The 32 Best Christmas Books Of All Time
Are you looking for the best Christmas books? You’ve come to the right place! I make it a goal to read as many Christmas books as possible each year so I can give you the best of the best.
I have compiled my favorite Christmas novels all in one place so you can find your next holiday read! (Don’t worry, Jackie added some in too!) No more scouring through too many book lists with no idea what to pick next.
You’ll find Christmas romances, fantasy stories, historical fiction, mystery, and book club picks. Think of this list as your one-stop shop for all things Christmas reading!
The Best Christmas Books of All Time
Each colorful block below represents the best book in a subgenre. Click on the arrow to reveal my “best” pick in any category. You’ll also be able to use a page jump to see more books in that section.
The Best New Christmas Book
The Most Wonderful Crime of the Year by Ally Carter – Jump to section
The Best Christmas Romance Novel
Three Holidays and a Wedding by Uzma Jalaluddin & Marissa Stapley – Jump to section
The Best Christmas Book for Book Clubs
Always, in December by Emily Stone – Jump to section
The Best Historical Fiction Christmas Novel
Mr. Dickens and His Carol by Samantha Silva – Jump to section
The Best Contemporary Fiction Christmas Book
Seven Days of Us by Francesca Hornak – Jump to section
The Best Christmas Mystery
The Christmas Appeal by Janice Hallett – Jump to section
The Best Fantasy Christmas Book
In a Holidaze by Christina Lauren – Jump to section
*Post contains affiliate links. Purchases made through links result in a small commission to us at no cost to you. Some books have been gifted. All opinions are our own.
The Best New Christmas Books
The Most Wonderful Crime of the Year
Author: Ally Carter
Year: 2024
Genre: Mystery Romance
Spice Rating:💋💋
Age Range: 16+
Plot
After losing her assets to her cheating ex-husband, mystery author Maggie Chase agrees to head to the home of her biggest fan for the Christmas holidays. Unfortunately for her, Ethan Wyatt, another author from her publishing house, is also along for the trip.
It turns out, they have traveled to the home of Eleanor Ashley, a prolific mystery writer (clearly inspired by Agatha Christie) who has a sprawling mansion in the middle of the countryside. During a snowstorm, she mysteriously disappears. Now Maggie and Ethan must work together to try to find her. With murder attempts around every corner and a growing attraction between our leads, this is one fun genre-bending story.
Why Kirsten loves it
Once I started this story, I couldn’t put it down! I was completely swept into the mystery, I was enchanted by the crackling chemistry between our two main characters, and the setting and snowstorm just left me craving a snowy night in. I was utterly charmed by this one and you will be too!
Find this book in: Best Christmas Books of All Time / Christmas Mystery Books / New Christmas Books 2024
Plot
This marvelous Christmas story tells the tale of a newly renovated community theatre and the members trying to perform A Christmas Carol before the theatre is sold. It all started because 5 student were caught skipping school in said theatre by their guidance counselor – who takes the heat and offers their community service as payment so the landlord doesn’t press charges.
Harriet, the guidance counselor, was not expecting their ramshackle group to grow, and while she hoped the theatre could be an access to the community – she did not anticipate it becoming THE community hub. As she works to pull the production off, she is not expecting to partner with the landlord’s attorney – who happens to be a man she had a one-night stand with the night before.
Why Kirsten loves it
A lot is going on in this story in the best possible way. Some students bring talents and gifts to life as they earn confidence working on the production. Other community members find their place in the group and help mentor the children. There is romance, a fantastic production, and so much Christmas cheer. I also got choked up at the acknowledgment of Hanukkah and the mini celebration they have for one of the theatre members. Representation means so much.
Find this book in: Best Holiday Books / Christmas Book Club Books / Best Christmas Books Of All Time / New Christmas Books 2024
Romance Novels for Christmas
Three Holidays and a Wedding
Author: Uzma Jalaluddin & Marissa Stapley
Year: 2023
Genre: Holiday Romance
Spice Rating:💋💋💋
Age Range: 18+
Plot
Maryam and Anna find themselves on a plane from Denver to Toronto in the middle of the storm of the century, they have no idea that they will spark an unexpected friendship.
When the plane is diverted to a small town outside of Ottawa with no end to the snow, they all must change their plans. Anna is not able to make it to Toronto to spend Christmas with her boyfriend, and Maryam’s sister’s wedding is in jeopardy.
