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Are you curious to discover the BEST toddler Christmas books? These are the best Christmas books you’re going to want to get your hands on this holiday season.
As your little one enters toddlerhood, you want to know the best toddler Christmas books. I don’t blame you. I am ALWAYS on the hunt for great books. Have you ever bought a children’s book and after reading think to yourself what was that? I have and I HATE that feeling. Books should be fun and engaging. This list of NO CRAP books is going to be a hit this holiday season. You’ll see.
As a former teacher with an M.Ed in Reading, I am a HUGE fan of books and understand the significance of instilling a love for reading (and learning) as early as possible. That is why I am breaking it alllll down. These toddler Christmas books are going to bring your family joy, laughs, excitement, and pure entertainment.
From our family to yours, these are our favorite Christmas books. They are soon to be yours too! By the way, if you are looking for other great resources to help teach your little darling, you HAVE to try this free 30-day trial. HOMER offers TONS of educational games that will help reinforce foundational skills. Plus, who doesn’t love a 30-day trial? Go ahead and grab yours here.
This post is all about the best toddler Christmas books.
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Best Toddler Christmas Books
1. Llama Llama Jingle Bells
This Anna Dewdney board book is a MUST. The Llama llama stories are so enjoyable for all kids, but this specific book is perfect for getting your little ones into the holiday spirit. Llama llama learns about giving gifts, singing songs, and decorating cookies. If you have not read the Llama llama books before, you REALLY need to. This book is a perfect introduction for babies and young toddlers. Are you ready for more toddler Christmas books?
2. Dream Snow
Eric Carle is a super popular children’s author, and for good reason! This beautiful book is filled with amazing illustrations for your toddler to marvel at. You too. You will definitely enjoy reading this silly Christmas story about a farmer putting gifts under a tree for his animals. This is another one of the greatest toddler Christmas books.
3. Bear Stays Up for Christmas
Bears typically hibernate during the winter, but this year Bear’s best friends want to keep him up for Christmas. This is a great book to teach littles about the beauty of giving. Talk about the true meaning of Christmas! If your toddler is like mine, they’ll want to read this over and over again.
4. Little Blue Truck’s Christmas
Get ready for a very Merry Christmas with this one. Especially if your tot loves trucks. Little Blue Truck is delivering Christmas trees to all of the animals. I just know that your toddler will love and appreciate the flashing Christmas lights on the last page. This brilliant book is a #1 New York Times bestseller. So of course it had to make it to the list of the best toddler Christmas books. We love Little Blue Truck books.
5. The Itsy Bitsy Reindeer
This little reindeer helps prepare for Christmas by helping Santa Claus in his workshop. It is a play on the very familiar nursery rhyme The Itsy Bitsy Spider. Your little one will enjoy seeing all the work that goes on at the North Pole. You’ve got to add this story to your baby’s book collection.
6. The Polar Express
This is a sweet story that is a GO-TO holiday book. Chris Van Allsburg does a great job of storytelling and highlighting the power of believing. We read this book in the classroom year after year. Little kids and adults both ADORE this magical story. Our family loves to sip on hot cocoa while we read this story (and watch the movie too).
7. The Night Before Christmas
Let me just preface by saying how much we love Jan Brett’s books. This is the best book to read with your baby on Christmas Eve. It’s the perfect way to get your little one excited for Christmas morning. I should really say even more excited. Getting a good night’s sleep on Christmas Eve is HARD.
8. How the Grinch Stole Christmas
Here is another oldie but goodie that will make the perfect addition to your family’s holiday books. Who doesn’t love the Grinch?
9. The Mitten
This cute story is among one of many family favorites. A little boy loses one of his mittens in the snow and the woodland animal friends find it and crawl inside. If your toddler is an animal lover, this is a great choice.
10. The Nutcracker
Next on the list of best toddler Christmas books is The Nutcracker. Your toddler will see soldiers marching, mice prancing, dolls bending, and more. This short story is the perfect book for introducing your child to movement.
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11. Fa La La
This baby is SUPER excited for Christmas and is so thrilled to engage in all the activities that come along with Christmas. This is such a relatable story for young kids. If you are looking to get your child into the Christmas spirit, THIS book will definitely help.
12. Merry Christmas Mouse
Laura Numeroff is another great children’s book author. For both older and younger kids. In this story, many children’s favorite character, Mouse, is adding ornaments to his tree. This is a great book for teaching young children to count. It really is one of many great toddler Christmas books. See for yourself.
