The Best Christmas Read Aloud Books For 3rd Grade in 2024
As Christmas approaches, it’s the perfect time to share festive stories with young readers. Here’s a list of the best Christmas books for 3rd graders, featuring timeless classics and a few exciting new releases for 2024.
Parents and teachers, you’re sure to find something on this list to add to your Christmas book collection!
Each book captures the season’s magic and offers valuable lessons in friendship, kindness, and giving—just what every parent, caregiver, and teacher hopes to share!
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So whether you’re searching for Christmas read-alouds for your 3rd-grade classroom or to read with your 7, 8, and 9-year-olds at home, you’re in the right place!
1. A World of Cookies for Santa: Follow Santa’s Tasty Trip Around the World by M.E. Furman
- Summary: This delightful book takes kids on a global journey to see what cookies children leave for Santa around the world, exploring holiday traditions in different cultures.
- Why It’s Great: It’s a fun way to introduce kids to global traditions and food. With engaging illustrations and fascinating facts, it’s both educational and a great conversation starter about other cultures and customs.
- Get it HERE
2. The Carpenter’s Gift: A Christmas Tale about the Rockefeller Center Tree by David Rubel
- Summary: This story intertwines the famous Rockefeller Center Christmas tree with a message about generosity and kindness. Set during the Great Depression, it follows a young boy who helps his family and, in return, experiences the true meaning of giving.
- Why It’s Great: The book’s message about helping others, along with the connection to a real holiday tradition, makes this a meaningful read. It’s especially fitting for families who enjoy Christmas outings, history and nostalgia.
- Get it HERE
3. The Christmas Chronicles: The Story of Santa Claus by Tim Slover
- Summary: This story brings the origin of Santa Claus to life in a charming way. From Claus’s humble beginnings as a woodcarver to his legendary role as a global gift-giver, Stover weaves the tale of how Christmas traditions began.
- Why It’s Great: With its rich detail and imaginative storytelling, kids will be intrigued by this lesser-known tale of Santa. It’s perfect for kids ready to explore stories that build on their understanding of holiday traditions.
- Get it HERE
4. The Snowy Nap by Jan Brett
- Summary: In this beautifully illustrated story, Hedgie the Hedgehog really, really wants to stay awake to experience winter and Christmas. As Hedgie tries to delay his hibernation, he learns all about the magic of the snowy season.
- Why It’s Great: Jan Brett’s artwork is magical and detailed, making this book a wonderful choice for 3rd graders who love illustrations as much as they love a good story. It’s a cozy read to curl up with on a cold winter’s day.
- Get it HERE
5. The Best Christmas Pageant Ever by Barbara Robinson *TEACHERS’ PICK*
- Summary: When the mischievous Herdman kids join the town’s Christmas pageant, they wreak havoc on the whole production. But somehow, their chaos and antics bring a fresh and hilarious perspective to the nativity story.
- Why It’s Great: This classic teaches that the true meaning of Christmas isn’t about perfection but understanding and kindness. It’s one of those Christmas books that will tickle your 3rd graders’ funny bones and still give a heartwarming message.
- Get it HERE
6. Dasher: How a Brave Little Doe Changed Christmas Forever by Matt Tavares
- Summary: Dasher the doe has big dreams of joining Santa’s sleigh team. This touching tale explores her journey of courage, adventure, and finding her place in the world.
- Why It’s Great: It’s a beautifully illustrated and emotionally rich story that shows the origins of Santa’s reindeer, making it a delightful holiday read for young animal lovers.
- Get it HERE
7. Home Alone: The Classic Illustrated Storybook by Kim Smith
- Summary: This illustrated version of the classic holiday film “Home Alone” lets kids experience the hilarious antics of Kevin McCallister as he protects his home from burglars over Christmas.
- Why It’s Great: The humorous and action-packed story is a hit with kids, and it’s especially fun for those who may not have seen the movie yet. It’s a great book to open up a discussion on the topics of independence and quick thinking.
- Get it HERE
8. Christmas Fairies for Ouma by Candice Dingwall (New for 2024)
- Summary: When Tumi discovers that her grandmother can’t visit for Christmas, she sets out to create a magical Christmas for her, with the help of some mischievous fairies.
- Why It’s Great: This book, new for 2024, explores family, creativity, and holiday traditions in a way that celebrates diversity and cultural heritage, making it an inclusive addition to your holiday reading list.
- Get it HERE
9. Pick a Pine Tree by Patricia Toht
- Summary: This cheerful, rhyming book follows a family as they pick the perfect pine tree and decorate it for Christmas. It’s a celebration of tradition and the joy of creating something special with loved ones, one of the true meanings of Christmas.
- Why It’s Great: The lyrical text and festive illustrations make it perfect for reading aloud. It’s an invitation to reflect on the simple pleasures of the holidays and may even inspire kids to create their own family traditions.
- Get it HERE
10. Santa’s Lost Series by Rachel Hilz (New for 2024)
- Summary: There are 3 Books in this hilarious Santa series from Hilz! In the first book Santa’s Lost Reindeer, Santa has a crazy holiday adventure when one of his reindeer goes missing. St. Nick must work with a group of determined children to bring him home before Christmas Eve.
- Hilz follows up her first book with two more funny reads: Santa’s Lost Sleigh & Santa’s Lost Elves
- Why They’re Great: With its heartwarming plot and a mystery that kids will love to solve, this series follows the same characters, encourages teamwork, responsibility, and adds a bit of Christmas magic.
- Get them HERE
These Christmas books for third grade provide a wonderful mix of festive fun, heartwarming messages, and teachable moments.
By choosing a few from this list, you’ll have a range of options to share with your kids, helping them enjoy the magic of the holiday season while learning a little more about kindness, family, and the beauty of giving.
Whether you’re reading at home or in a classroom with 3rd graders, these are some of the best Christmas books to make the holidays memorable.
Until next time, K.
PS: Check out these articles for more Christmas book picks for kids!
12 Christmas Read-Alouds For Kindergarten & Pre-K
Christmas Books About Giving & Christmas Spirit
The 5 Gift Christmas Rule: Want, Need, Wear, Read, Do
Kelly is the founder and creative force behind Just Our View From Here. As a first-time mom over 40, she brings a fresh perspective to parenting and family life on her blog. Kelly also explores a wide range of lifestyle topics in her writing, including fashion, beauty, self-care, and well-being.
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