Christmas can be funny! These hilariously funny Christmas books will make your kids laugh, guffaw, snicker and maybe even snort milk out their nose. Just move the cookies out of the way when they do. Because germs.
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Funny Christmas Picture Books
From ducks in Santa hats, to frogs on vacation, to mis-delivered packages, these sweet and funny Christmas books are sure to delight kids and grown-ups of all ages.
The Christmas Extravaganza Hotel by Tracey Corderoy, illustrated by Tony Neal
Find it: Amazon
This is a marvelous book to read aloud! So much fun to do the voices! A frog shows up at the home of a bear thinking it is the Christmas Extravaganza Hotel. The bear tells him he is not at the right place but invites him in. He takes a look at the brochure the frog has and tries to make the frog's Christmas experience live up to the crazy activities in the brochure. Both frog and bear have a delightful time and forge a new, lifelong friendship. Super duper fun as well as heartwarming.
MORE: Our favorite new Christmas picture books (updated annually!)
How Does Santa Go Down the Chimney? by Mac Barnett, illustrated by Jon Klassen
Dynamic duo Barnett and Klassen are back with a hilarious picture book that ponders the eternal Christmas conundrum. How exactly does Santa fit down the chimney? There is much speculation. Some of it hilarious, some outrageous and some impossible. Which answer will your kids choose?
A Stickler Christmas by Lane Smith
In this whimsical tale, a Douglas fir tree, aptly named "Doug-the-Fir", confides in Sticker that he doesn't want to be a Christmas tree. He just hates all the attention. Stickler, meanwhile, is passing out sticks to his woodland friends as holiday gifts. These sticks have specific properties perfectly suited to each recipient. Stickler, wanting to help his friend, Doug, comes up with the perfect stick-y solution to take the pressure off his friend. Delightful!
Presents Through the Window by Taro Gomi
Find it: Amazon | Bookshop (ebook only)
My son loved the quirky humor in this Christmas book by a favorite author of ours. Santa sets out in his helicopter to deliver presents. He is in a hurry and he peeks through the windows to make sure he delivers gifts to the correct recipients. But he doesn't exactly get things right! Clever die-cut pages add to the fun and giggles. Don't worry! Everything goes right in the end.
MORE: Multicultural Christmas picture books
The Christmas Feast by Nathalie Dargen, illustrated by Magali Le Huche
This very witty story is reminiscent of trickster tales but with a heartwarming twist. Fox has brought Turkey home with the intention of preparing her to be his dinner, a meal he plans to share with his friends, Wolf and Weasel. But this Turkey does not intend to become dinner for them and the trio is unwittingly tricked into decorating and getting ready for Christmas. Along the way they discover that they prefer being friends with Turkey rather than eating her. But how will they get out of their sticky situation? The solution will charm you.
MORE: Timeless Christmas picture books
A Pinecone! by Helen Yoon
A girl and her father take the dog for a walk in the snowy woods. The girl spots a pinecone and decides to keep it... and name it. Then she sees another, and decides to keep that one, and name it, too. Pretty soon she has a whole pinecone family, but there are still more to be collected. You can see where this is going. The illustrations offer delightful humor, especially with the dog! By the end of the day, the girl has so many pinecones and they have made such a mess there is only one thing to do. You'll have to read the book to find out.
Pig the Elf by Aaron Blabey
So, this may not be the most sophisticated book on the list, but the ending will make your kids giggle, as well as impart a important Christmas message about greed. I liked that Blabey matched his rhyming text to the rhythm of the classic poem, "A Visit from Saint Nicholas."
Dinosaur vs Santa by Bob Shea
Find it: Amazon
Dinosaur is back and he is determined to fiercely conquer all things Christmas by unleashing his signature "ROAR!" He manages to master tree decorating, leaving out cookies and writing a letter to Santa. But will he manage to conquer falling asleep on Christmas Eve? Super cute and delightful to read aloud.
Christmas Wombat by Jackie French, illustrated by Bruce Whatley
Find it: Amazon
Wombat is off in search of carrots, his favorite snack, when he comes nose to nose with a strange creature. After accidentally hitching a ride on Santa's sleigh, Wombat and this strange creature (okay, it's a reindeer) battle it out for the carrots at every stop on the nighttime flight around the world. Kids will love the deadpan humor.
Santa Duck by David Milgrim
Find it: Amazon
One snowy day, Nicholas the duck finds a red and white suit and hat on his doorstep. He dons the outfit and takes a stroll around the neighborhood. As he does so, the other animals mistake him for Santa Claus and submit to him their gift requests. When Nicholas meets the real Santa he relates their requests, but forgets to ask for something for himself. But that's okay, Santa doesn't forget about him. There is a sequel, Santa Duck and His Merry Helpers.
Dragon's Merry Christmas by Dav Pilkey
Dav Pilkey's Dragon series is 100% hilarious. Dragon's Merry Christmas is technically an easy reader, but its deadpan humor begs to be shared with the whole family. The story of Dragon getting ready for Christmas is divided into four episodes. Dragon's quirky attempts at traditional Christmas activities like getting a Christmas tree, hanging a wreath and delivering presents all end a little lopsided, but will bring tears of laughter to your eyes.
Click, Clack, Ho! Ho! Ho! by Doreen Cronin, illustrated by Betsy Lewin
Your favorite farm animals and Farmer Brown make a holiday appearance with their usual humor in Click, Clack, Ho! Ho! Ho! Duck, not wanting to miss out on the Santa action, snaps on his night vision goggles and zip lines over to the chimney where he gets stuck. The other animals attempt to get him unstuck and hilarity ensues.
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Shannon Slaughter says
Have you read Thomas' Snowsuit? It's a favorite in our preschool classroom!
Erica says
I haven't read that one. Thanks for the suggestion!
Sarah says
Great list! I would add Jon Agee's Little Santa- it's a favorite here!
Erica says
I haven't read that one, thanks for the recommendation!
Cynthia says
A favorite we always read on December 23 every year is The Night Before the Night Before Christmas.