Christmas Romance Books
Nothing says Holiday Season like a stack of Christmas romance books! I love getting swept into a magical winter love story when I have a cup of cocoa in my hand and I’m snuggled under a blanket.
Whether it’s a second-chance romance, an enemies-to-lovers story, or even a love story with a little magic mixed in, there is a perfect Christmas romance novel for everyone on this list!
I’ve even got some thought-provoking Christmas romance books that would be perfect for a Christmas Book Club! So take a look below and find your perfect winter romance to read under the mistletoe.
The Best Christmas Romance Books
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 Romance Novel
The Holiday Honeymoon Switch by Julia McKay – Jump to section
The Best Fantasy Christmas Romance Book
Just Like Magic by Sarah Hogle – Jump to section
The Best Royal Christmas Romance Novel
A Princess for Christmas by Jenny Holiday – Jump to section
The Best Steamy Christmas Romance Book
Wreck the Halls by Tessa Dare – Jump to section
The Best LGBTQIA Christmas Romance Novel
The Nightmare Before Kissmas by Sara Raasch – Jump to section
The Best Small-Town Christmas Romance
Lovelight Farms by B. K. Borison – Jump to section
The Best Emotional Christmas Romance Book
Always, in December by Emily Stone – 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 Romance Novels
The Holiday Honeymoon Switch
Author: Julia McKay
Year: 2024
Genre: Genre
Spice Rating:💋💋
Age Range: 18+
Plot
You read it here first. The newest trend in holiday books this year is trading places/houses! Holly and Ivy are best friends who are so in sync that they look alike. When Holly’s fiancé breaks up with her the night before their wedding is supposed to take place, she is stuck with a nonrefundable honeymoon.
She convinces Ivy to go on the Hawaiian honeymoon so it does not go to waste. Ivy can take her art retreat on beautiful beaches and Holly can escape to a secluded rented cabin in the Hudson Valley where Ivy was supposed to go. Now, Holly finds out the Airbnb owner is her high school rival and Ivy meets a hotel bartender who comes to her rescue when she finds that Holly’s ex-fiance has already checked into the honeymoon suite with a different woman.
Why Jackie loves it
I loved the relationship between Holly and Ivy as a true love that only best friends can give each other. I also loved that both Holly and Ivy were able to learn about themselves and what they each needed to make themselves happy while be true to who they are.
Find this book in: New Christmas Books 2024 / Christmas Romances / Most Anticipated October 2024 Books / Giftable Books
The Christmas Countdown
Author: Holly Cassidy
Year: 2024
Genre: Romance
Spice Rating:💋💋💋
Age Range: 18+
Plot
Callie’s childhood sweetheart dumped her and the last thing she wants is to return home for the holidays where he will be next door – with his new girlfriend. Callie’s sister, Anita, makes her a holiday advent calendar with fun activities to get her back in the Christmas spirit. When she meets a charming baker who agrees to do the activities with her, sparks fly.
Why Kirsten loves it
I loved the Advent calendar tasks within this story – it was such a fun premise! Callie and Marco’s slow-burn love story gave me the same feeling as drinking a warm cup of peppermint cocoa. You won’t want to miss this Christmas romance.
Find this book in: New Christmas Books 2024 / Christmas Romance Books / Most Anticipated October 2024 Books / Giftable Books
Plot
Jordyn Banks is a horse breeder who has recently moved to Noel, North Carolina. She decides she wants to win the Christmas Crown by entering this year’s many holiday competions. But the reigning champs are her handsome single neighbor, Nate, and his charming daughter, Roxie.
As the competitions heat up, Nate needs to decide if he is ready to fall in love again. If his brother and the local Nanas have anything to say about it, his story will end tied up with a bow.
Why Kirsten loves it
Can I move to Noel? All the hilarious Christmas competitions made me wish I really could move to this charming small town. This sweet romance only had a kiss or two, but featured the sweetest family I’ve read in years. That Roxie is a treasure!
Find this book in: Holiday Books / New Christmas Books 2024 / Christmas Romances
Plot
This fun enemies-to-lovers romance will brighten up your holiday season. Lexie has inherited half of her father’s holiday travel company – which is a shock because they had not spoken in over a decade. The other half of the company will go to her father’s partner, Theo, who is young, hot, and pissed he needs to work with Lexie for a year.
