Looking to add to your collection? Here is a list of books about Christmas Around the World.
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One of the joys of the Christmas season is discovering how people around the world celebrate this special time of year. From St. Lucia’s Day in Sweden to Las Posadas in Mexico, each country adds its own traditions, foods, and songs to the story of Christmas. Sharing these customs through books helps students appreciate both the familiar and the beautifully different ways families celebrate around the globe. Whether you’re reading aloud in the library, leading a classroom activity, or exploring at home, these books invite young readers to travel the world—no passport required!
Picture Books
Here are some picture / illustrated books that explore Christmas traditions, celebrations, or stories from around the world.
- How Kids Celebrate Christmas Around the World by Pavla Hanackova, Karolina Medkova & Maria Neradova – https://amzn.to/3KvvuOI
A picture book that shows how children in different countries celebrate Christmas — what they eat, how they decorate, who brings gifts, and the traditions unique to each place. - Christmas Around the World by Mary D. Lankford, Karen Dugan & Irene Norman – https://amzn.to/3Mls6GM
A beautifully illustrated exploration of Christmas traditions in about a dozen countries. Includes craft ideas, a pronunciation guide, Christmas sayings, and a section distinguishing fact vs. fiction. - Christmas Around the World: A Global Adventure by Chelsea Blanton
Designed for young readers (ages ~6–12), this book highlights Christmas customs, foods, and celebrations from different continents. It’s educational, colorful, and fun. - Christmas Around the World: Ten Magical Stories by Howard Brown – https://amzn.to/448JLHX
An anthology of ten fictional short stories, each set in a different country during Christmas. You’ll travel from sunlit Mexico to snowy Scandinavia, with tales that highlight local customs, food, and spirit. - Christmas Around the World: Sweden – https://amzn.to/4izbac5
A focused look at Swedish holiday traditions, including the celebration of St. Lucia, the Christmas Eve feast, and other uniquely Swedish customs. - Holidays Around the World: Celebrate Christmas by Deborah Heiligman – https://amzn.to/3MgvKlp
A nonfiction, photo-rich book that explores the history, culture, and traditions of Christmas globally. Includes recipes, carols, and cultural background. - Christmas Customs Around the World – https://amzn.to/48zvZzs
More in-depth: covers religious and festive customs from over 60 countries. Includes history, recipes, and explanations of how symbols and legends developed.
Early Chapter Books / Young Readers (or Easy Nonfiction)
These are suited for early readers or those just transitioning into chapter books / more text-heavy nonfiction.
- Christmas Around the World by Anna Claybourne, illustrated by Angelo Ruta – https://amzn.to/4pAzKfr
A simple, easy-to-read nonfiction book that introduces children (ages ~5+) to how Christmas is celebrated in different cultures — foods, songs, gift-giving, and traditional stories. - Christmas Traditions Around the World by Ann Ingalls, illustrated by Elisa Chavarri – https://amzn.to/4rx8Y97
Explores diverse Christmas traditions, including foods, gift-giving practices, religious rituals, and the different names for Santa. The book also has maps, a glossary, and an index.
Middle Grade / Upper Children’s Fiction
- The Christmas Mystery by Jostein Gaarder – https://amzn.to/44Nn3VT
A novel originally from Norway. It’s structured like an Advent calendar — one chapter for each day of December leading to Christmas. A boy named Joachim reads a mysterious story hidden behind each calendar window, and the tale takes him (through the narrative) across Europe, back in time toward Bethlehem.
Young Adult
- The Hundred-Year Christmas by David Morrell – https://amzn.to/4rx9BiZ
A fantastical / speculative story rather than a cultural traditions book: it explores the idea of Father Christmas (Santa) and Father Time, where Santa lives for a hundred years.
Non-Fiction / Historical
- Christmas: A Biography by Judith Flanders – https://amzn.to/4ovRzKU
A richly researched book on the history of Christmas — where it came from, how it evolved, and how different cultural traditions shaped the holiday over centuries.
- Christmas Is Coming: Traditions from Around the World by Monika Utnik, illustrated by Ewa Poklewska-Koziello – https://amzn.to/3KG20xN A picture-book style nonfiction that presents legends, food, and meaningful holiday customs globally — includes traditions like Glögg, Panettone, nativity scenes, and more.
Bringing Global Traditions to Your Library
Exploring Christmas Around the World through books is a simple way to spark curiosity and build cultural understanding during the holiday season. Pair these stories with a map display, a “holiday traditions” bulletin board, or a craft inspired by one of the featured countries to make the experience even more engaging. However you share them, these stories remind readers that while Christmas may look different from place to place, its spirit of hope, joy, and giving is something we all share.
I have not read these books, so please read them for yourself to make sure they are appropriate for your library.
Read more Bibliography and Book List posts.
Other Christmas posts.
Check out my lists on Benable
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