Best Christmas books for kids

From tales of Santa and his sleigh to good ol' heart-warming classics that teach us the true meaning of Christmas, here are our favourite Christmas books that will get the whole family super excited for the festive season

Father Christmas by Raymond Briggs
(Image credit: Amazon)

From tales of Santa and his sleigh to good ol' heart-warming classics that teach us the true meaning of Christmas, here are our favourite Christmas books that will get the whole family super excited for the festive season

There's nothing like getting the kids in the mood for Christmas than by reading them a good, old-fashioned Christmas book.

From tales of Santa and his sleigh, to good ol' heart-warming classics that teach us the true meaning of Christmas, here are the top Christmas books for children that will get the whole family super excited for the festive season.

And with classic characters like the Snowman, the Grinch and Ebenezer Scrooge to remind you and your little ones why Christmas is so magical, you'll love reading them these Christmas books for children on the run-up to the big day, and at bedtime on Christmas Eve of course!

If you're still looking for something special for them to open on Christmas day, use our GoodtoKnow recommended gift guide for inspiration. As the home of family and food, we've hand selected all the top toys and kitchen must-haves that will keep your family happy on the big day.

We've rounded up 10 of the top Christmas books for children (and let you know where you can buy them cheaply!). You don't just have to get these books for your own kids, they'll make great Christmas gifts, too. And the most wonderful thing about a Christmas book? They'll be read and loved, year after year, after year. Do any of these books remind you of your childhood Christmases? Let us know in the comments section below.

Father Christmas by Raymond Briggs

(Image credit: Amazon)

It's Christmas Eve when Father Christmas awakes after a long and lovely dream of summer in the sun. And boy is there some work to do! This book is an absolute classic - funny, festive and full of fun.

Buy it from Amazon now

Horrible Christmas by Terry Deary & Martin Brown

Horrible Christmas by Terry Deary & Martin Brown

(Image credit: Amazon)

If your kids are fans of the Horrible Histories series, they'll love Horrible Christmas. This book promises to tell you all the festive facts you ever wanted to know, but were too full of mince pies to ask. You just know there are going to be some gruesome ones in there that the kids will reel off at the Christmas dinner table!

Buy it from Amazon now

How the Grinch Stole Christmas by Dr. Seuss

How the Grinch Stole Christmas by Dr Seuss

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The Grinch did NOT like Christmas. Not one bit. Read the tale of how Christmas spirit can touch even the coldest, meanest and greenest of hearts...

Buy it from Amazon now

The Tailor of Gloucester by Beatrix Potter

The Tailor of Gloucester by Beatrix Potter

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This classic tale of how a little group of mice help complete a poor tailor's jacket and waistcoat for the Mayor of Gloucester's wedding on Christmas Day has captured children's imaginations everywhere since 1903.

Buy it from Amazon now

Mog's Christmas by Judith Kerr

Mog's Christmas by Judith Kerr

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All the hustle and bustle of Christmas proves to be a bit too much for poor old Mog, who doesn't understand the noises, new smells and most of all, that tree! A great story for little ones.

Buy it from Amazon now

A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens

A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens

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'Bah! Humbug!'

Dickens' heartwarming story of greedy old Ebenezer Scrooge and his visits from three spirits on the night of Christmas Eve is a great one for teaching your family the true meaning of Christmas. The Muppet film version is a must-see too!

Buy it from Amazon now

The Snowman by Raymond Briggs

The Snowman by Raymond Briggs

(Image credit: Amazon)

Who doesn't love the tale of the little boy whose snowman comes to life and takes him on a magical journey through the snowy night sky?

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Slinky Malinki's Christmas Crackers by Linley Dodd

Slinky Malinki's Christmas Crackers by Linley Dodd

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What could be more fascinating for a cat than a huge sparkly, dangly, glittery Christmas tree? With its baubles and bells glinting temptingly, Slinky Malinki can't help but get a closer inspection...

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The Night Before Christmas by Clemet C. Moore

The Night Before Christmas by Clemet C. Moore

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The festive poem of the most exciting night of the year just never gets old. A must-read bedtime story, every Christmas Eve.

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The Polar Express by Chris Van Allsburg

The Polar Express by Chris Van Allsburg

(Image credit: Amazon)

Late one Christmas Eve, while the whole town are sleeping soundly in their beds, one young boy takes a magical ride on a steam train all the way to the North Pole and to Santa himself.

Buy it from Amazon now

Lifestyle Writer

Gemma Chandler is a lifestyle writer specialising in kids' educational media across a range of topics including nature, history, science and geography across digital, print, social media and video channels. She joined Creature & Co. at 2015, shortly becoming Digital Editor of National Geographic Kids magazine.