New Christmas Books 2024
Get ready for a festive holiday season with this new Christmas Books 2024 guide! Romance, Fiction, YA, Mystery – every genre is on this list of festive holiday novels.

Every year dozens of Christmas books are released, so read on below to get my thoughts on what is worth reading. Some of these stories even made it to my list of the best Christmas books of all time!
The Best Christmas Books of 2024
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 Christmas Romance of 2024
A Winter Wish by Emily Stone – Jump to section
The Best Fantasy Christmas Book of 2024
The Nightmare Before Kissmas by Sara Raasch – Jump to section
The Best Fiction Book of 2024
Kiss Me at Christmas by Jenny Baylis – Jump to section
The Best YA Christmas Book of 2024
Some Like it Cold by Elle McNicoll – Jump to section
The Best Christmas Mystery of 2024
The Most Wonderful Crime of the Year by Ally Carter – Jump to section
The Best Christmas Book like The Holiday of 2024
The Holiday Honeymoon Switch by Julia McKay – 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.
2024 Christmas Romance Books

A Winter Wish
Author: Emily Stone
Year: 2024
Genre: Romance
Spice Rating:đź’‹đź’‹đź’‹
Age Range: 18+
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

Christmas is All Around
Author: Martha Water
Year: 2024
Genre: Romance
Spice Rating:đź’‹đź’‹đź’‹
Age Range: 18+
Plot
Charlotte was a child actress who, at age nine, starred in the beloved Christmas movie “Christmas Truely.” She has since become an artist with no interest in acting but the fans are not happy about it- especially when a reprise of the film is axed after Charlotte refuses to be a part of it. To escape, she flees to the UK to visit her sister.
When she unknowingly finds herself back at the movie’s filming location (Eden Priory) and is accidentally left there, Graham, the son of the owners, gives her a ride back to London. She agrees to take a commission illustrating holiday movie scenes from iconic Christmas movies to stock in the Eden Priory gift shop. As she spends time with Graham going to and from the film locations, Charlotte might find that not everything about Christmas is bad.
Why Jackie loves it
This Christmas romance plays on the love people have for Christmas movies as well. I was rooting for Charlotte to find the joy that her sister has found, despite dysfunctional and self-centered parents.
Find this book in: New Christmas Books 2024

The Christmas Countdown
Author: Holly Cassidy
Year: 2024
Genre: Romance
Spice Rating:đź’‹đź’‹đź’‹
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

Evergreen Christmas
Author: Janet Dailey
Year: 2024
Genre: Romance
Spice Rating:đź’‹đź’‹
Age Range: 16+
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
The Belvedere siblings are all at a romantic Crossroads during the holiday season. Liz is a Hollywood showrunner who has a crush on the show’s star. Birdie is spending more time wooing than creating new material for her stand-up routine and Rafi proposes to his girlfriend in front of everyone only to be turned down. The three siblings head to their mother’s house in the Catskills to spend the holiday season and avoid their failures….but can they escape them?
Why Kirsten loves it
This queer romance was a holiday delight. It was filled with silly antics, love stories, and heartwarming moments.
Find this book in: New Christmas Books 2024

The Christmas Crush
Author: Noelle Douglas
Year: 2024
Genre: Romance
Spice Rating:đź’‹đź’‹đź’‹
Age Range: 18+
Plot
Elena works for a national cookie chain opening a store in New Hope, PA. Lawrence is the local baker, whose cookies are to-die-for but who is not very good at marketing them. Lawrence and Elena’s rivalry turns sugary sweet when they begin to fall for one another. But can they make their relationship work? Will they both be able to succeed? Or will one of them win the cookie wars by breaking the other’s heart?
Why Kirsten likes it
This sweet enemies-to-lovers romance was like a Hallmark movie in a book. It was entirely predictable but that’s just what I was in the mood for.
Find this book in: Bakery Romances / New Christmas Books 2024