As Lexie and Theo work together to run the travel company, which specializes in trips to experience holidays and festivals around the world, Lexie struggles with the complex grief she has over the loss of her dad.
Why Kirsten loves it
This is less a Christmas book than a full holiday book – which is fabulous! The different celebrations I got to glimpse through the trips had my inner travel bug itching to book some incredible vacations!
This one did not pack the same emotional punch as Stone’s previous books – I didn’t cry reading this one – but I still enjoyed it. I found the lack of communication between Lexie and Theo to be pretty frustrating at times though. #gifted by Penguin Random House
Find this book in: New Christmas Books 2024 / Christmas Romance Books / Emily Stone Books Ranked / Most Anticipated October 2024 Books
Fantasy 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
Once Upon a December
Author: Amy E. Reichart
Year: 2022
Genre: Fantasy Romance
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 16+
Plot
I adored this Christmas romance novel with a magical premise. It’s all about a Christmas market and its residents who travel from town to town each Christmas. The baker, Jack loves to visit Milwaukee the most because he’s drawn to Astra, an average girl. Will this Christmas be the one where romance can bloom?
Why Kirsten loves it
I loved hearing about each Christmas Jack and Astra met and how their loved formed. I also loved the magical elements of the market and how it played a crucial role in their story.
Find this book in: Christmas Books for 2022 / Best Holiday Books / Christmas Romance Books / 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
Christmas Romance Books about Royals
A Princess for Christmas
Author: Jenny Holiday
Year: 2020
Genre: Romance
More info: Christmas in Eldovia #1
Spice Rating:💋💋💋💋
Age Range: 18+
Plot
Leo is just a regular NYC cab driver, looking out for his little sister Gabby. Meanwhile, Princess Marie of Eldovia is… well… a princess – and not one that has any business getting in Leo’s cab, but that’s what she does. Soon, she’s hired him to drive her for the remainder of her trip. He thought he would use the opportunity to make some extra money for the holidays, but he was not planning to fall for Marie – and he certainly wasn’t expecting to end up in Eldovia for Christmas!
Why Kirsten loves it
I loved this book from Jenny Holiday. It was one of the few holiday royal romance novels I’ve read. The charming setting of Eldovia in the snow with its various festivities made for a wonderful Christmas romance novel.
The male lead from NYC and his charming younger sister made for a good balance to the sheltered princess. I wasn’t expecting such a steamy book based on the description. This one is definitely not for children as its one spicy pick.
Find this book in: Christmas Romance Books / Dazzling Royal Reads
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
Duke, Actually
Author: Jenny Holiday
Year: 2021
Genre: Romance
More info: Christmas in Eldovia #2
Spice Rating:💋💋
Age Range: 18+
Plot
The sequel to A Princess for Christmas is the love story of Leo and Marie’s man of honor (Max) and best woman (Dani). Dani is going through a divorce and Max begins to help her get over her ex in a strictly platonic way. But as their friendship grows, their feelings for each other deepen.
Why Kirsten loves it
The beginning and end of the story feature lots of Christmas scenes in NYC and Eldovia. Plus we get to see Leo and Marie’s wedding! I also loved the bi-racial relationship portrayed. It was fun to learn about Christmas traditions from Mexico.
Find this book in: Christmas Novels for 2021 / Friends to Lovers Romance Books
Steamy Christmas Romance Novels
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
A Very Merry Bromance
Author: Lyssa Kay Adams
Year: 2022
Genre: Romance
More info: Bromance #5
Spice Rating:💋💋💋
Age Range: 18+
Plot
Jackie loved the first book in this series, so I knew I would probably want to dive into the Christmas tale. It’s all about Colton, a country star and total sweetheart, who is head-over-heels for Gretchen, a grumpy immigration attorney.
