Looking for the best Christmas books to read on Christmas Eve this year? We have 4 classic Christmas stories for children of all ages. The timeless tales will take them on festive adventures and build the anticipation of Santa Claus’ arrival.

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The night before Christmas is full of magic and wonder, a bedtime story is one of the best ways to relax your kids and (hopefully) get them to drift off the sleep for the night. Here are some books that are classics to enjoy.

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4 Classic Christmas Stories for Children

#1. Little Owl and the Star

Image: Mary Murphy

Mary Murphy’s “Little Owl and the Star” is a simple and touching story of the birth of Jesus. Told in the first person with sparse words, it’s perfect for children aged 2 and up. Engage your younger children with the gentle and kind approach the little owl has towards the baby Jesus. Keep them interested with the bold lined illustrations, the splashes of colour and the gold star on the front cover.

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#2. Twas the Night Before Christmas

Christmas isn’t complete without “Twas the Night Before Christmas”, being read a hundred times in the run-up to the big day. Generating both excitement and imagination, children dream of Rudolf’s hooves on the roof, hear the tinkle of the bells and not to mention the Ho! Ho! Ho! of that very special person in red.

The original poem appeared in 1823, in a New York paper and it was the first time American children had heard of Santa Claus. Naturally, they wondered what might happen if they hung their stockings by the chimney, just like the children in the poem.

On Christmas Eve of that year, many tried it. Sure enough, when those children awoke on Christmas morning, they were greeted by the sweet smells of sugarplums and the thrill of new, hand-carved toys. News of this incredible phenomenon spread quickly. Soon the poem was reprinted all over the world, and Santa Claus has been a very busy man ever since.

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#3. Mr Men and Little Miss Christmas Series

We love the Mr Men and Little Miss series so much, that you have 3 books to pick from. They all make fantastic Christmas stories for children.

The first, “Mr Men Night Before Christmas” takes place on the night before Christmas and all through the Mr Men house, not a creature is stirring … but in the sky overhead, there are some very special visitors on their way.

Let Mr Men help you with your Santa Claus letter in “Mr Men Christmas Letter Activity Book”. Children can tell Santa what they would like on special letter-writing paper and send thank you letters to family and friends. Add some extra seasonal sparkle with the ink pad, stamp and stickers provided!

“Little Miss Christmas” works hard all year round wrapping presents for Santa. One year she decides it’s time for a holiday, but will everything be alright when she isn’t there?

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#4. The Christmas Miracle of Jonathan Toomey

Image: Rarest Kind of Best

“The Christmas Miracle of Jonathan Toomey” is an award-winning book. Enjoy beautiful illustrations by our own P.J. Lynch, as you dive into a story of an angry and bitter widower’s life which is changed by a young boy who is also suffering from loss.

A sad and moving story with a happy ending, it’s critically acclaimed with the Daily Telegraph stating; “A deeply moving story… The masterly paintings have an extraordinary intensity and depth.” Junior Education also wrote; “A breathtakingly beautiful book, sure to become a classic.”

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Have your say! Are any of these classic Christmas stories for children a favourite in your house? Leave a comment below and let us know – we’d love to hear from you!