The holidays are a perfect time to celebrate with the ones you love. These times are especially important to be with friends and family which makes us happy. People from all over the world celebrate wintertime holidays and their traditions. This collection of books help kids learn about and commemorate these special occasions.

The Night Before Christmas by Clement C. Moore

An adaptation of Clement C. Moore's classic holiday poem, illustrated with lush images that evoke the early 19th-century era in which it was written.

 

 

 

 

 Celebrate Kwanzaa by Carolyn Otto

Presents the holiday, which falls during the festive, gift-giving season and is celebrated by families, communities, and schools throughout America.Some of the traditions include lighting the kinara candles, feasting with family, friends, and community. Also includes backmatter for parents and teachers.

 

 

The Shortest Day: Celebrating The Winter Solstice by Wendy Pfeffer and illustrated by Jesse Reisch

Describes how and why daylight grows shorter as winter approaches, the effect of shorter days on animals and people, and how the winter solstice has been celebrated throughout history.

 

 

The Story of Hanukkah by David A. Adler; illustrated by Jill Weber

No celebration of Hanukkah would be complete without recounting the events of more than two thousand years ago that the holiday commemorates. In a simple yet dramatic text and vibrant paintings, the story of the courageous Maccabees and the miracle that took place in the Temple in Jerusalem is retold. For readers who want to continue the festivities, a recipe for latkes and directions for playing dreidel are included.

 

 

Chinese New Year by Katie Dicker

Chinese New Year helps children to find out more about this important annual festival. Children are introduced to the Chinese calendar and aspects of preparation, such as cleaning and decorating. They also learn about the festival itself with parades, dragon dances, family gatherings, gifts, and special food.

 

The Polar Express by Chris Van Allsburg

A young boy, lying awake one Christmas Eve, is welcomed aboard a magical train to the North Pole. The Polar Express makes its way to the city atop the world, where the boy will make his Christmas wish. This is a story for all who believe in the spirit of Christmas and those who treasure the sound of a reindeer’s silver bell.

 

The Nutcracker in Harlem by T.E. McMorrow; illustrated by James Ransome

This jazz-inspired reinvention of The Nutcracker is a worthy tribute to the dreamlike wonder and magic of the Christmas season. In this original retelling, set in New York City during the height of the Harlem Renaissance, one little girl finds her voice as a musician thanks to her enchanting adventures with a magical toy. 
 

 

The Night Before New Year’s by Natasha Wing; illustrated by Amy Wummer

It’s the night before New Year’s and the whole family is determined to stay up until midnight! Everyone’s stocked up on sparkly streamers and festive party hats, but after a night filled with card games and too many cupcakes, the little ones are getting sleepy. . . Can they make it until the clock strikes twelve?

 

The Story of the Three Wise Kings by Tomie dePaola

Melchior, Gaspar, and Balthazar follow the new star they have discovered, bearing gifts for the new king they are certain has been born. This is a great book to teach children about the Epiphany or Twelfth Night, which is celebrated on January 6th.

 

 

 

A Piñata in a Pine Tree: A Latino Twelve Days of Christmas by Pat Mora; illustrated by Magaly Morales

In this adaptation of the folk song "The Twelve Days of Christmas," friends exchange such gifts as a piänata and "cuatro luminaries."

 

 

Daddy Christmas and Hanukkah Mama by Selina Alko

A child relates how the family celebrates both Christmas and Hanukah, enjoying the rich traditions of both religions.

 

 

Shubh Diwali! by Chitra Soundar; illustrated by Charlene Chua

Diwali has arrived! Rangoli art decorates the floor, and strings of flowers hang around the doors. Now it's time to ring the bells, light the lamps, and welcome the new year with family and friends. A sweet introduction to the Hindu festival of lights.

 

 

 

The Night Of Las Posadas by Tomie dePaola

At the annual celebration of Las Posadas in old Santa Fe, the husband and wife slated to play Mary and Joseph are delayed by car trouble, but a mysterious couple appears who seems perfect for the part.

 

 

 

My First Kwanzaa by Karen Katz

A delightful picture book introducing youngsters to the traditions of other cultures, captures the spirit of Kwanzaa, an African-American holiday that celebrates family, friends, and community.

 

 

Hershel and the Hanukkah Goblins by Eric Kimmel; illustrated by Trina Schart Hyman

This 25th-anniversary edition of a now-classic tale relates how Hershel outwits the goblins that haunt the old synagogue and prevent the village people from celebrating Hanukkah.

 

 

 

 The Legend of the Poinsettia by Tomie dePaola

When her mother cannot finish weaving a blanket for the church nativity, Lucida tries to finish it and ruins it beyond repair, but when Lucida offers an armful of weeds to be placed in the manger, they are transformed into beautiful, red poinsettias.

 

 

 

Seven Spools of Thread: A Kwanzaa Story by Angela Shelf Medearis; illustrated by Daniel Minter

When they are given the seemingly impossible task of turning thread into gold, the seven Ashanti brothers put aside their differences, learn to get along, and embody the principles of Kwanzaa. Includes information on Kwanzaa, West African cloth weaving, and instructions for making a belt. 

 

 

 A World of Cookies for Santa: Follow Santa's Tasty Trip Around the World by M.E. Furman; illustrated by Susan Gal

A World of Cookies for Santa takes readers across the globe to see all the treats that await Santa on Christmas Eve. Head to the Philippines, where children leave out puto seko cookies and ginger tea for Santa; jet to Russia for a honey-spice cookie; then set out for Malawi for a sweet potato cookie! When you've returned home, the journey's still not over—Furman provides recipes for children to bake some of Santa's cookies for themselves.  

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Summaries provided via NYPL’s catalog, which draws from multiple sources. Click through to each book’s title for more.