Books About Holiday Traditions

The Best Holiday Traditions Books for Kids

By the Bookroo Editors

Looking for excellent children's books about holiday traditions? This collection brings together Bookroo's highest-rated and most useful picks in one place.

Start with our editorial favorites, then browse recommendations organized by reading stage to find the right book for your reader.

Santa Claus Must Do His Chores!
Series
A World of Cookies for Santa
Halloween Is Coming!
The Shortlist

Our 10 Favorite Books About Holiday Traditions

Sale price
$2089
Picture Book · Ages 3–7 · 2023

Santa Claus Must Do His Chores!

By Andy Wortlock, Nahum Ziersch (Illustrator)

Santa juggles chores before his global gift-giving journey.

32 pages· 242 words· Est. 2 min read-aloud
4.3 Goodreads · 407 ratings
$21.99Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: Santa Claus is busy with chores before his big night. From washing dishes to feeding pets, he must complete his tasks before delivering gifts worldwide. Can he manage it all in time? Discover the festive chaos and hidden surprises in this delightful holiday tale, perfect for young readers.
Chapter Book · Ages 9–12 · 2016

Hot Cocoa Hearts

By Suzanne Nelson · Book #3 in the Wish series

A holiday job, a blizzard, and a surprising crush challenge Em's festive spirit.

256 pages· 45,247 words· Est. 5 hour read
4.2 Goodreads · 1,872 ratings
$7.99Save 5%
Paperback
Summary: Emery Mason dreads the holidays, but working as an elf at her parents' Santa booth changes everything. She meets Alex, a cheerful hot cocoa vendor, challenging her crush on the brooding Sawyer. As a blizzard and family drama unfold, Em must decide if she can embrace holiday magic and discover who truly holds her heart. Will she find the perfect boy to kiss under the mistletoe?
Picture Book · 2020

A Little SPOT of Christmas

A helper from the North Pole discovers Santa might miss out on a gift this year.

40 pages· 745 words
4.5 Goodreads · 113 ratings
Paperback
Summary: A little helper from the North Pole is sent to make this Christmas unforgettable. As it excels in decorating and baking, it realizes Santa might not receive a gift. Embark on a heartwarming journey where the true gifts of kindness, patience, and gratitude become the ultimate present for Santa. Will this little helper succeed in its mission to bring joy to the one who spreads it every year?
Picture Book · Ages 4–6 · 1939

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer

A reindeer with a glowing nose must save Christmas on a stormy night.

40 pages· 1,478 words· Est. 12 min read-aloud
4.3 Goodreads · 42,482 ratings
$18.99Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: Rudolph, a reindeer with a glowing red nose, faces ridicule from his peers. But when a storm threatens Christmas Eve, Santa sees Rudolph's unique gift as the key to saving the night. Can Rudolph lead the sleigh and change his fate forever? Discover how one reindeer's difference becomes his greatest strength.
Chapter Book · Ages 7–10 · 2006

The Christmas Toy Factory

A reluctant Santa faces a holiday challenge in New Mouse City.

128 pages· 6,896 words· Est. 58 min read
4.1 Goodreads · 2,585 ratings
$7.99Save 5%
Paperback
Summary: Geronimo Stilton loves Christmas, but this year, his grandfather's request turns the holiday upside down. Tasked with dressing as Santa and entertaining mouselets, Geronimo dreams of escaping with reindeer. Can he survive the festive chaos and uncover a new story? Join him in a whirlwind of holiday hilarity and unexpected adventures in New Mouse City.
Picture Book · Ages 4–7 · 2017

A World of Cookies for Santa

By M.E. Furman, Susan Gal (Illustrator)

Travel the globe with Santa to discover festive cookies and cultural delights.

48 pages· 1,852 words· Est. 15 min read-aloud
4.2 Goodreads · 517 ratings
$17.99Save 6%
Hardcover
Summary: Join Santa on a global journey as he samples festive treats from children worldwide. From the Philippines' puto seko to Russia's honey-spice cookies, each stop offers a unique taste of Christmas. With recipes included, this multicultural adventure invites families to bake and celebrate together. What sweet surprises await Santa next?
Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 1995

The Dumb Bunnies' Easter

A Christmas tale with hilariously clueless bunnies awaits discovery.

