The winter season is just around the corner, which means we’ll soon be celebrating the holidays as well. Your winter break will most likely have little (or be free of) homework and assignments, which means you will finally have the time to sit back and relax with a book or two from your TBR list.

Don’t know which books to nestle your nose into? We’ve got you! I have listed here some great holiday-themed reads for any age, some of which are my favorites. Enjoy!

Kindergarten to Grade 3

Clifford’s First Christmas by Norman Bridwell

“Clifford’s First Christmas” is a lovely book that follows Clifford as a puppy having his first Christmas. He is excited to be celebrating Christmas with his family and even helps them trim the tree. However, Christmas Eve comes and he is too excited to sleep, so he leaves his bed and accidentally falls into a stocking.

How the Grinch Stole Christmas! by Dr. Seuss

“How the Grinch Stole Christmas!” is a classic. This story follows the Grinch, whose heart is two sizes too small. He’s hated Who-ville’s holiday celebrations since he was young, so he thinks of a plan to steal all the Christmas presents and decorations to prevent Christmas from coming to the town.

Grade 4 to Grade 5

The Polar Express by Chris Van Allsburg

“The Polar Express” is a story about a little boy who wakens in the middle of the night on Christmas Eve and boards a train bound for the North Pole. During his adventure, he experiences many wonderful things before returning to the comfort of his home ahead of his family waking up.

Top Elf by Caleb Zane Huett

“Top Elf” follows elves as they compete to be Santa’s successor. There are a lot of trials along the way – some quite impossible – but they are eager to fill the role as Top Elf. This is a hilarious book that kids will love to read.

Grade 6 to Grade 8

Weird But True Christmas: 300 Festive Facts to Light Up the Holidays by National Geographic Kids

This is a fun book kids will enjoy as it’s full of facts and trivia, such as different names for Santa Claus known throughout the world, towns named after Christmas, and many more.

The 12 Dares of Christa by Marissa Burt

“The 12 Dares of Christa” follows a 13-year-old whose parents separated, so her mother announces that the two of them are going to Europe. She’s both excited but sad, as it’s her first holiday without her father. While in Europe, she ends up completing a scavenger hunt that takes her across Europe; a scavenger hunt her father orchestrated. This book is a feel-good read, especially during the holidays.

High School to Adults

A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens

“A Christmas Carol” is another classic and one adapted for all ages. The story follows Ebenezer Scrooge as he transforms from being a “money-hungry, no care for anyone” kind of man to a joyful and generous one after meeting three ghosts (Past, Present, Future) on Christmas Eve. The ghosts show him his life and those he has touched in some way.

The Deal of a Lifetime by Fredrik Backman

From best-selling author Fredrik Backman, “The Deal of a Lifetime” follows a man on Christmas Eve, who needs to make amends with his son in order to help a little girl who is dying from cancer in the hospital. This book is perfectly sums up what the holiday spirit means to a lot of us—sacrifice, forgiveness, and love.