Why Jackie loves it
This is an enchanting Hanukkah, Ramadan, romance Christmas book for 2023 with a charming small town, a snowbound inn, and a touch of fate that brings everyone together. This is a holiday book at its very best. #gifted
Find this book in: Celebrity Romance Books / Best Books of 2023 / New Christmas Books of 2023 / Best Christmas Romances / Holiday Books / Best Christmas Books of All Time / Christmas Book Club Books
Plot
When Charlie Goodwin gets a concussion, and cannot smell or taste, she doesn’t know what to do. Her job as a chef and the promotion she has been working toward is on the line.
She begs her twin sister Cass to switch places like they did when they were kids. She will take over the bakery and Cass will pretend to be her.
Why Jackie loves it
This adorable holiday romance is just the book to brighten your day and put a smile on your face. This is one of the best holiday books I’ve read!
Find this book in: Best Christmas Books Of All Time / Holiday Books / Books About Sisters / Best Canadian Novels / Books About Food / New Christmas Books 2021 / Bakery Romances
Plot
Melody and Beat’s mothers were in a band together – one that fell apart before each of them was born. They’ve only met once when they were teens, but now they are teaming up to reunite their mothers in time to perform on Christmas Eve. Except they decide to do it via a live stream because Beat needs the money and Melody needs to break out of her sheltered life
Why Kirsten loves it
This is a perfect holiday romance. I ADORED both of these characters and fell hard for their love story – crazy antics and all. #gifted
Find this book in: Christmas Books 2023 / Best Christmas Books of All Time / Christmas Romances
Royal Holiday
Author: Jasmine Guillory
Year: 2019
Genre: Romance
More info: The Wedding Date #4
Spice Rating:💋💋💋
Age Range: 18+
Plot
When Maddie gets Kirsten’s dream gig (styling a Royal or let’s face it, hanging out with a Royal), she brings her mom, Vivian, with her to England. Vivian meets a very handsome gentleman who happens to be the Queen’s private secretary. Sparks fly but will this be more than just a holiday romance?
Why Jackie loves it
Looking for a last-minute Christmas Read, New Year’s book, or the perfect holiday book? Royal Holiday was the perfect first read for winter break, especially for those who love a royal romance.
Find this book in: Best Christmas Books Of All Time / Best Holiday Books / Jasmine Guillory Books in Order / Books Like People We Meet on Vacation / Royal Romance Books / New Year’s Eve Books
Christmas Books for Book Club
Plot
This tear-jerking story blew me away. It was a romance story for the first 30% of the book, but then it became something much deeper.
Josie mails a letter to her deceased parents every Christmas, but this Christmas she accidentally hits a stranger named Max with her bike on the way to the post box.
As she explores the holiday season with Max her feelings start to grow, but when he leaves unexpectedly, she’s left to deal with the aftermath of the impact he had on her heart. But fate isn’t done with their story yet as they bump into each other throughout the year.
Why Kirsten loves it
Probably my favorite Christmas romance book of 2021, this one is a tear-jerker for sure. I sobbed for the entire last 10% of the book and it will most likely, emotionally wreck you. This book is a testament to the healing power of love and the kind of impact each of us can make on each other.
I don’t want to spoil anything, but if you are looking for a Christmas book that ends with a bow and smile, you may want to look elsewhere. Despite this, we needed to include this on our list of best holiday books. #gifted by
Find this book in: Books That Will Emotionally Wreck You / Best British Books / Best Holiday Books / Best Christmas Books Of All Time / Best Christmas Romance Books / Christmas Book Club Books / Christmas Novels for 2021 / Emily Stone Books Ranked
The Christmas Bookshop
Author: Jenny Colgan
Year: 2021
Genre: Contemporary Fiction
More info: New York Times Bestseller
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 16+
Plot
Jenny Colgan is back with a stand-alone Christmas romance book about a failing bookshop and the woman who saves it. Carmen is stuck with no boyfriend, no job, and living at home, while her sister Sophie seems to have it all – a beautiful house, a great husband, a killer job, and 3 kids with one more on the way.
When she realizes her client is going to lose his bookshop and home, she overs Carmen up for the job of turning the shop around, offering her a room at her house to boot.
But the long-standing rivalry between the sisters is out in full force, Carmen seems to sabotage her own happiness in the romance department, and her bookstore boss might be hiding some family secrets that need uncovering.
Why Kirsten loves it
A charming contemporary fiction Christmas tale in true Jenny Colgan fashion, this heartwarming holiday book also has some appearances from beloved characters from previous books.
