The Best Christmas Bedtime Stories

You’ve just finished decorating the Christmas tree, the house smells of cinnamon and pine, and your little ones are practically bouncing off the walls with festive excitement. Getting them to settle down for sleep feels like an impossible task. Sound familiar?

This is where a cosy Christmas bedtime story comes in. Whether you need a quick read for a busy December evening or a longer tale to share on Christmas Eve, the right book helps strike the right balance between excitement and sleepiness. We’ve gathered the best Christmas stories for kids, including this year’s favourites and much-loved classics. From festive tales for toddlers to chapter books for confident readers, there’s something to help every child drift off dreaming of snowflakes and sugarplums.

Best for: Children aged 5-9

David Walliams brings his signature warmth and humour to this heartwarming tale about Santa’s son, who has zero interest in following in his father’s footsteps. Instead of delivering presents, he dreams of becoming a dentist. It’s a delightfully unexpected twist on Christmas tradition that’ll have both kids and parents chuckling as they turn each page, sparking conversation throughout.

Where to buy: Waterstones, Amazon, TG Jones

Best for: Children aged 3-6

Perfect for evenings when the excitement needs to be dialled down, this soothing story helps settle the mood and ease little ones towards sleep. The story follows a little bear as it prepares for Christmas, taking readers through all the cosy rituals that make the season magical. From decorating the tree and baking cookies to wrapping presents and sipping hot chocolate by the fire, each page captures a heartwarming moment of the season. The soft illustrations and peaceful narrative make this perfect for establishing that calm bedtime routine we all strive for during the festive season.

Where to buy: Waterstones, Amazon

Best for: Children aged 7-11

Tom Fletcher takes the classic ‘Night Before Christmas’ poem and reimagines it with his beloved Christmasaurus character, creating a story that feels both familiar and fresh. It’s longer than a typical Christmas bedtime story – ideal for cosy evenings when you have more time to read together.

The rhyming narrative has a lovely rhythm that makes it engaging to read aloud, and there’s enough adventure to keep older children thoroughly absorbed. If you’ve already explored other bedtime adventure books, this one deserves a spot on your shelf.

Where to buy: Waterstones, Amazon

Best for: Children aged 4-8

The Jolly Christmas Postman is a charming story about a postman who delivers letters to beloved fairy tale characters – with envelopes that children can open as they go. It’s interactive, which keeps excited readers engaged even when energy levels are dipping at bedtime.

The mix of familiar characters and festive cheer makes this one of those Christmas stories for kids that can easily become an annual tradition. Just be prepared for it to take a bit longer than usual to read, as little fingers will want to examine every letter!

Where to buy: TK Maxx, TG Jones, Waterstones

Best for: Children aged 3-6

When Percy the park keeper discovers that all the animals are too cold to sleep on a snowy winter’s night, he invites them into his cosy hut. What follows is a sweet tale about kindness and sharing that’s perfect for younger children.

The heartwarming storyline and soft illustrations make this an ideal choice when you need a short festive story that won’t overstimulate before sleep. It’s been a festive favourite for decades, and for good reason.

Where to buy: Amazon, World of Books, Blackwell’s

Best for: Children aged 8+

Not your traditional Christmas story, but a classic nonetheless, The Nightmare Before Christmas is a great alternative option for older children. Tim Burton’s unique take on the holidays follows Jack Skellington as he discovers Christmas Town and tries to bring the holiday to Halloween Town.

The book is perfect for independent readers who might feel they’ve outgrown more traditional festive storybooks. The quirky illustrations and unconventional storyline appeal to children who appreciate something a little less predictable.

Where to buy: Forbidden Planet, Waterstones

Best for: Children aged 2-5

While not exclusively a Christmas story, Stick Man’s festive finale makes it a fitting addition to your seasonal reading list. Julia Donaldson’s trademark rhythmic storytelling flows beautifully when read aloud, and the repetitive structure is soothing for young children as they settle down for sleep.

The story of Stick Man trying to get home to his family for Christmas resonates with little ones, and the happy ending provides the perfect note to drift off on. It’s one of those bedtime Christmas stories that children will request again and again.

