If you’re looking for a fun gift that can create lasting memories, this list of the best Christmas books for tweens and teens. I update this list each year, and it is updated for 2024 already!
In my house, we have a Christmas tradition. Each year, my kids get three gifts from Santa – just like Jesus got three gifts.
They’re always unwrapped, but that’s our choice. Why? Because it’s easier for me, as I don’t have to have the same Santa wrapping paper for 18+ years.
And each year, one of the three gifts is a Christmas book, while the other gifts vary.
When they were younger, we read the books together each morning after breakfast. Now that they’re older, they read them on their own.
Inside each book, I write their names and the year they received the books. This lets us look back on them and remember which book was whose – no fighting – and when they got them.
My parents had a similar tradition to me, and I still pull out and read the Christmas books they gave me when I was a child. Even the Peanuts Christmas book my sister colored all over.
It’s a fun holiday tradition, but as they got older, it got harder and harder to find books that fit them. I refuse to give up, and I’ve found a whole treasure trove they still enjoy each year, which helped me compile this list of the best Christmas books for tweens and teens.
If your kids are younger, check out my list of the best Christmas books for kids that focuses on kids in early elementary school. You can also find great Christmas books for toddlers and preschoolers in this article that is perfect for the youngest of the little ones.
Am I missing some of your favorites? Let me know what I need to add for next year!
Some links in this article are affiliate links that may earn me a commission if you purchase through them.
Consider Giving eBooks
While I love the touch and feel of a book in my hand, I know not everyone does. I admittedly read many of my own books on my e-reader, although I give my kids a hard copy of the books every year.
If you have a kid who prefers to read on a tablet, consider purchasing a Kindle for the child and loading it up with Kindle titles. You can even get a Kindle Unlimited subscription for more ebook options.
If you have a younger child, make sure to look into the tougher-to-break Kindle Kids options. Trust me on this one.
And if you do have a kid who accidentally breaks it, Amazon will replace the Kindle for free for two full years. That’s a piece of mind for parents everywhere.
This may work well for those who have kids they buy for who are further away.
Or Gift Audiobooks
For kids who are new or reluctant readers, sometimes having an audiobook in place of or to accompany the books they read makes it a better experience.
While not every book in this list has an accompanying audiobook, many do. You can use your own Audible subscription, and you can even gift an Audible subscription.
You can choose a 1-month, 3-month, 6-month, or 12-month membership option, which makes this even more flexible to find a gift length that meets your needs.
If you aren’t sure, you can always do a free trial of the Audible subscription to see if it works for you!
Best Christmas Books for Tweens and Teens
Classic Christmas Books
1
A Christmas Carol
If you don't already own A Christmas Carol, you need a copy. There are so many versions out there, but I love this one for its gorgeous illustrations and the full classic story.This is one of Dickens's easier books to read, and it's under 150 pages, which makes it accessible. And did I mention the gorgeous illustrations?
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2
Miracle on 34th Street
Miracle on 34th Street is a classic book that will never go out of style. This is one that kids appreciate a little more as they get older.And how fun to read the book and then watch the classic movie together.When a hired Santa Claus begins to insist that he is the REAL Santa Claus, it becomes city wide trial and issue. It's moving and heartwarming to see the spirit of Christmas come alive.
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3
A Christmas Story
Everyone has seen this classic movie and knows the line, "You'll shoot your eye out!" – hard to miss when it's on 24 hours a day starting on Christmas Eve.This is another great book with a movie twens and teens are familiar with that makes it easier to digest. Note that the movie was based on many short stories by Jean Shepherd, so it is not exactly like the movie. However, the short story aspect of it can also make this easier to read.
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4
The Best Christmas Pageant Ever
This is another of my favorite Christmas books from when I was a tween. The Horrible Herdmans are absolutely hilarious and yes, horrifying.This family has no background in the Christmas story, and they definitely have an irreverent view of it. This book is a quick read with plenty of laughs throughout. It's a perfect Christmas book for middle schoolers, though I'll admit this is one I make sure to reread every year even as an adult.