Christmas with the Queen
Author: Hazel Gaynor and Heather Webb
Year: 2024
Genre: Historical Fiction
Spice Rating:đź’‹
Age Range: 16+
Plot
Set every Christmas starting in 1952, this book tells the story of Jack Deveraux (a chef) and Olive Carter (an aspiring BBC reporter). Old friends from the wartime days, Jack and Olive are reunited at Balmoral for Christmas where Jack is working in the kitchens and Olive is taking notes for an upcoming broadcast.
As their paths cross over various Christmases, the spark between them grows. But Olive is holding back a secret that could change Jack’s life forever.
Why Kirsten likes it
I loved the premise of this story, but a few of the Christmases seemed a little unnecessary. It was pleasant to check in on the friends – and the Queen – each year, but some of the years were filler because of the layout. Still, I liked how their love story progressed in a realistic timeline – I just wish Olive had been more communicative sooner.
Find this book in: Christmas Books 2024
Christmas Fantasy Novels for 2024

The Nightmare Before Kissmas
Author: Sara Raasch
Year: 2024
Genre: Fantasy Romance
More info: Royals and Romance #1
Spice Rating:đź’‹đź’‹đź’‹đź’‹
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

Christmas Eve Love Story
Author: Ginny Baird
Year: 2024
Genre: Holiday Fantasy Romance
Spice Rating:đź’‹
Age Range: 16+
Plot
Annie goes into work at Lawson’s Finest on Christmas Eve expecting a promotion – not to be told her job might be eliminated in the new year. She also wasn’t expecting her gorgeous window display to be destroyed by two dastardly kids, or for her run-in with the department store’s security guard to come to anything. After a terrible day, she just wants to celebrate Christmas in peace.
And then, she wakes up and has to do the whole day all over again. It’s a Groundhog Day type storyline that sees Annie making changes to her day to create a better outcome and herself out of the time loop! Can she do it? And what about her feelings towards Braden? Is he starting to remember her at all?
Why Kirsten loves it
This sweet romance was just adorable! I love how Annie and Braden’s relationship evolved. I adored the store’s Santa and the various secondary characters. My only complaint is that certain things got a little redundant at times.
Find this book in: Christmas Fantasy Books / New Christmas Books 2024 / Time Loop Books
Fiction Christmas Books 2024 for Adults

Kiss Me at Christmas
Author: Jenny Bayliss
Year: 2024
Genre: Fiction
Spice Rating:đź’‹đź’‹
Age Range: 18+
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 / Giftable Books

One Big Happy Family
Author: Susan Mallery
Year: 2024
Genre: Holiday Fiction
Spice Rating:đź’‹
Age Range: 16+
Plot
Julie Parker is excited to spend the holiday with her new younger boyfriend and skip a big family Christmas. But when her grown children decide they want to spend Christmas together at the family cabin, she knows she will have to introduce them to the man she has been hiding. Soon the guest list starts growing and so goes the drama. From exes to mother-in-laws and even some unexpected kids, the house gets fuller with each passing day and secrets can’t stay hidden with so many people lurking around.
Why Kirsten loves it
Here’s the thing about miscommunication book tropes, I usually hate them! But I was so refreshed by how the conversations in this book were all so adult. Differences were worked out, if someone did something that mistakenly hurt another it was talked out with grace, and secrets weren’t kept for malicious or stupid reasons!
In addition, the holiday antics of the whole crew put me in the Christmas spirit and I loved each new guest that arrived and was folded in. My only complaint is that I wish I could have actually been part of this big blended family.
Find this book in: New Christmas Books 2024 / Giftable Books

A Home for the Holidays
Author: Taylor Hahn
Year: 2024
Genre: Fiction
Spice Rating:đź’‹đź’‹
Age Range: 18+
Plot
This holiday fiction looks at grief, addiction, and motherhood. Mel loses her mother two weeks before Christmas, a special time of year for the two of them. When her mom’s estranged best friend, Barb, shows up on her doorstep, Mel learns about a side of her mother she never knew.
As Mel spends time with Barb and her family, she examines her complicated grief about her mother’s passing, begins to evaluate her own dreams of being a singer, and tries to get justice for a wrong done to her mother. All this comes with a side of Christmas spirit and a dash of romance as well.
Trigger Warnings
Loss of a Parent, Alchololism
Why Kirsten loves it
I wasn’t sure what to expect from this gritty Christmas novel, but I loved that it focused on complex grief. It’s important to acknowledge that sometimes the holidays aren’t merry & bright, parents aren’t always the best role models, and you can still change your life and right past wrongs at any age. This would be a great one for book clubs to discuss.
Find this book in: Christmas Book Club Books / New Christmas Books 2024

