50 Kid-Friendly Winter Books and Movie Recommendations for a Cozy Holiday Season

Winter is the perfect time for kids to cozy up with a good book or movie, and we’re here to help! 

Whether you’re looking to introduce infants to simple books or entertain older children with holiday classics, here’s a list of our favorite kid-friendly book and movie recommendations to help make the season memorable. 

Holiday Books and Movies for Infants and Toddlers (0-2 Years) 

Books:

1. "Llama Llama Jingle Bells" by Anna Dewdney: this board book captures the magic of holiday traditions with an easy-to-follow, joyful story.
2. "Baby Loves Winter" by Karen Katz: little children can lift flaps and discover wintertime wonders in this interactive book!
3. "Dream Snow" by Eric Carle: with bold illustrations and a touch-and-feel snowy cover, this classic introduces simple winter scenes.
4. "Goodnight, Santa" by Michelle Robinson: a warm, rhyming story to help your infant or toddler drift off to sleep with visions of Santa.
5. "Snow" by Uri Shulevitz: this gentle, calming story about a snow-filled day is perfect for cozy reading.

Movies:

1. "The Snowman" (1982): this gentle, animated classic with no dialogue captures a snowy adventure between a boy and his snowman friend.
2. "Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmas" (1999): Disney characters come together to teach little children about love and family.
3. "The Snowy Day" (2016): based on the award-winning book by Ezra Jack Keats. Peter goes on a magical walk to find and bring home a Christmas Eve dinner.
4. "A Charlie Brown Christmas" (1965): the simple scenes and familiar characters in this film can entertain and warm even the littlest watchers.
5. "If You Give a Mouse a Christmas Cookie" (2016): this holiday special has a sweet message set within a whimsical adventure perfect for toddlers

Winter Books and Movies for Preschool-Aged Children (3-5 Years) 

Books:

1. "The Snowy Day" by Ezra Jack Keats: follow Peter’s adventures as he explores his snowy neighborhood.
2. "Bear Stays Up for Christmas" by Karma Wilson: a heartwarming story about Bear’s friends keeping him awake to enjoy all of Christmas day.
3. "Olive, the Other Reindeer" by Vivian Walsh: the funny tale of Olive the dog, who thinks she’s meant to be a reindeer! 
4. "Little Blue Truck’s Christmas" by Alice Schertle: this story includes counting practice and interactive lights to follow on the truck, ideal for a cozy activity.
5. "How to Catch an Elf" by Adam Wallace: Kids will laugh as they try to capture Santa’s quick little helper in this tale!

Movies:

1. "Frosty the Snowman" (1969): this classic story of a snowman who comes to life is a perfect choice for a holiday movie night.
2. "Frozen" (2013): Watch Elsa and Anna’s fast-paced adventure in a snowy kingdom that gets stuck in an eternal winter.
3. "Arthur Christmas" (2011): Discover how Santa’s family makes Christmas happen in this movie filled with colorful characters.
4. "Olaf’s Frozen Adventure" (2017): A short, sweet winter tale featuring Olaf from Frozen!
5. "Shrek the Halls" (2007): Join Shrek and friends in this humorous take on holiday traditions, filled with laughs for young ones.

Cozy Books and Movies for Early Elementary Kids (6-8 Years) 

Books:

1. "The Polar Express" by Chris Van Allsburg: a timeless story about a boy’s magical train ride to the North Pole.
2. "Snowmen at Night" by Caralyn Buehner: ever wondered what snowmen do at night? This story reveals their secret holiday celebrations!
3. "The Mitten" by Jan Brett: a beautifully illustrated book about animals finding warmth in a child’s lost mitten.
4. "A Charlie Brown Christmas" by Charles M. Schulz: the book version of the beloved holiday special, perfect for young readers.
5. "Winter According to Humphrey" by Betty G. Birney: this classroom hamster’s winter tales is sure to put a smile on any child’s face!

Movies:

1. "The Polar Express" (2004): this animated adaptation of the book shared above is a classic, feel-good holiday movie.
2. "The Grinch" (2018): this modern take on the Grinch introduces kids to a lovable holiday story with a fun twist.
3. "The Nutcracker and the Four Realms" (2018): a magical adventure filled with toys and beautiful holiday scenes.
4. "Niko and the Way to the Stars" (2008): this Finnish animated film follows a young reindeer, Niko, on a journey to find his father, Santa's top reindeer!
5. "Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey" (2020): a musical adventure that tells the story of a toymaker who finds new inspiration.

Seasonal Books and Movies for Middle Elementary Children (9-11 Years) 

Books:

1. "The Best Christmas Pageant Ever" by Barbara Robinson: follow the story of children that turn a Christmas pageant into a heartwarming event.
2. "Greenglass House" by Kate Milford: a mystery set in a cozy, snow-covered inn, where 12-year-old Milo gets involved in uncovering guests’ secrets.
3. "The Vanderbeekers of 141st Street" by Karina Yan Glaser: a heartfelt story about a pair of siblings who work together to save New York City during Christmas Time. 
4. "The Family Under the Bridge" by Natalie Savage Carlson: a classic tale that follows a family’s Christmas adventure as they find warmth in the most unlikely of places.
5. "The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe" by C.S. Lewis: with wintery scenes and epic adventure, this story takes readers into a world where it’s always winter. 

Movies:

1. "Klaus" (2019): this animated origin story of Santa is a visual treat that explores the power of kindness and friendship.
2. "The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe" (2005): the movie based on the book shared above, children are bound to love this fantasy journey through snowy Narnia!
3. "The Muppet Christmas Carol" (1992): a fun, kid-friendly adaptation of Dickens’ classic tale with songs, laughter, and valuable lessons.
4. "A Christmas Carol" (2009) – an animated retelling of Dickens’ story that carries great messages for young viewers.
5. "Home Alone" (1990): a fun, slightly mischievous holiday movie that many kids love to watch during the winter season. 

Winter Books and Movies for Tweens/Older Kids (12-14 Years) 

Books:

1. "Let It Snow" by John Green, Maureen Johnson, and Lauren Myracle: three interconnected holiday love stories that are perfect for a cozy winter read.
2. "A Boy Called Christmas" by Matt Haig: a whimsical story that reimagines Santa’s origin with magic and a little elf sidekick.
3. "Dash & Lily’s Book of Dares" by Rachel Cohn and David Levithan: this charming story follows two teens exchanging dares in a red notebook during Christmastime.
4. "The Christmasaurus" by Tom Fletcher: a fun, imaginative adventure about a young boy and his friendship with a dinosaur who lives at the North Pole.
5. "Winterhouse" by Ben Guterson: this mystery unfolds in a grand, snow-covered hotel, and follows Elizabeth as she solves clues and discovers secrets.

Movies:

1. "Elf" (2003): a funny, heartwarming classic about Buddy the Elf’s journey to New York City in search of his family, with laugh-out-loud moments for tweens.
2. “The Santa Clause” (1994): combine holiday magic and comedy in this family favorite film where a regular man transforms into Santa Claus. 
3. “Dashing Through the Snow” (2023): the story of a social worker who joins his daughter in a magical holiday adventure. 
4. "The Nightmare Before Christmas" (1993): this whimsical Tim Burton classic is a favorite among tweens who enjoy a mix of Halloween and Christmasy themes.
5. "A Christmas Story" (1983): Ralphie’s journey to get his dream Christmas gift makes for a nostalgic and funny holiday film that many tweens will relate to.