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Books for Tweens
5
The Girl Who Saved Christmas
I love slightly irreverent books, and so do my kids. I's perfect for this age, and both my kids devoured this one.It focuses on the "first" girl to ever receive a Christmas present who now lives a tough life. But when things start to go badly, Santa needs to find her, and she's the hero who can save Christmas.
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6
A Boy Called Christmas
A Boy Called Christmas is a companion book to The Girl Who Saved Christmas, but don't get stuck thinking that one is "for" boys and the other for girls – both my kids enjoyed these two books equally.In this book, the hero is another poor child who has to travel to the North Pole but for an entirely different reason. He's looking for his missing father, and this is the way to save him.
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7
Mr. Willowby’s Christmas Tree
So yes, this is a picture book. And yes, it's aimed at younger kids. But this remains a favorite in our household and always will.Sometimes the big kids love the little kid things, which is where classics like the Grinch and others are perfect gifts. I love this one where Mr. Willowby gets a Christmas tree too large to fit, so he chops off the top and throw i out.When the next animal finds it, the cycle repeats in a sweet tale that makes me smile every time I read it.
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8
Tinsel: The Girls Who Invented Christmas
My favorite books are the ones where you can't predict what will happen next, and that's exactly how I felt reading Tinsel. The fact that it was very female-empowering while set in a time where girls didn't have much power makes it even more fun to read, especially with kids.It's a fun and funny book that creates a new story behind the tradition of Santa's one night extravaganza to deliver gifts on Christmas night. You'll love this story of friendship and perseverance and creativity.
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9
The White House Christmas Mystery
My kids loved this as one of their first "big kid" Christmas books. As they got older, they enjoyed finding books that encompassed Christmas without being solely about Christmas.And they love mystery novels.This is slightly intense mystery that starts when four kids go on a private tour of the White House. Best of all, this is part of a much wider series of books, so if your kids enjoy this one, there are plenty more to explore.
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10
North Pole Patrol
I loved this book for the lessons it imparted in a way that my kids were willing to receive. We talk all the time about how people don't always get what we feel they deserve or don't deserve, and it's really hard sometimes to not insert ourselves in the middle of things.That's exactly what happens in this book as Kyle wants to prevent his bully from receiving Christmas presents from Santa – and yes, he goes to the North Pole to make that happen, but that's only a small piece of the story about the true meaning of Christmas.
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11
Elf: The Classic Illustrated Storybook
I'm pretty sure every kid out there has seen the movie Elf. And pretty much everyone loves it, too.This illustrated version is a great way to coax a reluctant reader into enjoying a Christmas book with its familiar story and all the drawings. I know my kids devoured it.
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12
The Christmas Carrolls: The Christmas Competition
Humor is so often the best feature in a book for tweens and teens, and this one is just nonstop giggles and mayhem. Who doesn't love mayhem at Christmas?The Christmas-crazy Carrolls are back, and this time, they have an ice-skating baby penguin.There’s a new family in town determined to steal the Carrolls’ tinselly crown. Can Holly and her family win the Christmas Chronicle’s competition for the Most Festive Family?Or will they discover that there is more to life than perfect Christmas decorations, a personal toboggan run, and more pressies than you can shake a candy cane at?
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13
A Notchmas Carol
I KNOW I am not the only one with a Minecraft obsessed kiddo. And what better to get them off screens and into a book than a book about Minecraft?This unofficial Minecraft holiday story is loosely based off Dickens's A Christmas Carol featuring Minecraft characters and yes, hostile mobs. Dr. Block is an incredibly engaging writer, and if your child likes this one, look into his other screen based adventures.
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14
Christmas in Camelot
My kids grew up reading and loving the Magic Tree House series. Merlin Missions is the series that is for more experienced readers and remains a favorite as Jack and Annie have yet another adventure.In this fun chapter book, they head to Camelot for Christmas Eve and discover they need to save Camelot. This is a fun and engaging adventure even reluctant readers enjoy.