13. Gingerbread Baby
We love this silly story. A mischievous gingerbread baby escapes when Matti opens the oven door early. Don’t you love a good flap book? Your toddler will love the lift-the-flap gingerbread house at the end of the story. Now for more toddler Christmas books!
14. The Itsy Bitsy Snowman
This book is filled with beautiful illustrations and fun rhymes. This book makes my teacher heart happy. Like The Itsy Bitsy Reindeer, it is based on the nursery rhyme, The Itsy Bitsy Spider. My little girl LOVES her nursery rhymes. So this is an obvious must.
15. Elf on the Shelf
Next on the list of toddler Christmas books is the OH SO POPULAR Elf on the Shelf. This book is a must-read. ESPECIALLY if you do Elf on the Shelf during the Christmas season. You’ve got to read this book as an introduction to your elf. This is many kids’ favorite holiday traditions!
16. If It’s Snowy and You Know It, Clap Your Paws!
If your toddler loves the song If You’re Happy and You Know It this book is essential. My daughter is obsessed with this song so it was a no-brainer to buy this book! My daughter loves this Christmas version of the song and I am willing to bet yours will feel the same way. It just HAD to make the list of best toddler Christmas books.
17. The Very Hungry Caterpillar’s Peekaboo Christmas
Does your toddler request that you read the Very Hungry Caterpillar over and over again? Mine does! Do you and your little one a favor by grabbing this Christmas book featuring their favorite character. Your baby will love searching for the caterpillar on each page. Interactive books are the best books!
18. Christmas Popup Peekaboo
If you are looking to add new books that are interactive, this is a great choice. This book is filled with rhymes and your toddler will love discovering what’s behind the flaps. Is it your baby’s first Christmas? This book makes for a GREAT present!
19. The Littlest Elf
If you’re buying new toddler Christmas books, you HAVE to get this one. Oliver, the littlest elf, is determined to find his special job in Santa’s workshop. Due to being so little, he runs into a little trouble finding his place. This is one of those sweet books you really need to read to your tot during the holiday season.
20. Merry Christmas from The Very Hungry Caterpillar
This book is a great book to enjoy on Christmas morning. Can’t you tell we are big fans of the Very Hungry Caterpillar? Your toddler will enjoy watching the caterpillar make an appearance throughout the book while learning about what makes Christmas so special. We love Eric Carle’s books, but we also love his toddler Christmas books!
21. Ten on the Sled
Does your toddler love the song Ten Little Monkies Jumping on the Bed? Your little one will quickly notice the similarities between this story and one of their favorite song. Except these characters are taking a ride on Caribou’s sled instead of jumping on a bed. A slippery and slidey one! Add a little bit of fun to story time with this book. More toddler Christmas books, please!
22. Merry Christmas Little One
Your baby is sure to have fun with this lift-the-flap book. This is a GREAT and merry book to read during Christmas time. There is something so much fun about books with flaps. What’s next on the best toddler Christmas books list?
23. Pick a Pine Tree
This is a REALLY great story and one of my favorite Christmas picture books. This had to be added to the list of best toddler Christmas books. This will do the job of getting your kiddo in the spirit of Christmas due to all the fun festive activities included in the story. I really love how this story is written. The rhyming and vocabulary make it SUCH a fun read.
24. The Not Very Merry Pout Pout Fish
As a teacher, I LOVE POUT POUT FISH! This is an excellent story for teaching little ones that the best gifts come from the heart. I so LOVE themed books! You need to add this book to your toddler’s book collection.
25. Walking in a Winter Wonderland
Do you have a little musician on your hands? This story is just the ticket. This lovely story is based on a very familiar Christmas song. Can you guess it? Christmas songs are the best way to spread Christmas cheer. Your toddler will love singing and reading along to this one. Now for more toddler Christmas books.
26. Duck & Goose, It’s Time For Christmas!
Tad Hills is the author and illustrator of this adorable book. Goose wants to do fun winter things like make snow angels, sled, and catch snowflakes but Duck is there to remind him that it is time for Christmas. This little book is so perfect. Are you ready for more special toddler Christmas books?
27. A Christmas Gift for Santa
If you’re buying new books for this Christmas, this is a great choice. I think this is a really clever plot. We don’t usually read stories about what happens AFTER Santa delivers presents to all the little boys and girls. This book will make for the perfect present or stocking stuffer.
28. Tough Cookie: A Christmas Story
This creative story is similar to the well-known one, The Gingerbread Man. The cookie finds out that he does not taste delicious and is not good enough to be eaten. What will he do?! You AND your little one will enjoy reading this one.
