The Christmas tree twinkles and that freshly showered smell fills the air as our pajama-ed twins squeeze in next to me on the couch for the latest Christmas book. Together they rip open the wrapping paper and then squeal when they recognize a favorite Christmas story. We all cuddle in closer to read the latest in our picture book countdown to Christmas.
My twins are 5 now and this will be there 4th year of our Christmas Book Countdown. Every year after Thanksgiving I wrap up 24 Christmas books. We open one every night with the finale on Christmas Eve. It is one of my absolute favorite holiday traditions.
The idea here is to build a collection of amazing Christmas books most of which will delight your children year after year after year.
also read: Ultimate Guide to Christmas Books for All Ages
affiliate links are included below
Christmas Book Countdown for Kindergarteners
December 1.
Georgie the Gingerbread Fairy by Lara Ede and Tim Bugbird
Find it Online
This book was recommended to me when we did the 10 Days of Kid-Made Ornaments Inspired by Books series last December. Our twins were deep in their fairy obsession, so I immediately added this to our to-read list. It is a fun book about a fairy who runs a gingerbread store until another fairy shows up with a glittery plastic store. The message in the end is that both can have value and more old fashioned ideas, like gingerbread, need not be replaced entirely. As a girl who likes her old fashioned, simple Christmas I loved the fairy infused message. Ages 3+
December 2.
Little Rabbit’s Christmas by Harry Horse
Find it Online
Such a sweet story about a little rabbit who desperately wants a red sled for Christmas. He gets his wish, but then refuses to share his new gift with anyone. When disaster strikes and his sled is broken, it is his friends who share their gifts with him. Timeless message about sharing and a look at the real meaning of Christmas. Ages 2+
December 3.
Christmas Mouseling by Dori Chaconas
Find it Online
A little mouseling is born on a cold winter’s night. His mother is searching for somewhere warm for them to rest. All the other animals offer their homes as they are headed off to see a king. A sweet perspective on the story of baby Jesus. Ages 2+
December 4.
The Carpenter’s Gift by David Rubel
Find it Online
This book tells the story of the first tree in Rockefeller Center. It is a beautiful story about hope and Christmas that I discovered a few years ago. I shared it with our kids for the first time after their first New York adventure and it inspired our Kid-Made Ornament for this year. Ages 4+
December 5.
The Little Drummer Boy by Ezra Jack Keats
Find it Online
This is a favorite Christmas book every year. Caldecott Winner, Ezra Jack Keats has softly illustrated this sweet, rhythmic carol with love. It is a gentle representation that I love and a book we can sing – which our kids love. Ages 1+
December 6.
The Polar Express by Chris Van Allsburg
Find it Online
A classic and probably my favorite story for capturing the magic of Christmas. Breathtaking illustrations and delicious words. Plus my son is obsessed with trains, so this is a huge win in our house. This year we are even planning a whole Polar Express unit celebrating this story. Ages 3+
December 7.
The Sweet Smell of Christmas by Patricia M. Scarry
Find it Online
A scratch and sniff book that I read every Christmas as a child. Follow Little Bear as he bakes cookies, hangs candy canes, and finds the perfect tree. Fun book about the scents of Christmas approaching. Last year we made ornaments inspired by this book. Ages 2+
December 8.
The Jolly Christmas Postman by Allan Ahlbers and Janet Ahlberg
Find it Online
The jolly postman is busy following his route through fairy tales to deliver holiday cards and messages. A great lap story. Each page has a letter or note tucked into the page delivered by the postman to various characters. I first heard this book when I was in third grade a million year ago and it is still as quirky and fun today. Our twins are more familiar with fairy tales this year and I am looking forward to sharing this one with them this year. Ages 4+
December 9.
The Beautiful Christmas Tree by Charlotte Zolotow
Find it Online
This is a book from my Christmases as a child and it is one of my favorites. At four, our kids are finally old enough for it although I have read it to them every Christmas since they were born. It follows Mr. Crockett who rescues a scrawny, Charlie Brown-esque tree and patiently nurtures into a beautiful, vibrant pine. It offers a beautiful message about the basic goodness of people. Ages 4+
December 10.
The Christmas Story by Robert Sabuda
Find it Online
If you are looking for a beautiful interpretation of the Christmas story I don’t think you can do better than this stunning pop-up book. Sabuda, the masterful creator of America the Beautiful and The 12 Days of Christmas, tells the story of the birth of Jesus with six splendid pop up scenes. The illustrations are created with stark white and flourishes of gold foil that are bold against the backdrops. The detail and fullness of each scene brings the Nativity to life in this book that is sure to become a family holiday treasure in homes around the world. Ages 5+
December 11.
