A Dance with Santa Claus

by Sandra Boynton

Celebrate Christmas with one magical dance with Santa in this adorable picture book from a New York Times bestselling author, the inimitable Sandra Boynton.

"Now everybody’s rushing toward Christmas Eve, but I’m quietly waiting. I’ve got to believe.
It’s not about presents. No, here’s the cause: I just want to dance with SANTA CLAUS!"

The only thing this sweet bunny child wants for Christmas is to dance the Rock-and-Roll Swing with Santa on Christmas Eve. Will it happen? (Spoiler: Of course!) Sandra Boynton’s jaunty lyrics and captivating, expressive illustrations come together in this cozy gift book for the festive season. Based on the magical song (gloriously sung by Zooey Deschanel) on Boynton’s Christmas album, Cows and Holly, this lovely picture book is the perfect read-aloud to celebrate Christmas with any little bunny in your life, year after year.

Genres: Christmas, Picture Books, Holiday, Juvenile, Childrens

40 pages, Hardcover

Published October 14, 2025

About the author

Sandra Keith Boynton is an American humorist, songwriter, director, music producer, children's author, and illustrator. Boynton has written and illustrated over eighty-five books for children and seven general audience books, as well as over four thousand greeting cards, and seven music albums. She has also designed calendars, wallpaper, bedding, stationery, paper goods, clothing, jewelry, and plush toys for various companies.

Reviews

[Shiloah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Meri (20) read this to her sisters Courtney and Nicolette & nieces Reese and Millie and nephew Laurie.

[Amy]

I love Sandra Boynton, but this book wasn't my favorite. It has a slightly awkward flow, which I think makes more sense when you are singing and/or hearing the musical version. I did love the bunny just wanting to dance with Santa Claus...and the joyful dancing that happens when he finally comes.

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Preschool music teacher here! Long before I heard any of the actual songs that go with Sandra Boynton's books, I was well aware of the fabulous rhythm in her writing (Barnyard Dance!) and her sense of humor (Red Hat, Green Hat). Once I discovered the songs, I became an even bigger fan! This little song and book are so much fun! I especially like the main character's wanting to dance with Santa in lieu of getting any presents. I am always trying to promote gifts the children can give by themselves, ones that don't cost money, and the message that Christmas isn't about "getting" presents anyway. We read the book and danced to the song with a partner (I showed them some simple moves they could do together), and it was a big hit! I am adding it to my permanent Christmas repertoire!

[Roben · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bunny's one Christmas wish is to dance with Santa Claus. I mean - who doesn't want to dance with Santa!? Fortunately, Bunny's wish comes true! So we can all keep tapping our toes and believing.

This is based on a song that is included in the Cows and Holly book that comes with a CD. Zooey Deschanel sings it and it is delightful! I am sure you can find it on line but I encourage you to purchase the book because it is filled with delightful songs and music. And this book really begs to be sung!

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

A lively picture book about a patient little rabbit who only wants one thing: to dance "the rock-and-roll swing" with Santa. The illustrations are adorable and the lively text is a verse written by Boynton for her 2024 Cows and Holly album. A toe-tapping picture book that will have little ones dancing with a big grin.

"It's not about presents.
No, it never was.
I just want to dance with Santa Claus . . . "

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had fun reading Sandra Boynton stories to my kids when they were younger because they're silly, and some of them include an accompanying song by a famous singer/celebrity. A Dance with Santa Claus is similar to her other stories. Still, I enjoyed it out of nostalgia and listening to Zooey Deschanel sing the story to us (especially after having watched Elf again this season and having a clear picture of her serenading us).

[CONSTANCE · Rating 5 out of 5]

As of this book, Ms. Boynton has created 88 children’s books and we love them all. The combination of her illustrations and the rhyming text make them such great read-a-louds for all age groups. In this one, one of the very familiar bunnies decides all they want for Christmas this year is to dance with Santa Claus. But will the wish come true?

[Maria · Rating 3 out of 5]

A little rabbit’s greatest Christmas wish is a dance with Santa Claus.

Why I started this book: Bought it immediately because I love Christmas books and Boynton.

Why I finished it: Fun tale, especially for your little dancers.

[Frank McGirk · Rating 4 out of 5]

My love of swing dancing might make me biased, but this book was by far the best of a stack of very mediocre Xmas books.

[Mary · Rating 1 out of 5]

Yeah, no. This was weird and silly, but not in a good way. There may be a rhythm hidden somewhere but I couldn't find it.

[Marion · Rating 3 out of 5]

Beautiful illustrations by Sandra, as always! Story is good too.

[Vicky Vaughn · Rating 3 out of 5]

The story was a very cute idea; but it was just another typical Christmas story. I did like the bright colors in the illustrations. :)

[Kate · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ahh . . . to be a young rabbit whose only Christmas wish is to dance with Santa Claus. Completely delightful!

[Catherine · Rating 2 out of 5]

We've loved lots of Boynton books but while this had a sweet premise, it just didn't have the usual charm & felt flat. The illustrations were by far the best part of this book.

[M · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good for Christmas time!

[Heidi Ostergaard · Rating 2 out of 5]

Here’s my thing, either the book rhymes or it doesn’t. Don’t do half and half. I did like that it brings up Christmas isn’t about gifts.

[Karen reading]

Read to Maeve on 12/18/25. She let me read it all the way through and then took the book retelling the story.

[Meredith]

This one didn't do it for me

[Y.Poston]

cute!

[Meredith · Rating 2 out of 5]

Little Bunny's Christmas wish is to dance with Santa Claus.