December is officially here, so let’s begin the holiday countdowns! With Hanukkah, Christmas, and Kwanzaa (among many others) being celebrated this month, there are plenty of new holiday picture books that make perfect gifts, stocking stuffers, and winter break reading material for kids. And for this post, we’ve gathered twenty of our favorites to share with you. Let’s get started!

Holly Jolly Kitty-Corn by Shannon Hale, illus. by LeUyen Pham

Kitty and Unicorn are back for the newest title in their beloved series, with the dynamic duo tackling the challenges of blending favorite traditions with a loved one. Real-life besties Hale and Pham bring all the charm and cuteness of the previous Kittycorn titles, this time with a festive flair and a great lesson on compromise and inclusion.

The Christmas That Almost Wasn’t by Laura Alary, illus. by Ana Eguaras

When an ice storm shuts down young Aidan’s family Christmas festivities, the story of the Nativity provides him with some appreciation of how unexpected events can bring loved ones and communities closer together. While the religious elements of this story are unmistakable, the message is universal: sometimes disappointment can bring about unforeseen blessings.

Twinkle, Twinkle, Hanukkah by Talia Benamy

Set to the tune of “Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star,” this delightful picture book guides readers through all the classic traditions of Hanukkah, from lighting the menorah to munching on latkes and everything in between. Colorful and diverse illustrations make this joyful musical read a treat for any family that celebrates, or simply wants to learn about the Festival of Lights!

The Christmas Sweater by Jan Brett

From the cherished author-illustrator behind The Mitten and Gingerbread Baby comes a new holiday tale, this time celebrating the timeless bond between child and pup, and the surprising story of a—ahem—”unique” Christmas sweater coming to the rescue. Full of humor and heart, plus plenty of precocious pug!

Cupig Saves Christmas by Claire Tattersfield, illus. by Rob Sayegh Jr.

The precious protagonist from the NYT-bestselling Cupig is back to save Christmas! When Santa is out sick, it’s up to this plucky porcine to deliver the presents before time runs out. But can she live up to the expectations of the holiday? Perfect for any reader who, like Cupig, absolutely loves love around the holidays.

Once Upon a Kwanzaa by Nyasha Williams and Sidney Rose McCall, illus. by Sawyer Cloud

A brilliant introduction to Kwanzaa that celebrates the holiday’s traditions and foundations, this title explores how families across the worldwide Black diaspora celebrate the tenets of Kwanzaa and what these celebrations represent. Filled with a marvelously diverse cast of families, this gorgeous picture book encompasses the feeling of community and solidarity that embodies Kwanzaa.

This Is Our First Christmas by Francesco Sedita, illus. by Magenta Fox

The team behind This is the First Book I Will Read to You returns with a cozy ode to a baby’s first Christmas and all the wonders it has in store. From putting up decorations to baking tasty treats to simply enjoying the warmth of being together, this darling picture book may bring a tear to new parents’ eyes.

Dasher and the Polar Bear by Matt Tavares

The titular brave and kindhearted young reindeer of Dasher returns in a new adventure for 2025! This year, she’s making friends with George, a polar bear who dreams of flying through the air like Dasher and her fellow magical reindeer can. Can Dasher help her new pal achieve his dreams?

Hanukkah: A Lift-the-Flap Book by Kathryn Selbert

For those celebrating Hanukkah, this charming interactive board book has some lovely surprises in store! Utilizing lift-the-flap elements, little readers can learn all about the traditions and origins of the holiday through an informative yet engaging story and warm, cozy illustrations.

The Old Sleigh by Jarrett Pumphrey, illus. by Jerome Pumphrey

Following the tradition of The Old Truck and The Old Boat, creative duo and brothers Pumphrey and Pumphrey return with a wintery tale of community and kindness. As a small town grows, the old sleigh that used to bring firewood for warmth and light begins to feel the strain of the extra workload. Can the sleigh find new purpose as times change?

