There’s no better way to spend Christmas time than with your family huddled around the fireplace, sipping hot cocoa, reading Christmas classics, and creating lasting memories. The right family books can spark your children’s imagination, build their vocabulary, nurture imagination, and even teach valuable life lessons about kindness, empathy, and friendship.

So, are you ready to make Christmas time all the more special with the best titles in 2026? Here are top 7 picks to get the whole family reading together!

1. How Does Santa Go Down the Chimney? – Mac Barnett & Jon Klassen

Answer the timeless question of whether Santa goes down the chimney headfirst or feetfirst with Mac Barnett & Jon Klassen’s Christmas classic. Perfect for kids aged 4-8, this irresistibly hilarious family book feeds into children’s natural curiosity with gentle humor.  The brilliant illustrations and downright ridiculous explanations will have your little ones clutching their stomach.

2. Jimmy’s Merry Mischief – Jimmy Irish

One of our top favorites, this heartwarming Christmas story teaches children valuable lessons about the true spirit of the Holiday season. Following the misadventures of Jimmy, Grandpa recounts hilarious stories from his childhood, instilling the importance of understanding, forgiveness, and kindness. This delightful read is ideal for family bonding around the Christmas Tree.

3. You’re my Little Christmas Wish by Nicola Edwards & Natalie Marshall

For those of us who can’t resist festive rhyming books, ‘You’re my Little Christmas Wish’ is a must-have title. This short and sweet Christmas tale boasts colorful die-cuts, interactive elements, and magical prose featuring festive favorites, from snowmen and gingerbread men to reindeer. Your little ones are sure to enjoy the sweet rhymes celebrating parental love sure to have you in tears by the end.

4. The Littlest Christmas Tree – Jane Chapman

This adorable Christmas title by Jane Chapman follows Cubby the bear Cub on a hunt with Daddy to find the perfect Christmas tree. Once they find the ‘littlest’ tree, they dig it up and decorate it. But after the Holiday party is over, Cubby struggles to part with the tree, until Daddy comes up with a clever way to save the day. This cozy, festive family book features quaint illustrations and an endearing story, making it an excellent addition to your ‘Best Christmas Books’ list.

5. The Twelve Days of Christmas – Emma Randall

Break into the classic Christmas carol with Randall’s charming Christmas tale. The storybook features joyful illustrations, a diverse cast of jolly character, and a modern twist to the popular song ‘The Twelve Days of Christmas.’ With a folk art-style, this rendition of the festive Holiday song follows a little girl with rosy pink cheeks and a long dark braid as she receives gifts through the twelve days of Christmas, beginning with a partridge and finishing with a light-skinned boy tipping his hat to his ‘true love.’

6. Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer – Rick Bunsen

Featuring everyone’s favorite reindeer, this delightful retelling of the classic 1964 film is perfect for children of all ages. With vibrant illustrations and lovely prose, this exciting family book will have your little ones sitting on the edge of their seat as a snowstorm threatens to ruin Christmas. Follow Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer as he rescues Christmas with his magical red nose.

7. Mr. Willowby’s Christmas Tree – Robert Barry

Another must-read family book, Mr. Willowby’s Christmas Tree is the perfect way to teach your little one’s the importance of kindness, giving away, and recycling. When Mr. Willowby’s tree arrives, he realizes it’s a little too big for his parlor. So, he cuts the top of the tree and passes it along to his maid, who then cuts the top off and gives it away, bringing the holiday cheer to all the people and animals in the forest.

The Final Words

Make Holiday season all the more special with our list of the best Christmas books. These family books are sure to tickle your little one’s imagination, foster belief in magic, ignite excitement, and teach the true meaning of Christmas. So, this Christmas season, share love and laughter with your loved ones through the magic of books!