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

Looking for Christmas singable and chantable books that keep preschool and early elementary groups engaged during storytime? Check these out!

We’re Going on a Present Hunt (2020)

By Goldie Hawk · Illustrated by Angie Rozelaar · Published by Nosy Crow
The kids are off on a Christmas present hunt - but on their journey to the toy store they encounter trees, reindeer, and carol singers! Based on the classic chant “Going On a Bear Hunt,” this book calls for lots of dramatic play, incorporates action words, motions, and ends with repeating the actions in reverse order.

The Wheels on the Bus at Christmas (2023)

Illustrated by Sarah Kieley · Published by Doubleday Books for Young Readers
Let’s ride the bus on Christmas Eve, and see who is riding along with us! Elves, reindeer, snowmen, cookies, lights, and of course, Santa! Piggybacking on the classic nursery rhyme, this is a great read aloud, and also translates nicely to a flannel board kit or a prop story if you have all of the props!

Where, Oh Where Is Santa Claus? (2024)

By Lisa Wheeler · Illustrated by Ivan Bates · Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
Adorable arctic animals (reindeer, hare, seal, fox, and bear) are looking everywhere for Santa. Where could he be? Rich, rhyming text is crafted beautifully into chantable verses and each animal has unique action words that can be easily paired with movements. Will the animals (and children) be able to spot Santa?

Chicka Chicka Ho Ho Ho (2017)

By William Boniface · Illustrated by Julien Chung · Published by Beach Lane Books
Meet the beloved alphabet crew in the branches of the Christmas tree! A festive addition to the original duo, this bold read aloud with shimmering elements can be sung to the original tune or chanted. Chicka chicka ho ho ho! Time for presents - let’s go go go!

Twelve Dinging Doorbells: An Every-Holiday Carol (2022)

By Tameka Fryer Brown · Illustrated by Ebony Glenn · Published by Kokila
Each ringing doorbell brings something or someone special to this holiday gathering until the house is packed with people and delicious food! A brilliant take on the cumulative song, you can feel the reunion getting more and more lively as the refrains add up - until the sweet, quiet moment at the end.

The 12 Days of Christmas (2017)

By Greg Pizzoli
One of my all time favorite Christmas sing-aloud books, Pizzoli puts his signature spin on the illustrations, which tell their own story in conjunction with the song. A multi-layered read aloud, children will love this silly and creative take on the classic.