Winter Read-Aloud Books Your Family Will Love: 6 Featured Favorites + More Suggestions
Winter is our family’s favorite season for reading aloud together. When the days grow shorter and the evenings stretch longer, we naturally slow down, we love to build a fire, grab our current read to enjoy as a family. We often have several books going at a time. Often, Matthew and I have more books we are currently reading as part of our curriculum. Some he reads to me, some I to him. Some he reads independently and often a book that MJ and his dad read together—I treasure all of it but I love the time we have together choosing to read. This has become a beautiful part of our daily rhythm and has largely replaced time we used to spend watching tv.
Today, I’m sharing six of our family’s favorite winter-themed read-alouds—books we personally read this year and loved—followed by a list of other wonderful choices that we’ve either enjoyed in the past or have on our own winter reading list based on trusted recommendations. These stories are rich in ideas, beautifully written, and perfect for cozy evenings at home. To give you a little bit of insight from our household to yours our son is 10, he loved all of these books just as much as we did. His favorite was probably the Lion, Witch and the Wardrobe of this years reading. He and my husband loved them so much in fact, that they read the whole series and, knowing that I haven’t ever read any of the Narnia Series Matthew is now reading them to me, what a blessing.
Our Featured Winter Read-Alouds
1. The Best Christmas Pageant Ever — Ages 6–12
The Best Christmas Pageant Ever
This book is laugh-out-loud funny and surprisingly tender. It’s one of our family’s favorite December traditions and a perfect pick if you have a wide age range. It’s short, heartfelt, and full of unforgettable characters. I would also recommend the movie based on this book, it is also absolutely adorable. Truthfully I cry every time I watch it and am thankful for the faithful message and reminders amidst a busy holiday season.
2. The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe — Ages 7–12
Wintry, magical, and packed with meaningful themes, this classic is perfect for winter reading. The imagery of snowy woods and the promise of spring returning make it feel especially fitting this time of year. Our family loves getting swept into this world.
3. Little Women — Ages 9–14+
There’s something so comforting about reading Little Women in winter. It’s cozy, thoughtful, and beautifully written. The March sisters feel like old friends, and reading their story together sparks so many wonderful conversations about kindness, character, and growing up. We plan to read Little Men and Joe’s Boys this year, excited for these as well!
4. Miracles on Maple Hill — Ages 8–12
One of the sweetest winter-into-spring books we’ve ever read aloud. This story blends nature, family, healing, and hope in such a gentle way. It’s also perfect for early winter when you want something that feels peaceful and warm. I am offering a FREE Miracles on Maple Hill Living Literature Book Study currently. You can download it by clicking here.
5. The Family Under the Bridge — Ages 7–11
A short but beautifully meaningful story about belonging, kindness, and unexpected friendship. The Parisian winter setting feels magical, and it’s an excellent family read—even if you only have a few nights to spare.
6. Little House in the Big Woods — Ages 5–10
We added this one to our featured list because it’s perfect for younger listeners. The snowy woods, cozy cabin scenes, and simple pioneer rhythms make for the loveliest winter read-aloud. Our family always feels calmer and more connected when we read this together. This is a series that we started reading when Matthew was 7. All three of us my husband, Matthew, and I, all loved these books and actually did read many of these as a family. Our favorite of the series is Little Farmer Boy. Little Farmer boy being told from a boy’s perspective may have influenced my husband and MJ but I also love it the most. Little House in the Big Woods is the first of the Little House Series and an excellent place to begin your Little House Journey.
More Cozy Winter Reads & Classics to Add to Your Basket
These remaining books are ones we’ve either read and loved or have on our current winter reading list after so many trusted recommendations.
Additional Winter Reads
Beautiful faith filled and Cozy Anytime Read-Alouds
The Little Princess
Honestly I could go on and on but I will stop here for now. Hope these suggestions add to your coziest winter season yet!
Why Winter Is the Perfect Time for Family Read-Alouds
Winter has a way of drawing families together. When the world outside feels quiet and still, stories help fill our home with warmth, connection, and shared imagination. Reading aloud gives us a chance to slow down, listen to one another’s voices, and make memories we’ll carry forever.
If you’re building your own winter book basket this year, I hope this list gives you a few new ideas to enjoy together. Whether you’re snuggled under a blanket, reading by the fire, or taking turns around the dinner table, I hope these stories bring a little extra magic to your winter days.
A Note About Picture Books
This list focuses specifically on chapter books—longer, story-rich read-alouds that families can enjoy over days or weeks. We’ve kept the emphasis on novels and living-literature classics rather than picture books.
If you’re looking for winter and holiday picture books, don’t worry—a full guide to our favorite winter picture books is coming soon. There are so many beautiful seasonal titles that deserve their own post, and I can’t wait to share them with you.