20+ New Kids Christmas Books for 2024
One of my favorite things each holiday season is checking out all the new Christmas books that have been released this year and then going crazy with my library holds!
For me, it is such a delight to add new kids Christmas books in with our tried and true favorites!
Here are some of the best kids Christmas books that have been released in 2024! I hope you find a few new titles to love!
20+ New Kids Christmas Books for 2024
A City Full of Santas by Joanna Ho, illustrated by Thai My Phuong
A little girl is determined that this will be the year she stays awake long enough to meet Santa. When she and Mama venture into the city, they find Santa everywhere, making it harder than ever to track down the real one. With her heart set on the perfect Santa encounter, she wonders if she’ll find him in time for Christmas magic to unfold.
Gingerbread Dreidels by Jane Breskin Zalben, illustrated by Thai Phuong
Did you know this year Christmas and the first night of Hannukah fall on the same day? In this cozy read aloud, siblings Sophie and Max are confused when they experience just that…Christmas and the first night of Chanukah fall on the same day! As their grandparents join together to celebrate both holidays, the children worry about how the combined celebrations will affect the presents, but in the end they learn that love is what truly makes the holidays special for their interfaith family.
Each Day is a Gift by Lisl Detlefsen, illustrated by Natalia Vasilica
It’s not an over the top “Christmas-y” book, but I can’t recommend this picture book more for anyone who needs a little reminder to embrace the everyday and the true gifts of life. It’s easy to be grateful for the tangible gifts we receive over the holidays, but this one will leave you thinking about what truly matters and will encourage you to slow down and appreciate the simple moments in life – no matter how ordinary.
Santa’s First Christmas by Mac Barnett, illustrated by Sydney Smith
Did you know that Santa sometimes needs help getting into the holiday spirit? And after a busy Christmas Eve night delivering gifts, when Santa returns to the North Pole, instead of letting him get straight back to work, his trusty elves step in to give Santa the perfect Christmas day! Delicious treats, plenty of presents, and the perfect tree all included!
One Foggy Christmas Eve by Kerilynn Wilson
A young girl is eager to give her grandparents a special gift on Christmas Eve, but a thick fog and bad weather prevent her from traveling. Determined to save the holiday tradition, she uses her imagination to navigate through the fog, only to lose the gift along the way. Will she be able to share her gift?
Winter Solstice Wish by Kate Allen Fox, illustrated by Elisa Paganelli
If you are ready to get into the holiday spirit this is the perfect cozy read! The winter solstice may be the darkest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere, but this picture book is a celebration of light, hope, and togetherness. It ends with a beautiful beach bonfire (which was inspired by the winter solstice beach bonfires built near the author’s home in San Diego.) and highlights other winter solstice celebrations around the world. I also love that the back matter includes some of the science behind what is really going on during a solstice.
Merry Christmas, Dear Mars: An Out-of-This-World Story About the Night Before Christmas by Penny Parker Klostermann, illustrated by Estrela Lourenço
Christmas on Mars!? In this funny intergalactic remake of the the poem “A Visit from Saint Nicholas”, we find out out Martians and Santa really celebrate on the red planet.
Nisha’s Just-Right Christmas Tree by Susan Lynn Meyer and Jaya Mehta, illustrated by Parvati Pillai
Nisha and her father set out to find the perfect Christmas tree, but they can’t agree on whether to choose a big or small one. While they talk through the “perfect” tree, Nisha learns that sometimes the best things are the ones that come together in unexpected ways. And don’t worry, they do find the perfect tree – for both Christmas ornaments and shared holiday moments.
Jingle Bells by Ben Kirchner
You won’t think of the song “Jingle Bells” the same again! On Christmas Eve, the race is on! And in this race, animals speed to the finish line in a variety of sleds – each more unique than the last, from a one-horse open sleigh to a four-blade sled. Along the way, each sled encounters tricky obstacles adding excitement to the race. Who will be the winner?
Mr. Santa by Jarvis
When a little girl comes face to face with Santa in her home, she’s filled with wonder and excitement. And of course, questions! Can Santa eat clouds? Does he have an innie or outie belly button? This cute picture books shares the thrill of meeting the jolly old man himself and all the curious wonders a child might have about Christmas magic.
An Anishinaabe Christmas by Wab Kinew, illustrated by Erin Hill
I really love learning about new cultures, especially around the holidays. Baby is nervous about spending Christmas away from the city, traveling to the reservation to celebrate with grandparents. As the family journeys there, Baby learns more about Anishinaabe traditions, the importance of family, the guiding power of the North Star, and the deeper meanings behind the holiday. This might be Baby’s most special Christmas yet!