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Books for Teens
15
Krampus & The Thief of Christmas
We all know about Santa, but are you familiar with the "bad" side of Christmas and Krampus who goes after the wicked children? Krampus is a myth fewer are familiar with, but my kids loved the darker tone to this Christmas book.It follows a very bratty girl who is the "worst" girl who has ever lived as she searches for her missing brother – who of course is a sweet and kind child. It isn't a simple story with a simple ending, and that's part of what we all love about this Christmas book.
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16
The Thirteen Days of Christmas
This book also follows the famous Christmas carol and explores a fictitious inspiration for the song. Yes, someone has an enthusiastic suitor who goes a little overboard in the gift giving department.While you know exactly what Annaple will receive each day, the hilarity of the how and the impact on the local town make for a truly fun read. This is a great middle school and early to mid high school selection.
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17
Stealing Christmas
If your child is like mine and enjoys reading about the "naughty" children, this late middle school/early high school book is perfect. Mitch's parents take away all the Christmas presents after he and his cousins have a huge food fight at Thanksgiving – even though he didn't participate.He refuse to take this lying down and once he discovers the secret hiding present hiding place, he's determined to steal back his gifts. With the help of his cousins – you know, the ones who had the food fight at Thanksgiving.
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18
On Christmas Eve
Raise your hand if you grew up reading the Babysitter's Club series. Ann M. Martin is the author of this feel good novel, though it does not focus on the characters from that beloved series.Instead, she utilizes the same writing style to draw you into the story of Tess who just wants to meet Santa and have a magical Christmas. This is aimed at the tweens in the family, but it's a sweet story they'll enjoy.
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19
The 13th Gift
For a more true to the traditional Christmas spirit, I love this true story about the impact of random act of kindness, especially during the holiday season.It's a little sad at the start as a family has a lot of grief to work through, but the way their community and true friends rally around them is truly heartwarming. This is a great one for the older teens who may have started getting a little jaded.
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20
The Christmas Doll
This short story is incredibly heart-warming. Amelia doesn't get what she really wanted for Christmas, and her reaction is just what you'd expect.But a visit to her great-grandmother changes her mind about the important things in life. Inspired by a true story, this is a message we can all use over the holiday season.
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Books for Older Teens
21
So, This Is Christmas
As my kids got older, it got harder to find good Christmas books for them. So, This Is Christmas was a great option that remains age appropriate.Finey Brown returns from boarding school to discover that nothing is the same from her parents' separating to her best friend dating her ex to her archnemesis working at her grandmother's inn. Finley can't let that stop Christmas, however, when she discovers a boy who needs an idyllic Christmas more than anyone, and it's up to her to provide it.
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22
Hercule Poirot’s Christmas
Growing up, I adored Agatha Christie, and her stories continue to stand the test of time. This Hercule Poirot mystery is a great way to introduce a whole new generation to an author with a huge library.Hercule Poirot was always one of my favorites because he was a little bit stuffy and a little bit snarky, and you know teens can relate to that. It's fun to add a little mystery to the holidays, especially for the older teens.
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23
Let It Snow: Three Holiday Romances
If you have a teen or tween who loves the Hallmark Christmas movies, this may be the perfect book. These lighthearted and age appropriate romances are not steamy adult books.Instead, three writers take the same town and the same night and a cast of characters to tell three different stories from three different characters in the town. They are sweet and funny, and they're absolutely perfect for the holidays.
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24
All I Want For Christmas is the Boy I Can’t Have
Remember the days of being a teen and pining for someone you can't have? Someone you can't even talk to?This book brings you back to those days – and shows your teens they aren't alone in this sweet book that takes a real look at the expectations and pressures teens face.Isla Riddle has been obsessed with True Love for as long as she can remember. Books, TV, movies-if it's a story about star-crossed lovers, ill-fated love, or love conquering all, Isla has read it, seen it, and talked nonstop about it.She's also dedicated her life to it by helping her mom build up Riddle's Bridal Boutique and Wedding Planning, a business they started together after her dad left town … and they've just received their biggest break yet: a high society bride with a million-dollar budget with a brother Isla's age who has no interest in recreating his parents' lives.
