Enjoy some quality time with the family this holiday season reading these popular holiday children’s books:

Popular Holiday Children’s Books: Christmas 

1. The Snowy Day, by Ezra Jack Keats

This classic children’s favorite about a boy enjoying the first snowfall of the season received the Caldecott Medal in 1963.

2. A Charlie Brown Christmas: Deluxe Edition, by Charles M. Schulz and Vicki Scott

What is the true meaning of Christmas? A beloved television special comes to life in this beautiful book.

3. Bear Stays Up for Christmas, by Karma Wilson and Jane Chapman

Bear, a beloved children’s character, tries to stay awake long enough to enjoy Christmas.

4. A Christmas Carol, by Charles Dickens

Versions of this classic tale exist in many forms for children of all ages to enjoy.

5. The Gruffalo’s Child, by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler

A sequel to the popular Gruffalo story, this follows Gruffalo’s child as she searches through the snow for something she might not even believe exists.

6. How the Grinch Stole Christmas!, by Dr. Seuss

There are Grinch movies and television shows, but here is the way the story starts.

7. The Night Before Christmas, by Charles Santore

Clement C. Moore wrote the original poem, and this beautifully illustrated book is the perfect version for a family to read together.

8. The Twelve Days of Christmas, by Laurel Long

A classic song in book form with hidden presents for children to find in every illustration.

9. The Polar Express, by Chris Van Allsburg

There is a reason this classic picture book inspired a movie and millions of readers every Christmas.

10. Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, by Robert L. May

Read the book that inspired the song.

Popular Holiday Children’s Books: Chanukah

11. The Very Hungry Caterpillar’s 8 Nights of Chanukah, by Eric Carle

Eric Carle is a beloved author whose caterpillar helps little ones learn their numbers while learning about the eight nights of Chanukah.

12. Goodnight Bubbala, by Sheryl Haft, illustrated by Jill Weber

Another twist on a classic, this children’s book follows a Jewish bunny get ready for a good night’s sleep.

13. Happy Hanukkah, Corduroy, by Don Freeman, illustrated by Lisa McCue

Corduroy, one of literature’s most beloved characters for children, has a story that includes menorahs and dreidels.

14. My First Chanukah, by Tomie dePaola

Tomie dePaola has a string of popular Strega Nona books and this one is just as wonderful.

15. Hanukkah Lights, by David Martin, illustrated by Melissa Sweet

Young ones will enjoy this picture book honoring the traditions of Chanukah and giving families ideas to start new ones.

16. The Night Before Hanukkah, by Natasha Wing, illustrated by Amy Wummer

A familiar poem with a new twist, for Jewish children there’s nothing better. They’re a part of the holiday season with a fun picture book and easy to remember rhymes.

17. Honeyky Hanukah, by Woody Guthrie, illustrated by Dave Horowitz

Classic American singer/songwriter Woody Guthrie actually wrote a Chanukah song. This is a nice treat, especially for children who don’t hear many of them during this season. The book includes a recording and beautiful drawings to go along with it.

18. The Story of Hanukkah, by David A. Adler, iIllustrated by Jill Weber

A historically accurate telling of the story behind the Miracle of Lights with vibrant illustrations and an engaging narrative.

19. A Hat for Mrs. Goldman: A Story About Knitting and Love, by Michelle Edwards, illustrated by G. Brian Karas

A tender story about a young girl who learns how to knit in order to give back to someone in need herself. This stays with readers and impresses upon them the value of doing for others.

20. Hershel and the Hanukkah Goblins, by Eric A. Kimmel, illustrated by Trina Schart Hyman

Kimmel won a Caldecott award for this story set in an Eastern European village. Chanukah is a forbidden holiday and Hershel, with latkes on his mind, sets out to change that.

21. Chanukah Lights, by Michael J. Rosen, illustrated by Robert Sabuda

A popular book of exquisite art set to a classic, beautiful poem. It also shows children the many ways this holiday is celebrated by Jewish families all over the world.

22. Dreidels on the Brain, by Joel Ben Izzy

A coming-of-age story about an awkward 12-year-old hoping for a Hanukkah miracle. Set in the 1970s, with a focus on popular traditions, this is a story the whole family will enjoy.

Popular Holiday Children’s Books: Kwanzaa

23. My First Kwanzaa, by Karen Katz

Katz’s familiar drawings are all about seven days of friends, family, neighbors and community.

24. My First Kwanzaa Book, by Deborah Chocolate

See this holiday of vibrant African clothes, lighting candles and sharing food – also through the eyes of a child for the very first time.

25. Seven Days Of Kwanzaa, by Melrose Cooper

Read along, or sing, to the tune of 12 Days of Christmas, this modern twist will sound new and familiar at the same time.  

26. Together for Kwanzaa, by Juwanda G. Ford

A heartwarming story about a family coming together, despite the odds against them. All while teaching readers the meaning and traditions of Kwanzaa.  

27. Kevin’s Kwanzaa, by Lisa Bullard

Kevin and his family light candles, learn a special word each day with a final feast and dancing. This book explores all the ways people celebrate this holiday. 

28. Li’l Rabbit’s Kwanzaa, by Donna L. Washington

Li’l Rabbit, a beloved children’s character, wants to celebrate Kwanzaa but has a sick grandmother. When he joins with friends and family to get her a special treat, he understands the real meaning of this special holiday.

29. Kwanzaa, by Lisa M. Herrington

Children will thoroughly enjoy the entertaining history of this holiday. They’ll also find ways to incorporate traditions today.

30. Holidays Around the World: Celebrate Kwanzaa, by Carolyn B. Otto

This popular National Geographic Kids series, Celebrate Kwanzaa covers the holiday, meaning and ways to celebrate around the world.

31. Seven Days Of Kwanzaa, by Angela Shelf Medearis

Older children and tweens will enjoy this book full of historical detail, inspirational heroes and homemade recipes.

32. The Story of Kwanzaa, by Donna L. Washington

A comprehensive and entertaining read, this also covers slavery and the civil rights movement to modern-day celebrations and traditions. 

Whether you’re family is celebrating Kwanzaa, Chanukah or Christmas – these popular holiday children’s books make it a special season for everyone.