The Christmas Snow Globe by Sibylle Delacroix
On Christmas Eve, Lucy and Noah receive a snow globe with a house inside that looks just like theirs…except it’s not snowing at their house. Disappointed that they won’t have a white Christmas, Lucy is amazed when soft snow begins to fall inside their house, leading to a magical night of building snowmen in their bedroom, sledding down the stairs, and having snowball fights in the living room. I have to say…this is all my wildest dreams come true!
A Pinecone! by Helen Yoon
On a walk through the autumn woods, Daddy gets distracted by the muddy dog, while his child becomes completely distracted by one small natural wonder…pinecones! As she eagerly gathers an ever-growing collection, her excitement spirals into a larger-than-life adventure and a delightful holiday surprise.
The Days After Christmas by Maggie C. Rudd, illustrated by Elisa Chavarri
After the holiday excitement fades and the decorations are packed away, the growing question lingers…what do we do now? There are still cozy moments by the fire, leftover treats, and time with family to be had. I love that this book brings so much Christmas joy in a time when everyone typically thinks the holiday is over.
A Stickler Christmas by Lane Smith
Stickler, a cheerful character made of sticks, is excited to celebrate Christmas by delivering each of his friends a specially selected stick. But when his shy friend, Doug-the-Fir, worries about being overwhelmed with decorations and attention, Stickler must find a way to help him while stepping into the spotlight himself.
Elmore the Christmas Moose by Dev Petty and Mike Boldt
Get ready for some full body chuckles during this story! Elmore, the moose, dreams of becoming one of Santa’s reindeer, despite not being able to fly. Through a series of hilarious, but determined attempts, Elmore writes funny letters to Santa and shines at being himself. Elmore’s unique qualities are exactly what Santa needs!
Tamales For Christmas by Stephen Briseño, illustrated by Sonia Sánchez
I loved this heartwarming book about generosity, hard work, and family. Inspired by the author’s own grandmother, Grandma begins getting ready for Christmas LONG before the holiday by tirelessly working in the kitchen making tamales. She makes hundreds, even thousands of tamales to sell so that she can buy Christmas gifts for her family. She even has saves enough tamales to give to those in need.
To Mimi’s House We Go by Susan Meissner, illustrated by Mette Engell
I love Meissner’s adult historical fiction (As Bright As Heaven is one of my favorites) – but now that she is a grandmother or a “Mimi” as here grandchildren lovingly call her, she released her first Christmas picture book! It is inspired by the traditional song “Over the River and Through the Woods” as modern families make their way to their own grandmothers’ homes.
I Am NOT Santa Claus! by T. L. McBeth
This is the perfect book to test out your sleuthing skills! There is an ordinary man in a red hat, with a white beard, and even says the phrase “ho, ho, ho”, BUT he claims he is NOT Santa…or is he?
Merry Christmas, Zoo by Lisa Eickholdt and Lola M. Shaefer, illustrated by Laura Watkins
It’s Christmas at the zoo, and the animals are in for a holiday surprise like no other! Inspired by the classic ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas and real events, Santa and his helpers prepare special treats and decorations for the elephants, tigers, hippos, and other animals at the zoo.
The Littlest Christmas Tree by Jane Chapman
You might be familiar with Jane Chapman’s beloved Bear series, but in this sweet Christmas picture book, Cubby the bear cub and Daddy set out to find the perfect Christmas tree. And when they do, they name their tree “Little Tree” and Cubby grows very attached. So when the time comes to take it down after Christmas, Daddy has a clever solution to ensure Little Tree is always part of their holiday traditions.
Chicka Chicka Ho Ho Ho by William Boniface, illustrated by Julien Chung
In this festive companion to the beloved Chicka Chicka Boom Boom, the cheerful alphabet crew gets into the holiday spirit with a Christmas tree adventure. As each letter climbs up to decorate the tree (a Christmas Tree, not a coconut tree this time!), young readers can join in the fun with a new twist to the classic alphabet chant. It’s the perfect seasonal read for little ones!
Bunnies in a Sleigh: A Chaotic Christmas Tale! by Philip Ardagh, illustrated by Ben Mantle
This Christmas Eve is NOT going as planned! When a mysterious candy cane induced illness starts spreading among Santa’s elves, the Sunny Town bunnies come to save the day. It will be a Christmas full of fun and excitement, despite the mayhem!
Santa’s Simon by Terri Lilga, illustrated by Chau Pham
While Santa’s elf Simon is busy getting everything ready for Christmas, the Crystal Queen is stolen and all the Christmas toys are broken to pieces by the mischievous Snow Dragon. Christmas as they know it is in danger! It’s up to Simon to save the Queen and restore the holiday spirit.
And if you’d like a printable copy of this Christmas picture book list list that you can take to your library or screenshot on your phone for easy access, just pop in your email address below and it’ll come right to your inbox!
One of my favorite posts that you do each year. Thank you!