Ho, Ho, Ho! Favorite Santa Picture Books
A Giveaway & An RA Christmas in July Booklist
This list highlights Santa—not St. Nick or Kris Kringle, but the classic jolly man in red we all know and love. It’s the perfect chance to add these timeless Santa stories to your collection, enjoy them with your family, or find a special gift. These books capture not just Santa’s magic but also the spirit of goodwill and generosity he represents. Christmas in July isn’t just a fun mid-year celebration; it’s also a savvy time to shop for out-of-print holiday books. By exploring Santa picture books now, you can often find more copies available and at better prices than during the holiday rush. Dive into the magic of Santa tales and make the most of this off-season opportunity to expand your holiday library!
And be sure to check out our mini bonus list at the bottom of the page!
Our Santa List:
Albert’s Christmas by Leslie Tryon
In this delightful installment of the Albert series, Albert and his animal friends are all set and ready for action. The moment Santa lands, they spring into action, working like a finely tuned holiday pit crew! From filing reindeer hooves to cleaning the sleigh windshield of stardust so Santa can see, they help with perfect coordination and enthusiasm. This fun and fast-paced tale showcases the joy of teamwork and the magic of the holiday season, making it a must-read for fans of Albert and Christmas stories alike.
Baby Christmas by Michael Lawrence; Illustrated by Arthur Robins
It's Christmas Eve, and Mom and Dad Claus are overwhelmed with last-minute preparations. The holiday hustle is in full swing, but their mischievous magical baby keeps disappearing and causing chaos with his tiny sleigh. As he tries to emulate his dad, his antics create more problems than solutions. This relatable and humorous tale captures the mayhem of a holiday in full swing, as the Claus family navigates the challenges of their playful little one while ensuring Christmas goes off without a hitch. Perfect for parents who know all too well the trials and joys of managing a lively child during the busiest time of the year.
Christmas Cowboy by Sarah Wilson; Illustrated by Peter Palagonia
In a dusty Old West town where people have long forgotten about miracles and hope, a mysterious stranger arrives, summoned by the small animals. This stranger begins to ask the townspeople questions like, "What stirs your heart?"—questions that seem foreign to them. As the stranger's presence begins to awaken something long dormant, the children of the town, full of wishes and dreams, wonder if this enigmatic visitor might just be the key to making their hopes come true. Who is this mysterious figure, and will the children's Christmas wishes be granted? This touching story explores themes of renewal and the power of belief, set against a unique Western backdrop. (USA/North America)
Christmas Eve at Santa’s by Alf Proysen and Jens Ahlbom
This is a heartwarming tale where Carpenter Anderson and Santa end up playing Santa to each other's families. Set in Sweden and beautifully translated, this enchanting story is by the beloved author of the Mrs. Pepperpot books. Perfect for cozy winter reading! (Sweden, Europe)
The Christmas Magic by Lauren Thompson; Illustrated by Jon J. Muth
Santa and his reindeer are not just waiting for the magic of Christmas to arrive; they are faithfully preparing for it. The quiet and stillness of anticipation are beautifully woven into the narrative and you can almost feel the calm before the festive excitement. This gentle tale, with its soothing imagery and serene tone, makes a perfect bedtime read. A lovely choice for a peaceful family moment during the holiday season.
Dasher: How a Brave Little Doe Changed Christmas Forever by Matt Tavares
"Dasher" unfolds the heartwarming story of a young deer with a dream. Tired of the too hot circus life, Dasher embarks on a quest for a snowy home. Along the way, she encounters Santa and, with the magic of a Christmas wish, finds her life forever changed. This enchanting tale captures the essence of dreams, perseverance, and the holiday magic that can shape destinies.
This title is also on our Unwrap the Magic: A 25-Day Christmas Reading Countdown list. Be sure to check it out!
