The holiday season is here, and it’s a magical time to gather around, snuggle up, and dive into stories that bring Christmas and Hanukkah to life. Here’s a list of 10 books to enjoy with the family.
5 Christmas Books to Spark Holiday Joy
Finding Nutmeg by Greg Clarke
After finding a magical coin outside his grandad’s workshop, Sean embarks on a mission to the North Pole to return it to its rightful owner: Nutmeg the Elf. Join Sean as he meets elves, reindeer, and even a talking snowman while learning the importance of friendship, being kind and caring for others. Ages 3–8.
Minty the Mischievous Elf by Tara Lala
Peppermint is the naughtiest elf in the South Pole. This Christmas, she wants to make sure Angela, a girl at the top of the nice list, gets no presents from Santa. Will Peppermint’s pranks put Angela on the naughty list, or will Angela change Peppermint into a good elf before it’s too late? A holiday story that reminds children that good always triumphs over evil, and it's important to be those that are kind, to you. Ages 3–8.
Needles, The Forgotten Christmas Tree
By Richard Wagner
Needles looks different from the other Christmas trees. He's smaller with fewer branches and is made fun of by the other trees on the Christmas tree farm. Will Needles ever be chosen to become someone's beautiful Christmas tree, or will he be left out in the cold? Ages 3–8.
Santa’s Magical Reindeer: Becoming Pen Pals by Michele Monaco
This is a sweet story of the Famous Eight sleigh team's search for kids who believe in Christmas magic. This Christmas season, Prancer, Vixen, and Dasher decide to look for pen pals to add magic and joy for kids around the world. Teaches children about friendships and forming new relationships. Ages 3–8.
Martin The Mouse in Santa’s House
by Richard Ballo
Christmas Eve is busy enough without a mouse running through the house. Join the elves, Mrs. Claus, and Santa as they chase Martin the Mouse through the North Pole wonderland. Ages 4–7.
5 Hanukkah Books to Celebrate the Festival of Lights
by Lesléa Newman
Gather round to light the menorah, spin the dreidel, eat latkes, and sing songs! Hanukkah rituals are always delightful – especially when bunnies are involved. Ages 6 months–2.
Antlers with Candles by Chris Barash
Everything looks new when seen from a child’s perspective, including menorahs, dreidels, and latkes. But family togetherness is something everyone understands. Ages 6 months–4.
Latke, the Lucky Dog by Ellen Fischer
Latke, a dog adopted by a Jewish family during Hanukkah, finds his way into their hearts. Through Latke’s adorable mishaps, kids learn about Hanukkah traditions in a fun, relatable way. Ages 1–5.
The Eight Knights of Hanukkah
by Leslie Kimmelman
The kingdom has gathered to celebrate Hanukkah–but a dastardly dragon keeps interrupting the festivities. Can the Eight Knights of Hanukkah set things right? Ages 4–8.
Hanukkah in Alaska by Barbara Brown
Snow piles up over the windows and one girl finds a moose camped out in her backyard, right near her favorite blue swing. She tries everything to lure it away: apples, carrots, even cookies. It's not until the last night of Hanukkah that a familiar Jewish holiday tradition provides the perfect-and surprising-solution. Ages 6–8.
These delightful Christmas and Hanukkah books are perfect for family reading and celebrating the season’s themes of love, light, and joy. Enjoy these stories with the kids and create lasting memories filled with warmth and holiday cheer.