Nutcracker by Susan Jeffers
Find it Online
This book tells the classic story of the Nutcracker with beautiful paintings. I bought this one to add to our Christmas book collection after we fell in love with it during our Nutcracker Unit. Ages 3+
December 12.
Tallulah’s Nutcracker by Marilyn Singer
Find it Online
Tallulah gets to be in real professional ballet production of the Nutcracker! She’s excited, even though she is only a mouse. Tallulah practices hard and feels ready for the big night. On opening night, disaster strikes and Tallulah learns that being a real ballerina isn’t being perfect, it’s getting back up when you fall. Ages 3+
December 13.
Alfie’s Christmas by Shirley Hughes
Find it Online
I adore all things Shirley Hughes and especially the darling and warm stories about Alfie. Follow this favorite character as he and his family prepare for the holidays. Full of relatable events and warm illustrations of a Christmas at home, this is a new favorite. Ages 2+
December 14.
How the Grinch Stole Christmas by Dr. Seuss
Find it Online
Classic Christmas book and movie, this is likely in most Christmas book piles. The Grinch is taught a lesson by Cindy Lou and the Whos in Whoville about the true meaning of Christmas. Ages 3+
December 15.
1001 Things to Spot at Christmas by Usborne Books
Find it Online
If look and find books are popular in your kids, I highly recomment this Christmas book and this series from Usborne in general. Bright, playful illustrations full of elves, pixies, and festive fun. There is so much to study, find, and enjoy on these pages. Ages 2+
December 16.
Wombat Divine by Mem Fox
Find it Online
Set in Australia, this is not your traditional northern hemisphere Christmas book. The animals are native to Australia and completely unique. The setting is a sunny, warm, and dusty. It is however delightful and full of Christmas spirit. Wombat loves Christmas and longs to be in the Nativity play. Will there be a part for Wombat in the play? Written by the lovely Mem Fox. Ages 3+
December 17.
Musical Nativity by Usborne
Find it Online
A simple version of the Nativity for young readers paired with a song on each page. This press and play book brings to life the spirit of Christmas. I wish I had found this one years ago, but it will still be a hit with my music loving preschoolers. Ages 1+
December 18.
12 Days of Christmas by Rachel Isadora
Find in Online
A beautiful version of this classic song set in Africa. Unique and interesting. Much like the THIS IS A TREE song, Isadora depicts a unique and interesting version with rebus style pictures for young readers to help follow along. Ages 2+
December 19.
An Otis Christmas by Loren Long
Find it Online
The Otis books are growing into a warm and lasting series. Personally I get excited each time I find a new one. An Otis Christmas is filled with the birth of a new foal, Otis’ first ever Christmas present, and a medical emergency. Ages 3+
December 20.
I’ll Be Home for Christmas by Holly Hobbie
Find it Online
We originally shared this book as part of our Holiday Travel Booklist guest post. We adore Toot and Puddle. These humorous books about two piggie friends tackle a wide range of issues in sweet ways perfect for little ones. In this tale, Puddle is cuddled up at home while Toot is off having adventures. Toot promises to be home for the holidays and despite cancelled flights and snowdrifts, he finds a way to be with his friend. This addresses many of the common winter travel troubles in a child friendly way paired with cozy, softly lit illustrations. Ages 3+
December 21.
The Christmas Giant by Steve Light
Find it Online
Steve Light is one of those authors that can’t seem to do wrong in my book. In this lovely tale, the giant and elf that are in charge of creating Christmas wrapping paper (apparently that’s a job) are down because their job for the year is done. Santa decides to put them in charge of growing the holiday tree for Christmastown which turns out to be a complicated and sometimes hazardous job. Ages 4+
December 22.
The Last Christmas Tree by Stephen Krensky
Find it Online
A Christmas tree lot is bursting with trees but none are more excited about the season than a tiny, pathetic tree. Days go by and no one notices the tree. Christmas Eve it is deserted and alone until suddenly it is picked and placed in a sled. Beautifully illustrated and full of Christmas spirit. Ages 3+
December 23.
Merry Christmas, BIG HUNGRY BEAR! By Don and Audrey Wood
Find it Online
We adore Audrey and Don Wood’s The Little Mouse, The Red Ripe Strawberry, and the Big Hungry Bear. It is one of my favorite read alouds of all time. This is a sweet adaptation for Christmas. The Little Mouse hears that the Big Hungry Bear likes Christmas presents and starts to guard his gifts. Then he learns that the Bear does not get gifts of his own. What he does with this information is wonderful and heart warming. Ages 2+
December 24.
‘Twas The Night Before Christmas by Clement Clarke Moore and Holly Hobbie
Find it Online
This is my favorite version of this beloved story and the book we always read on Christmas Eve. The words are familiar, but paired with dreamlike illustrations. Our favorite part is that a little baby is also awakened by Santa appearing and follows his daddy downstairs. Ages 2+
