Yes, as little ones know, it's that special time of the year! Whether they celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, or Kwanzaa, every kid is counting down the days from now until the holiday celebrations commence. If you want to help the children in your life get even more excited about the approaching holiday season, give them the gift of these entertaining and educational holiday audiobooks—adding even more fun and meaning to celebrating with your children.
Best Christmas Audiobooks for Kids
A holiday book about holiday books—what could be better? Whether you're a self-identified bibliophile or you just love hearing a good story, chances are you'll appreciate this exciting Christmas tale based on the real Icelandic tradition of sharing stories around the fire. Celebrate the holidays while reveling in the joy of reading and listening with this magical story that takes place on one of children's most anticipated days of the year—Christmas Eve!
From the powerhouse creative mind of super-selling author J.K. Rowling, The Christmas Pig is an immersive Christmas audio experience that kids will adore. Jack's favorite toy is Dur Pig; DP has always been there for Jack, through the good and the bad. So naturally, when DP goes missing, Jack is devastated. Thankfully, DP's replacement, the Christmas Pig, has a plan to find DP and bring the pair back together. And so, the Christmas Pig and Jack embark on an exciting journey to rescue Jack's best friend. This charming story is narrated by Amaka Okafor, with characters voiced by Rocco Padden, Gerran Howell, and many others, plus music and sound effects to make the story really come alive.
Who doesn't love this Dr. Seuss classic? Kids of all ages (and grown-ups too) delight in the tale of the Grinch, a cold-hearted creature who hates the holiday hoopla and joy of Who-Ville and vows to steal all the presents to prevent the arrival of Christmas. But when Christmas comes all the same, the Grinch discovers the true meaning of the holiday season. This audiobook version of the enduring favorite is narrated by the late great Walter Matthau.
From Dorena Williamson, the bestselling author of seven children’s books including the acclaimed Crowned with Glory, comes a unique retelling of the classic Nativity story. Written with gentle, lyrical prose and narrated by the soft and soothing Karen Murray, this short and sweet listen is sure to be a new holiday favorite.
If your kids are counting down the days until Christmas, let them count down alongside Beatrix Potter's beloved Peter Rabbit. Join Peter and his friends every day in December as they count down to Christmas and have plenty adventures along the way. Peter Rabbit: Christmas Is Coming features fun stories and activities to enjoy throughout the Advent season.
How Winston Delivered Christmas is another Christmas audiobook kids will love for its fun stories and activities. It's all about Winston, a mouse on a most important mission. On Christmas Eve, Winston finds a letter that has gotten lost on its way to Father Christmas. So, the little mouse sets out to deliver the letter in time for Christmas Day. Kids will thrill to following Winston's adventures and participating in festive traditions, like making their own Christmas cards and decorations, along the way.
Best Hanukkah Audiobooks for Kids
Centering a diverse cast of characters, this engaging and unique story teaches little ones about the root of holiday and family traditions in a fun way. Every December, a little girl in Virginia can't wait to receive a crate of juicy oranges from her grandparents. This year, she and her family will be traveling to Miami to celebrate with Nonna and Nonno. Hannukah in Little Havana captures a child's joy in helping to make latkes, dancing the salsa, and spending eight days full of light and love.
In Hershel and the Hanukkah Goblins, a weary traveler named Hershel of Ostropol comes to a village. Since it's the night before Hanukkah, Hershel expects latkes and general holiday merriment to be awaiting him. However, when Hershel gets there, he is surprised by what he sees. The village is dark, and a group of goblins has taken over the synagogue, keeping the villagers from celebrating. Now it's up to Hershel to help the village and save Hanukkah.
Hanukkah Bear is an endearing holiday story about a bear who wakes up to wonderful smells and, following its nose, steps right into the house of Bubba Brayna. At 97, Bubba Brayna still makes the latkes for the village, but she doesn't hear or see so well. So, when the bear walks in the door, she believes it's her rabbi. Together, Bubba Brayna and the bear light the menorah, play the dreidel game, and eat all the latkes. Delightfully narrated by Laural Merlington, this audiobook features cheerful background music to help your kids get in the holiday spirit.
So many kids come from families who celebrate multiple holidays, and Nonna's Hanukkah Surprise is the perfect story for them. Rachel's Italian grandmother celebrates Christmas, but Rachel and her parents celebrate Hanukkah. Rachel wants to share the celebration of Hanukkah with her entire family, but then her menorah goes missing. Thankfully, her Nonna steps in to save the holiday's festivities and reinforce its meaning .
This charming holiday tale adds mythology and magic to the traditions of Hanukkah. This is the story of Nate Gadol, a spirit who embodies Hanukkah, with eyes as shiny as golden coins and a smile as bright as a lantern. Nate has the ability to make anything last as long as needed, whether it's a tiny bit of oil that has to last for eight nights, a flower that needs to stay fresh, or a piece of chocolate that must last for the children over the holidays. Jay Ben Markson's joyful narration brings the spirit and magic of Nate Gadol to life.
A Hanukkah with Mazel tells the heartwarming story of an unlikely friendship. A lonely artist, Misha has no one to celebrate Hanukkah with this year—until he discovers a hungry cat in his barn. Misha names the cat Mazel, and together they celebrate Hanukkah, in spite of the fact that he's too poor to afford Hanukkah candles. Instead, Misha uses his artistic skills to create a beautiful Hanukkah for himself and Mazel.
Best Kwanzaa Audiobooks for Kids
Seven Candles for Kwanzaa explains the principles of the African American holiday of Kwanzaa—strength of family ties, respect for ancestors, and gratitude for life's bounties among them—in a way that's both entertaining and informative for kids. Emmy Award-winning actress and social activist Alfre Woodard narrates the story of Kwanzaa's meaningful seven-day celebration, which lasts from December 26 to January 1.
From award-winning and bestselling author Ibi Zoboi comes a children's book that looks at African American history through the lens of Kwanzaa's principles. Kids will quickly become engaged in listening to their ancestors' story of hardship, oppression, resilience, and triumph, but The People Remember is also an important book to hear as a family. This audiobook includes a supplemental PDF to help further children's understanding of historic struggles and their relation to current social justice movements as they listen.
For something a little bit different, try Kwanzaa Time! with Auntie Oni, a podcast for kids that explores the roots and celebration of this African American holiday. Hosted by Oni Lasana, aka Aunti Oni, this podcast features a collection of stories that speak to the diverse traditions of Kwanzaa passed down through communities and generations. Each cherished tale is told with a new twist to bring fresh lift and insight. A gifted storyteller and performer, Oni Lasana is great at connecting with kids and bringing joy and energy to every story she relates.
