Rosenstein

  • Best for ages: 3-6

Rachel Rosenstein is a young Jewish girl who tries to get Santa to visit her. Through plenty of relatable humor and colorful illustrations, she ultimately finds a better understanding of her Jewish identity. Great for any child who has ever felt left out during the holiday season when it seems everyone is decorating their Christmas trees.

Milly and the Macy’s Parade

  • Best for ages: 4-8

Milly, the daughter of Polish immigrants, idolizes her dad’s boss, Mr. Macy. So, when Papa and his co-workers grow homesick for their Christmas tradition of caroling from house to house, Milly takes her idea for singing and strolling in the streets straight to Mr. Macy. Inspired by the true story behind the first Macy’s Parade in 1924, this heartwarming fictional tale celebrates a treasured American tradition.

Busy Betty and the Perfect Christmas Present

  • Best for ages: 3-7

Reese Witherspoon’s New York Times bestselling Busy Betty is back for the busiest time of year: Christmas! Follow along with Betty as she converts her lemonade stand into a Christmas cookie stand to earn enough money to buy Christmas presents.

Li’l Rabbit’s Kwanzaa

  • Best for ages: 4-8

Inspired by Brer Rabbit, a trickster character from the African American folklore tradition, the story of Li’l Rabbit captures the true meaning of Kwanzaa—coming together to help others.

Mazo Ball – Wonton Thanksgiving

It’s Thanksgiving time and Amelie’s Bubbe and Nai Nai are visiting to celebrate the holiday. When they each want to make their famous mazo ball and wonton soups, Amelie longs to have a “real” Thanksgiving like her friends. A beautiful story about new traditions and being proud of your identity.


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Lori Orlinsky
Lori Orlinsky
Lori Orlinsky is an award-winning journalist and bestselling children's book author. She is the mom of three little ladies who keep her on her toes.

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