Why Kirsten loves it
Technically this steamy Christmas romance novel is the 5th in the Bromance Book Club series, but it can be read as a standalone (which I know because I’ve never read any of the others!) It was steamy and swoony and I loved every minute of this Christmas story that fulfills the grumpy sunshine trope with Christmas joy!! #gifted by Berkley Romance
Find this book in: Christmas Books for 2022 / Christmas Romance Books / Grumpy Sunshine Trope Books
Merry Little Meet Cute
Author: Julie Murpy, Sierra Simone
Year: 2022
Genre: Romance
More info: A Christmas Notch #1
Spice Rating:💋💋💋💋💋
Age Range: 18+
Plot
This is one steamy Christmas romance novel that is unlike any other. The premise alone is hysterical – a female adult film star is accidentally cast in a cheesy Christmas movie. As Bee tries to keep her identity under wraps, she falls hard for reformed boyband member, Nolan.
The kinky things these two get into while working on the film made me blush. Add in a film crew that is half regular industry and half secretly adult film industry and you have a book that is absolutely hysterical.
Why Kirsten loves it
Do NOT read this one if you are faint of heart. It’s definitely not a romance for your grandma…or maybe it is for the right grandmom. #gifted by Avon Books
Find this book in: Christmas Books for 2022 / Christmas Romance Books
All I Want for Christmas
Author: Maggie Knox
Year: 2022
Genre: Romance
Spice Rating:💋💋💋
Age Range: 18+
Plot
Sadie and Max are competing in a Country music reality TV show (think American Idol or The Voice.) Their chemistry is off the charts on stage, so the execs ask them to team up for their performance.
As they learn to get along off-stage as well as they do on it, a passionate romance ignites. Until the machinations of the music industry drive a wedge between them. Can they reconcile before Christmas?
Why Kirsten loves it
I can’t with this charming Christmas romance book about musicians by Maggie Knox. It’s like reading a Hallmark Christmas movie but with a lot of steamy bits put in!
Find this book in: Christmas Books for 2022 / Christmas Romance Books / Novels about Music
Plot
Elisha, a film liaison, is determined to revive her town. So when she has a chance to film a sequel to Sleighbells, she finds herself tangled in a charming predicament when she clashes with the handsome Ves over the historic Christmas house.
With frosty attitudes and warm hearts, they embark on a journey that proves love and the magic of the season can melt even the chilliest of hearts.
Why Kirsten loves it
This is one of my favorite romance Christmas books of 2023. I was sucked into the setting and the enemies-to-lovers romance trope. #gifted
Find this book in: Christmas Books 2023 / Christmas Romances
LGBTQIA Christmas Romance 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
I’ll Be Gone for Christmas
Author: Georgia K. Boone
Year: 2024
Genre: Romance
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 16+
Plot
This is an adorable house swap rom-com for fans of the movie “The Holiday”. Bee and Clover both have reasons to need a break from their lives. Soon, Bee is living in Clover’s cottage in Salem, Ohio and Clover is living in Bee’s San Fransisco apartment. While they experience Christmas in a new locale, they make new friends, reset their own lives, and even find love!
Why Kirsten loves it
I love a Christmas romance, so you know I love 2 romances in one! Just like the movie it was inspired by, the city girl in the country and vice versa were so fun to see. I think the scenes set in San Fran were my favorite.
Find this book in: New Christmas Books 2024 / Christmas Romances / October 2024 New Releases
In The Event of Love
Author: Courtney Kae
Year: 2022
Genre: Romance
More info: Fern Falls #1
Spice Rating:💋💋💋
Age Range: 18+
Plot
Morgan is headed back to her hometown to lick her wounds and restart her career. She’s agreed to help throw a Christmas festival to save the town – unwittingly signing up to work with her ex-best friend and former crush, Rachel. While Morgan works to save the town and Rachel’s tree farm, sparks fly.
Why Kirsten loves it
I enjoyed watching Morgan gain self-awareness and learn to communicate with her old friends and family.
Find this book in: Christmas Book Club Books / Christmas Books for 2022 / Best Christmas Romance Books
You’re a Mean One, Matthew Prince
Author: Timothy Janovsky
Year: 2022
Genre: Romance
More info: Boy Meets Boy #2
Spice Rating:💋💋💋
Age Range: 18+
Plot
Matthew Prince is young, rich, and selfish. After buying an island, his parents cut him off and banished him to his grandparents for the holidays. The problem is Hector, a grumpy local is living there too and getting under Matthew’s skin. Soon these enemies need to put their differences aside while they work to host the town’s Christmas fundraiser.
