Christmas Read Alouds
By MARISSA DESPINS Updated Nov 16, 2023
Time to get festive: Christmas Read Alouds for Elementary ELA
The holiday season is upon us, and what better way to spread cheer in your elementary ELA classroom than with some heartwarming Christmas read alouds? Whether you’re looking to revisit timeless classics or explore new and enchanting tales, this curated list is sure to bring joy to both you and your students. So, grab a cozy blanket, gather your young readers, and let the festive storytelling begin!
Looking for a FREE resource for your next Christmas read aloud? Click on the image or button below to download this free read aloud novel study!
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“Sounding Joy” by Ellie Holcomb
Add a little musical merriment into your holiday reading with “Sounding Joy” by Ellie Holcomb. This vibrant picture book makes a perfect addition to your list of Christmas read alouds, and celebrates the magic of Christmas through the lens of music. Join the diverse cast of characters as they come together to create a symphony of joy, showcasing the universal language of music during the festive season.
“Dasher: How a brave little dow changed Christmas forever” by Matt Tavares
“Dasher” is a heartwarming tale that adds a touch of magic to your Christmas read alouds. Follow the courageous Dasher, a little doe with big dreams, as she embarks on an extraordinary journey that ultimately changes Christmas forever. Tavares’s beautiful illustrations paired with a theme of determination make this a captivating read for the holidays.
“The Christmas Book Flood” by Emily Kilgore
Introduce your students to the Icelandic tradition of Jólabókaflóð, or the Christmas Book Flood, with Emily Kilgore’s delightful story. This book provides a unique cultural perspective on how books and reading play a central role in Icelandic holiday celebrations. It’s a wonderful way to introduce students to diverse holiday traditions.
Looking for more ways to teach about holiday traditions? Check out this resource!
“A Boy called Christmas” by Matt Haig
Take your young readers on a whimsical adventure with “A Boy Called Christmas” by Matt Haig. This modern holiday tale introduces the origin story of Santa Claus, following the adventurous journey of a young boy named Nikolas as he sets out on a quest to find his father. Filled with humor, heart, and a sprinkle of magic, this book is sure to captivate the imaginations of your students.
While this is a longer story, it makes a great classroom read aloud throughout the month of December.
Pick up a fun read aloud novel study to use along with this fun story by clicking on the image or button below!
“The Polar Express” by Chris Van Allsburg
Chris Van Allsburg’s classic tale whisks readers away on a train ride to the North Pole, capturing the essence of belief, friendship, and the true spirit of Christmas. The stunning illustrations and poetic prose make it a perennial favorite among both young and old.
“The Christmas Owl” by Gideon Sterer
This enchanting tale is a must to add to your list of Christmas read alouds – it follows a small owl on a snowy adventure as it explores the quiet beauty of the winter night. With captivating illustrations and a heartwarming storyline, this book is a perfect addition to your Christmas read aloud repertoire.
“Red and Lulu” by Matt Tavares
Explore the power of love and the true meaning of home with Matt Tavares’s “Red and Lulu.” This beautifully illustrated story follows two cardinals, Red and Lulu, who are separated when their tree is chosen to be the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree. As they navigate the challenges of being apart, this tale weaves a narrative of resilience, hope, and the joy of reunification.
“The Best Christmas Pageant Ever” by Barbara Robinson
This beloved classic tells the tale of the unruly Herdman siblings, who join the local Christmas pageant with uproarious and unexpected results. With themes of compassion, understanding, and the true spirit of Christmas, this story offers a delightful twist on the traditional holiday narrative. It is a longer story, and makes a great read aloud during the month of December.
Grab a FREE Christmas read aloud novel study to use along with this sweet story by clicking on the image or button below!
“The Christmas Wish” by Lori Evert
For a newer addition to your collection of Christmas read alouds, consider “The Christmas Wish” by Lori Evert. This beautifully illustrated book follows the adventures of Anja, a little girl with a big heart, as she travels to the North Pole to become one of Santa’s elves. The stunning photographs and heartwarming story make it a visual and emotional treat for young readers.
“The Snowy Day” by Ezra Jack Keats
Embrace the winter wonderland with “The Snowy Day” by Ezra Jack Keats. This timeless story captures the joy and magic of the first snowfall, making it a perfect read for the holiday season. Follow Peter as he explores the glistening, snow-covered city streets and experiences the simple yet profound wonders of childhood.
“A Christmas Carol” by Charles Dickens
No collection of Christmas read alouds is complete without the timeless classic, “A Christmas Carol” by Charles Dickens. Immerse your students in the transformative journey of Ebenezer Scrooge as he discovers the true meaning of Christmas. Dickens’s rich language and vivid characters make this a perfect read-aloud choice to explore themes of compassion, generosity, and the joy of redemption during the festive season.
Download an engaging read aloud novel study to use along with this classic tale by clicking on the image or button below!
Only have time to use an excerpt of this story? Grab a fun close reading activity to use with it here!
“The Mitten” by Jan Brett
Jan Brett’s “The Mitten” is a delightful winter story that can easily find its place in your collection of Christmas read alouds. This Ukrainian folktale, beautifully illustrated by Brett, tells the story of a lost mitten that becomes a cozy home for a variety of woodland animals. It’s a charming tale of kindness, cooperation, and the unexpected joys of sharing.
Incorporating these Christmas read alouds into your ELA lessons will not only foster a love for literature but also create lasting memories for your students during this festive season. Whether you opt for the cherished classics or explore newer additions to the holiday canon, the magic of storytelling is bound to create a warm and joyful atmosphere in your elementary classroom.
Looking for more holiday teaching ideas?
Check out these blog posts!
Christmas Activities for Middle School
Holiday Short Stories for Middle Schools
Tips for Keeping Students Accountable before a Holiday Break
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