20 Fun Christmas Chapter Books for Kids

Back to Christmas by Chris Heimerdinger
Of all the Christmas chapter books I remember from childhood, this is the one I remember most. I think this book is out of print, but you can get a used copy for just a few dollars. The story follows two eleven-year-old boys, one of whom hates Christmas, due to a tragedy that occurred when he was very young, and the other lives by his wits as a trickster. We met the author the year we read it and told him that we read a chapter a day (the book has 25 chapters), and he told us, “You’ll never survive it.” And he is RIGHT. It was one of those books we couldn’t put down. I think my mom bought it for everyone in our extended family the following year. I have read this aloud to my kids many times and I cry every time.

Christmas Pageant: Children’s Advent Books by Maxime Gillio
I love a good Christmas countdown, and this book captures that same excitement – ​​each chapter is sealed, so it’s like unlocking a little surprise every day! The story follows Santa as he looks for apprentices to help deliver presents. (You can see it in action here).

The Christmas Pig by JK Rowling
This was my London gift to myself for 2021 when we visited – I bought it in one of my favorite bookshops in central London and the girls and I immediately read this Christmas aloud and loved it. Jack loves his beloved stuffed pig, DP, and when DP goes missing, he will do anything to get her back, including going to the Land of the Lost, which can only happen to a human child on Christmas Eve. We all loved it (although keep in mind that this is the author of Harry Potter and he’s not afraid of dark and scary elements).

Winter frost by Michelle Houts
This was our Christmas read aloud a few years ago. I got paper copies and audiobooks so we can listen while we run holiday errands or do puzzles together (plus, it can be hard to read Christmas books in December when we’re gone so many nights for festive events!).

Best Christmas Pageant Ever by Barbara Robinson
I mean, what would a Christmas chapter book list be without this book? I LOVED reading this one with my daughters – they especially loved the Herdman brothers, dubbed “the worst kids in the history of the world” who showed up at church because of the free snacks and somehow took over the entire Christmas pageant. This is a great short read, so if you’re looking for something that won’t overwhelm young readers, this is a great choice.

The Vanderbeekers of 141st Street by Karina Yan Glaser
If you like family stories and realistic middle grade fiction, this is for you. The Vanderbeeker family loves their brownstone apartment in New York City. And they were devastated when, for reasons unknown, their grumpy landlord refused to renew the lease before Christmas. The children are determined to keep their family at home, no matter what.

Nancy & Plums by Betty MacDonald
I know Betty MacDonald because I am a big fan of hers Mrs Piggle Wiggleand when I saw this Christmas novel with illustrations created by Mary GrandPré (who did the illustrations for the original Harry Potter books), I was completely intrigued. Also, two orphaned sisters in a terrible orphanage? Count me in. This has been a reissue from the 1950s and at 240 pages, it’s a great choice for a full month. We read this one last year and it was so sweet and charming.

Last Holiday Concert by Andrew Clements
You may know Andrew Clements from his very popular book frindle and this one is just as fun – no one does school stories like Clements! We listened to it on audio a few years ago in the car and everyone really liked it. Hart Evans was the most popular kid in sixth grade, even among the teachers. Except the choir teacher just found out he lost his job due to budget cuts and is NOT in the mood for Hart’s hijinks. When Hart goes too far, the choir teacher says the kids should hold their own holiday concert, with Hart as the conductor.

When Santa Fell to Earth by Cornelia Funke
We love Cornelia Funke in our house (she is the author of the Inkheart series!) and this is the perfect Christmas read! This unique and fun story begins when Twinklestar, one of Santa’s reindeer, gets scared by a storm and runs away, leaving Santa stranded on earth. The neighborhood he lives in is nice and friendly, but the Yuleland Council is led by Jeremiah Goblynch who wants to put an end to Christmas greetings and turn the holiday into a fortune that makes money for himself.

The Family Under the Bridge by Natalie Savage Carlson
This is a classic set in Paris (and I would never say no to Paris), following Armand, an old man who lives on the streets and loves his solitary life. Until he met a poor mother and her three children and felt interested in helping them, including sharing the house under the bridge with them. Also, the illustrations are by Garth Williams, who did the illustrations Charlotte Network and Laura Ingalls Wilder Little House series, so you know it will have the most comfortable and classic feel.

Kringle by Tony Abbott
I’m always interested in a good backstory, and this one, about an orphan who grows up to be Santa Claus, really hits home, with him becoming an adult in 500 AD. If you want goblins, elves, reindeer, and all your good fantasy elements, this story is for you. In this story, goblins kidnap human children and keep them as slaves in underground mines. And Kris Kringle made it his personal mission to free his fellow child slaves from evil goblins, continuing to this day every Christmas Eve, he works to put down the goblin rebellion. We’re waiting for this one at the library and I can’t wait!

The Girl Who Saved Christmas by Matt Haig
This was a great vacation for our family. It follows Amelia Wishart who becomes the first child to receive a Christmas present, thanks to her Christmas spirit. But that Christmas spirit was drained because he was stuck at home working while his mother was sick and without that, magic levels in the North Pole were very low. This one is a follow up to A Boy Named Christmas (which I haven’t read), but you don’t have to read it to enjoy it The Girl Who Saved Christmas.

The Christmas Genie by Dan Gutman
We love Dan Gutman here and Ella included this book in her recent Ella Enjoyed post about her favorite books. On the last day of classes before the holiday, everything goes awry when a meteorite crashes through the window of Mrs. Walter. And what’s even more amazing? A genie appears from a meteorite and will grant one wish to be shared by the entire class. That is IF they can agree on what the wish should be before the final bell rings.

Top Elf by Caleb Huett
This is a Christmas chapter book that I read to my daughter a few years ago and we did a combination of reading aloud and listening to the audiobook, which was really fun. Santa is looking for a replacement and he has a position open for anyone who wants to apply. But this contest is NOT for the faint of heart!