23 Cute Santa Claus Read Aloud Books

As Christmas lights twinkle and the scent of gingerbread fills the air, it is the perfect time to cozy up with some Santa Claus read aloud books!

Whether your little ones are eager to hear about Santa’s sleigh rides or his encounters with children around the world, these stories will make your holiday season extra special.

So, grab hot cocoa, cuddle up, and explore some fun read aloud books for Christmas that will fill your kids hearts with joy!

Story Books About Santa Claus

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The Night Before Christmas

Here’s a magical Christmas Eve classic that paints a picture of pure wonder! Imagine a cozy winter night when no creature is stirring all through the house, not even a mouse.

Then, out of nowhere, who should appear but a jolly old man with a belly that jiggles like a bowl full of jelly?

It’s an enchanting poem that brings the joy of holiday anticipation to life, complete with stockings, reindeer, and Santa himself.

If your kids love these the night before Christmas, let your kids try this Santa Cup Craft.

Santa’s Toy Shop

Have you ever wondered what it's like inside Santa's workshop? This story whisks your kids straight to the North Pole, where the elves are busy creating all kinds of delightful toys. Santa is checking his lists, ensuring everything is perfect for Christmas Eve.

It’s an adorable peek behind the curtain at Santa’s bustling toy shop, where magic and hard work come together to make holiday wishes come true!

Related: Popsicle Stick Santa Craft

The Polar Express

All aboard for a magical train ride! In this heartwarming tale, a young boy takes an unforgettable journey to the North Pole on a midnight train through the snow.

With each chug and whistle, he’s whisked deeper into a winter wonderland where he encounters Santa himself!

This story captures the spirit of believing, complete with a magical sleigh bell that only true believers can hear.

Father Christmas

This story gives us a hilarious twist on Santa's Christmas routine! Imagine a grumpy old Father Christmas who, instead of “Ho, ho, ho,” is more likely to grumble and groan.

Yet, even with his complaints, he pulls through with a heartwarming dedication to spreading holiday cheer.

It’s a fun look at the holiday from Santa’s unique perspective — and a reminder that even Santa can have a rough day and still make it magical!

These free Santa connect the dots are another fun idea for kids to try this season!

Bear Stays Up for Christmas

In this cozy story, Bear’s friends do everything they can to keep him up, and the group shares all the joy of Christmas together. Bear may be sleepy, but he’s also loyal, and his friends make sure his Christmas is full of warmth, love, and laughter.

This is the ultimate tale of friendship and festive fun, perfect for snuggling up on a chilly winter night.

Related: Santa Claus Tissue Paper Craft

Santa Mouse

Imagine a little mouse who wants to help Santa with his holiday rounds. This sweet tale follows his adventures as he surprises Santa with a tiny gift and finds himself helping Santa bring joy to others in his particular way.

With a touch of charm and a sprinkle of holiday magic, this little mouse is ready to warm everyone’s heart!

How to Catch Santa Claus

This playful guide is complete of sneaky, fun ideas for capturing the jolly old man in action! Kids will giggle as they plot ways to catch a glimpse of Santa, from leaving out delicious treats to setting up clever traps.

It’s an imaginative, interactive story that adds extra excitement to Christmas Eve and will inspire little ones to dream up their own Santa-catching plans!

Santa’s Favorite Story

Here’s a story in which Santa takes a moment to share his favorite tale! When woodland animals ask him about the true meaning of Christmas, he puts aside his busy schedule and tells a warm, gentle story that captures the spirit of kindness, love, and togetherness.

It’s a sweet reminder that sometimes, the best part of the season is spending time with loved ones and remembering what truly matters.

Related: Santa Handprint Card Craft

A World of Cookies for Santa

This delightful book celebrates the cookies left out for Santa on Christmas Eve, from spiced treats in Scandinavia to coconut delights in Australia. It’s a fascinating tour of holiday traditions, showing how people welcome Santa.

Your kids will get inspired to try new holiday recipes and maybe leave Santa a more exotic treat this year!

Santa’s Underwear

In this hilarious story, Santa is set to go but can’t find his “special” pair. Your kids get a peek at Santa’s humorous holiday-themed undies with each try until he finds the perfect pair just in time. He has a whole stash of special holiday underwear, each funnier than the last!

This playful, laugh-out-loud story is perfect for adding a silly twist to your Christmas tradition!

How Does Santa Go Down the Chimney?

This whimsical story explores the mystery most delightfully! With clever, imaginative explanations and lots of giggles along the way, kids will love discovering Santa’s secrets and marveling at his magical abilities.

It's a fun, fantastical answer to the age-old question that’s sure to leave everyone feeling a little more enchanted.

Related: Santa Card Craft

The Animals’ Santa

In this heartwarming winter tale, the forest animals wonder, “Who is their Santa?” The younger animals are especially curious, and as they work together to solve the mystery, they discover how kindness and surprises bring them all together.

