Best Holiday Books for Babies and Toddlers

Is there anything cozier than cuddling up for a read-aloud at holiday time? You may be reading to a little Santa baby who is more interested in gnawing on board book pages than listening to a story, or you may be trying to calm older kids who managed to consume way too many pieces of chocolate gelt. Either way, you’ll be surprised by what kids can remember and appreciate about these special moments with you.
Reading together is something that kids of all ages—and adults, too!—can enjoy. It can feel heartwarming to select a special story to share at the same time every year, or you may want to shake things up with new-to-you tales of elves, animals and favorite characters.
If you’re trying to engage reluctant readers (or kids who are simply reluctant to sit still), try interactive books with touch-and-feel or search-and-find elements. For school-aged kids who aren’t so sure it’s “cool” to read books together, try humorous stories or books based on favorite movies.
Whether you are looking for books to read with your own family, searching for gifts or trying to find a tale that will translate well over video chat, you’ll be able to find holiday books for every occasion and every reader.
Here are some of our favorites:
Rosie Colosi writes books for curious kids and articles for parents who are counting the minutes until bedtime. Once upon a lifetime ago, she played Mrs. Claus in The Christmas Spectacular Starring The Radio City Rockettes, but now she mostly focuses on singing songs from Annie to her two little girls.