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25
All I Want For Christmas is the Girl in Charge
This is another Christmas themed YA romance, but it's not a funny and lightherated one. It's a little deeper, but of course you know it's a happy ending when it is a romance novel, right?Evelyn Waverley is the dream teenager go-getter with everything going for her in life, but – tragedy – her co-lead in the Christmas play broke his leg.Enter Beckett Hawthorne, Aunt Bee's nephew, former child prodigy, and recent juvenile delinquent. Beckett has arrived in Christmas, Virginia to spend his community service hours working at his uncle's Christmas tree farm, as well as to get away from his heroin-addicted mother and abusive stepfather.Sparks fly – in more ways than one.
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26
Talk Santa to Me
When I was a teen, I started getting interest in romance novels. But with teens myself, I don't necessarily wanting them reading the romance novels my mom was reading.Thankfully. there are much more appropriate young adult romance novels that are lighter and cuter, and this is a perfect example.Francie’s always loved working in the her family's holiday shop, but after her grandfather passed away Aunt Carole started changing everything with her ideas for too-slick, Hollywood-inspired Santas and horrible holiday-themed employee uniforms.Aunt Carole’s vision will ruin all the charm and nostalgia Francie loves about her family’s business…unless she does something about it. And then there's the boy at the tree lot next door….
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27
I’m Dreaming of a Wyatt Christmas
This one is another fun rom-com for young adults. It's sweet and cute.Noelle Partridge is known for three things: being the best ballet dancer, babysitter, and person with the most Christmas spirit in her small town. But lately she's bored by the lessons at her dance school, and her friends and father are more bah humbug than deck the halls.So when her favorite babysitting clients ask her to accompany them on a ski trip over winter break, she packs her bags for the slopes. Noelle is ready to have fa la la la fun, until Wyatt, the older half-brother of her babysitting charges, decides to surprise his family for the holiday.
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28
The Christmas Murder Game
For those whose kids are less into the reading and light-hearted side of Christmas, The Christmas Murder Game may be the perfect choice. In addition to an engaging book, this includes additional scavenger hunts that the reader can enjoy.In this book, Lily Armitage has no interest in returning to her family home, especially since the prize for the annual Christmas Game this year is the deed to the house. In line with Agatha Christie's "And Then There Were None," this is a book with a reluctant protagonist you can't help but cheer for who has to solve a mystery and stop the murders.
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29
The Christmas Crimes at Puzzel Manor
Another mystery book with a Christmas theme, this also has puzzles for the reader to solve throughout the book. My kids enjoy this extra bit of engagement, and they generally solved them without needing my help.Jack Tarrant has retired from Scotland Yard, where he was a homicide detective. He and his girlfriend head to a free vacation at Puzzel Manor where they stumble upon a corpse, and the game is afoot.
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Christmas Activity Books
30
Christmas Fun Mad Libs
As my kids got older, they went from devouring every book they could find to reading less often. Some years, I chose books that were less traditional books and more fun activity books.The Christmas Fun Mad Libs was a huge hit. They did a bunch of them Christmas morning, and every year, we do a few more and reread some of our old favorites for a slightly different kind of holiday tradition.
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31
Merry Christmas Activity Book for Teens and Adults
Along the same lines, my son especially loves activity books with puzzles and Sudoku and word games. Why not indulge this?He loves this book with 160 different Christmas themed puzzles. As they get older, more of their Christmas books tend to be in this vein as they enjoy them more.
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32
Christmas Hidden Pictures Book
While I tend to be terrible at hidden picture games, my kids adore them. This Christmas-themed hidden pictures book is a perfect way for them to enjoy this activity.There are over 240 objects to find within the book, and it doubles as a coloring book, so you (or your kids) can enjoy it again after you've found all the hidden items.
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33
Christmas Doodle Coloring Book for Teens
My other child prefers art to word games, so a book of Christmas doodle becomes the perfect gift. I appreciate that each doodle is on a single side of a page, so you don't have to worry about ink bleeding through and ruining an image.The doodles include mandalas and more traditional artwork, so there are plenty of styles to experiment with and choose from. This is a perfect gift for the burgeoning artist – including adults who love coloring books.
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What are your best Christmas books for tweens and teens?
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