Best Christmas Books for Storytime (Preschool, Kindergarten, First Grade)

Looking for Christmas read alouds that keep preschool and early elementary groups engaged during holiday storytime? Check these out!

How Does Santa Go Down the Chimney? (2017)

By Mac Barnett · Illustrated by Jon Klassen · Published by Candlewick Press
A dry, witty take on one of Christmas’s greatest mysteries. With understated humor and visual storytelling, this book invites kids to make predictions, notice details, and laugh at Santa’s many absurd possibilities. Great for dialogic reading. Ages 4 and up. 

Always Everly (2021)

By Nate Wragg
A gentle, visually striking story told through the changing seasons. This one works fantastic as a felt board story as well, and is great for talking about leaves, nature, changing seasons, and staying true to yourself.  

I Got the Christmas Spirit (2018)

By Connie Schofield-Morrison · Illustrated by Frank Morrison · Published by Bloomsbury Children’s Books
A joyful celebration of Christmas excitement as one little girl feels the holiday spirit from head to toe. Bursting with rhythm, repetition, and expressive illustrations, this is a high-energy read aloud kids LOVE to chant along with.

Suzy Goose and the Christmas Star (2021)

By Petr Horáček · Published by Candlewick Press
It’s Christmas Eve, and Suzy Goose sees just the right star for her tree, high in the sky, and no one can stop her from trying every possible way to get it! Expressive illustrations follow the charmingly single-minded goose, and kiddos love voicing the sound effects and knowing better than silly goose Suzy.

Red & Green (2011)

By Lois Ehlert · Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
A bold, graphic concept book that explores Christmas through color and cutouts. This is an excellent choice for toddlers and preschoolers, with instant visual engagement and natural participation through color identification.

Little Red (2021)

By Will Hillenbrand · Published by Holiday House
Little Red the truck helps deliver Christmas trees through snowy roads in this warm, cozy holiday adventure. Perfect for vehicle lovers, winter themes, colors, and Christmas. The narrative structure is perfect for recounting, and it lends itself to storytelling with props or felt board.