Don’t Forget Me, Santa Claus by Virginia Mayo
In this beautifully illustrated wordless picture book, a little guy finds his stocking empty and is indignant that Santa missed him. Determined to set things right, he embarks on an adventurous journey. The artwork tells the humorous story so vividly that it's perfect for both readers and non-readers alike.
The Elves’ First Christmas by Atsuko Morozumi
From the acclaimed author/illustrator of One Gorilla (which I love!), Atsuko Morozumi brings you a delightful tale that reveals how the elves first met Santa. With each turn of the page, readers are treated to beautiful illustrations brimming with charm and hidden details. This story celebrates the origins of Santa’s special helpers and feels like a true lore. If you have kids who love to pore over the illustrations of Brambly Hedge books, be sure to check this one out!
How the Russian Snow Maiden Helped Santa Claus by Gail Buyske; Illustrated by Natesha Voronina
In this folk tale, Santa finds himself needing extra help with Christmas preparations. A young, timid Russian girl steps forward, bringing along her beloved nesting doll. Her kindness and the fresh inspiration drawn from her doll provide Santa with the spark he needs to finish his holiday tasks. (Russia, Europe)
How Santa Got His Job by Stephen Krensky; Illustrated by S.D. Schindler
Meet young Santa, on a quest to find his place in the world and put his unique skills to good use. Despite his best efforts, he keeps finding himself out of work, unable to land the right job. Everything changes when he encounters a group of inventive elves who see his potential and help him embrace his quirks. Together, they discover how his special talents can make a real difference. This funny and heartwarming tale follows Santa’s journey from jobless to joyful, showing that sometimes, it’s our idiosyncrasies that lead us to our true calling. (USA/North America)
If Snow Falls by John Agee
In John Agee's debut book, a young boy dreams of a happy old man who brings presents, capturing the magic and anticipation of Christmas. The story is light on text and short on pages, with gentle rhyming. This book offers a delightful and dreamlike journey into the world of Christmas wishes and holiday cheer.
“I’m Not Santa!” by Jonathan Allen
In this short and humorous story, Little Hare mistakes Little Owl for Santa Claus. While it may not be a profound tale, its lighthearted nature makes it highly relatable, especially for children with literal thinking and low verbal skills. The simple, yet amusing plot provides a gentle and enjoyable experience, perfect for sharing a laugh and connecting with young readers. This is a great choice for those looking for an easy-to-understand and entertaining read. If you enjoy this title, be sure to look for the rest of the series!
A Kenya Christmas by Tony Johnston; Illustrated by Leonard Jenkins
Set against the vibrant backdrop of Kenya, this Christmas book delivers a delightful twist that will leave readers pleasantly surprised. As a family busily prepares a special Santa surprise for their village, the real surprise takes an unexpected turn. With its African setting and heartwarming plot, this story captures the spirit of giving and the joy of unexpected delights. (Kenya, Africa)
Little Robin Red Vest by Jan Fearnley
In this heartwarming tale, a kind robin selflessly gives away all of his cozy knit sweater vests to animals in need during the cold season. When he's left without anything to keep himself warm, Santa swoops in and takes him to Mrs. Claus. She sews him a magical vest that not only keeps him warm but also spreads warmth to everyone around him. And that’s how the robin got its iconic red breast, a symbol of his generosity and the magic of giving.
Little Santa by Yoko Maruyama
When Santa takes a tumble, his young son steps in to deliver the presents. As everyone gets their Christmas wishes, the standout feature is Yoko Maruyama’s enchanting illustrations. This sweet and gentle tale beautifully captures the magic of the season through her artwork.
Merry Christmas, Blue Kangaroo by Emma Chichester Clark
This beloved British Christmas tale, cherished for over 40 years, follows a young girl as she creates special memories for her Blue Kangaroo doll's first Christmas. A timeless classic, it beautifully captures the magic and joy of the holiday season, making it a perfect read for all generations. (Britain, Europe)
A Message for Santa by Hiawyn Oram and Tony Ross
In this charming story, a little redheaded girl feels uneasy about someone entering her home down the chimney. With gentle reasoning and healthy boundaries, she communicates her concerns, and Santa, with understanding and respect, acknowledges her feelings. This adorable and delightful book is perfect for children who might feel apprehensive about holiday traditions, offering a reassuring message that respects their comfort while still celebrating the magic of the season.
