Christian Christmas Books for Kids Centering Little Hearts on Jesus

It is good to be children sometimes, and never better than at Christmas when its mighty Founder was a child himself. —Charles Dickens

We adults decided that Christmas has to be the busiest season of the year. So busy that we often forget to live the Christmas story through, soak in its heavenly and very earthly beauty, and focus on its True Hero. Jesus. But do you know who’s never in a holiday rush and long for stories? Our kids! Their little curious minds crave some magic and the nativity story is up for the task! Never old school, never boring because it is all about God’s heart. Even though the Bible tells the nativity story best, its Christmas spirit lives on in many great Christian Christmas books for kids!  

I’ve collected the most Christ-centred, Christmas-themed, and Christian-mom-approved stories for children! So why not grab one or two books, cuddle under a blanket with your little one, and guide their little hearts through the wonder of Christmas?

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Christmas books for kids aged 1-3

The Christmas Promise: A True Story from the Bible about God’s Forever King by Alison Mitchell

If you’re looking for a meaningful Christmas read for your little ones, The Christmas Promise by Alison Mitchell is a gem. This beautifully illustrated book tells the story of Jesus’ birth, emphasizing God’s promise and the arrival of a forever King. My kids were captivated by the vibrant pictures and the repetitive phrases that made it easy for them to follow along and even join in. I loved its sturdy pages, durable for little hands and its simple yet profound message, which makes this book perfect for young minds (2+).

A Very Noisy Christmas by Tim Thornborough 

This one is the noisiest among all the Christian Christmas books for kids. Why not? Christmas cozily serves quiet joy and loud praise! This book is one of the best Christian Christmas books for kids aged 1-4, with its vibrant, captivating illustrations and fun text prompting them to make noise along the way. If you are a noisy family like us, this Christmas book would be a very merry gift, helping them let off steam, make some holy noise, and learn to praise the Lord! 

The Christmas Surprise by Steph Williams

If you were looking for a cheap but meaningful stocking filler, this is it, look no further. This small but cute book follows a little girl who learns about the greatest surprise of all — Jesus’ birth. My kids were enthralled by the storyline, the beautiful artwork, and the interactive elements, like lifting flaps to reveal surprises. We’ve added it to our bedtime routine, and it’s sparked some wonderful conversations about God’s surprises.

Best Christmas books for kids aged 4-7

The Littlest Watchman by Scott James

One of the most thought-provoking Christian Christmas books for kids, The Littlest Watchman tells the story of Benjamin, a young boy tasked with watching for the fulfillment of God’s promise given in Isaiah 11:1. The illustrations are stunning, and the narrative beautifully captures the essence of waiting and hope. My son was fascinated by Benjamin’s journey and the anticipation of Jesus’ birth. It’s a great way to introduce the concept of Advent to kids. We’ve made it a nightly read leading up to Christmas, and it’s sparked so many meaningful conversations. I must say, this book was written for the child in me because I also eagerly wait for our Lord’s return. Truly a must-have!

God Gave Us Christmas by Lisa Tawn Bergren 

As Little Cub and her family prepare for Christmas, she starts asking big questions like, “Who invented Christmas?” and “Is God more important than Santa?” Mama Bear takes her on a polar adventure to find God and find out the origin of Christmas. Through this journey, Little Cub notices that God works in creation all around her and realizes that Jesus is the best gift of all. This is one of the cutest Christian Christmas books for kids I ever found (with a deep Christian meaning at that)! We loved its gentle storytelling and stunning visuals.

Mary’s Little Donkey by Gunhild Sehlin

Mary’s Little Donkey by Gunhild Sehlin is a beautifully illustrated heartwarming tale that tells the story of a little dirty but proud donkey whose heart was changed forever after meeting Mary. Her kind attitude transformed him from a lazy, selfish creature into a true and loving friend on Mary’s journey to Bethlehem. My daughter admired the soft-focus illustrations, the gentle character of Mary, and the cute animal talking. In this book, all creation glorifies little Jesus! It’s a lovely way to share the true spirit of Christmas, highlighting themes of compassion, friendship, and redemption. We used it for Advent family time.  