It’s a beautifully illustrated, snowy adventure that captures the spirit of sharing and friendship, perfect for snuggling up on a frosty evening.

If this story captured your kid's hearts, why not encourage them to try making our Santa Name Craft?

Santa’s Story

Santa’s all ready for Christmas Eve, but where are the reindeer? Santa calls out to each reindeer by name, only to find that they’re nowhere to be found!

With heartwarming illustrations and gentle excitement, he gathers his trusty team just in time for the big night. It’s a sweet reminder that even Santa needs teamwork to make the holiday magic happen.

Related: Santa Cone Craft

How to Catch Santa

This playful guide is packed with tips and tricks for kids determined to finally catch Santa in the act! From setting up “Santa traps” to leaving out irresistible snacks, it’s an imaginative, interactive journey that involves kids brainstorming their Santa-catching strategies.

It’s the perfect mix of humor and holiday fun, adding a little extra sparkle to the Christmas Eve excitement.

Related: How To Catch Santa Worksheets

Santa Post

When Santa’s letters go missing, it’s up to him to find out where they went! This tale is Santa on a festive postal adventure, with each page bringing colorful letters and funny surprises.

It’s an adorable peek into Santa’s world and shows his lengths to ensure everyone’s Christmas wishes are heard.

With interactive elements and fun twists, this story will captivate kids who love holiday surprises!

Related: Editable Letters From Santa

How Santa Got His Job

Ever wonder how Santa landed his gig as the world’s jolliest gift-giver?

This story takes us on a fun journey through Santa’s “job search” as he tries everything from chimney sweeping to baking cookies — all the experiences that eventually make him the perfect Santa.

It’s a charming, humorous take on Santa’s backstory and offers a new perspective on his holiday mission!

Related: Santa Worksheets

Teeny Tiny Santa

This adorable little tale proves that no job is too big for a teeny, tiny Santa! In this sweet board book, a pint-sized Santa spreads holiday cheer among the forest animals, showing that even the smallest among us can bring joy to others.

With gentle rhymes and illustrations, it’s a perfect story for the littlest readers just beginning to fall in love with holiday magic.

Try this photo Santa Paper Craft if you want a fun activity for your kids.

Santa’s Prayer

This touching story reveals Santa’s quiet moment of reflection on Christmas Eve. As he says a heartfelt prayer, Santa reflects on the true meaning of Christmas, hoping to spread kindness and love to the world.

It’s a tender reminder of the holiday’s spirit, beautifully told and perfect for kids who want a story with a bit of extra depth and warmth.

Santa Stops at Disneyland

Imagine Santa taking a detour from his usual route and landing at Disneyland! This delightful tale combines the magic of Christmas with the wonder of Disney as Santa explores the park, meeting beloved characters along the way.

It’s a fun, festive mash-up for Disney fans of all ages, adding a new twist to the holiday while celebrating the joy of imagination.

Have the kids make this Santa headband craft for more fun!

Santa Bruce-A Mother Bruce Book

Bruce the grumpy bear is back; this time, he’s being mistaken for Santa! In this laugh-out-loud story, Bruce reluctantly dons the red suit and hat, only to find himself caught up in holiday antics with his animal friends.

It’s a hilarious and heartwarming holiday adventure, perfect for fans of humor and anyone who enjoys a twist on the traditional Santa story.

The Berenstain Bears Meet Santa Bear

In this sweet holiday story, the Berenstain Bears are gearing up for Christmas and even meet Santa Bear himself! It’s an adventure full of excitement as Brother and Sister Bear experience the wonder of the season.

With warm illustrations and the Bears’ lovable family charm, it’s a delightful tale about holiday joy, family, and the thrill of meeting Santa.

Related: Moveable Santa Photo Craft

Santa’s Lost Sleigh

Imagine Christmas Eve and Santa’s sleigh is… missing! Santa and his trusty reindeer are on a mission to find the sleigh in time to deliver gifts in this playful holiday caper.

With colorful scenes and suspense, this story takes young readers on a sleigh-seeking adventure, keeping the holiday spirit high and full of giggles.

Santa and the Goodnight Train Board Book

All aboard the Goodnight Train for a cozy, magical Christmas journey! This sweet board book whisks little readers along as the Goodnight Train chugs through a snowy winter wonderland with Santa at the helm.

It’s a rhythmic, soothing story, perfect for bedtime, with enchanting illustrations that capture the peaceful magic of a Christmas Eve ride, ending in cozy dreams for all.

After reading the story, try this printable Santa craft to keep the learning fun and interactive.

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Sam

Sam is the crafter and founder of Simple Everyday Mom. She has been featured in Oprah Mag, Good Housekeeping, The Spruce Crafts, Country Living, The Bump and more. Read more.