Find this book in: Best Christmas Books Of All Time / Best Holiday Books / Christmas Novels 2021
The Christmas Orphans Club
Author: Becca Freeman
Year: 2023
Genre: Fiction
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 16+
Plot
On her first Christmas after the death of her parents, Hannah meets Finn, another orphan and together they decide to celebrate Christmas. It sparks a lifelong friendship, folding in two other friends into their annual holiday gatherings. But a dozen years into their tradition, life is about to change.
Hannah is engaged, Finn is about to move across the country, and they have some quarrels they need to fix. Will this be their best Christmas yet or the end of their friendship?
Why Kirsten loves it
I adore a found family story, which is why this book made my best-of-the-year list! I loved the deep look at friendship in this story. So often Christmas books revolve around romantic love and not platonic love – which is just as important! #gifted by Penguin
Find this book in: Christmas Books 2023 / Christmas Book Club Books / Best Books of 2023 / Best Christmas Books of All Time
25 Days ‘Til Christmas
Author: Poppy Alexander
Year: 2018
Genre: Fiction
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 16+
Plot
I read 25 Days ‘til Christmas because I wanted a lovely, Christmas romance novel. The contemporary fiction story is about a single mother who decides to do an advent calendar of activities in the hopes of bringing life back to her home.
A cute guy befriends them and I thought I was getting the romance I was looking for. In actuality, the book takes a dark turn and deals with loneliness, depression, childhood disabilities, and grieving.
Trigger Warnings
Suicidal Thoughts
Why Kirsten loves it
It was so much deeper than I thought when looking at the peppy cover. I loved it. Truly. I wanted to personally walk into the pages of the book and lift her up when life knocked her down. I got the happy Christmas ending I wanted, but in a more meaningful way than I initially expected. I can’t recommend this one enough.
Find this book in: Christmas Books 2023 / Best Christmas Books of All Time / Mental Health Books / Christmas Book Club Books
Historical Fiction Christmas Novels
Mr. Dickens and His Carol
Author: Samantha Silva
Year: 2017
Genre: Historical Fiction
Age Range: 16+
Plot
Charles Dickens’s latest book is a flop and he needs money. Christmas is around the corner and he’s become somewhat of a grump when thinking of all the expenses coming his way.
He decides to take his publishers up on their offer to finance a Christmas novel, but he can’t seem to get inspired. A chance meeting with a young woman helps give him the inspiration he requires to write his classic tale.
Why Kirsten loves it
The new perspective on the classic Christmas tale makes this a perfect pick for the best holiday books. I loved stepping into Dicken’s world and seeing what might have inspired the various parts of A Christmas Carol.
Find this book in: Best Christmas Books Of All Time / Fiction Books about Writers
Last Christmas in Paris
Author: Hazel Gaynor and Heather Webb
Year: 2017
Genre: Historical Fiction
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 16+
Plot
This book is written entirely in letter form between two friends during WWI. You will fall in love with the characters as they fall for each other. Evie is struggling to find a way to help out during WWI, while Thomas, her brother’s best friend, is struggling with the realities of battle.
Why Kirsten loves it
I just recently started reading WWI books and this one is high on the list. It is such a wonderful holiday book, it truly captures the essence of wartime romance and how love can bloom in the darkest of times.
Find this book in: WWI Books / Best Christmas Books Of All Time/ Books Set in Paris / Epistolary Novels / Best Romance Novels / Christmas Book Club Books
Jane and the Twelve Days of Christmas
Author: Stephanie Barron
Year: 2014
Genre: Historical Mystery
More info: Jane Austen Mysteries #12
Age Range: 14+
Plot
There are a series of suspicious-looking deaths surrounding the home Jane is visiting for the winter holiday. As she strives to solve the mystery before more dead bodies show up, readers are treated to a look at the Christmas traditions of Regency-era England.
Why Kirsten loves it
Did you know there is a whole mystery series featuring Jane Austen as an amateur crime-solver? I had no idea until I stumbled upon this book which takes place over…you guessed it… Christmas.
Find this book in: Best Christmas Books Of All Time / Jane Austen Retellings / Christmas Mystery Books
Contemporary Fiction Adult Christmas Books
Plot
Hornak takes series topics and makes them funny. This family drama book is about crazy coincidences and epic drama in one completely dysfunctional British family. What starts as a family spending a quarantine quietly in the family country home, turns into something from a soap opera. Every member of the family has their secrets and lies exposed.
Why Jackie loves it
This is a hilarious look at what happens when a family is quarantined together over the holidays. The entire time I was reading this quarantine isolation book, I kept thinking to myself that it should be a movie. When I first read this holiday book, I thought it was the perfect book for book clubs. Now, after a pandemic, there is so much more for book clubs to discuss.