The Night Before Christmas by Clement C. Moore and Roger Duvoisin
I absolutely adore this pairing between Clement C. Moore and Roger Duvoisin. I keep this book out year-round in our home just to savor the stunning artwork. Shaped like a chimney, this board book isn't just for babies—it's a treasured favorite among all ages in our Reshelving Alexandria community. (USA, North America)
The Oldest Elf by James Stevenson
Santa's oldest elf is almost ready to hang up his hat, and one of Santa's retired reindeer is feeling the same. But when duty calls, they find you're never too old for one last adventure!
One Thousand Christmas Beards by Roger Duvoisin
Perfect for older kids who appreciate a touch of absurdity, this book follows Santa on an unexpected rampage as he steals all the fake beards from department store and corner Santas around the world declaring them “Fakes!”. When Mrs. Claus steps in to set things right, she helps Santa see the error of his ways, make amends, and rediscover the true joy of the season. Sadly, this book is a bit of a unicorn but can be read for free on Internet Archive.
Samurai Santa: A Very Ninja Christmas by Rubin Pingk
What a surprising treat! This story—is it a picture book or a picture book length graphic novel?—will have the whole family laughing out loud. When a young ninja finds that being on Santa’s "nice" list is cramping his style and keeping him from a much-anticipated snowball fight, he decides to plot a way to keep Santa away. But is a snowball fight really that naughty? And does Santa have a clever way of knowing what’s best? This charming and humorous tale is bound to be a family favorite, perfect for leaving strewn on a table so everyone can enjoy a good laugh. (Japan/Asia)
Santa and the Three Bears by Dominic Catalans
A charming twist on the Goldilocks tale. While Mrs. Claus is out, the bears crash her carefully prepared party, leaving a mess behind. When she returns, Mrs. Claus teaches them a valuable lesson in responsibility, making sure they clean up their mess. This Christmas Eve story features a diverse cast of elves and a heartwarming message.
Santa Calls by William Joyce
This captivating story feels like a full fantasy novel packed into a picture book. Set at the turn of the century, three children receive a special invitation from Santa Claus to visit the North Pole. Their journey is filled with wonder, excitement, and a touch of danger as they encounter unexpected challenges and villains along the way. Through this thrilling adventure, the siblings come away with a newfound respect and mutual fondness for each other which is a Christmas miracle all on its own! Did I mention the illustrations are spectacular? They are.
Santa Claus and the Woodcutter by Kathrin Siegenthaler; Illustrated by Marcus Pfister
In this heartwarming tale, a lonely woodcutter receives an unexpected pleasant visit from Santa on Christmas Eve. Later, while Santa is busy making his deliveries, a hole in the bag causes all the presents to strew down the mountainside. The woodcutter seizes the opportunity to help and becomes the town hero in the process. This touching story of community and redemption is a perfect fit for my shelf on “Returning People to Community”, as it beautifully portrays the power of kindness and the joy of reconnecting with others. (German/Swiss/Europe)
Santa Claus Around the World by Lisl Weil
This beautifully illustrated non-fiction picture book by Lisl Weil dives into the rich history and cultural differences of Santa Claus around the world. It also tackles the topic of "Santa's helpers" and how we can all embody the spirit of Santa, not just at Christmas but all year long. The book doesn’t shy away from the graphic nature of some of St. Nicholas's miracles, making it a fascinating read for those interested in the more complex and sometimes dark legends of Santa Claus. (see sample page below for an example Content Consideration)
Santa Duck by David Milgrim
In this humorous tale, a simple case of mistaken identity turns a duck into Santa's helper! After donning a Santa hat, Duck finds himself inundated with Christmas wish lists from all the animals. Though he finds the work tiring, he does Santa a big favor by accurately passing along everyone’s wishes. However, in all the excitement, Duck forgets to tell Santa what he wanted! But being Santa's helper has its own perks, and Duck ends up with a special surprise of his own. This charming story highlights the joy of giving and the unexpected rewards of helping others. (a farm)
Santa Mouse by Michael Brown; Illustrated by Elfrieda DeWitt
In this endearing tale we meet a tiny mouse with a big heart. Describing the cheese he’s saved as “the kind that makes angels want to sing,” his generous and kind spirit in offering said cheese as a gift to Santa captures Santa's attention. In return, he receives a name and a mission, embodying the magic of Christmas in the most delightful way.