Jesus Came for Me: The True Story of Christmas by Jared Kennedy

What I love about this Christian Christmas book for kids is that it makes Christmas very personal. It helped my kids realize that Jesus came for them personally. He is their very own gift and Savior. This board book with vibrant illustrations and simple, engaging text beautifully explains the story of Jesus’ birth, starting from John the Baptist’s announcement to the visit of the wise men. I loved how it explains deep biblical messages in a very simple, age-appropriate manner, and the questions provided after each chapter were very helpful for stirring a conversation with my kids. 

All is Bright: When God Came Down One Silent Night by Clay Anderson 

This beautifully illustrated book from the author of This I Know retells the nativity story in a way that’s engaging for young children, with stunning artwork that captures their imagination. The simple yet profound message of God’s love shines through each page. I found this book peaceful in everything, from soft-focus illustrations to calming, gentle text. Your little one will enjoy discovering the hidden verses! It’s perfect for bedtime reading and helps instill the true meaning of Christmas in little hearts. I’m sure that one day, this one will be listed among classic Christmas books for kids.   

There’s a Lion in My Nativity! by Lizzie Laferton

It’s a cute twist on the classic nativity story. Imagine a Christmas play where Mary thinks she’s the star, but then a tent, a phone, and even a lion steal the show! The narrator explains to her that every unsightly item has a deep meaning and points to Jesus. A tent means that God humbled himself to live among us, a phone means that Jesus’s mission is to connect us with Heavenly Father, and a lion is a magnificent symbol that reminds us that Jesus is the true King. With its catchy rhymes and vivid illustrations, this book is a fantastic way to help our kids centre their little hearts on the true hero of the show – Jesus!  

The Christmas Story Brick by Brick by Rachael Hood

If your child loves LEGO, this book will be a fun addition to your Christmas book collection! This book combines the timeless tale of Jesus’ birth with the fun of LEGO builds, making it perfect for kids aged 4-7. The rhyming text is engaging and easy to follow, while the vibrant photos of LEGO scenes captivate young imaginations. Plus, it includes instructions for five LEGO builds, adding a hands-on element to storytime. It’s a wonderful way to bring the true meaning of Christmas to life in a creative and interactive way.

Best Christian Christmas books for kids aged 7-10

The Christmas Miracle of Jonathan Toomey by Susan Wojciechowski 

This heartwarming, beautifully illustrated book tells the story of a grumpy woodcarver whose heart is softened by a widow and her son. The detailed illustrations captivate young readers, while the touching narrative brings a tear to your eye and a smile to your face. The book beautifully conveys the Christmas message of hope, healing, and the power of love, blending sorrow and joy in this touchy story of one transformed heart. If you haven’t watched the movie yet, it is also a must-see (but book first!). 

One Wintry Night: A Classic Retelling of the Christmas Story by Ruth Bell Graham

If you are in love with beautifully illustrated Christian Christmas books for kids, this one is a treasure! It tells the story of a young boy who finds shelter in a cabin during a snowstorm. The kind woman who takes him in shares the Christmas story, starting from creation and leading up to Jesus’ resurrection. Fabulous illustrations, a captivating story, and top print quality make this book a perfect Christmas gift idea for kids aged 7-10. The artwork is worth to be mentioned separately. It’s absolutely brilliant! The artist Richard Jesse Watson has worked on this book for five years hiding bugs and cats in the book’s intricate pictures so that you and your kid can have fun discovering them all! 

All about Christmas: Over 100 Amazing Facts Behind the Christmas Story by Alison Mitchell

If you’re looking for a book that makes the Christmas (hi)story come alive for your kids, All About Christmas by Alison Mitchell is a must-have. This book is packed with over 100 fascinating facts and vibrant photos that captivate young minds. My kids were thrilled to learn quirky traditions like why Germans hide pickles in their Christmas trees! The bite-sized chunks of information make it perfect for curious readers aged 7-10. It’s not just educational but also a fun way to explore the real history behind Christmas. Trust me, this book will become a Christmas staple in your home!

Best Christmas chapter books for kids aged 9-12

The Christmas Mystery by Jostein Gaarder

This is a captivating read for the Advent season that follows young Joachim as finds a magic Advent calendar in a nook in a bookshop and uncovers the story of Elisabet, the girl who mysteriously disappeared from this same bookshop many years ago. From the calendar, Joachim learns that she traveled back in time and space to witness the birth of Jesus. Each chapter, designed like an Advent calendar, reveals a new part of her journey, making it an exciting daily read for older children who love history and travel. My son “swallowed” this book when he was 9, and since then he rereads it occasionally when he wants to feel like Christmas. 