32 pages· 474 words· Est. 4 min read-aloud
4.0 Goodreads · 583 ratings
$6.99Save 4%
Paperback
Summary: Meet the Dumb Bunnies, a family so hilariously clueless they mistake Christmas for Easter. Mummy, Daddy, and Baby Bunny embark on a zany adventure filled with absurd antics and unexpected twists. Can they navigate their topsy-turvy world without causing chaos? Discover the hilarity that ensues when the silliest family around celebrates the wrong holiday. Will their antics lead to disaster or delight? Dive into this uproarious tale and find out!
Picture Book · Ages 5–8 · 2014

Memoirs of an Elf

Santa's schedule is at risk when a family dog ends up in his sleigh. Can he return it in time for Christmas?

32 pages· 1,160 words· Est. 9 min read-aloud
4.0 Goodreads · 425 ratings
$16.99Save 6%
Hardcover
Summary: On Christmas Eve, Spark Elf must keep Santa on track as they deliver gifts worldwide. But when a family dog accidentally ends up in Santa's sleigh, chaos ensues. With time running out, can Santa and Momma Claus devise a plan to return the beloved pet and save Christmas? Join the adventure as they race against the clock, navigating unexpected challenges and heartwarming surprises. Will they succeed in keeping the holiday spirit alive?
Picture Book · Ages 4–7 · 2021

Halloween Is Coming!

By Cal Everett, Lenny Wen (Illustrator)

Join the excitement as Halloween's magic and mystery draw near.

32 pages· 224 words· Est. 2 min read-aloud
3.9 Goodreads · 353 ratings
$10.99Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: As Halloween approaches, children and adults alike feel the thrill of the season. Marching in a school parade, donning spooky costumes, and spotting signs of the holiday's arrival, everyone eagerly anticipates the magical night. This rhyming picture book captures the joy and anticipation of Halloween, creating a new tradition for young readers. What surprises will the spookiest night of the year bring?
Chapter Book · Ages 9–12 · 1988

Mandie and the Holiday Surprise

By Lois Gladys Leppard · Book #11 in the Mandie series

Uncover a hidden Christmas secret.

160 pages· 39,350 words· Est. 4.5 hour read
3.9 Goodreads · 1,273 ratings
$5.99Save 4%
Paperback
Summary: Mandie senses something amiss at home this Christmas. Her mother and stepfather are acting strangely, hinting at a secret that could change everything. Can Mandie unravel the mystery before the holiday magic fades?
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Holiday Traditions Picture Books

Illustrated read-alouds about holiday traditions for preschool and elementary-age readers.

The Night Before New Year's

Ages 3–5 · 2009

Can the family stay awake until midnight on New Year's Eve?

A Stickler Christmas

Ages 4–8 · 2024

A woodland creature spreads holiday cheer, but can he help a shy friend shine?

The Berenstain Bears Save Christmas

Ages 4–8 · 2003

Can the Bears restore true Christmas spirit before it's too late?

Sale price
$699

Merry Christmas, Stinky Face

Ages 3–6 · 2002

What if Santa's plans go awry? Stinky Face has questions.

Sale price
$599

The Night Before Thanksgiving

Ages 4–8 · 2001

Join the Thanksgiving feast as family gathers for a fun-filled holiday celebration.

The Little Red Elf
Sale price
$1495

The Little Red Elf

Ages 3–7 · 2009

An elf seeks help for Christmas prep, but her friends refuse. Who will share the joy?

Christmas Cats

Ages 4–8 · 1997

Cats create Christmas magic with festive antics.

10 things you never knew about Santa claus

10 things you never knew about Santa claus

2017

Santa Claus enjoys unexpected hobbies and quirky traditions while preparing for Christmas night.

The ZomBees

Ages 4–8

Zombie bees swarm a town on Halloween. What do they want?

Meet the Scout Elves

Ages 4–8 · 2023

Explore the North Pole and uncover the secrets of the Scout Elves.

The Gingerbread House Jack's Family Ate

Ages 4–8 · 2024

Can Jack's family build a gingerbread house without eating it first?

Snowmen's Twelve Nights of Christmas

Ages 3–7 · 2023

A dog stirs chaos in a snowy twist on a classic carol.

View all holiday traditions picture books
Browse by age

Holiday Traditions Chapter Books & Middle Grade

Longer stories about holiday traditions for developing and independent readers.

Who Is Stealing the 12 Days of Christmas?

Ages 8–11 · 2003

Can Alex catch the thief stealing Christmas decorations before it's too late?

Santa Claws

Ages 3–5 · 2022

Dinosaurs feast at Christmas, but what surprise awaits them?

How the Grinch Stole Christmas!

Ages 8–10 · 2000

A grumpy outcast plots to stop Christmas in a whimsical town.

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