Find this book in: Best Christmas Books of All Time / Christmas Book Club Books / Isolation Novels / Family Drama Books / Best Books of 2017
One Day in December
Author: Josie Silver
Year: 2018
Genre: Romance
More info: December 2018 Reese Witherspoon Book Club Pick
Spice Rating:💋💋💋
Age Range: 18+
Plot
When Laurie sees a man through the bus windows, she just knows it’s love at first sight. But the bus drove away before she could do anything about it. While she desperately looks for him for a year, she meets once again – as the boy her best friend, Sarah is dating.
Over the next 10 years, readers are privy to the ups and downs of Jack, Sarah, and Laurie’s lives and relationships with one another.
Why Kirsten loves it
This is another holiday book I adored. This second chance love story takes place over 10 years and you’ll be rooting for this couple the entire time.
Why Jackie loves it
The perfect winter romance – this one is a bit steamy – that will have you smiling from ear to ear. I listened to this one from my local library, but it would be just as good in print.
Find this book in: Best Holiday Books / Winter Books / New Year’s Eve Books / Best Christmas Books of All Time / Christmas Book Club Books / Best Christmas Romance Books
Bright Lights, Big Christmas
Author: Mary Kay Andrews
Year: 2023
Genre: Fiction
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 16+
Plot
In this holiday tale, Kerry finds herself selling Christmas trees in Greenwich Village, living in a vintage camper with her brother and his dog. As she embraces the charm of the city and falls for a single dad and his adorable son, Kerry’s Christmas takes an unexpected turn when she becomes entangled in the search for a missing neighbor.
Why Kirsten loves it
I fell in love with the little street Kerry finds herself on at Christmas, as well as her love interest, the rivalry with the tree yard across the street, and her cute little camper van. I was swept away by this magical Christmas book for 2023. #gifted
Find this book in: New Christmas Books of 2023 / Best Christmas Books of All Time
Winter Street
Author: Elin Hilderbrand
Year: 2014
Genre: Fiction
More info: Winter #1
Spice Rating:💋💋
Age Range: 18+
Plot
This is first book in the Winter series and Hilderbrand’s Christmas debut. Kelley Quinn is the owner of Nantucket’s Winter Street Inn and the proud father of 4 children. When he walks in on his second wife kissing a man in a Santa costume, his holiday season takes a turn for the dramatic. He turns to his ex-wife Margaret for help in saving the inn and navigating thier children’s various crises.
Why Kirsten loves it
Winter Street was my first Christmas book by Hilderbrand, but I’ll be continuing this series for sure. I fell hard for the Quinn family as they navigate their complicated family dynamic, their personal crises, and running an inn during the holiday season. I’m shocked this hasn’t been made into a movie yet! If you are looking for a heartwarming holiday story, this is for you
Find this book in: Best Christmas Books of All Time
The Best Christmas Mysteries and Thriller Novels
The Christmas Appeal
Author: Janice Hallett
Year: 2023
Genre: Mystery
More info: The Appeal #2
Age Range: 14+
Plot
The Fairway Players theater group is back and preparing for their Christmas play. They find themselves once again in the middle of a murder that threatens to halt their production.
Hallett puts you in the detective seat as you unravel clues, sift through Christmas letters, and dig into police transcripts to unmask the culprit before the final curtain falls.
Why Kirsten loves it
I was crying-laughing reading this story. It’s equal parts hysterical and cunning. I can never figure out the mystery before the end of Hallett’s books. #gifted
Find this book in: Christmas Books 2023 / Best Christmas Books of All Time / Best Books of 2023 / Christmas Mystery Books
Plot
This book is so many things in one! It’s a mystery set on Christmas Eve about a train full of people who get snowbound – and then someone gets murdered! Luckily there is a former detective named Roz who will work the case and try to keep everyone safe.
Trigger Warnings
Rape, Domestic Violence
Why Kirsten loves it
It’s more than just a murder mystery though, it also addresses domestic violence and rape – so please go in prepared if those are triggers for you. It’s kind of odd to put all those things in one book, but it works! #gifted
Find this book in: Christmas Books 2023 / Best Christmas Books of All Time / Isolation Novels / Christmas Mystery Books
Hercule Poirot’s Christmas
Author: Agatha Christie
Year: 1938
Genre: Mystery
More info: Hercule Poirot #20
Age Range: 14+
Plot
Simeon Lee has issued a demand for all four of his sons and their wives to return home for the Christmas holidays. Instead of a happy family reunion, he insults and belittles his sons before informing them that they have been cut out of the will. Is it any surprise when he ends up dead and Hercule is called in to investigate?
