60 Books About Christmas From Around The World

Exploring Christmas books from around the world allows us to embark on a literary journey that transcends borders and introduces us to the rich tapestry of holiday celebrations in different cultures. From tales of Santa Claus in the Arctic North to the enchanting adventures of La Befana in Italy, these books allow readers to immerse themselves in the magic and wonder of the season as seen through the eyes of various countries and their unique traditions.

40 books about Christmas from around the world

In this collection of Christmas books, we embark on a global tour, discovering the delightful and heartwarming stories that exemplify the universal spirit of love, giving, and togetherness that defines the holiday season. Here are 40 books about Christmas from around the world:

“A Christmas Carol” by Charles Dickens (England)
- Description: This classic novella tells the story of Ebenezer Scrooge, a miserly man who learns the true spirit of Christmas through encounters with ghosts.
“The Polar Express” by Chris Van Allsburg (United States)
- Description: A beautifully illustrated children’s book about a young boy who embarks on a magical journey to the North Pole on Christmas Eve.
“The Little Match Girl” by Hans Christian Andersen (Denmark)
- Description: Andersen’s poignant tale of a poor young girl who sells matches and experiences a heart-wrenching Christmas Eve.
“Babar and Father Christmas” by Jean de Brunhoff (France)
- Description: In this charming story, Babar the elephant helps save Christmas for his children with the help of Father Christmas.
“The Nutcracker” by E.T.A. Hoffmann (Germany)
- Description: The classic tale of a young girl’s adventure in a magical world of toy soldiers, sweets, and the Nutcracker prince.
“Letters from Father Christmas” by J.R.R. Tolkien (England)
- Description: A collection of Tolkien’s whimsical letters, written as Father Christmas, to his children, complete with illustrations.
“An Aussie Night Before Christmas” by Yvonne Morrison (Australia)
- Description: A humorous Australian twist on the classic “The Night Before Christmas” poem, featuring kangaroos and surfboards.
“Christmas in Mexico” by World Book (Mexico)
- Description: An educational book that explores Mexican Christmas traditions, including Las Posadas and piñatas.
“The Tomten” by Astrid Lindgren (Sweden)
- Description: A heartwarming story about a little gnome-like creature called a Tomten who watches over a farm on a cold winter night.
“The Gift of the Magi” by O. Henry (United States)
- Description: A short story about a couple’s selfless acts of love and sacrifice as they exchange gifts on Christmas.
“The Snowman” by Raymond Briggs (United Kingdom)
- Description: A wordless picture book depicting a magical adventure of a boy and a snowman who comes to life.
“The Christmas Mystery” by Jostein Gaarder (Norway)
- Description: A philosophical novel about a young girl discovering a magical Advent calendar with a profound mystery.
“The Legend of the Poinsettia” by Tomie dePaola (Mexico)
- Description: A beautifully illustrated book that tells how the poinsettia became a symbol of Christmas in Mexico.
“Father Christmas Needs a Wee” by Nicholas Allan (United Kingdom)
- Description: A humorous children’s book that follows Father Christmas on his urgent quest to find a toilet on Christmas Eve.
“The Nutcracker and the Mouse King” by E.T.A. Hoffmann (Germany)
- Description: The original story that inspired Tchaikovsky’s ballet, it features the battle between the Nutcracker and the Mouse King.
“The Christmas Box” by Richard Paul Evans (United States)
- Description: A heartwarming story about a family that discovers the true meaning of Christmas through a mysterious Christmas box.
“The Legend of Old Befana” by Tomie dePaola (Italy)
- Description: An Italian folktale about a kind witch named Befana who searches for the Christ Child on Epiphany Eve.
“The Little Reindeer” by Nicola Killen (United Kingdom)
