Best Historical Fiction Christmas Books for Kids
I earn a commission from products purchased through links in this post.
It can be hard to get kids to focus on lesson plans during the holiday season. I have found it is easier to work with the excitement than to fight against it. These historical fiction Christmas books for kids are a great addition to Christmas lesson plans.
There are a few ways to incorporate these historical fiction Christmas books for kids into your holiday season:
- Add them into your daily Advent reading (download these free printable Advent book tags)
- Display them in a Christmas themed book basket
- Read these books for history in the days leading up to Christmas
- Create mini-unit studies based on the book
Best Historical Fiction Christmas Books for Kids
Christmas Tapestry by Patricia Polacco
Last update on 2026-09-16 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Christmas Tapestry brings up the hard topic of family separation during World War II in a child-friendly way. It does not sugarcoat it, but also doesn’t scare children.
A young boy is having a hard time adjusting to life in his new town. It doesn’t get any easier when a leak ruins the wall at his church. He and his father, the church pastor, are out in town running errands when they find a beautiful wall tapestry that might help prepare the church for the Christmas Eve service.
Over the next two days, the family meets two new friends and is able to reunite a long-lost family.
Christmas from Heaven: The True Story of the Berlin Candy Bomber by Tom Brokaw
War-torn Germany was a tough place for children after World War II, especially in West Germany. The U.S. Air Force began a humanitarian mission known as ‘Operation Vittles’ to bring food to starving families in West Berlin.
One pilot, known as Uncle Wiggly Wings, took pity on young children hanging around the airfield fence. He offered them gum. They were so excited that he promised to airdrop candy.
Other soldiers and military officials saw the positive effect, and the candy bombing mission began.
The Carpenter’s Gift: A Christmas Tale about the Rockefeller Center Tree by David Ruben
Last update on 2026-09-16 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
This is the story of the very first Christmas tree at Rockefeller Center.
A young family, living in New York, is having a hard time during the Great Depression. The father is out of work, so he and his son attempt to sell fresh-cut Christmas trees in the city.
Life during the Great Depression was hard. Families were frequently homeless and cold. This book was written in collaboration with Habitat for Humanity.
Christmas in the Big Woods by Laura Ingalls Wilder
Last update on 2026-09-16 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Christmas was a much simpler celebration during the pioneer days. The Ingalls family Christmas festivities include family, sweet treats, and relaxing together.
The Queen and the First Christmas Tree: Queen Charlotte’s Gift to England by Nancy Churnin
Last update on 2026-09-16 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Queen Charlotte introduced the Christmas tree to England in 1800. She was throwing a Christmas Day party and realized that a single branch would not be large enough for a party of 100 children. Her idea of using a tree to decorate sparked a new tradition that is still being observed today.
Shooting at the Stars by John Hendrix
Last update on 2026-09-16 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
This historical fiction Christmas book tells the story of the Christmas Truce during World War I. In 1914, military troops ceased fighting to celebrate Christmas together. This story is told from the point of view of a young British soldier and includes letters to his mother.
An Ellis Island Christmas by Maxinne Rhea Leighton
Last update on 2026-09-16 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
This Christmas book is about a young family’s journey to America. The father left his wife and two young children in Poland when he went to New York and got settled. His family is excited to join him. This story tells the tale from the perspective of a six-year-old little girl.
Related Posts:
- Awesome Christmas Homeschool Activities
- Christmas Lesson Plans
- The Best Books to Learn About Christmas Around the World
- 12 Sweet Christmas Books and Activities
- 25 Christmas Writing Prompts
- Free Printable Homeschool Christmas Planner
- Christmas Unit Studies for Homeschool Lessons
- Best Christmas Chapter Books for Kids
- Christmas Book Basket
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.