A simple, intentional way to welcome a new season with little ones is by refreshing the books on their shelves. While beloved favorites often stay within arm’s reach year-round, rotating in a few seasonal stories helps set the tone for the holidays and adds a little extra magic to everyday reading time.

If you want to make the season feel even more special, try this sweet tradition: wrap 24 holiday books and let your child open one each night in December—like a storybook Advent calendar. It’s a slow, cozy countdown that brings connection and wonder to the busiest time of year.

Here are 24 favorite reads to fill bedtime with warmth, joy, and winter cheer.

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The Best Christmas Books For Babies + Toddlers

01. How The Grinch Stole Christmas by Dr Suess
Follow the Grinch from grumpy holiday hijacker to heart-growing hero in Whoville’s most joyful turnaround.

02. Pick A Pine Tree by Patricia Toht
From choosing a fresh-cut pine to decking it with lights and love, this celebration of tradition feels like decorating night on the page.

03. The Night Before Christmas by Holly Hobbie
A cozy Christmas Eve unfolds as a family settles in and Santa sneaks through the snow with magic in tow.

04. First Snow by Bomi Park
little girl bundles up for her very first snowfall, discovering crunching footsteps, swirling flakes, and winter wonder.

05. Little Mole’s Christmas Gift by Glenys Nellist
Little Mole sets off to find the perfect present, only to learn that the most meaningful gifts are made with love.

06. The Mitten by Jan Brett
When a mitten goes missing in the snow, one by one forest animals squeeze inside—until a surprise sneeze scatters them all.

07. Mr. Willowby’s Christmas Tree by Robert Barry
A too-tall tree keeps getting trimmed, and each piece finds a new home, spreading Christmas cheer down the line.

08. Little Red Sleigh by Erin Guendelsberger
A tiny sleigh dreams of helping Santa, embarking on an adventure that proves even the smallest can soar.

09. Dasher: How a Brave Little Doe Changed Christmas Forever by Matt Tavares
Dasher escapes a circus and finds the North Star leading her to Santa, changing Christmas—and reindeer history—forever.

10. The Christmas Owl by Gideon Sterer
A real owl discovered in a Rockefeller Center tree finds care, safety, and a new beginning thanks to holiday kindness.

11. A Snow Day for Amos McGee by Philip C. Stead
Amos’s animal friends return his daily kindness by surprising him with cozy companionship on a snowy day.

12. Chirri & Chirra, the Snowy Day by Kaya Doi
Two curious sisters pedal through a dreamlike winter world filled with friendly creatures and snowy treats.

13. The Polar Express by Chris Van Allsburg
A nighttime train whisks a boy to the North Pole where he receives a bell that only true believers can hear.

14. Our Little Adventure at Christmas by Tabitha Paige
A sweet mother-child duo enjoy the little rituals—cookies, carols, twinkling lights—that make Christmas feel magical.

15. Finding Christmas by Lezlie Evans
When tiny woodland friends search for their missing holiday, they discover Christmas is best found in caring for each other.

16. Merry Christmas, Peter! By Beatrix Potter
Peter Rabbit scampers through snowy fields and festive surprises while preparing for his most charming Christmas yet.

17. The Little Reindeer by Nicola Killen
A girl and a lost reindeer share a magical midnight ride that becomes an unforgettable friendship.

18. The Tree That's Meant to Be by Yuval Zommer
A small, imperfect tree left behind in the forest becomes the heart of the animals’ most beautiful celebration.

19. The Nutcracker by Parragon Books
Clara’s enchanted nutcracker leads her through a swirl of toy soldiers, Sugar Plum Fairies, and Christmas dreamland adventure.

20. How Does Santa Go Down the Chimney? by Mac Barnett
Santa shrinks, squeezes, and shape-shifts his way into homes in this hilarious peek behind the magic.

21. The Great Spruce by John Duvall
A beloved family tree is chosen for the town square, and a daring rescue keeps it rooted where its story began.

22. Construction Site Merry and Bright by Sherri Duskey Rinker
The hardworking trucks wrap up their day by building a sparkling surprise just in time for Christmas Eve.

23. 12 Days Of Christmas by Lara Hawthorne
Traditional verses come to life with cheerful illustrations that grow fuller—and sillier—page by page.

24. Moo, Baa, Fa La La La! by Sandra Boynton
Farmyard friends deck the halls and sing their own goofy holiday carols in classic Boynton style.