Happy holidays, y’all! We are excited to be finishing up our year right: with lots of reading. And what better genre to explore this December than holiday-themed novels? Whatever (and whether) you’re celebrating this holiday season, this list will surely have a treat to put under your TBR tree.
From steamy, cold-weather romance books to suspenseful, snowy thrillers to heartwarming, magical children’s classics, here are our ten best holiday books for you to discover this winter.
10. The Holiday Honeymoon Switch by Julia McKay
This charming holiday romance is the perfect read for anyone who loves a story about unexpected love, female friendship, and relaxing getaways.
After Holly endures a devastating breakup, she and her best friend Ivy decide to trade places and go on each other’s holiday vacations. But their relaxing plans soon are upended when they discover that love might just be waiting in the least expected places…
Why we recommend it: I loved the plot and central friendship of this book. Perfect for fans of Nancy Meyers’ Christmas classic, The Holiday.
9. The Snowman by Raymond Briggs
This classic children’s holiday book is the only entry on our list that doesn’t include a single word. Told through a series of beautiful illustrations, this holiday story follows a young boy who inadvertently brings a snowman to life.
While their encounter may be fleeting, their friendship is absolutely timeless.
Why we recommend it: I was blown away by the powerful narrative in this holiday book and how the story is told without a single word of dialogue.
RelatedDoes anyone actually read A Christmas Carol during Christmas anymore?
8. Little Women by Louisa May Alcott
Okay, so this one might not be an explicitly “holiday”-themed book, but Little Women is synonymous with Christmas cheer.
The March sisters are confronted with the challenges of growing up in this classic holiday tale. As they learn how painful the world can be, they also discover the hope and support of true friendship and sisterhood.
(Once you read it, be sure to watch the film adaptation starring Saoirse Ronan and Timothee Chalamet.)
Why we recommend it: I adore the cozy Christmas atmosphere in the opening chapter of this book.
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Subscribe to our weekly newsletter7. The Twelve Birds of Christmas by Stephen Moss
Non-fiction fans, we have the perfect holiday book for you! Stephen Moss’ fascinating book delves into the history of twelve different bird species associated with the classic Christmas song “The Twelve Days of Christmas.”
This deep dive is absolutely captivating, regardless of your interest in birds.
Why we recommend it: I was hooked by Moss’ writing, which is engaging and captivating.
6. Letters from Father Christmas by J. R. R. Tolkien
While you almost certainly know J. R. R. Tolkien as the author of fantasy classics like Lord of the Rings, you may not be familiar with his classic holiday book, Letters from Father Christmas.
A collection of letters Tolkien wrote to his children while posing as Father Christmas, this book is filled with whimsical stories, cheerful anecdotes, and absolutely charming perspectives on the true meaning of the holiday season.
RelatedThe Book Was Better: A Hallmark Christmas Bonanza
Why we recommend it: I enjoyed the writing style a lot, and loved getting a different perspective on Tolkien.
5. Skipping Christmas by John Grisham
I did not expect one of the most lighthearted holiday books on this list to come from a hardboiled writer like John Grisham. Famous for his gritty legal novels, he’s also a skilled comedy writer as well.
Empty nesters Luther and Nora decide to cancel their traditional Christmas plans and spend the holiday on a Caribbean cruise. But as their plans are continually thwarted, they begin to appreciate once and for all the unity and togetherness that the holidays can bring.
Why we recommend it: I liked the premise of this book, which was playful and optimistic.
4. Hercule Poirot’s Christmas by Agatha Christie
This classic detective story by master Agatha Christie is a perfect holiday read. Following the timeless character of Hercule Poirot, the novel explores the truth behind a family murder, all framed around a cozy Christmas backdrop.
Why we recommend it: I was addicted to this Christmas tale, which was the perfect mix of cozy and suspenseful.
3. The Mistletoe Mystery by Nita Prose
This short and sweet holiday novella is the perfect read for anyone looking for a quick book this holiday season. Featuring characters from Prose’s hit novel The Maid, this holiday book is also a great contemporary gift for any reader in your life.
Why we recommend it: I loved the balance of playful prose and deeper emotional themes in this Christmas novella.
RelatedWhy do we torture ourselves with Hallmark-style holiday books every December?
2. Love in Winter Wonderland by Abiola Bello
This holiday romance tells the story of Trey and Ariel as they fight to save Trey’s family-owned Black book store in London. Can they rescue Christmas in order to find their own happy ending?
Why we recommend it: I enjoyed the lighthearted atmosphere of this book and the characterization. Super cozy.
1. A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens
This classic holiday book couldn’t NOT be on our list. If you haven’t read it, now’s the perfect time.
It tells the story of old grouch Ebenezer Scrooge as he is visited by three ghosts, all of whom show him the consequences of living a greedy and selfish life in an attempt to help him spread some Christmas cheer.
Why we recommend it: I am blown away every year by this book and how complex and poignant the characters are. An absolute holiday classic.
And there you have it! Our ten best holiday reads to keep you cozy this winter. Did we miss one of your favorites? Have you discovered a new holiday read to share this year? Let us know in the comments.
Happy holidays, and happy reading!