Santa Who? by Gail Gibbons
Gail Gibbons offers a concise look at the history of Santa Claus, tracing his origins from the birth of Jesus and early saint worship, through his introduction to the U.S., to his popularization as the jolly figure we recognize today.
Santa's Crash-Bang Christmas by Steven Kroll; Illustrated by Tomie De Paola
Ever wake up and just feel like everything's going wrong? That's exactly what happens to Santa in this charming little story. Thankfully, he's got a helpful elf by his side to navigate all the mishaps and ensure Christmas goes off without a hitch.
Santa’s Favorite Story: Santa Tells the Story of the First Christmas by Hisako Aoki and Ivan Gantschev
Santa Claus shares his favorite story with a group of woodland animals—the true story of Christmas. The tale highlights that the gift of love given to all is far greater than any material present. Beautiful watercolor illustrations add to the charm and beauty of this story. (Bethlehem/Israel/Asia)
Santa’s First Christmas by Mac Barnett; Illustrated by Sydney Smith
Santa's First Christmas tells the heartwarming story of Santa, known for his tireless dedication to preparing for the holiday season. For the first time, Santa gets the chance to experience the joy and magic of Christmas, thanks to the thoughtful efforts of his co-workers. The delightful illustrations add to the charm of this sweet tale, celebrating the little moments that make Christmas truly special.
Santa’s Last Present by Marie-Aude Murail and Elvire Murail; Illustrated by Quentin Blake
In his final year of believing in Santa, a boy decides to test the magic by asking for an incredibly expensive gift, expecting to catch his parents in a lie. To his surprise, his parents deliver the pricey present, but Santa adds a simple toy to the mix. As the boy tries to unravel the mystery, this heartwarming and humorous tale captures the essence of growing up while cherishing the magic that never really fades. Translated from the French. (France/Europe)
Thank You, Santa by Margaret Wild; Illustrated by Kerry Argent
In this enchanting story set in Australia’s summer Christmas, a young girl begins writing letters to Santa after the New Year, eager to share her thoughts and questions. Through their heartfelt exchanges about knitting, his reindeer’s health, and a heat suffering polar bear at her local zoo, they build a warm and genuine friendship. This charming tale beautifully captures the magic of Christmas and the joy of connecting with the person behind the presents. (Australia, Polar Regions)
That’s Not Santa by Leonard Kessler
In this whimsical and lighthearted tale, Santa finds himself in a merry mix-up when he misplaces his iconic red suit. In a humorous quest for an alternative outfit, he rummages through a chest of costumes, leading to a series of playful and amusing encounters. This silly escapade showcases Santa's festive sense of humor and adds a touch of whimsy to the holiday season as he navigates the unexpected challenges of dressing for Christmas.
This title is also on our Unwrap the Magic: A 25-Day Christmas Reading Countdown list. Be sure to check it out!
Trouble at Christmas by Russell Johnson; Illustrated by Bernadette Watts
This story feels like a fairy tale twist on Santa's usual journey. When the reindeer decide to take the day off, Santa finds himself with an unexpected replacement—a dragon! It's a magical adventure that blends the familiar charm of Santa with the exciting elements of fantasy, making it a unique and enchanting read.
