With Christmas just around the corner, your little ones are likely buzzing with excitement, eagerly counting down the days until Santa’s arrival. What better way to channel that festive energy than with a cozy bedtime story to wind down their active minds?
This holiday season, why not make storytime extra special by adding some Christmas-themed favorites to your home library? To help you get started, we’ve rounded up 12 delightful bedtime storybooks that you can read with your child each evening, building up the magic until the night before Christmas.
Christmas Stories for Kids
1. Bear Stays Up For Christmas by Karma Wilson
Christmas Stories for Kids: Perfect Bedtime Tales for the Holidays | Image Source: Amazon
Stay up late with an adorable group of furry friends as they try to keep Bear awake for the holidays! Snuggle up with your child and enjoy this heartwarming tale of forest animals working together to prepare for Christmas. From finding the perfect tree and baking delicious treats to hanging stockings and singing cheerful carols, this charming storybook captures the magic of the season.
It’s the perfect read to brighten your child’s holiday spirit, and maybe even yours too!
2. Christmas in the Manger by Nola Buck
Christmas Stories for Kids: Perfect Bedtime Tales for the Holidays | Image Source: Amazon
This simple yet beautiful retelling of the very first Christmas is perfect for bedtime reading with your little one. Younger children will love the gentle, lyrical text paired with stunning artwork that brings the classic Nativity story to life.
Whether you’re a believer or simply looking to share the origins of Christmas, this heartfelt story is a wonderful way to introduce your child to the meaning behind the holiday.
3. Construction Site on Christmas Night by Sherri Duskey Rinker
Christmas Stories for Kids: Perfect Bedtime Tales for the Holidays | Image Source: Amazon
Part of the #1 New York Times Bestselling book series, this storybook tells the story of Excavator, Bulldozer, Crane, Dump Truck and Cement Mixer and the Christmas surprises that await them once they finish building a new home for fire engines. Rhyme along with your child as you find out what the holidays have in store for these hardworking construction workers.
Kids will surely love its dreamlike illustrations and it even has a great message for them to learn about the joy of giving and how valuable work is.
4. Dasher: How a Brave Little Doe Changed Christmas Forever by Matt Tavares
Christmas Stories for Kids: Perfect Bedtime Tales for the Holidays | Image Source: Amazon
You’ve probably heard of Rudolph, but have you ever read the story of the young reindeer who changed Christmas forever? Dasher’s only wish was to escape the hot sun of her family’s circus and experience snow for the first time. When she finally seizes the opportunity to fulfil her wish, she stumbles upon a jolly man dressed in all red who could on be… Santa!
Find out how Dasher gets to live her dream through her Christmas adventure with the Big Red.
5. Fancy Nancy: Splendiferous Christmas by Jane O’Connor
Christmas Stories for Kids: Perfect Bedtime Tales for the Holidays | Image Source: Amazon
A Christmas special from the beloved Fancy Nancy storybook series brings a merry tale of fancying up the festivities. Follow Nancy as she has everything planned for their Christmas tree and find out whether her “splendiferous” decorations all go according to plan.
With elegant wrapping paper, sprinkled cookies and other fabulous Christmas decorations, what could possibly go wrong?
6. How The Grinch Stole Christmas by Dr Seuss
Christmas Stories for Kids: Perfect Bedtime Tales for the Holidays | Image Source: Amazon
It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas, everywhere except in the heart of one grumpy Grinch. Journey to the cheerful town of Who-ville, where holiday spirit abounds, until one fateful night when Christmas is stolen away! At first glance, the Grinch might seem like a mean and miserly figure, but his story unfolds into a heartwarming tale of redemption and holiday magic.
In this timeless classic, Dr. Seuss reminds us all of the true spirit of Christmas, with a tale that’s sure to make your heart grow three sizes bigger.
7. Little Blue Truck’s Christmas by Alice Schertle
Christmas Stories for Kids: Perfect Bedtime Tales for the Holidays | Image Source: Amazon
The Little Blue Truck’s storybook collection adds another tale that will raise you and your child’s Christmas spirits. Follow the ever loveable and sweet Little Blue Truck as he goes around delivering Christmas trees to his little animal friends. Join Little Blue Truck in spreading the holiday cheer and the gift of giving.
8. Merry Christmas, Stinky Face by Lisa McCourt
Christmas Stories for Kids: Perfect Bedtime Tales for the Holidays | Image Source: Amazon
The witty and heartwarming tale of Stinky Face offers a fresh take on the true magic of Christmas. As the holiday approaches, Stinky Face can’t help but worry about all the things that might go wrong—what if their Christmas tree gets blown away or a reindeer’s antlers get stuck on the roof? Just as the holiday spirit starts to dim, his Mama lovingly reassures him that no matter what, Christmas will still be magical.
This delightful story is a perfect reminder of the joy and reassurance that the season brings.
9. Olaf’s Night Before Christmas by Jessica Julius
Christmas Stories for Kids: Perfect Bedtime Tales for the Holidays | Image Source: Amazon
After enjoying a Frozen movie night with the family, let your child’s favorite huggable snowman, Olaf, share a special Christmas tale before bedtime. Follow Olaf on his magical adventure as he meets a mysterious man in red the night before Christmas in Arendelle.
This delightful storybook also includes a CD narrated by Josh Gad, bringing Olaf’s voice to life and making storytime even more enchanting. Perfect for Frozen fans, it’s a festive treat your child will love!
10. The Night Before Christmas by Clement C Moore
Christmas Stories for Kids: Perfect Bedtime Tales for the Holidays | Image Source: Amazon
The classic tale of The Night Before Christmas should not be lost on your little holiday collection. This could be the perfect story to read to your child on Christmas Eve to get them even more excited about the presents waiting for them under the tree.
After reading, your child would surely be under a blissful sleep just like all the other creatures the night before the big holiday.
11. Pete the Cat’s 12 Groovy Days of Christmas by James & Kimberly Dean
Christmas Stories for Kids: Perfect Bedtime Tales for the Holidays | Image Source: Amazon
If your child is a fan of the New York Times bestselling Pete the Cat series, they’ll love celebrating the 12 groovy days of Christmas with Pete! Join Pete and his friends as they rock and groove their way through the holiday season, spreading joy and cheer every step of the way.
This energetic, cool cat will inspire your child’s Christmas spirit and might just get you into the festive groove too!
12. The Polar Express by Chris Van Allsburg
Christmas Stories for Kids: Perfect Bedtime Tales for the Holidays | Image Source: Amazon
Hop aboard the Polar Express and journey to the North Pole, where Santa awaits the train’s arrival. This beloved classic follows a young boy who, upon reaching the North Pole, is offered any gift his heart desires. Instead, he asks for a single bell from Santa’s reindeer, knowing that only true believers can hear its magical chime.
With its enchanting story and sense of wonder, this mystical tale will transport you on a thrilling ride to Christmas, making it the perfect read for a quiet, peaceful night.
Christmas Stories for Kids: Perfect Bedtime Tales for the Holidays
As the holiday season draws near, these Christmas bedtime stories are the perfect way to spark your child’s imagination and create lasting memories. Whether it’s a heartwarming tale of Christmas magic or an adventurous journey with their favorite characters, each story brings its own special charm to the season.
So, snuggle up, enjoy these festive reads, and let the stories fill your home with holiday cheer, wonder, and the true spirit of Christmas. Happy reading, and may your nights be merry and bright!
