Christmas reads guaranteed to get you in the festive feeling

1. Pick a Pine Tree by Patricia Toht

The first on our list of Christmas reads is Pick a Pine Tree. This book is perfect for children aged 3 and over. The book tells the tale of picking a tree and decorating it with your loved ones. This a great book that will inspire you and your family to decorate your tree together.

2. Elmer’s Christmas by David McKee

This colourful book follows the much-loved patchwork elephant, Elmer. The elephant teams up with Papa Red to give young elephants a Christmas surprise they’ll never forget. The elephants embark on a magical journey to see snow for the first time. The book is aimed at children aged 2+. It teaches them about the joy of giving, not receiving.

3. How the Grinch stole Christmas by Dr Seuss

One of our favourite Christmas reads. This classic book tells the story of the grumpy grinch and his hatred for Christmas. The Grinch’s plan of stealing Christmas from the residents of Whoville backfires. He learns Christmas isn’t all about presents but spending time with loved ones. This is a story the whole family can enjoy.

4. Dream Snow by Eric Carle

This is a fun interactive book for toddlers. It tells the story of a farmer who falls asleep on Christmas Eve. He wakes up to discover his dream of a white Christmas has come true. However, he needs to deliver 5 presents to his animals in the snow. He wraps up in his warm clothes to embark on a journey to deliver the presents.

5. A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens

This classic Christmas read is designed for children aged 8+. The book tells the story of the mean-spirited man Ebenezer Scrooge. He learns to change his ways and be kind to people after he is visited by three ghosts. The story teaches us the true meaning of Christmas spirit.

6. That’s not my elf by Fiona Watt

This is a great Christmas book for even the smallest members of the family. The interactive book has textured patterns and simple drawings to grab your baby’s attention. There’s a sparkly bell at the end for them to enjoy.

7. Father Christmas by Raymond Briggs

This classic Christmas tale is sure to give your children a giggle. The book tells the tale of a grumpy man who lives with his pets. He enjoys a few beers before he delivers presents to children around the world. The comic strip style sequence and limited words add to the humour.

8. The Night before Christmas by Clement C. Moore

Our next Christmas read is perfect to read to your children at bedtime. This classic book is a poem that follows Saint Nick on his journey on Christmas Eve. It’s a magical book that truly embraces the spirit of Christmas.

9. Peter Rabbit Tales: A Christmas Wish by Beatrix Potter

Children will fall in love with this delightful Christmas tale. Father Christmas is on his way, but Peter Rabbit is too excited to fall asleep. Father Christmas won’t visit him if he isn’t asleep. What will he do? Peter and his sisters have wished for something special for Christmas. But, if Father Christmas sees him awake, he won’t deliver it.

10. The Snowman by Raymond Briggs

One of our favourite Christmas reads is The Snowman. It is based on the classic film we all know and love. It follows the story of a boy who wakes up to see the snowman he built has come to life! The pair enjoy having fun together flying through the sky and watching the sunrise. The Christmas classic can be enjoyed time and time again.

11. The Christmasaurus by Tom Fletcher and Shane Devries

This loveable book tells the story of a boy who loves dinosaurs. Although he knows dinosaurs are extinct it doesn’t stop him from wishing for one for Christmas. However, in the North Pole, there’s a rare dinosaur living with Santa and the elves. On Christmas Eve, the boy and the dinosaur meet and have an adventure together.

12. Alfie’s Christmas by Shirley Hughes

This Christmas tale can be enjoyed by the whole family. Alfie and Annie are in for an exciting Christmas this year. Follow the story as they make Christmas decorations, bake cookies and decorate the tree. Together they sing carols and wrap Christmas presents. On Christmas morning, the pair wake up to find some very special presents. This story will get the family into the Christmas spirit.

13. The tree that’s meant to be by Yuval Zommer

This is another great Christmas read for your children to enjoy. The book is aimed at toddlers. It tells the story of a lonely Christmas tree that learns what it means to be loved. It is adopted by the forest animals. The story portrays just what it means to feel loved.

14. I got the Christmas spirit by Connie Schofield-Morrison

This festive book is perfect to read to your little ones. The book is about a girl who is on a holiday outing with her mother. She spreads joy and happiness to everyone she meets. The story is about how the season is about giving and not receiving. You can read this classic time and time again.

15. Bear stays up for Christmas by Karma Wilson and Jane Chapman

Your children are sure to enjoy this book. It tells the story of a beloved bear celebrating Christmas. However, the bear is always tired, and his friends need to keep him awake to celebrate Christmas. Will bear stay awake long enough to find a tree, bake cakes and sing with his friends? You will have to read the book to find out.

16. The Polar Express

Next on our list of fun Christmas reads is The Polar Express. Before it became a film, it started off as a book. As the snow falls on Christmas Eve, a mysterious train travels from door to door. The train picks children up to visit Santa. The children must tell Santa their Christmas wish. Once you have read the book, why not watch the film and see the words come to life?

17. Rudolph the red-nosed reindeer by Robert L. May

You’re probably familiar with the song and cartoon version of this classic story. The other reindeers bully Rudolph for his bright red nose. He’s worried Santa will never pick him to guide the sleigh. But one murky night, Rudolph’s bright nose comes to the rescue as he is picked to guide the sleigh. This classic Christmas tale can be enjoyed by the whole family. You could sing the song together after reading the book.

18. The girl who saved Christmas by Matt Haig

This funny Christmas tale is perfect for children who can read independently. It follows the story of Amelia Wishart, the first child to ever receive a Christmas present. This inspired Santa to deliver presents to children all over the world. However, Amelia starts losing her Christmas spirit. Santa senses something is wrong. He sets out to find her to help her believe again.

19. The Jolly Christmas Postman by Janet and Allan Ahlberg

We think this is a great Christmas read to get your children in the festive spirit. This book is perfect for the youngest members of the family as it’s interactive. The story follows a busy postman who is delivering surprises to Baby Bear, Humpty Dumpty and Red Riding Hood. Your little ones will love this book.

20. Horrible Christmas by Terry Deary

If your children are fans of the Horrible Histories series, this is the ideal Christmas read for them. The book will teach them the weird and wonderful facts about Christmas throughout history. It’s a great educational book but also fun. The book also comes with a board game the whole family can enjoy.

Are you still looking for some Christmas ideas?

We hope we’ve given you plenty of ideas for Christmas reads for you and our children to enjoy. Why not make a Christmas book advent calendar and choose a different book to read each day of December? We are sure these books will get your children enjoying reading and in the festive spirit.

If you’re still looking for Christmas activities for you and your little one, visit us at Santa Academy. You can also read daily stories with them via the Lacus Herald, written by our Author, Jill.

Download our activity packs. We have quizzes, catch-ups, colouring tasks and more. You can also see your favourite festive characters at Lacus Island.

Find more fun, festive tips and ideas, such as:

• Easy Christmas crafts for kids
• Christmas printables
• Things to do near you for Christmas
• Christmas activity book ideas
• Christmas art ideas
• Christmas party ideas for kids
• Tips for helping kids to read
• Christmas baking for kids
• Christmas countdown ideas for your family
• Christmas writing ideas
• And many more!