The best new Christmas books for kids in 2025

At Parrot Street HQ, rediscovering our favourite Christmas books is just as important an annual event as unpacking the Christmas decorations! There’s something particularly special about sharing a festive story with the family in the run-up to the big day itself. Of course, we have plenty of old favourites we love to return to, but we never miss an opportunity to add new books to our collection.

This year, there’s a bumper crop of brand-new Christmas books for kids hitting the shelves - and we’re so excited to share our favourites with you. Not all of these stories are strictly Christmas-themed; some simply have beautifully wintry settings or heart-warming themes that make them perfect for curling up with on cold nights or gifting to young readers this Christmas.

Here’s our pick of the best new Christmas books for kids in 2025 - stories full of magic, adventure, laughter and love that are guaranteed to bring festive joy to readers of all ages.

The Christmas Contest: An Advent Novel

by Maxime Gillio, illustrated by Benedetta Capriotti

We’re absolutely enchanted by this festive gem! The Christmas Contest takes readers straight to the North Pole, where residents compete to become Santa Claus’s new apprentice. Told in a clever advent calendar format, each chapter corresponds to a day in December, making it the perfect countdown-to-Christmas read.

Brimming with festive cheer, fun characters and gorgeous illustrations, this joyful book turns reading into a shared family tradition. We think it’s an inspired way to make story-time part of your advent celebrations this year! Perfect for 5+.

Sprouts

by Sibeal Pounder

From the brilliant author of Tinsel comes a wonderfully wacky and futuristic Christmas adventure that had us giggling from start to finish. In Sprouts, Christmas has snowballed completely - it’s celebrated every single day! Expect holographic elves, flying sleighs and candy cane feasts galore.

But when Gryla, a banished witch, and Merrilee Claus uncover the true meaning of Christmas amid the chaos, the story reveals a big, warm heart beneath all the sparkle. This one’s a must for Christmas-obsessed readers who love humour, fantasy and festive mayhem. Perfect for 8+.

Peanut, Butter and Crackers: Christmas Surprise

by Paige Braddock

Our favourite furry friends are back for another laugh-out-loud adventure! It’s Peanut’s first-ever Christmas, and the gang are in for a surprise when they find someone living inside their Christmas tree. Cue festive fun, chaos and plenty of giggles.

Perfect for readers aged 5+, this latest Peanut, Butter and Crackers graphic novel is full of heart and humour. We love how accessible and engaging this series is for newly independent readers — and this Christmassy instalment is sure to become a seasonal favourite.

A Reindeer Called Joy

by Helen Peters, illustrated by Ellie Snowdon

We adore Helen Peters’ Jasmine Green series, and her latest instalment, A Reindeer Called Joy, might just be our favourite yet. When Jasmine rescues an injured reindeer calf, she discovers that Joy has a very special part to play in the festive season.

With charming black-and-white illustrations by Ellie Snowdon, this gentle, animal-loving adventure is perfect for children aged 5+. It’s packed with warmth, kindness and Christmas spirit — an ideal read for animal lovers and young adventurers alike.

Fujiko and the Fox

by Ewa Jozefkowicz, illustrated by Gillian Flint

We were completely charmed by this winter woodland story about friendship, nature and courage. In Fujiko and the Fox, the Woodland Explorers Club set out to solve a mystery and protect the animals and trees of Willow Wish Wood.

With its wintry setting, gentle environmental themes and delightful illustrations, this story feels like a breath of frosty fresh air. It’s an inspiring and heart-warming choice for readers aged 5+ - and a perfect Christmas gift for budding nature lovers.

Swanfall

by Sophie Kirtley

If your family loves folklore, mystery and magic, Swanfall is the book to reach for this Christmas. Inspired by Irish legends, this thrilling adventure follows Pip as he uncovers an ancient curse that might not be just a fairy tale after all.

We were swept away by the atmosphere and emotional depth of this story. It’s an unforgettable winter read for children aged 8+ - ideal for fans of Sophie Anderson or anyone who loves an edge-of-your-seat adventure filled with heart.

The Snow Girl

by Sophie Anderson, illustrated by Melissa Castrillon

Speaking of Sophie Anderson... Her latest masterpiece, The Snow Girl, is a magical tale of friendship, belonging and bravery. Beautifully illustrated by Melissa Castrillon, it’s now available in paperback and would make a truly special Christmas gift.

Anderson’s talent for weaving emotional, imaginative stories shines here. The icy landscapes and powerful message about kindness make this the ultimate wintry read for middle-grade readers aged 8+.

The Appletree Animal Agency: Collie Chaos!

by Katya Balen, illustrated by Gill Smith

We couldn’t finish our list without including Collie Chaos! - the latest in Katya Balen’s delightful Appletree Animal Agency series. Snow, puppies and a cosy village setting? Count us in!

Packed with festive fun, charming illustrations and lovable animal characters, this is a perfect early chapter book for kids aged 5+. Plus, you'll also receive the special activity pack we created to go with it - the ideal stocking filler combo!

Whether you’re after laugh-out-loud fun, snowy adventures or heart-warming animal stories, these new Christmas books for kids in 2025 are perfect for sharing, gifting and reading together all season long.

So grab a mug of hot chocolate, snuggle up under a blanket, and let these stories fill your December with warmth, wonder and festive joy.