Christmas & winter reading guide
Christmas Books and Winter Reading for Every Age
Welcome to North Pole Library, an independent guide to the best Christmas and winter books: picture books to read by the tree, classic Christmas stories, snowy adventures for every age and reading traditions to warm the longest nights.
A reading guide from the far North (in spirit)
Every book we recommend is real, widely available and listed with its correct author. We focus on books that read aloud well, stand up to rereading and suit the season, from 19th-century classics to modern favourites. We do not sell books; borrow them from your library or find them wherever you like.
Reading guides
The Best Christmas Picture Books for Kids
The Polar Express, the Grinch, Jan Brett and cozy modern read-alouds, with ages for each.
Classic Christmas Stories and Novels
Dickens, O. Henry, Andersen, Hoffmann, Sherlock Holmes and more, with dates and context.
Winter and Snow Books by Age Group
Snowy picture books, early readers, middle grade and teen picks, including Alaska stories.
Holiday Reading Traditions Around the World
Iceland's Jólabókaflóð, Christmas ghost stories, Dickens readings and solstice reading.
Christmas and Winter Books for Teens and Adults
Holiday romances, mysteries, literary fiction and nonfiction for older readers.
How to Make an Advent Book Calendar and Start a Family Reading Tradition
Make a 24-book countdown on a budget, with a sample list and tips that last.
Three books to start with this season
- The Polar Express by Chris Van Allsburg (1985), for a magical Christmas Eve read-aloud.
- A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens (1843), five short staves for five winter nights.
- The Snow Child by Eowyn Ivey (2012), a haunting Alaska novel for grown-ups.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best Christmas picture book?
There is no single best, but The Polar Express by Chris Van Allsburg (1985), How the Grinch Stole Christmas! by Dr. Seuss (1957) and ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas are the most enduring family favourites. See our full picture book guide for more.
What is Jólabókaflóð?
Jólabókaflóð is Iceland's “Christmas book flood”: the tradition of giving books as Christmas gifts, often on Christmas Eve, and spending the evening reading.
What is an advent book calendar?
An advent book calendar is a set of 24 wrapped books, one unwrapped and read each night from 1 December to Christmas Eve. You can build one from books you own, secondhand books and library loans.
Is A Christmas Carol free to read?
Yes. Charles Dickens published A Christmas Carol in 1843, so the original text is in the public domain and free on sites such as Project Gutenberg.
Is North Pole Library a real library?
No. North Pole Library is an independent online reading guide. It is not affiliated with any public library, the City of North Pole, or the Fairbanks North Star Borough. For borrowing books, visit your local public library.
Do you sell books?
No. We do not sell books or use affiliate links. Our recommendations are independent; borrow them from your library or buy them wherever you like.