Why Kirsten loves it
Another wonderful mystery by Agatha Christie. I just adore her mystery books because I am always stumped! They are generally very quick reads, which is why I was able to start and finish this book on Christmas Day. Once again Poirot solves the mystery quite quickly and uncovers many family secrets along the way.
Find this book in: Best Christmas Books of All Time / Agatha Christie Books in Order / Christmas Mystery Books
Best Fantasy Christmas Books
In a Holidaze
Author: Christina Lauren
Year: 2020
Genre: Holiday Romance
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 18+
Plot
Do you love Christmas movies? Are you obsessed with Christmas Romance books? Do you need to swoon? If you answered yes to any of those questions, stop everything and order In a Holidaze. This is possibly my favorite Christmas novel of all time and was a must for best holiday books.
I adored Mae and Andrew’s love story. It’s set up like Groundhog’s Day with Mae repeating the same Christmas vacation until she gets it right.
Why Kirsten loves it
This is a time-travel romance at its best. And man… does she get it right. Peppermint kisses, sexy sledding, snowball fights, Christmas Tree trimming… this book oozes cheer-filled holiday goodness with a few scenes that are steamier than a cup of cocoa.
Why Jackie loves it
I thought a time loop book would become repetitive and this book was definitely not repetitive! I could not get enough of the Christmas cheer and the sweet moments in this book. I was rooting for the characters!
Find this book in: Time Travel Books / Best Books of 2020 / Magical Realism / Time Loop Books / Fantasy Christmas Books / Best Holiday Books / Best Christmas Books of All Time / Christmas Romance Books
Just Like Magic
Author: Sarah Hogle
Year: 2022
Genre: Fantasy Romance
More info:
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range:
Plot
If you only read one Christmas book this holiday season, let it be Just Like Magic. I adored this funny paranormal romance book! The premise is amazing. Down-on-her-luck Bettie Hughes accidentally summons the magical Holiday Spirit, who can’t leave her until he raises her spirit level. So going by the name of Hal, he poses as her boyfriend for her week-long family Christmas vacation.
Why Kirsten loves it
Hal’s use of magic throughout the week is hysterical. It also helps that the chemistry between Hal and Bettie crackles. It’s unlike any other Christmas story I’ve read in the best way possible! #gifted by Putnam
Find this book in: Fantasy Christmas Books / Best Christmas Books Of All Time / Christmas Books for 2022 / Ghost Books / Best Books of 2022 / Best Holiday Books
The Nightmare Before Kissmas
Author: Sara Raasch
Year: 2024
Genre: Fantasy Romance
More info: Royals and Romance #1
Spice Rating:💋💋💋💋
Age Range: 18+
Plot
Coal is the heir to the Christmas kingdom who is being forced into an arranged marriage with his best friend Iris from Easter. But when Prince Hex of Halloween shows up to court Iris too, Coal realizes he’s met him before – when they made out at a bar a year ago.
Determined to get to the bottom of what is going on between the Holiday Courts, Coal tries to avoid Hex and keep up the ruse of the arrangement. Except these princes can’t seem to stay away from each other for long…
Why Kirsten loves it
This was filled with chaotic energy, a fun new fantasy world, and all kinds of holiday lore. It was billed as Red, White, and Royal Blue meets The Nightmare Before Christmas. Seems like an odd pairing, but I went in with a totally open mind and was rewarded with a unique, charming holiday story.
Find this book in: Christmas Fantasy Books / Best Holiday Books / Best Christmas Books of All Time / Best Christmas Romance Books / New Christmas Books 2024
Helpful Tips
- While these Christmas books are for adults, pay attention to the spice level and age range – they may be appropriate for older teens as well!
- Save this list for years to come! These books will get easier to get your hands on through the library as the years go on.
- Get your library holds in for Christmas before Halloween! You would be surprised by how long the hold times get around the holidays.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best Christmas story ever?
This is entirely subjective, but I adore In a Holidaze by Christina Lauren for romantic pick and Always, In December by Emily Stone for an emotional story.
What is a classic Christmas story?
A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens is probably the best-known classic Christmas novel of all time.
Related Content
Christmas Ornaments
Looking for some fun Christmas Ornaments? Consider pairing one of the ones below with a book as a gift for a holiday-loving friend!
Epilogue
This is my (entirely subjective) round-up of the best Christmas books of all time. Did you find any Christmas books to add to your holiday to-read list? Am I missing one of your favorites? Please let me know below!
