Nothing can ever replace Frosty or the Grinch, or that mouse that isn't stirring. But plenty of talented authors and illustrators have been hard at work creating new characters and stories, so we've picked out a few new Christmas picture books published in the last few years for your holiday consideration.  

Celebrate both Christmas and Chanukah? Try these. Only Chanukah? Try these. Kwanzaa? Try these. Just want some great new picture books in general? Try these!

Christmas for Greta and Gracie by Yasmeen Ismail

Greta and Gracie are sisters, but they couldn't be more different: Gracie is quiet and Greta never stops talking. How will they navigate Christmas together? A sweet story about life with siblings, as well as a holiday tale.

Captain Bling's Christmas Plunder by Rebecca Colby

What's Christmas without pirates? When the crew's ship washes ashore at the North Pole, talking to Santa makes them reevaluate their life choices.

Fa La La = Tra-La-La by Leslie Patricelli, translation by Georgina Lázaro

Baby is so excited about Christmas that he can't limit it to one language! A bilingual board book, with text in both Spanish and English.

Merry Christmas, Peanut! by Terry Border

Clever photo illustrations—of actual peanuts!—set this funny rhyming tale apart. 

Don't Push the Button! A Christmas Adventure by Bill Cotter

Larry, a purple monster in a Christmas hat, definitely doesn't want you to push the button . . . or does he? A good pick for readers who love the popular Press Here and The Book with No Pictures.

Presents Through the Window by Taro Gomi

Originally published in Japan, this beautiful illustrated book depicts a beardless Santa riding in a helicopter and delivering increasingly mismatched gifts, thanks to strategically placed die-cut pages.

Little Babymouse and the Christmas Cupcakes by Jennifer Holm

Babymouse's picture-book debut! The wee mouse might look familiar to slightly older readers of graphic novels, and covers the same fun territory: fantastical adventures, cupcakes, dragons, and holiday traditions.

The 12 Days of Christmas by Greg Pizzoli

A pachydermal twist on the traditional song! When a little elephant's house starts filling up with the apocryphal gifts, he and his caregiver have to figure out what to do with all the turtle doves, French hens, swans a-swimming, and other new animal pals.

We Wish for a Monster Christmas by Sue Fliess

Who wouldn't want a monster as a pet? Two siblings and the brand-new orange monster (whom Santa brings) star in this silly parody of the classic carol.