The holiday season is here — and with it comes a flurry of festive picture books perfect for cozy nights, classroom storytimes, and gifting to the little readers in your life. From sparkling Christmas adventures to heartfelt Hanukkah tales to vibrant Lunar New Year celebrations, these twelve new releases capture the warmth, wonder, and togetherness of the season.
Here are 2025’s most delightful holiday picture books to add to your winter family reading list.
Hanukkah (December 14th – 22nd)
Lost and Found Hanukkah by Joy Preble, Illustrated by Lisa Anchin
This inclusive, heartwarming story mirrors Hanukkah’s themes of rededication and resilience. When Nate loses his beloved menorah in a recent move, he feels adrift in his new home. That is, until helping a neighbor search for their missing cat reminds him what the Festival of Lights is really about. Radiating love and community, this story celebrates family in all its beautiful forms.
Golem Loves Latkes: A Tasty Hanukkah Tale by Doreen Robinson, Illustrated by Anna Krajewska
This is a hilarious and heartwarming holiday story about a golem who joins in on Hanukkah festivities and quickly learns to love the holiday’s delicious treats. Expect giggles, good food, and a sweet celebration of friendship and tradition.
Dr. Seuss’s Horton Hears a Hanukkah Party! by Leslie Kimmelman, Illustrated by Tom Brannon
The kindhearted elephant from Horton Hears a Who! returns for a new kind of celebration in this Hanukkah adventure. When Horton hears mysterious music and smells new things over seven snowy nights, he follows the sounds to discover the Whos’ Festival of Lights. Filled with Seussian rhythm and whimsy, it’s a delightful way to introduce young readers to Hanukkah traditions.
Christmas (December 25th)
An Anthology of Christmas by Auriol Bishop
Celebrate the natural wonders of Christmas in this gorgeous book packed with stunning photography and festive illustrations. The ninth installment in the bestselling Children’s Anthologies series, this collection explores fascinating facts about the holiday — from why we decorate with evergreens to how mistletoe became a symbol of love. With foil accents, gilded edges, and a ribbon marker, An Anthology of Christmas makes a timeless addition to any family’s holiday bookshelf.
Secrets from the North Pole by Saskia Gwinn, Illustrated by Daria Danilova
Peek behind the curtain of Santa’s magical workshop! Bursting with colorful illustrations and delightful details, this book offers a playful look at the behind-the-scenes secrets of the North Pole. This read is perfect for curious kids who love to imagine how the Christmas magic really works.
The Big Cheese Presents: Have Yourself a Cheesy Little Christmas by Jory John, Illustrated by Pete Oswald
From the #1 New York Times bestselling creators of The Bad Seed and The Smart Cookie comes a snowy, laugh-out-loud reminder of what Christmas is all about. When The Big Cheese’s famously over-the-top holiday party hits a snag, he has to learn that the best celebrations aren’t the flashiest — they’re the ones filled with heart. With festive foil, a tear-out holiday card sheet, and Jory John’s signature wit, this one’s destined to be a seasonal favorite.
The Giving Flower: The Story of the Poinsettia by Alda P. Dobbs, illustrated by Emily Mendoza
Inspired by the Mexican legend of the poinsettia, this beautiful story follows a young girl whose humble gift blossoms into a Christmas miracle. With radiant illustrations and a message about the true spirit of giving, The Giving Flower is a heartwarming read that transcends any single holiday — reminding readers that generosity can bloom in even the smallest acts.
Kwanzaa (December 26th – January 1st)
Once Upon a Kwanzaa by Nyasha Williams and Sidney Rose McCall, Illustrated by Sawyer Cloud
A celebration of the beauty, power, and faith of the African American community, Once Upon a Kwanzaa honors the ancestral traditions shared across the Black Diaspora. This picture book introduces readers of all backgrounds to the rich history and meaning behind this festive season. Sawyer Cloud’s stunning illustrations beautifully depict seven BIPOC families as they light the Kinara, share meals, and celebrate the seven principles of Kwanzaa.
The Kwanzaa Story by Alliah L. Agostini, Illustrated by Olivia Smith H.
This stunning picture book brings the origins and meaning of Kwanzaa to life, weaving history with heart. Perfect for classrooms and families, it offers a deeper look at how unity, purpose, and collective pride define the celebration, making it a wonderful resource for readers learning about the holiday for the first time.
Lunar New Year (February 17th, 2026)
Why We Eat Fried Peanuts by Zed Zha, Illustrated by Sian James
Celebrate Lunar New Year through a story of ancestry, bravery, and tradition. As Mèng, a Chinese-American girl, prepares for the festivities, her father shares the story of tài nai nai, a great-grandmother whose courage shaped generations to come. Along the way, readers learn about Mandarin words, Chinese history, and the special meaning behind fried peanuts — a snack with its own recipe included at the end! Vibrant and educational, this story beautifully blends heritage and heart.
Lunar New Year, Spread Love and Cheer by Grace Habib
Part of the Our Neighborhood series, this colorful board book introduces little ones to the traditions of the Lunar New Year through a joyful celebration of family and community. From fireworks to red envelopes and steaming bowls of noodles, Grace Habib’s illustrations highlight the warmth and togetherness that define this cherished holiday, making it a perfect pick for toddlers and early readers alike.
Lunar New Year with The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle
The beloved caterpillar joins the Lunar New Year festivities in this charming new installment from the world of Eric Carle. Young readers will delight in familiar art as they learn about red envelopes, lanterns, and all the ways families wish one another good luck and happiness in the new year.
From cheesy Christmas laughs to shimmering menorahs and lantern-lit feasts, these new holiday picture books are filled with warmth, wonder, and a whole lot of heart. Whether you’re sharing them with little ones or adding them to your own cozy collection, they’re guaranteed to make the season a little brighter.
Embrace the magic of the season! The winter solstice is such a beautiful time of year — don’t miss out on the cozy celebrations. Celebrate the upcoming winter solstice with these bookish festivities!
Looking for even more holiday reads? From snowy adventures to sweet seasonal stories, find more festive favorites on our Young Readers’ and Children’s Holiday Recs Bookshop shelf!