29. You’re My Little Christmas Wish
This precious story features Christmas characters like snowmen, gingerbread men, and snowflakes. This book will both make your child feel loved AND get excited for Christmas. Scoop it up here. Keep reading for more toddler Christmas books.
30. The Christmas Truck
Reading this story is a great way to bring a smile to your toddler’s face. This cute puppy is driving to pick up the best Christmas tree. Let’s get to more toddler Christmas books
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31. A Very Quacky Christmas
This is another one of the greatest children’s Christmas books. It is a cute story about giving, sharing, and Christmas miracles. Duck wants to prove that Christmas is for everyone (including the animals). He wants to ensure that everyone has a very quacky Christmas by delivering presents to animals all over the world.
32. Merry Christmas, Little Pookie
We love Sandra Boynton’s children’s books! This is a great book to read on Christmas Eve. In this story, it is Christmas Eve, and mom and little Pookie are doing all the fun before Christmas festivities. Like baking cookies, decorating cookies, and more.
33. Don’t Shake the Present!
We love this super relatable and silly story. Larry the lovable monster has a present that he REALLY wants to know what is inside of the box. JUST DO NOT SHAKE THE PRESENT! This is such a great story to read on Christmas day. Now for more toddler Christmas books.
34. How to Catch Santa Claus
This will become one of your toddler’s Christmas stories. If you haven’t read the other “How to Catch” books, you NEED to! The main character wants to catch Santa so he can hug him tight. How sweet! Your toddler will enjoy watching the characters set up traps to catch Santa Claus. These are such wonderful toddler Christmas books.
35. How to Catch A Reindeer
While Mr. Claus and his team of reindeer are off on Santa’s sleigh to deliver presents, Comet has other plans. She decides to do a little exploration. So the kids must try to catch Comet. This book includes rhymes and enjoyable illustrations. You and your little one will love this sweet story. Next on the list of best toddler Christmas books is…
36. Pig the Pug
We read this book last year and LOVED it. A hit for children of all ages. Pig the Pug is such a lovable character that will bring a smile to your little one’s face. Santa is on his way and this silly pug just CAN’T WAIT! He wants to stay up all night to finally get his presents. Some unexpected events come up along the way. This HAD to make it to the best toddler Christmas books list.
37. The Jolly Christmas Postman
This is an EXCELLENT read for kids 4 and up. This Christmas picture book is about a postman delivering letters from different characters. Your child will DEFINITELY have fun reading this story. Some letters can even be taken out. This story includes interactive items like games, puzzles, and even a little book. If you have not already read this one, YOU REALLY NEED TO!
38. Moo, Baa, Fa La La La La!
Here is another beautiful story by Sandra Boynton. This is a really quick and fun read for the Christmas time of year. We bought this book last Christmas and my daughter adored it. Mostly because of the inclusion of all her favorite animal characters and the merry tune. When shopping for toddler Christmas books this year, you’ve GOT to grab this one.
39. Dasher
This is a beautiful story that you and your little one will enjoy together. Dasher is in a traveling circus and spends a lot of time in the heat. She wishes to be under the North Star, where there is plenty of snow. She decides to take control of her future and make a run for it. Then she meets Santa and her life changes.
40. How to Catch an Elf
Are you aware that the “How to Catch” books are awesome? In this story, it is Christmas Eve and there is an elf on the loose in the house! Kids just love these toddler Christmas books. You will too. Promise.
41. Disney Advent Calendar
If you and your family do 12 or 25 days of Christmas, then this will make celebrating a breeze! You can’t beat a Christmas book advent calendar. This Christmas book advent calendar is too good to pass up. It includes 24 lovely toddler Christmas books.
42. Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer
Looking for more book recommendations for your toddler? This little golden book is a magical retelling of the 1964 holiday TV special.
43. S Is For Santa
This book is perfect for toddlers who are just learning the alphabet. Every page beautifully illustrates a letter and does a great job teaching the alphabet but also sharing the joyous Christmas activities and what they look like. This book is a wonderful choice for one of your baby’s Christmas presents.
44. I Love Christmas
This book is about Ollie sharing all the things he loves about Christmas. This is a sweet option for babies and young toddlers.
45. Christmas Cookie Day
Here is another one of the best toddler Christmas books. This sweet little story comes with a recipe. I love whipping up yummy treats in the kitchen with my mini-me. This story features mama and her little bear. It is about the tradition of baking cookies and giving them to others.
