As the snow falls softly and the air fills with the scent of pine and cinnamon, there’s nothing quite like curling up with a beautiful book. Whether shared under twinkling fairy lights, or savored quietly by the fire with a mug of peppermint tea, these beautifully illustrated Christmas books always add a touch of magic to my holidays.
I’ve chosen ten of my favorite Christmas books from my own collection, beloved stories I enjoy revisiting every year. Each book is filled with incredible art and of course some fairy magic.
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1. The Tomten
Written by Astrid Lindgren, Illustrated by Harald Wiberg
My number one pick has inspired me the most. It is the perfect combination of Scandinavia, nature and magic. That’s what you can find sprinkled throughout my creative work. I was thrilled to find out a second book was available that includes my favourite animal. It’s just the perfect winter’s night book.
Summary: In the stillness of a snowy Scandinavian night, the Tomten, a little gnome-like guardian, watches over a sleeping farm. With whispers of comfort and dreams of spring, he brings peace to the animals and promises the return of brighter days. Harald Wiberg’s soft, moonlit illustrations pair perfectly with this timeless tale of quiet magic.
2. The Tomten and the Fox
Written by Astrid Lindgren, Illustrated by Harald Wiberg
Now take everything from The Tomten and add a fox! I didn’t think it could get any better. I like how the Tomten shows its gentle side and compassion for all living things. It’s a short story but one you can go back to often.
Summary: A fox ventures into the snowy farmyard, tempted by the plump hens in their coop. But the Tomten, wise and kind, intervenes, offering the fox food and gentle words that turn hunger into harmony. This touching story of understanding is brought to life with Wiberg’s atmospheric art, steeped in Nordic winter charm.
3. The Mitten
By Jan Brett
This book goes way back to my childhood. My mother introduced me to Jan Brett’s books and would always have them out on the coffee table. We would love finding the little hints in the corners of the pages about what might be coming next.
Summary: When Nicki drops his white mitten in the snow, it becomes a snug hiding spot for a host of woodland animals, each larger than the last. This retelling of a Ukrainian folktale is a feast for the eyes, with Jan Brett’s intricate borders and vibrant illustrations that reveal the cozy, snowy world.
4. Christmas Trolls
By Jan Brett
This book was beloved by my brother and I at Christmas. The two trolls learn what Christmas is all about and a cute little hedgehog nearly steals the show. The details in the borders of the pages are what makes this book so special.
Summary: Treva’s festive preparations are turned upside down when she discovers mischievous trolls have been stealing her Christmas treasures. With kindness and cleverness, she teaches them the true joy of the season. Brett’s richly detailed art, with its Nordic influences, brims with holiday magic and charm.
5. Little Fairy’s Christmas
By Daniela Drescher
Giving books at Christmas has been a family tradition for years. I appreciate every book I’ve ever received and this little fairy story was a perfect addition to my collection.
Summary: Lost in a snowstorm, Sibylle, a tiny fairy, embarks on a journey through the winter woods. Along the way, she finds kindness and wonder in the natural world, discovering the true spirit of Christmas. Drescher’s luminous watercolor illustrations invite readers into a shimmering winter fairyland.
6. A Gnome’s Christmas
By Rien Poortvliet and Wil Huygen
Speaking of gifts, I gave this book to my Mother for Christmas a few years ago. I love the illustration style and there are even some songs you can learn. My Mom loved it!
Summary: Step into the enchanting world of gnomes, where Christmas is a celebration of nature’s beauty and community spirit. From decorating their homes to preparing festive feasts, this book offers a glimpse into their cozy, hidden lives. Poortvliet’s intricate and heartwarming illustrations make every page a delight.
7. The Little Winter Book of Gnomes
By Kirsten Sevig
Another little gift for my Mom. The book is small but the art is perfect! We can’t get enough of gnomes and this one reminds us of all the joys of winter.
Summary: A pocket-sized treasure filled with hand-painted illustrations and musings on the quiet joys of winter. These vignettes of gnomes enjoying snowy strolls, warm fires, and twinkling stars are perfect for celebrating the season’s simple, magical moments.
Buy The Little Winter Book of Gnomes
8. Otto and the Secret Light of Christmas
Written by Nora Surojegin, Illustrated by Pirkko-Liisa Surojegin
As I began learning more about my Scandinavian heritage, this book was recommended to me. The cool, blue colours throughout the book feel like you’re holding a piece of winter in your hands. The artwork is gorgeous and a lovely book to display on your coffee table.
Summary: Otto the squirrel sets out on a quest to find the “secret light” of Christmas. Along the way, he meets friends and learns that the light isn’t something to be found—it’s something to be shared. The illustrations, inspired by Nordic folklore, are enchanting, capturing the mystery and beauty of a winter journey.
Buy Otto and the Secret Light of Christmas
9. Flower Fairies of the Winter
By Cicely Mary Barker
I own the entire collection of Flower Fairies books but the winter book is really unique. Flowers of winter? How many can you even think of? I never tire of the poems and artwork.
Summary: In this classic collection, Cicely Mary Barker’s delicate illustrations bring to life the fairies who care for the natural world, even in the frosty stillness of winter. Each page feels like stepping into a snow-dusted woodland where magic lingers in every corner.
Buy Flower Fairies of the Winter
10. The Yule Tomte and the Little Rabbits
By Ulf Stark, Illustrated by Eva Eriksson
This was a gift to myself to countdown the days to Christmas. It reads like an Advent calendar where you read a few pages a day. The Yule Tomte is a kind creature and I love the woodland theme throughout.
When the Yule Tomte feels lonely and leaves his forest home, he stumbles upon a family of rabbits who need his help. Through acts of kindness, he rediscovers the joy of Christmas. Eriksson’s illustrations radiate warmth and coziness, making this a perfect advent read for the whole family.
Buy The Yule Tomte and the Little Rabbits
Bonus Swedish Stories
There are a number of other books I have in my collection that I also take out during the holidays. They feature traditions from my Scandinavian heritage and the beauty of winter.
Lucia Morning in Sweden
Written by Ewa Rydåker, Illustrated by Carina Stahlberg
December 13th is Lucia day in Sweden. I attend the Sankta Lucia pageant ever year at the Scandinavian Cultural Centre. It’s become a family tradition and this book taught me a lot about how they celebrate in Sweden.
Summary: This gentle story invites readers to experience the Swedish tradition of Lucia Morning through the eyes of a young girl, Annika. Full of song, light, and festive warmth, it’s a celebration of a beloved Scandinavian custom.
D is for Dala Horse
Written by Kathy-jo Wargin, Illustrated by Renée Graef
Dala horses are works of art in their own right. So this book caught my attention when it also showcased a lot about the Swedish culture. I actually learned a few new Swedish words.
Summary: An alphabet book that weaves together Swedish culture and heritage, from Å for Älg (moose) to D for Dala Horse. Renée Graef’s charming illustrations bring the magic of Sweden to life in this playful and educational read.
The Christmas Wish
Written by Lori Evert, Photographed by Per Breiehagen
This isn’t illustrated but I felt it deserved to be included. The photography and editing are truly sweet and beautiful in every way. An enchanting journey that includes everything I love about Christmas books during this time of year.
Summary: Anja dreams of helping Santa and sets off on an epic Nordic adventure. The book’s breathtaking photography blends storytelling with the snowy majesty of reindeer, forests, and twinkling stars, creating a modern Christmas classic.
Hope you enjoyed my list of some truly magical books to discover this Christmas. Which one will you journey into this season? Let me know in the comments—I’d love to hear about your favorites!