- Description: A beautifully illustrated children’s book about a girl who embarks on a magical journey with a little reindeer.
“The Christmasaurus” by Tom Fletcher (United Kingdom)
- Description: A fun, festive adventure about a young boy who befriends a dinosaur that helps him save Christmas.
“A Child’s Christmas in Wales” by Dylan Thomas (Wales)
- Description: A nostalgic, poetic reminiscence of the author’s childhood Christmases in Wales.
“Silver Packages” by Cynthia Rylant (United States)
- Description: A heartwarming story about a Christmas train and the generosity of a young boy who receives a special gift.
“The Nutcracker Mice” by Kristin Kladstrup (United States)
- Description: A middle-grade novel that reimagines the Nutcracker story from the perspective of the mice in the ballet.
“The Legend of Saint Nicholas” by Anselm Grün (Germany)
- Description: A beautifully illustrated book that tells the story of Saint Nicholas and his legacy as the inspiration for Santa Claus.
“The Twelve Days of Christmas” by Jan Brett (United States)
- Description: A picture book with intricate illustrations that depict the classic Christmas song “The Twelve Days of Christmas.”
“The Cat Who Came for Christmas” by Cleveland Amory (United States)
- Description: A heartwarming memoir about the author’s bond with a stray cat he rescued during the holiday season.
“Christmas in Russia” by World Book (Russia)
- Description: An educational book that explores Russian Christmas traditions, including Grandfather Frost and the Troika.
“The Story of Holly and Ivy” by Rumer Godden (United Kingdom)
- Description: A heartwarming tale about a doll named Ivy and a girl named Holly who dream of finding a family for Christmas.
“The Night Before Christmas in Africa” by Jesse Kornbluth (Africa)
- Description: A reimagining of the classic poem with an African setting, introducing African animals and traditions.
“The Best Christmas Pageant Ever” by Barbara Robinson (United States)
- Description: A humorous and heartwarming story about a group of unruly children who take over the church Christmas pageant.
“Christmas in India” by World Book (India)
- Description: An educational book that introduces readers to the diverse Christmas traditions and celebrations in India.
“Skipping Christmas” by John Grisham (United States)
- Description: A humorous novel about a couple who decides to skip the traditional Christmas celebrations and embark on a vacation.
“Hercule Poirot’s Christmas” by Agatha Christie (United Kingdom)
- Description: A classic murder mystery featuring Agatha Christie’s famous detective, Hercule Poirot, during the holiday season.
“The Last Christmas Tree” by Stephen Krensky (United States)
- Description: A heartwarming story about a small tree that finds its place as a beloved Christmas tree.
“The Christmas Wish” by Lori Evert (Norway)
- Description: A beautifully illustrated book about a little girl named Anja’s magical journey to find Santa Claus.
“The Christmas Sweater” by Glenn Beck (United States)
- Description: A novel about a young boy’s journey to discover the true meaning of Christmas after receiving an unwanted gift.
“The Father Christmas Letters” by J.R.R. Tolkien (England)
- Description: A collection of Tolkien’s letters from Father Christmas to his children, filled with tales of the North Pole.
“The Christmas Train” by David Baldacci (United States)
- Description: A heartwarming novel about a journalist who embarks on a cross-country train journey during the Christmas season.
“Holidays on Ice” by David Sedaris (United States)
- Description: A collection of humorous and satirical essays by David Sedaris, including stories about his experiences during the holiday season.
“The Story of Christmas” by Jane Ray (Various)
- Description: A beautifully illustrated book that retells the story of the Nativity from the Bible.
“The Legend of the Christmas Rose” by William H. Hooks (Italy)
- Description: A story of a young shepherdess named Madelon who presents a gift of flowers to the baby Jesus, leading to a Christmas miracle.

