Children playing with a kite on the beach at night with a full moon and Santa flying in his sleigh in the sky.

A Magical Christmas Adventure by the Sea

The Beachside Sleigh Ride is a heartwarming children's Christmas picture book where a boy named Hudson embarks on a magical holiday adventure that proves Christmas wonder can be found even at the beach..

What Early Readers Are Saying

"It perfectly captures that fleeting, magical window of childhood wonder."

— Jessica P, Parent & School Library Media Specialist

"I loved how you combined the magic of Christmas with a beach setting. Such a fun twist."

— Teejah F, Parent & Early Reader

Welcome to The Beachside Sleigh Ride

A charming children’s Christmas picture book by author Erin Heinlein.

When a seaside boy’s kite lifts him into the night sky, he never expects to meet Santa or help deliver Christmas magic around the world. This beautifully illustrated holiday story brings a fresh, beachy twist to a timeless tradition and is perfect for families, classrooms, and storytime.

  • A fresh take on a classic Christmas story

  • A rare beach-town holiday setting

  • Encourages kindness and courage

  • Perfect for bedtime and storytime

  • A keepsake to read every December

Why Kids and Parents Love The Beachside Sleigh Ride

On Christmas Eve, a young boy sets out on an unforgettable journey of imagination, kindness, and holiday wonder, a story families will treasure year after year.

Colored digital illustration of a young boy with brown hair, big brown eyes, wearing a colorful sweater with waves pattern, rolled-up brown pants, barefoot, and a yellow and green striped scarf. Two grayscale sketches of the same boy in different expressions are in the background.

Meet Hudson

With sandy toes, a brave heart, and a kite that loves the wind, Hudson is always ready for adventure, especially on Christmas Eve.

Follow him into the night sky and discover how one small boy helps make Christmas magical for children everywhere.

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Some stories are read once, while others become part of Christmas.

The Beachside Sleigh Ride is a heartwarming children’s Christmas picture book made for cocoa nights, cuddly pajamas, and wide-eyed wonder.

Woman smiling on the beach with sunglasses and headphones, ocean waves in the background.

From the Author

Hi, I’m Erin Heinlein, a children’s book author, mom, and lifelong lover of meaningful stories.

I wrote The Beachside Sleigh Ride to capture the magic of childhood, the wonder of Christmas, and the joy my family feels whenever we visit the ocean, our favorite place to slow down, explore, and simply be together.

My hope is to create warm, wonder-filled picture books that become part of family traditions for years to come.

Bring the Magic Home This Christmas

A seaside holiday story your family will treasure year after year.