Fa La La Family by Scott Hoying and Mark Hoying, illus. by Steph Lew

Husbands and authors Scott and Mark Hoying bring readers this delightful picture book, which celebrates the true magic of Christmas: family. Celebrating the diversity of how families are made—including found and blended families—this story assures readers that what makes a family is the same thing that makes a Christmas: unconditional love.

The Book of Candles: Eight Poems for Hanukkah by Laurel Snyder, illus. by Leanne Hatch

Celebrated author and poet Snyder presents this fresh take on Hanukkah traditions, following a family through all eight nights as ancient beliefs and modern life coalesce. An ingenious take on the holiday that guides young readers on how to connect the lessons of Hanukkah to their own lives, with gorgeous illustrations by Hatch to boot!

Cat’s Christmas by Alison Murray

I mean, just look at him! With a grump face like that, readers know they’re in for a few holiday giggles. Cat despises the holiday season, with all the embarrassing gifts, loud visitors, and stinky smells. Is there anything that the cantankerous cat can feel festive about? Well, maybe…

Santa Claws by Bridget Heos, illus. by Galia Bernstein

Christmas plus dinosaurs? Count us in! So, how would our prehistoric pals celebrate the holidays? Well, Gallimimus would trim the tree, pterosaurs would pull the sleigh, and hatchlings would line up to meet Santa Claws, of course! A must-read for dino lovers of all ages who love to combine the holiday spirit with a little Cretaceous cleverness.

A Dragon Called Spark: A Hanukkah Story by Lily Murray, illus. by Kirsti Beautyman

After moving to a new street in a new town, Eva is feeling a little alone during the Hanukkah celebrations, all but for her imaginary dragon friend Spark. Yet Eva wonders: wouldn’t Spark like a dragon pal of his own to play with? A novel tale that tackles feelings of disconnection with hope and holiday spirit, this sweet story may become a new Hanukkah favorite.

Merry Mittens: A Moontime Cats Christmas Story by Jordan Morris, illus. by Charlie Mylie

Feline pals Carl, Biscuit, and Peewee return for another holiday adventure! This time, they’re making their mischief under the lights of the Christmas tree: batting shiny ornaments, marveling at softly falling snow, and engaging in a cat chorale… but wait! What’s that noise coming from inside one of the presents? Cat lovers will adore this slightly sneaky but entirely sweet kitty tale.

Lost and Found Hanukkah by Joy Preble, illus. by Lisa Anchin

When Nate and his dads moved to their new house, their beloved family menorah was somehow lost—rough news for a kid who is already dealing with a lot of recent changes. Yet when a local shop cat also goes missing and Nate steps in to help, he’ll learn that while new traditions, places, and communities can’t take the place of the old ones, they can offer new perspectives, opportunities, and friends.

The Kwanzaa Story: Celebrating Culture through Community by Alliah L. Agostini, illus. by Olivia Smith H.

Award-winning children’s author Agostini commemorates the 60th celebration of Kwanzaa with this in-depth nonfiction storybook that explores the history and traditions of the weeklong holiday. Offering not only insightful historical context but also encouraging lessons in social impact and community, this title is an introduction to Kwanzaa that readers of all ages can benefit from.

Hanukkah 1-2-3!: A First Counting Book by Joy Nelkin Wieder, illus. by Aura Lewis

Another delightful board book introduction to the Festival of Lights, this title combines early counting concepts with the traditions of Hanukkah, from one gift opening to ten people singing a round together. Simple, charming, and timeless, this is a perfect gift for little ones just beginning to count and read on their own.

The 13th Day of Christmas by Adam Rex

Most of us have wondered it at one point or another: what did the recipient of the gifts in “The Twelve Days of Christmas” actually do with all those birds? A hilarious yet utterly heartwarming take on the madness of the traditional song, this story is filled with humor, goodwill, and one heck of a twist ending!

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We hope that this list has provided you with some holiday inspiration as you plan your celebrations and family time! Happy holidays, and happy reading!