Little Christmas Carol: The Illustrated Edition by Charles Dickens

Among all the classic Christmas books for kids, this has been the most impressive to me. Beautiful illustrations by Joe Sutphin reimagine Charles Dickens’ timeless tale of Ebenezer Scrooge with charming woodland characters. It’s perfect for family read-alouds and a wonderful way to discuss themes of compassion, hope, and redemption.

Light in the Darkness: Discover Christmas As You’ve Never Seen It Before by Alex Webb-Peploe 

This book is a stunning graphic novel that brings the first Christmas to life straight from the Gospel of Luke. The illustrations are gritty and contemporary, making it a hit with older kids and teens. It can also be used for a youth group. The unaltered scripture text (HCSB) is beautifully presented, capturing the joys and pains of the nativity story, and helping older kids grasp the true meaning of Christmas. We don’t have this particular book yet, but after the success of the Action Bible in our family, I think I need to give this one a chance now. 

Activities-loaded Christian Christmas books for kids

Seek-and-Circle Christmas Stories

This board book is a wonderful way to keep Christ at the center of your holiday celebrations! It is filled with hidden pictures and names of Jesus to find. As your little ones circle their discoveries, they’ll journey through the nativity story, from the angel’s visit to Mary to the birth of Jesus. The wipe-clean pages mean endless fun and learning. Perfect for children aged 4-8.  

Seek and Find: The First Christmas by Sarah Parker

If you were searching for a fun and activity-packed Christmas book for kids, Seek and Find: The First Christmas is a must-have. This interactive book is a hit with kids, featuring over 450 items to find and count, which keeps them entertained and engaged. The illustrations are not only beautiful but also biblically accurate, making the nativity story come alive. I loved how it encourages kids to ask questions and discuss the true meaning of Christmas. Each time they read it, they find new details. It’s like an endless Christmas quest, so it’s absolutely worth the money!

Bake through the Bible at Christmas by Susie Bentley-Taylor

Love cooking? This Christian Christmas book for kids is such a yummy way to help your littles “taste and see that the Lord is good”! This book combines 12 engaging Bible stories with simple, kid-friendly baking activities. Imagine making spiced star tree decorations while talking about Jesus being the light of the world! The recipes are easy to follow, even if you’re not a seasoned baker. Plus, the discussions and questions included make it a wonderful bonding experience. My kids loved the cranberry angel cakes, and they really brought the story of the angel’s message to Mary to life. Highly recommend!

Advent readings for kids and family

Promises Made Promises Kept: A Family Devotional for Christmas by Marty Machowski

This beautifully illustrated devotional is designed to be read with your kids, starting a week before Christmas and continuing through the week after. The first part introduces your family to great God’s promises and the second one reveals how magnificently they all were fulfilled through the life of Jesus. The engaging questions at the end of each story spark great family discussions. It’s a lovely tradition to start and a keepsake you’ll cherish year after year.

All Creation Waits ― Children’s Edition by Gayle Boss 

This Advent book beautifully intertwines faith and nature by taking your kids on a journey through the natural world and showing how animals prepare for dark and cold winter waiting for spring to come. It guides kids in parallelling it with how all creation was waiting for the Light of the World to come, and now, our anticipation for Christ’s return. The watercolor illustrations by an award-winning artist Sharon Spitz are stunning, but I also loved the slow pace of this Advent book that invites a child to spend a day with one creature. No rushing, just wait quietly with all the creatures, big and small. This book is a wonderful way to spark meaningful conversations about God’s creation and bring a sense of wonder and reverence to the Advent season.

The Advent Storybook: 25 Bible Stories Showing Why Jesus Came by Laura Richie 

This book is one of the best ways to spend those 25 long December days waiting for Christmas. Each of the 25 stories is paired with charming illustrations and a key Bible verse, making it easy for little ones to grasp. The stories are just the right length to keep young attention spans engaged, yet content-heavy. What stands out are the engaging questions at the end of each story, perfect for sparking meaningful chats about the true essence of Christmas. What I love about this book is that it is biblically faithful in details that many even Christian Christmas books for kids get wrong: the skin color of people in the stories and wise men finding little Jesus NOT in a manger. 

I hope you loved this collection of Christian Christmas books for kids! If you have a book favorite that wasn’t mentioned in this post, please share it with me in the comments and I will add it to the list! 

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