8 Cozy, Heartwarming Christmas Books Perfect To Curl Up With This Holiday Season

Who doesn't love playing in the snow (or reading about it)? This classic, which won the Caldecott Medal in 1963, tells the story of a little boy, Peter, and his adventures in the snow. With striking portraits of the African-American boy in his red snowsuit against the backdrop of a snow-covered street, this charming book is sure to become a favorite Christmas read for parents and little ones.

Activity: Engage your little one in some sensory play after reading this book together. You'll need a small tray or baking pan, some salt (to represent the snow), a pencil, and a doll/figurine. Pour the salt all over the tray and make your child run their hands through it. Then, like Peter, let them make tracks on the make-believe snow with a pencil. With the help of a doll/figurine, they can also mark footprints.

This poignant story portrays the true spirit of Christmas! Two birds, Red and Lulu, make their nest in a beautiful evergreen tree in a New York City neighborhood. The birds love watching people celebrate Christmas by putting up lights on their tree and singing a special song. But one day, Red and Lulu are separated. Will a Christmas miracle reunite them?

Activity: Tell your preschooler how Christmas is celebrated in the big cities of the world. You can also point out the famous landmarks of New York City depicted in the book, and tell your child about them.

This classic Christmas story, published in 1985, is about a little boy who is woken up on Christmas Eve by a magical train waiting for him outside his house. The journey to the North Pole with other children, the Christmas elves and reindeer, and a special gift from Santa Claus, all these magical elements make the book a perfect winter holiday read!

Activity: Arrange a special screening of the movie version of the book starring Tom Hanks, for the whole family, complete with holiday treats and popcorn. Get the kids to make tickets out of gold-colored paper and let them punch every member's ticket, using a small paper punch or pencil.

Kids adore the books of Dr Seuss (Theodor Geisel), and this classic by the author reminds children that Christmas celebrations are not about material things. In this story, the Whos, the inhabitants of the town Whoville, are preparing for the holiday celebrations, while the Grinch, a grumpy creature that leads a solitary life up in the caves, resents the Christmas festivities. To ruin their Christmas, he steals all the goodies and decorations from the people's houses. But what happens when the Grinch sees the Whos singing and celebrating together?

Activity: Get together with your little ones to make simple Christmas decorations like snowflake cut-outs, reindeer, or stars, using glitter paper, glue, and other craft supplies. You can hang these on your Christmas tree or around your house.

This is a spirited tale about a chimney sweep named Amelia and her trials and tribulations. How Amelia revives her spirits and goes on to help Father Christmas save the festival from getting canceled forms the crux of the story. Beautiful illustrations by Chris Mould make the book even more special.

Activity: The book has many interesting words your child can look up. It also includes historical and literary references. Ask your child to find out more about Father Christmas, life during the Victorian times, Charles Dickens and his writings, and so on.

This enchanting tale, with its striking illustrations depicting winter, gives children a peek into Danish folklore and the beautiful Christmas traditions of Denmark. Confusion unfolds when a family forgets an important Danish tradition during the festive season, and the baby of the house disappears during a nap! How can things be set right? To find out, read the book with your kids.

Activity: Talk to your child about different folklore and traditions associated with Christmas and encourage them to find out how the festival is celebrated around the world.

This book features three separate stories that have a common link. It follows three teenagers and their adventures as a snowstorm during Christmas causes chaos in Gracetown. Your child will enjoy the stories of love and romance and the hilarious experiences of the characters.

Activity: Ask your teen to make some Christmas cards and mail them, along with handwritten letters, to friends and family members they haven't met for a long time.

This otherworldly tale is about siblings Axel and Tess, who are dealing with the sudden death of their father. Set in the frozen landscape of Finland, the beautiful story explores love and loss, family bonding, fantasy, and mysticism, and will stay with your child long after they finish reading the book.

Activity: Encourage your teen to embrace the spirit of Christmas—carry out acts of kindness during the festive season, which can be extended to doing good deeds throughout the year. They can try simple things like helping an elderly neighbor, volunteering at an orphanage, or writing a thank-you note to a teacher.

Merry Christmas!

Last updated on: December 18, 2025