What Could Be Keeping Santa? by Marilyn Janovitz
In this charming, rhyming tale, it's Christmas Adam (the day before Christmas Eve), and the reindeer are ready for the big night. But as they wait for Santa, they can't figure out what's keeping him. It turns out they're a day early! This delightful story is perfect for introducing the concept of Christmas Adam (if you’re a family into word play) and enjoying a fun, lighthearted holiday mix-up.
Bonus Section: Playing Santa
In this special bonus section, we’ve curated stories that highlight characters stepping into the role of Santa in someone else's life. These tales capture the true spirit of the season, showcasing kindness, generosity, and the joy of giving. Whether they're spreading cheer, granting wishes, or simply being there for others, these stories remind us that anyone can be a Santa with a big enough heart.
A Christmas Story by Jay Frankston; Illustrated by James D. Kester
This heartfelt true story brought me to tears, as acts of love and kindness often do. With many dear Jewish friends, I was especially touched by the tale of a Jewish Santa and his wife, who dedicated years to caring for the less fortunate in their city. This book is a beautiful way to embrace the holiday spirit! It's perfect for reading aloud—just have some tissues ready if you're as moved by genuine acts of compassion as I am!(California, USA, North America)
Antonella and Her Santa Claus by Barbara Augustin; Illustrated by Gerhard Lahr
Little Antonella in Italy dreams of red roller skates for Christmas. She sends her wish to Santa in a balloon, but it travels all the way to a school in Hungary. Touched by her simple wish, the students there pool their money together to fulfill Antonella's Christmas dream. This touching story of kindness and generosity reminds us that the magic of the season can connect hearts across borders. (Italy/Hungary/Europe)
The Best Christmas Ever by Chih-Tuan Chen
In this heartwarming tale, a sweet bear family prepares for a humble Christmas without gifts. To their surprise, they find carefully wrapped packages containing small items they thought they had lost, like a cherished button. Who is the thoughtful family member who noticed these little things and brought unexpected joy to their holiday? This charming story highlights the simple, yet profound acts of kindness and the joy of giving from the heart.
A Letter to Santa Claus by Brigitte Weninger; Illustrated by Anne Möller
Oliver and his mother are struggling to get by, and Oliver has recently noticed that Santa Claus never visits their modest home. He wonders if it’s because he’s been bad or if he simply hasn’t sent a wish in the right way. Determined to find out, Oliver writes a heartfelt note and releases it with a balloon, hoping it will reach Santa. Instead, the balloon lands in the garden of a grumpy old man who’s with no holiday cheer. But as the old man ponders on the letter, something surprising unfolds. This story beautifully captures the essence of faith, unexpected kindness, and the joy of creating a found family in the most unlikely ways. A book in translation: (Sweden, Europe)
Lighthouse Christmas by Toni Buzzeo; Illustrated by Nancy Carpenter
This story introduces the Flying Santa Service, which delivers Christmas cheer to Coast Guard families at lighthouses along the East Coast. It's the first Christmas after the children's mother passed away, and they are working hard to make it special. The arrival of a package from the Flying Santa Service adds an unexpected joy, lifting their spirits and making the holiday memorable. This touching tale shows the power of kindness and the importance of family during difficult times. (East Coast/USA/North America)
Yoon and the Christmas Mitten by Helen Recorvits; Illustrated by Gabi Swiatkowska
In this enchanting companion to My Name is Yoon, a determined Korean American girl dreams of hanging a stocking for Santa, but is prevented as it goes against her parents' traditional beliefs. With creativity and "Shining Wisdom," Yoon gently convinces her family that they can indeed embrace Christmas traditions as part of also being Americans. The story is brought to life with luminous illustrations and brushstrokes that echo those of Renoir. This unique tale is both heartfelt and deeply resonant, capturing the essence of cultural blending and the magic of the holiday season. (USA, North America)
What a fun list!