40 of the Best Christmas Books for Kids of All Ages + an Advent Wrapped-Book Countdown Tradition

Tomorrow we begin one of our absolute favorite family traditions as part of our countdown to Christmas.

Each year I gather all of our Christmas books, wrap them in festive paper, add a numbered gift tag, and the kids take turns unwrapping one book each night to read before bed. It’s a simple ritual, but it turns the days leading up to Christmas into a series of small, cozy moments we all look forward to.

My favorite detail is that we store the wrapped books in my grandmother’s old suitcase — the same one she brought on her honeymoon more than 60 years ago. That little heirloom keeps the tradition feeling warm and meaningful every December.

I didn’t invent this idea; it’s been shared by many families over the years, and I likely first saw it on another blog long ago. With more time at home lately and a few of our old favorites missing, I went searching for new additions. I ended up reading about 20 children’s Christmas books in a single day, discarding a few that felt “meh,” and choosing the ones that captured the spirit, illustrations, and heart we want for bedtime reading.

So many of the books I chose are absolutely beautiful; a handful became instant classics in our house. If your little ones love holiday stories, this tradition can be a wonderful way to build anticipation for Christmas while encouraging nightly reading.

40 Top Rated Christmas Books for Kids

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If you’re compiling your own set of 24 (or 12) wrapped books, here are a few tips and considerations that helped our family build a meaningful, age-appropriate collection:

Mix ages and formats: Pair board books and simple picture books for toddlers with longer picture books and early chapter books for older children. Include a few interactive or lift-the-flap books to keep little hands busy.
Include classics and new favorites: A balance of time-honored stories and modern picture books keeps the lineup fresh and familiar. Look for titles praised for both storytelling and illustrations.
Consider themes: Choose a variety: humorous tales, gentle bedtime stories, multicultural holiday perspectives, faith-based narratives (if that fits your family), and stories about kindness and giving.
Quality over quantity: It’s fine to repeat favorites across years. A shorter list of beautiful books read with intention is more meaningful than many forgettable titles.
Adapt the countdown length: Use 24 books for every night of December until Christmas, 12 for a shorter Advent, or combine small activity cards with books for shorter seasons.

How we wrap and store books:

Wrap each book individually in inexpensive wrap or recycled paper and label with a number tag. If you have multiple children, alternate who picks based on age or let the youngest choose first on odd days and oldest on even days.
Keep the wrapped books in a dedicated basket, box, or an heirloom suitcase like ours — it adds charm and becomes part of the tradition.
For small hands or very young readers, wrap chapter books with a note indicating the intended age or reader so you can save the right books for the right nights.

Why this tradition works:

It builds a nightly reading habit tied to a joyful ritual.
It creates family memories and quiet moments during a busy season.
It introduces children to a range of stories and perspectives around the holidays.

If you’re putting together your list and want ideas, consider alternating picture books with short chapter books, adding one special longer book your kids can return to on multiple nights, and including at least a couple of books that encourage conversation about gratitude and giving. I found that the books that made the cut had memorable illustrations, gentle pacing for bedtime, and characters or themes that invited conversation.

Do you have any favorites you’d add to the list? I’d love to hear what Christmas books your family treasures and any wrapping or countdown tips you’ve discovered.