Start a Holiday Tradition With These 9 Sweet Picture Books

The Night Before Christmas, by Clement Clarke Moore and Janet Samuel
Before the kids begrudgingly go to bed on Dec. 24, read this updated version of the ultimate Christmas classic. With joyfully sweet kid-friendly illustrations, it will definitely help your supposedly wide-awake wee ones dreamily drift off to sleep (or at least a long winter’s nap!)—whilst visions of sugarplums dance in their heads, of course.

The Polar Express, by Chris Van Allsburg
Whip out those matching family jammies and take the express train to your coziest couch. It’s time to read and then watch The Polar Express. A young boy boards a train on a magical journey to the North Pole. With beautiful imagery and an equally stunning story line, this book will transport kids and adults alike to a whimsical wonderland.

The Elf on the Shelf, by Carol V. Aebersold and Chanda A. Bell
The countdown to Christmas is officially on, and you better believe Santa is watching—with a little help from the elf on the shelf, of course. Kids will be giddy and giggly welcoming a new elf addition into their homes this holiday season—and, better yet, they’ll be on their best behavior! Kick off the impish elfin activities by reading this silly and sweet book all about your very own elf on the shelf.

The Story of the Nutcracker Ballet, by Diane Good
The iconic holiday ballet is gorgeously depicted and captured in this precious picture book. Read the abbreviated story together before going to see a local production, or start your very own family nutcracker collection.

Snowmen at Night, by Caralyn Buehner and Mark Buehner
This magically adventurous book sheds light on what those jovial snowmen do at night when no one’s watching. Build a snowman together and enjoy this charming wintry read with a cup of cocoa in hand. (Who’s hoping for a white Christmas?) Continue the fun with Snowmen at Work and Snowmen All Year.

Yes, Virginia: There Is a Santa Claus, by Chris Plehal and James Bernardin
Before visiting Santa at the mall, snuggle up and read this heartwarming classic inspired by the true story of a girl who wrote a letter to the editor of the New York Sun, asking if Santa is real. Kids and adults will surely be inspired by the moving message about the pure power of belief. With adorable illustrations adapted from the 2009 TV special, this illuminating book is a must-have for the holiday mantle.

A Christmas Carol, by Charles Dickens and Brett Helquist
An adaption of Charles Dickens’ classic, this stunning picture book beguiles readers with its crisp imagery, humorous depictions, and a concise but still spirited story line. Scrooge himself couldn’t resist this uplifting read.

Dream Snow, by Eric Carle
A simple, but warming story and absolutely stunning imagery add up to one truly spectacular Eric Carle classic. A quiet, kind farmer falls asleep on Dec. 24, wondering how Christmas can possibly come without a trace of snow hitting the ground. He dreams about perfect powdery snowflakes covering himself and his animals, like a giant wintry white blanket, and awakens to find it really has fallen. He puts on his red suit and goes outside to put presents under the tree for his precious animals.

Olive, the Other Reindeer, by J. Otto Seibold and Vivian Walsh
Olive always thought she was a dog—until she realizes that she must be a reindeer, of course (because, you know, “Olive, the other reindeer!”) And, thus, begins her journey aboard the Polar Express to the North Pole to join Santa’s Christmas Eve flight crew. Her quirky charm and unusual skill set, make her the perfect—albeit most surprising—addition to the reindeer team.