Where to buy: World of Books, TG Jones

Best for: Children aged 4-8

Everyone’s favourite bear brings his characteristic charm to the traditional ‘Twelve Days of Christmas’ song. Paddington’s mishaps and adventures make this familiar carol feel fresh and exciting, with enough gentle humour to keep bedtime light and happy.

This book works particularly well if you’re reading it in the run-up to Christmas, as you can match the days in the story to your countdown. It builds anticipation while still keeping bedtime calm.

Where to buy: Awesome Books, TG Jones, Waterstones

Best for: Children aged 3-6

For younger fans of the marmalade-loving bear, this shorter adventure is perfect. When Paddington helps prepare for Christmas, chaos inevitably follows, but everything works out in the end.

The well-known bear provides comfort, while the festive setting adds that special Christmas magic. It’s an excellent choice for children who need familiarity and reassurance to help them settle at bedtime.

Where to buy: Amazon, TG Jones

Best for: Children aged 5-9

Dr. Seuss’s timeless tale about the Grinch who tries to steal Christmas (and discovers the true meaning of the holiday) remains as relevant today as when it was first published. The distinctive rhyming style is engaging to read aloud, and the message about kindness and community helps a younger audience remember what the season is really about.

It’s longer than some short Christmas stories, so save this one for evenings when you have a bit more time. The transformation of the Grinch provides a genuinely heartwarming ending that leaves children feeling content as they drift off to sleep.

Where to buy: Amazon, The Works

Best for: Children aged 7-11

Between 1920 and 1943, J.R.R. Tolkien wrote a series of letters to his children from Father Christmas, complete with charming illustrations and tales of life at the North Pole. This collection gathers them into one magical book. Each letter shares cosy adventures with the accident-prone North Polar Bear, the Snow Elves, and the occasional goblin mishap, blending gentle humour with real warmth.

Perfect for bedtime, you can read a letter each night in December, creating a nightly, soothing ritual. The notes feel authentic and personal, keeping the magic of Father Christmas alive while offering manageable, feel-good stories.

Where to buy: Better World Books, John Atkinson (First Edition)

Best for: Babies and toddlers aged 0-3

The beloved ‘That’s Not My…’ series brings its signature sensory format to a winter wonderland setting. Babies and toddlers can explore different textures while discovering snowmen, reindeer, and other festive scenes.

The simple, repetitive text and tactile elements make this perfect for the very youngest members of the family. It’s suitable for bedtime while still engaging those curious little fingers, making it one of the best bedtime stories for babies during the festive season.

Where to buy: Axel Books, Waterstones

Best for: Children aged 3-8

The ultimate Christmas Eve read, no list of Christmas bedtime stories would be complete without this absolute classic. “‘Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house, not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse…” These opening lines have become synonymous with Christmas Eve itself.

The calming rhythm and rhyme make it soothing to read aloud, and the anticipation woven throughout the story perfectly captures the excitement of waiting for Christmas morning. There are countless illustrated versions available, so you can choose one that matches your child’s age and interests.

Where to buy: World of Books, Amazon

Best for: Children aged 3-7

This beloved classic tells its magical story entirely through illustrations. When a boy builds a snowman that comes to life, they embark on an enchanting adventure together. The lack of words means you can adapt the story to your child’s age and attention span, making it as short or detailed as you need.

The dreamlike quality of the illustrations makes it a calming read before sleep. It’s also brilliant for encouraging children’s imagination as they interpret the pictures themselves. The bittersweet ending, where the snowman melts, teaches an important lesson about cherishing special moments.

Where to buy: Awesome Books, World of Books

Whether you choose a short tale or a longer festive adventure, it’s the warmth and togetherness that make these moments magical. A Christmas story works even better alongside a gentle, consistent bedtime routine. Try dimming the lights, adding a cosy blanket or two, and encouraging little ones to unwind a touch earlier than usual. With festive excitement running high, these small rituals create a calm pocket of stillness and routine.

Sweet dreams, and merry Christmas!