One of our families favorite winter holiday activities is snuggling up with a good book, especially as the weather gets colder and nights darken earlier.  Not only is this a great opportunity to create a new holiday tradition, but it’s a chance for kids to learn and appreciate holiday customs and traditions from other cultures.  We’ve gathered a few familiar and some new holiday books we hope you and your kids will enjoy this holiday season and don’t forget, books make a wonderful holiday gift that kids will treasure for years!

Dasher:  How a Brave Little Doe Changed Christmas Forever by Matt Tavares (suggested age Baby – 3 yrs.)

Dasher is an adventurous young reindeer with a wish in her heart.  She spends her days with her family under the hot sun in a traveling circus, but she longs for a different life.  One day, when the opportunity arises, Dasher seizers her destiny and takes off in pursuit of the life she wants to live.

Christmas with Peppa by Neville Astley (suggested age 3 – 5 yrs.)

Peppa Pig and her family have many special Christmas traditions.  Find out in this board book if Peppa and George get a sneak peek of Santa this year.  Based on the hit animated TV show!

Baby’s First Hanukkah by DK (suggested age Baby – 3 yrs.)

Perfect for story time with babies and toddlers over the Jewish holiday period, this board book introduces Hanukkah traditions and festivities.  Babies and toddlers will soon be turning the pages themselves, naming objects, joining in with the text, and learning all about the magical time of Hanukkah.

A Christmas Gift for Little One by Sandra Magsamen (suggested age 3 yrs.)

What do YOU wish for this Christmas?  Author Sandra Magsamen writes a heartfelt message of love and Christmas spirit that reminds us all that the best Christmas gifts are those we feel with the heart.

Christmas ABC by Nosy Crow (suggested age Baby – 3 yrs.)

This fun first alphabet book introduces simple seasonal words to get toddlers excited about Christmas.  It features lots of happy faces and familiar festive details to spot and talk about.

The Colors of Christmas by Jill Howarth (suggested age Baby – 3 yrs.)

Share the joy and magic of the Christmas season while teaching little ones about basic and festive colors!  This is a must-have to complete any holiday celebration with baby or toddler year after year.

My Family Celebrates Kwanzaa by Lisa Bullard (suggested age 6 – 8 yrs.)

Kwanzaa traces its origins to the American Civil Rights era.  Critical thinking questions and fast facts prompt young readers to engage with this fun narrative and learn all about Kwanzaa.

Good Night Christmas Tree by Adam Gamble & Mark Jasper (suggested age Baby – 3 yrs.)

This charming holiday board book will have young and old jumping for Christmas joy as the tree goes up and ornaments come out.  You’ll never want to stop decorating!

Where is Baby Dreidel? by Karen Katz (suggested age Baby – 3 yrs.)

It’s Chanukah and Baby wants to spin the dreidel!  Children can lift the flaps to find the Chanukah symbols – what a wonderful Chanukah treat for little ones!

5 More Sleeps ‘Til Christmas by Jimmy Fallon  (suggested age Baby – 3 yrs.)

TV Host Jimmy Fallon returns with this sweet and spirited Christmas picture book.  Everyone who grew up celebrating Christmas remembers the excitement that built up to the most magical day of the year!

Li’l Rabbit’s Kwanzaa by Donna L Washington (suggested age 3 – 5 yrs.)

Lil’l Rabbit wants to celebrate his favorite part of Kwanzaa, the feast of Karamu.  Lil’l Rabbit decides to go off and find a very special treat for Granna Rabbit as she is sick in bed for the special holiday.

Construction Site on Christmas Night by Sherri Duskey Rinker (suggested age 4 – 8 yrs.)

This beautiful holiday picture book shows Excavator, Bulldozer, Crane, Dump Truck and Cement Mixer building a new home for fire engines.  Your kids will have fun discovering the special surprise awaiting each vehicle.  This cute book is sure to be a classic!