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Best Christmas Books

Updated March 2024
Bottom line
Pros
Cons
Best of the Best
The Polar Express Chris Van Allsburg
The Polar Express
Chris Van Allsburg
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A Timeless Classic
Bottom Line

Our expert loves the new and enhanced cover and pages in this 30th anniversary edition of a popular Christmas story.

Pros

An endearing tale of a child whose faith in Santa is restored after a journey to the North Pole on a train. Durable hardcover edition. Caldecott Medal winner. Comes with a keepsake ornament.

Cons

The book jacket explains that Santa isn't real, so it may not be an excellent choice for younger kids.

Best Bang for the Buck
The Night Before Christmas Clement Moore
The Night Before Christmas
Clement Moore
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Bargain Pick
Bottom Line

A hardcover edition of a classic story that's packed with gorgeous illustrations.

Pros

Adapted from a poem that tells the story of Santa visiting a home on Christmas Eve. Features a high-quality, durable design. Has a four-page illustrated foldout. The shiny, foil-stamped cover is sure to impress. New York Times bestseller.

Cons

Some reviewers noted a few differences between this edition and the classic story.

How the Grinch Stole Christmas Dr. Seuss
How the Grinch Stole Christmas
Dr. Seuss
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Customer Favorite
Bottom Line

Our expert likes that this classic Christmas book demonstrates how the Christmas spirit can warm even the coldest hearts.

Pros

This well-known story features a rhythmic style that keeps young readers engaged. Features color illustrations. Available in hardcover, paperback, Kindle, and audiobook editions.

Cons

The illustrations may feel dated to some readers.

Bear Stays Up for Christmas Karma Wilson
Bear Stays Up for Christmas
Karma Wilson
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Best for Kids
Bottom Line

According to our expert, this feel-good story has cute illustrations.

Pros

Each page features a beautiful illustration and a few short lines of text, making it an excellent choice for younger children. It tells the story of Bear and their friends as they do everything they can to keep Bear awake for Christmas.

Cons

Some reviewers found the story too simple to be entertaining.

Construction Site on Christmas Night Sherri Duskey Rinker
Construction Site on Christmas Night
Sherri Duskey Rinker
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Simple Yet Solid
Bottom Line

Our expert shares that this book offers surprises with each character in the story.

Pros

The illustrations are colorful and exciting. Tells the story of several pieces of construction equipment building a home for fire engines on Christmas day. Each page has short lines of rhyming text.

Cons

Some reviewers didn't like that all the characters had male pronouns.

Why trust BestReviews?
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and all opinions about the products are our own. About BestReviews  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and all opinions about the products are our own. About BestReviews  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We buy all products with our own funds, and we never accept free products from manufacturers.About BestReviews 
HOW WE TESTED

We recommend these products based on an intensive research process that's designed to cut through the noise and find the top products in this space. Guided by experts, we spend hours looking into the factors that matter, to bring you these selections.

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185
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12
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Researched
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