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Cosy stories your little one will love and memories you’ll treasure forever while looking for the best Christmas books for toddlers.
There’s something incredibly magical about December with young children.
The early sunsets, the twinkly lights, the cuddles under blankets…
and that moment when you’re reading a festive story and you see your child’s eyes widen with wonder.
If you’re anything like most parents, you’re probably already thinking:
“Which Christmas books should I read with my toddler this year?”
As a nursery, we read hundreds of children’s books every year, but Christmas ones?
They’re different.
They’re the books children remember.
They’re the ones that become family traditions.
So we’ve put together a gentle, parent-friendly guide to the best Christmas books for ages 1–4 — books we read with the children in our own homes and in nursery classrooms, books we’ve seen toddlers fall in love with again and again.
Grab a cup of tea… this one’s cosy. ☕️🎄
1. “That’s Not My Reindeer…” — Usborne (Ages 1–3)
If you have a baby or young toddler, this book is almost guaranteed to become their favourite December read.
Soft noses… fluffy scarves… shiny bells…
Your little one will explore every texture with their whole body.
This is the kind of book where you say the first page and they already know the rhythm.
And their tiny finger goes straight to the “That’s not my…” line.
Every. Single. Time.
It’s simple, comforting, and perfect for bedtime.
2. “Dear Santa” — Rod Campbell (Ages 1–3)
A brilliant first Christmas book for children who LOVE lift-the-flap surprises.
There’s something so joyful about hearing a toddler say,
“What’s inside?!”
while they pull open each flap with excitement.
Dear Santa by Rod Campbell is short, sweet, and perfect for those busy little ones who don’t sit still for long stories.
For many families, festive bedtime stories also help with soothing routines – especially if your toddler is transitioning away from comfort habits. If you are currently navigating this stage, you may find our guide on gently helping your toddler stop using a pacifier to be very supportive.
3. “Stick Man” — Julia Donaldson (Ages 2–4)
If you haven’t introduced your child to Stick Man yet – December is the perfect time.
It’s adventurous, funny, and (don’t worry) it ends with Santa saving the day.
There’s a moment near the end where toddlers lean in a little closer…
and you can hear the tiny gasp when Santa appears.
It’s truly magical. Every time.
Stories like this often lead to wonderful conversations during preschool circle time — especially when children start asking all their big ‘why?’ questions. At Purple Bees, we love those curious moments and guide them gently, just as we do in our approach to responding to children’s “why?” questions
4. “Little Robin Red Vest” — Jan Fearnley (Ages 2–4)
This is one of our absolute favourites for teaching kindness during the festive season.
Little Robin gives away all his warm vests to help others on cold winter days.
By the end, children are completely invested in him – and the last page often gets a soft “awww” from both kids and parents.
A beautiful story to balance the excitement of Christmas with a gentle message about generosity.
5. “Peppa’s Christmas Wish” — Ladybird (Ages 2–4)
Sometimes toddlers just want something familiar.
And if your child loves Peppa, this book feels like a warm hug.
It’s cheerful, simple, and easy for children to retell in their own words.
Perfect for bedtime or cuddles on the sofa after nursery.
6. “The Jolly Christmas Postman” — Janet & Allan Ahlberg (Ages 3–4)
The Jolly Christmas Postman is the type of book that becomes a family tradition.
Real envelopes. Little letters inside.Beautiful illustrations.
A story you can stretch out over several evenings.
Preschoolers LOVE the interactive bits – and parents love watching their concentration grow as they carefully open each envelope.
7. “Ten Little Elves” — Mike Brownlow & Simon Rickerty (Ages 2–4)
Ten Little Elves – Festive Counting Book is a brilliant mix of counting, rhyming, and silly festive fun.
It’s one of those books where you catch yourself smiling while reading it aloud.
Toddlers love the rhythm, and preschoolers join in with the numbers.
A great December book to build both language and early maths skills.
8. “Baby’s First Christmas Book” — DK (Ages 1–2)
For the tiniest readers, Baby’s First Christmas – DK Board Book is perfect.
Bright pictures. Simple words. Big, bold Christmas objects they’ll soon recognise in real life — trees, stars, stockings, snowflakes.
If this is your child’s first or second Christmas, this book captures the magic perfectly.
Bonus Favourite for 2025
“The Christmas Pine” — Julia Donaldson
A beautiful, calming story based on the real Christmas tree that arrives in Trafalgar Square every year.
It feels like poetry.
Perfect for winding down after an exciting December day.
Why Christmas Books Matter More Than We Realise
Between the presents, decorations, nursery events, and family gatherings… December can be a lot for little ones.
Reading together creates:
✨ A moment to slow down
✨ A cosy ritual before bed
✨ Language development through festive vocabulary
✨ Emotional bonding (cuddles don’t hurt either!)
✨ Memories they carry into every Christmas after
And the truth is — your child won’t remember every gift.
But they will remember the stories you read together.
A Quick Guide to Choosing the Right Christmas Book for Your Child
For babies & young toddlers (1–2 years):
✔ textures
✔ flaps
✔ simple pictures
For toddlers (2–3 years):
✔ rhymes
✔ short stories
✔ repetition (“Again!”)
For preschoolers (3–4 years):
✔ longer adventures
✔ emotional themes
✔ stories they can help retell
If you’re unsure which one to pick — choose the book you enjoy reading too.
Children feel your energy more than you think.
Final Thoughts
Christmas with little ones is chaotic, funny, exhausting, and unbelievably sweet.
And the books you read this year might just become the stories they ask for next December… and the next.
Whether you’re snuggled on the sofa, reading after bath time, or doing a quiet morning story on a frosty weekend — we hope these books bring magic into your home.
If you’d like help choosing a book based on your child’s age, personality, or interests, just let us know — we love talking about children’s books.