These books offer a diverse range of Christmas traditions, stories, and perspectives from around the world, making them perfect for celebrating the holiday season.

10 Christmas picture books to read to Kids with detailed illustrations

Whether you are celebrating a first Christmas or a fifth, it’s always fun for younger readers to enjoy their favorite books on a silent night. Here are 10 picture books about Christmas that are perfect for young readers and families:

“The Polar Express” by Chris Van Allsburg
- A beautifully illustrated and magical story about a young boy’s journey to the North Pole on Christmas Eve.
“The Grinch Who Stole Christmas” by Dr. Seuss
- Dr. Seuss’s classic tale of the Grinch’s attempt to steal Christmas and the power of love and community to change his heart.
“Olive, the Other Reindeer” by Vivian Walsh and J. Otto Seibold
- A whimsical story about a dog named Olive who believes she’s meant to be one of Santa’s reindeer.
“The Jolly Christmas Postman” by Janet and Allan Ahlberg
- This interactive book follows the Jolly Postman as he delivers Christmas mail to beloved fairy tale characters.
“A Charlie Brown Christmas” by Charles M. Schulz
- The beloved Peanuts gang learns the true meaning of Christmas as they celebrate together in this adaptation of the classic TV special.
“Room for a Little One: A Christmas Tale” by Martin Waddell and Jason Cockcroft
- A heartwarming story of the animals in the stable welcoming all visitors, including a little donkey and a child, on Christmas Eve.
“The Night Before Christmas” by Clement C. Moore and Charles Santore
- A beautifully illustrated version of the classic poem “Twas the Night Before Christmas.”
“Dream Snow” by Eric Carle
- A delightful story of a farmer who dreams of snow and then experiences a magical Christmas surprise.
“Bear Stays Up for Christmas” by Karma Wilson and Jane Chapman
- Bear’s friends try to keep him awake for Christmas in this heartwarming and rhyming story.

These picture books capture the magic, joy, and spirit of Christmas and are perfect for sharing with young readers during the holiday season.

Books that talk about how different cultures celebrate Christmas

Exploring how different cultures celebrate Christmas can be a fascinating and enriching experience. There are numerous books that delve into these diverse traditions. Here’s a list of books that discuss various cultural perspectives on Christmas celebrations:

“A World of Cookies for Santa” by M.E. Furman – This book takes young readers on a journey around the world to discover the different cookies children leave for Santa Claus in various countries.
“Christmas Around the World” by Emily Kelley – A comprehensive guide that explores Christmas traditions in 12 different countries, including Germany, Mexico, and Japan.
“Celebra la Navidad y el Día de los Reyes Magos con Pablo y Carlitos” by Alma Flor Ada and F. Isabel Campoy – This bilingual book introduces children to the traditions of Christmas and Three Kings Day in Latin American countries.
“Nine Days to Christmas: A Story of Mexico” by Marie Hall Ets – Follow the story of Ceci as she prepares for Las Posadas, a Mexican Christmas tradition.
“The Night of Las Posadas” by Tomie dePaola – This book tells the tale of a traditional Las Posadas celebration in a small village in New Mexico.
Little Red Sleigh by Erin Guendelsberger – The Little Red Sleigh has one big dream―to one day become Santa’s big red sleigh! But all her life, she’s been told she’s too small, she’s too young, she can’t fly, and she certainly can’t meet Santa.
Zetta the Poinsettia by Alma Hammond – Help your kids understand we all have a reason to be in life: the joy we give to others! Kids also learn many amazing facts about the poinsettia plant.
“An Early American Christmas” by Tomie dePaola – Discover how Christmas was celebrated in early America.
“Refugees and Migrants (Children in Our World)” by Ceri Roberts and Hanane Kai – This book touches on how Christmas might be celebrated by refugees and migrants around the world, shedding light on their experiences.
“Lucia Morning in Sweden” by Ewa Rydåker – Experience a traditional Swedish Christmas with Lucia, the Festival of Lights.
‘Twas the Night Before Christmas in New Mexico by Jo Parry – It’s the night before Christmas in New Mexico and you’re nestled snug in your bed. Your stocking is hung by the chimney with care―will Santa visit YOUR HOUSE?

These books offer insights into the diverse ways Christmas is celebrated and can be an excellent resource for learning about and appreciating cultural traditions worldwide. Talk about a world series! You can learn lots of exciting things by going through this group of books. How do your own Christmas traditions match up to Latin America, Great Britain, South Africa, Puerto Rico, and beyond?

The joy of the season can be found in your own traditions. Christmas carols, book talks, activity books, and interactive read alouds are always a good idea. Next Christmas morning, grab a honey-spice cookie, and a stack of Christmas books and gather around your decorated pine tree. What a great way to bond with your kids. Yes, even the older children! Winter holidays always call for cozying up under blankets and family bonding. That’s why we love Christmas time.

Merry Christmas!