Fantasy Christmas Books
While magic is often associated with the Christmas season, it’s usually the Santa Claus of it all. But in recent years, the publishing world has exploded with fantasy Christmas books. From classic retellings to sweet romances, the selections below bring a sprinkle of holiday cheer to your reading list.
Christina Lauren’s In a Holidaze blew my mind. A Christmas romance with a fun magical update? Yes, please! As I ventured more into the world of holiday fantasy stories, I realized its’ a sub-genre I’ve come to really appreciate. Many of these stories are some of my favorites on our best Christmas books of all time round-up.
I think it’s because the season is already magical, so adding real magical elements to a story set during the Christmas holidays doesn’t feel like such a stretch.
I’ve even started to gravitate towards high fantasy Christmas novels, I genre I didn’t even know existed until recently (but if you are interested, you must check out The Nightmare Before Kissmas by Sara Raasch.)
Enjoy the list below and let me know if your favorite Christmas fantasy novel made the cut!
The Best Christmas Fantasy 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 High Fantasy Christmas Book
The Nightmare Before Kissmas by Sara Raasch – Jump to section
Best Christmas Fantasy Retelling
The Afterlife of Holly Chase by Cynthia Hand – Jump to section
The Best Time Loop Christmas
In a Holidaze by Christian Lauren – Jump to section
Best Christmas Fantasy Romance
Just Like Magic by Sarah Hogle – 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.
High Fantasy Christmas 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
A Court of Frost and Starlight
Author: Sarah J. Maas
Year: 2018
Genre: Fantasy
More info: A Court of Thorn and Roses #3.5
Spice Rating:💋💋💋💋
Age Range: 18+
Plot
This short novel bridges the gap between the #ACOTAR trilogy and the next books set in the same universe. It has us catching up with all of our favorite characters during the Winter Solstice.
Why Kirsten loves it
This holiday book is cute and fun with no real plot – just some stage setting for the next book. Think of it as an extended epilogue to A Court of Wings and Ruins.
Find this book in: Fantasy Christmas Books / Best Holiday Books / Sarah J Maas Books in Order
Fantasy Christmas Classic Retellings
Plot
This YA book was quite clever as a modern retelling of Dicken’s classic. 17-year-old Holly was visited by the ghosts of Christmas because she was a total scrooge. But she woke up unaffected by the visit and died shortly thereafter. Now she has to work for Operation Scrooge as she tries to help other poor scrooges like herself.
She’s been the ghost of Christmas past for 5 years now but this year is different…this year something changes…and it might just be her!
Why Kirsten loves it
This paranormal book is such a great read for teens looking to be exposed to Dicken’s classic in a more modern setting.
Find this book in: Classic Book Retellings / Ghost Books / YA Christmas Books / Fantasy Christmas Books
Plot
This new Christmas book for 2023 is a retelling of the Nutcracker. It’s told from Clara’s sister Natasha’s perspective. Set against the backdrop of the Russian Revolution, this story pulls back layers of the story far beyond the known ballet.
Two sisters, Natasha and Clara, are cursed from birth by their godfather, the sorcerer Drosselmeyer. While Clara thrives, Natasha lives in her sister’s shadow until one Christmas Eve when she’s given the chance for revenge. With the arrival of the enchanted Nutcracker and entry into the Kingdom of Sweets, Natasha faces a choice between earthly and magical forces, unveiling her true destiny in this tale of light and dark.
Why Kirsten loves it
This fantasy story is unlike any other Christmas tale, but beware that it’s no romance. It’s a dark story that does not give off sweet Christmas vibes.
Find this book in: Fantasy Christmas Books / New Christmas Books of 2023
Time Loop 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
Through the Snowglobe
Author: Annie Rains
Year: 2023
Genre: Adult Fantasy Romance
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 18+
Plot
This new Christmas book for 2023 is essentially Groundhog Day set at Christmas time! After Diana’s fiance has a car accident he’s in a coma. That same day, she lost out on a job opportunity she wanted.
Now, she’s gifted a magical snow globe that will allow her to repeat that fateful day over again. And she does, over and over and over. Can she figure out how to save the man she loves and get her life back on track?
Why Kirsten loves it
This was such a sweet Christmas book for 2023. It’s a great one for those who love It’s a Wonderful Life! #gifted
Find this book in: Christmas Books 2023 / Time Loop Books / Fantasy Christmas Books
Fantasy Christmas Romances
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
Helpful Tips
- When it comes to reading Christmas fantasy books, I’d recommend you suspend reality and just lean into the crazy scenarios – like a time loop or Christmas ghosts.
- It goes without saying that these books pair best with gingerbread cookies and hot cocoa.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some fantasy novels or series to read for the winter or Christmas season?
When it comes to fantasy novels for Christmas, you can’t go wrong with In a Holidaze, Just like Magic, and The Afterlife of Holly Chase.
Do high fantasy Christmas novels exist?
Yes! If you are looking for high fantasy, check out The Nightmare Before Kissmas and A Court of Frost and Starlight.
Related Content
Epilogue
Clearly, I’ve come to love a good fantasy Christmas novel. But I’m sure there are others that I don’t even know about yet. Let me know below which holiday fantasy books help you lean into the Christmas spirit!
The Best Holiday Books
If you enjoy Christmas fantasy books, take a look at the best Holiday books of all time. You might find more books to add to your TBR!
