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Spending time as a family is an important part of the holiday season. Spending time reading Christmas picture books together is definitely a favorite pastime.
As I began to go through the list of Christmas picture books that we have read over the last few years, I am in awe of the writing and illustrations and their ability to capture that special light in a child’s eyes. The light that only appears thanks to the magic of Christmas. I adore these read alouds as much as my children do for getting into the holiday spirit.
10 Christmas Picture Books
While I have read numerous Christmas books over the years, first with my students and then with my own three children, there are some titles that just stand out. Here are a few of our favorites.
The Polar Express by Chris Van Allsburg
Twas the Evening of Christmas by Glenys Nellist
The Carpenter’s Gift by David Rubel
The Gift of the Magi by O Henry
The Night Before Christmas by Clement Clarke Moore
The Christmas Story by Jane Werner Watson
An Orange for Frankie by Patricia Polacco
The Christmas Story by Robert Sabuda
Walk This World at Christmastime by Big Picture Press
How Santa Got His Job by Stephen Krensky
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Thank you so much! I agree these are beautiful stories, and there are a couple I do not have…I will add these to the shelf!
We love Polar Express! I used to read it year round to my oldest. It’s a beautiful story, the illustrations are beautiful and detailed. It was like I could feel the warmth on the train car and smell the hot chocolate! Plus, we could watch the movie and practice comparing and contrasting.
I also just adore the message. The magic of Christmas is in the power of belief and generosity.
A must read for every child at Christmas.
I have such fond memories of Polar Express from when I was little, and I love reading it with my children as well. My youngest grabs it throughout the year and has me read to him. We even have a little bell, and I ask him if he can hear it.