Our top picks for your festive reading list

Best Festive Reads For All The Family

Date

05 / 12/ 2024

Category

Family experiences, Festive

As the festive season draws near, there is nothing quite like snuggling up with a good book to get into the Christmas spirit. Here’s a selection of our festive reads for the whole family - from babies and toddlers to older children and books for everyone to enjoy together - ensuring the countdown to Christmas is filled with warmth, wonder, and a touch of magic.

For Babies & Toddlers

That's Not My Reindeer by Fiona Watt - This cute and cuddly book is perfect for tiny hands! With fun, textured pages, That’s Not My Reindeer lets little ones touch and explore all sorts of different materials. Each reindeer has something special about it—it’s all about finding out which one is just right. It’s festive, simple, and loads of fun!

Dear Santa by Rod Campbell - Think Dear Zoo, but all decked out for Christmas! Dear Santa has flaps to lift and surprises hiding behind each one. Toddlers will love getting involved as they reveal what special gift Santa brings. It’s bright, repetitive, and full of festive cheer - a firm favourite with the little readers at our hotels!

For Ages 5+

The Snowman by Raymond Briggs - This beloved classic tells the story of a young boy who builds a snowman that magically comes to life. The illustrations are beautiful and offers the kind of magic that requires no words. It’s perfect for those crisp winter evenings, sparking children’s imaginations as they dream of their own snowy adventures.

How the Grinch Stole Christmas! by Dr. Seuss - No festive book list would be complete without the story of the Grinch. Children aged five and up will love the rhyming verse and Seuss’s quirky illustrations, as they follow the Grinch’s heart-warming transformation from grumpy grouch to a Christmas hero.

For Ages 9+

The Christmasaurus by Tom Fletcher - This is a whimsical tale about William, a boy who meets a very special dinosaur on Christmas Eve. It’s funny, thrilling, and filled with festive magic. Older children will love its pace, humour, and heart-warming message of believing in the impossible.

A Boy Called Christmas by Matt Haig - Bringing the magic of Christmas to life in an enchanting story about a young boy named Nikolas, who sets out on an adventure that leads him to the North Pole. The story’s rich characters and elements of mystery make it perfect for older readers who love a good adventure.

For All the Family

A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens - This timeless tale is a must-read for the whole family. Following Ebenezer Scrooge as he transforms from miser to someone filled with festive joy, Dickens’s story is perfect for reading aloud together by the tree.

The Polar Express by Chris Van Allsburg - With its dreamy illustrations and evocative storyline, The Polar Express is a perfect choice for the whole family. Hop aboard the train to the North Pole and feel the wonder of Christmas unfold. This book will leave everyone, from young to old, believing in the magic of Christmas.

So, gather round, get cosy, and let these festive stories fill your home with magic as the big day approaches!

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