46. Dear Santa
This fantastic story includes Christmas lift the flaps your toddler will really enjoy. Santa wants to find the best gift to send to a special child. Lift the flaps to discover different gift ideas as he searches for the perfect gift.
47. When Santa Was A Baby
In this delightful story, Santa’s parents think so highly of him. He has a booming voice as a baby, loves the refrigerator, and even trains his hamsters to pull a toy sleigh. This is a must-read!
48. The Colors of Christmas
This colorful story is a great way to celebrate Christmas. As well as all the Christmas decorations like yellow bells, green trees, and more! Are you ready for more toddler Christmas books?
49. Pete the Cat’s 12 Groovy Days of Christmas
This super popular and loved character is counting down the days to Christmas. The author puts a fun spin on a traditional Christmas carol. Let’s dive into even more loved and adored toddler Christmas books.
50. Curious George Curious About Christmas
Don’t you just love the super adorable Curious George? This is a great touch-and-feel book to read during the holiday season. Join George in ALL the fun Christmas things like hanging stockings, decorating the tree, and more! Your baby will love Santa’s fluffy white beard as much as mine does.
51. Merry Christmas, Stinky Face
If you are a fan of I Love You, Stinky Face you will love this one. Stinky Face has a ton of questions about Christmastime. His mama reassures him that everything will be okay and that Christmas will be great. This truly is one of the best toddler Christmas books.
52. The Spirit of Christmas
Nancy Tillman is a one-of-a-kind author. A bestselling author. This story is sure to get your little one into the holiday spirit. With the jingle bells, sleds dashing through the snow, and other magical elements of Christmas. Your babe will love to spot the Spirit of Christmas picture on each page.
53. Who is Coming to Our House?
In this story, the animals are getting ready to welcome baby Jesus. We love to snuggle and read this lovely book. Hopefully, you have a handful of toddler Christmas books in mind to spoil your baby with this year.
54. Pete the Cat Saves Christmas
You will quickly notice that this is a spin on The Night Before Christmas. What my daughter REALLY loves is that this book comes with stickers. Don’t miss out on the fun with this one.
55. Where Is Baby’s Christmas Present?
Here is another great lift-the-flap book. As you can tell from the title baby is wondering where the presents are. Your little darling will enjoy lifting up the flaps to discover various holiday surprises.
56. The Snowy Day
In the classroom, Ezra Jack Keats was ALWAYS a go-to author. We read aloud this book EVERY winter. My toddler loves it too. It is no wonder this picture book earned the Caldecott Medal. The author does a brilliant job writing about the first snowfall. Add this to your list of must-have toddler Christmas books! You won’t be sorry.
57. Snowmen at Christmas
This is a super entertaining story about what snowmen do for Christmas. Perhaps this is something your toddler has been wondering about. Ready for more great toddler Christmas books?
58. Olivia Helps with Christmas
This book is about a pig named Olivia helping her family get ready for Christmas. Of course, Olivia is excited for Santa’s arrival. Something your baby can relate to!
59. It’s Christmas, David!
We just ADORE these David Shannon books. David is a lovable character who needs a little help behaving. Join David as he waits to find out if Santa will bring him a shiny new fire truck or a lump of coal. Your whole family will enjoy this one.
60. How Do Dinosaurs Say Merry Christmas?
If your child loves dinosaurs, you’re going to need this one! Your child will get a kick out of these characters trying to contain their excitement. It is hard for a dinosaur to resist licking candy canes and a few other things…
61. Is It Christmas Yet?
Teddy just can’t WAIT for Christmas. He keeps asking Big Bear if it is time for Christmas. Teddy has the best intentions of helping prepare for Christmas, but he ends up making a mess. Find out if they end up having a great Christmas.
62. Llama Llama Holiday Drama
Now for the last recommendation for toddler Christmas books. Llama Llama does not enjoy waiting! Especially for Christmas. Llama learns that being together during the holidays is what’s important. This is a super sweet book!
Final Thoughts
This list of best toddler Christmas books is in no particular order. In my honest opinion, they are all GREAT choices. Read the descriptions to decide which books are the perfect fit for your toddler this year. I suggest buying a variety of these books.
If you plan to prepare a Christmas book basket, you have tons of excellent options. I don’t think you can ever have too many books. But I am also obsessed with books. Which is why I created this genius list of best toddler Christmas books. Save this post when shopping for next year too. There are definitely plenty of choices, NO MATTER your child’s interests.
This post was all about the best toddler Christmas books.
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