Teachers: 10 Holiday eBooks to Read to the Classroom

As the holiday spirit fills the air, there's no better way to bring the magic of the season to your classroom than through the pages of a good book. From heartwarming tales to festive adventures, you're not just sharing stories with your students — you're sparking their imagination, teaching them meaningful lessons, and creating cherished memories that will last a lifetime.

Many Christmas eBooks provide a rich context for classroom discussions and creative activities, and here are our 10 picks to fill your classroom with the joy and magic of the holiday season.

"Olive, the Other Reindeer" by Vivian Walsh

Grades: K-2

A whimsical story about Olive, a mischievous dog who believes she's meant to be one of Santa's reindeer and goes on an adventure to the North Pole.

"Olive, the Other Reindeer" will not only bring laughter to your classroom but will also teach your students about embracing differences in themselves and others and believing in their abilities. They can also learn that everyone can contribute to the holiday spirit regardless of where they come from and who they are.

See it at Amazon.

"The Great Santa Stakeout" by Betsy Bird

Grades: K-3

A humorous and adventurous tale that follows Freddy Melcher, a boy with a plan to stay awake on Christmas Eve and catches Santa in action by taking a photo of him.

"The Great Santa Stakeout" is all about children's boundless imagination and their sense of wonder during the holiday season, so your students will surely enjoy this book. Through its clever storyline and lovable characters, it conveys valuable lessons about friendship and the true meaning of Christmas.

See it at Amazon.

"Little Red Sleigh" by Erin Guendelsberger

Grades: K-3

An inspirational story about a little red sleigh with a big dream to become Santa's sleigh, although everyone tells her that she's too small, slow, and can't fly.

"Little Red Sleigh" combines a festive holiday setting with empowering messages about believing in yourself, chasing your dreams, and never giving up despite challenges and doubts. Your students can learn that even seemingly impossible dreams can be possible with strong determination and a little help from friends.

See it at Amazon.

"The Polar Express" by Chris Van Allsburg

Grades: K-3

This timeless and enchanting children's book tells the story of a young boy who embarks on a magical train journey to the North Pole on Christmas Eve.

"The Polar Express" wonderfully captures the spirit of Christmas, from the train's twinkling lights to the North Pole's festive atmosphere. The breathtaking illustrations and poetic prose will make your students believe in the magic of the holiday season.

See it at Amazon.

"Memoirs of an Elf" by Devin Scillian

Grades: 1-4

A charming story about Spark Elf, who works tirelessly at the North Pole, helping Santa prepare for Christmas Eve and ensuring everything goes smoothly on the big night.

"Memoirs of an Elf" is a fresh and entertaining take on Christmas Eve, stressing the significance of hard work, dedication, and collaboration. From making toys to the thrilling journey with Santa, your students will love this book that explores all the timeless elements that make the holiday season special.

See it at Amazon.

"Tough Cookie: A Christmas Story" by Edward Hemingway

Grades: 1-2

A delightful story about a cookie that discovers that he doesn't taste sweet and is very hard, so he sets off to find a new identity and meaning in life.

"Tough Cookie: A Christmas Story" offers an original and entertaining twist on the traditional gingerbread character, delivering an important message for all young readers: you should always be yourself and embrace what makes you unique.

See it at Amazon.

"The Best Christmas Pageant Ever" by Barbara Robinson

Grades: 3-7

A humorous and heartwarming story about the Herdmans, the "worst kids in the history of the world," and their unexpected involvement in the church Christmas pageant.

"The Best Christmas Pageant Ever" is an entertaining and creative spin on the well-known Christmas tale. The book beautifully illustrates how this tale, when seen through the fresh eyes of some unlikely characters, can touch hearts, inspire kindness, and profoundly impact individuals and communities.

See it at Amazon.

"A Boy Called Christmas" by Matt Haig

Grades: 4-7

A captivating story about a young boy named Nikolas who ventures into the snowy wilderness of the North Pole to find his missing father.

"A Boy Called Christmas" is a testament to the power of believing in the impossible and finding magic in the world, but it is more than just a Christmas story. It will warm your students' hearts with the universal themes of courage, kindness, friendship, and the resilience of the human spirit.

See it at Amazon.

"The Girl Who Saved Christmas" by Matt Haig

Grades: 3-7

A sequel to "A Boy Called Christmas," this fantastic story follows Amelia Wishart and Father Christmas on a magical adventure to save Christmas.

"The Girl Who Saved Christmas" will captivate your students with its whimsical storytelling and will resonate with its timeless message about how acts of kindness, compassion, and the power of belief can make a difference and bring hope even in the darkest times.

See it at Amazon.

"The Vanderbeekers of 141st Street" by Karina Yan Glaser

Grades: 3-7

The first book in this series is a charming story about the Vanderbeeker family, whose world is turned upside down when their landlord tells them they must move out before Christmas.

"The Vanderbeekers of 141st Street" shows the transformative nature of friendship, the strength of family bonds, and the importance of community. The themes of love, generosity, and the spirit of Christmas are woven into the storyline, making it a perfect classroom read for the holiday season.

See it at Amazon.