Why Kirsten loves it
I loved the holiday seasons and the way the boys went from enemies to friends to more. This is one of the most charming Christmas books for teens.
Find this book in: Christmas Books for 2022 / Best Christmas Romance Books
Small Town Christmas Romance Books
Lovelight Farms
Author: B.K. Borison
Year: 2021
Genre: Romance
More info: Lovelight #1
Spice Rating:💋💋💋💋
Age Range: 18+
Plot
Stella wants to save her farm and enters an Instagram contest to help. The caveat? She told the influencer she owns the farm with her boyfriend. Now her best friend Luka is posing as her boyfriend but the lines are blurred and Stella isn’t sure their friendship will ever go back to normal. It’s the first in a series of season-based love stories set in the same small town.
Why Kirsten loves it
Set on a Christmas tree farm, this Booktok favorite is such a sweet Christmas romance novel. It’s a friends-to-lovers, fake-dating story that will charm everyone.
Find this book in: Christmas Romance Books
Along Came Holly
Author: Codi Hall
Year: 2023
Genre: Romance
More info: Mistletoe Romance #3
Spice Rating:💋💋💋💋
Age Range: 18+
Plot
This rom-com story had me laughing and swooning in equal measure. It’s all about Holly Winters, a lover of all things Christmas, and Declan, the man who owns the hardware store next door and can’t stand the holiday.
They start a prank war which eventually leads to friendship and then well…love.
Why Kirsten loves it
It’s one of my favorite romance Christmas books of 2023. I just fell hard for both of them. *Gifted by Sourcebooks
Find this book in: Christmas Books 2023 / Christmas Romances
Plot
In this delightful enemies-to-lovers romance, Bella is a real-estate developer who has her eye on a Christmas shop. Jesse, the owner’s grandson wants nothing to do with her.
To settle the deal, they agree to compete in the Maple Falls Holiday games where the winner takes all, but when they start to feel a spark, will they be able to admit their feelings?
Why Kirsten loves it
This reminds me of a Hallmark Christmas movie. Big-time developer falls in love with a small town and the person who lives there. It’s everything I look for in a new romance Christmas book for 2023. #gifted
Find this book in: Christmas Books 2023 / Christmas Romances
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
Pride and Prejudice and Mistletoe
Author: Melissa De La Cruz
Year: 2017
Genre: Romance
Spice Rating:💋💋💋
Age Range: 18+
Plot
Darcy Fitzwilliam is a workaholic, while Luke Bennett is the boy she grew up next to in their hometown of Pemberly, Ohio. After avoiding Christmas for years, she’s back in town after her mother gets sick. When she and Luke spend the night together after her family’s annual Christmas party, she thinks it’s a one-night stand – but is it? As easy as it was to predict this Christmas romance story, there were a few surprises along the way.
Why Kirsten likes it
I picked up this book because I adore Pride and Prejudice and all things Jane Austen. I saw the Hallmark version first, but be warned, the movie and the book are nothing alike!
Find this book in: Christmas Romance Books / Pride and Prejudice Retellings
Emotional Chrismas Romance Novels for Book Clubs
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
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
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 / New Christmas Books of 2023 / Best Christmas Romances / Holiday Books / Best Christmas Books of All Time / Christmas Book Club Books
Helpful Tips
- If you are looking for a story to take out of the library, pick a backlist favorite! The holds will be much shorter.
- Many of these charming stories are excellent on audio!
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best Christmas romance novels?
This is entirely subjective, but based on my opinion and millions of other readers, I’d say In a Holidaze, A Royal Holiday, The Holiday Swap, and Always in December are popular choices.
What is the best Christmas romance book of 2024?
The Holiday Honeymoon Switch by Julia McKay and A Winter Wish by Emily Stone top my list this year.
Related Content
We LOVE to support independent bookstores. You can shop our list of Christmas Romance Books on bookshop.org
Epilogue
These are my favorite Christmas romance books ever! I’m always adding and changing the list though, so next year it might look entirely different. What Christmas romance books are you planning to read this year?
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