The Merry Matchmaker
Author: Sheila Roberts
Year: 2024
Genre: Holiday Fiction
Spice Rating:đź’‹
Age Range: 16+
Plot
This holiday romance is a retelling of Jane Austen’s Emma! Frankie Lane is a 50-year-old widow who knows what is best for everyone but herself. She tries to set up her employees, meddles in her daughter’s life, and battles her frienemy for control of the town holiday committee. And then there is Mitch, a divorcee who needs his perfect match – at least according to Frankie.
Why Kirsten loves it
I’m not typically an Emma lover, because I find her meddling to be self-serving in the original story. I was expecting to feel the same about Frankie, but I was pleasantly surprised by her motivations really being based on love – even if they weren’t warranted. The holiday spin heightened my enjoyment!
Find this book in: New Christmas Books 2024

The December Market
Author: RaeAnne Thayne
Year: 2024
Genre: Fiction
More info: Shelter Springs #2
Spice Rating:đź’‹
Age Range: 16+
Plot
Amanda runs the town Christmas market despite not loving the holiday season. It reminds her of the death of her fiance years prior. So instead of celebrating, she throws herself into making the market successful. Meanwhile, firefighter Rafe is the paramedic assigned to work the fair after a broken arm relieves him of other duties.
Rafe is a single dad, not looking for romance, whose grandfather is now dating Amanda’s grandmother – which does not please Amanda one bit. Can they get along at the holiday market?
Trigger Warnings
Addiction
Why Kirsten loves it
This story reminded me of Virgin River and Sweet Magnolias with all it’s small-town charm, large cast of characters, and deep history linking it to other books in the series (and previous Thayne series.) It works as a standalone – speaking as someone who has never read another Thayne book – but I did find all the stories from previous books very compelling too! It was festive and fun and made me want to look into the backstories.
Find this book in: New Christmas Books 2024

The Christmas You Found Me
Author: Sarah Morgenthaler
Year: 2023
Genre: Fiction
More info: Heart of the Wilderness #1
Spice Rating:đź’‹đź’‹
Age Range: 16+
Plot
When Sienna’s best friend jokingly puts a husband-wanted ad in the local paper, Guy shows up in a desperate attempt to get on Sienna’s health insurance plan and keep his 4-year-old daughter on the kidney transplant list.
As Sienna warms up to Emma and Guy living with her on her cattle ranch, she finds happiness she didn’t know she could see again.
Trigger Warnings
Chronic illness
Why Kirsten loves it
I got tears in my eyes during the scenes where Emma was particularly sick or struggling with her illness. But in true Hallmark movie style, I smiled through my tears.
Find this book in: New Christmas Books 2024
2024 YA Christmas Books

Some Like it Cold
Author: Elle McNicoll
Year: 2024
Genre: YA Romance
Spice Rating:đź’‹
Age Range: 16+
Plot
Jasper has arrived home from college for the holidays and to see her sister get married. Being back in town stirs up a lot of feelings and some unresolved issues stemming from how long she’s had to mask her autism and play the role of the perfect daughter. Meanwhile, Arthur, her arch-nemesis, is filming the leadup to her sister’s nuptials for a film competition.
Why Kirsten loves it
I loved being inside Jasper’s head and learning more about how she views the world. It was incredibly eye-opening to understand the autistic experience firsthand from Jasper’s (and Elle’s) perspective. I wanted to throttle her family quite a few times, but I did fall in love with Lake Pristine and it’s townspeople.
Find this book in: YA Christmas Books / New Christmas Books 2024

Plot
Molly has hated Christmas since her parents put her in their Christmas music video dressed as an elf as a young child. They continue to be Christmas enthusiasts while she tries to hide from the spotlight. When their hit song (the one that made her infamous) is selected to be the main theme of the hottest new Christmas movie, she’s required to show up for lots of star-studded events – where it is proving harder and harder to keep her identity as Elf girl a secret.
When she meets a handsome boy also working on the production, she’s torn between being herself and staying in the shadows.
Why Kirsten likes it
This was funny and silly, and at times a little too juvenile, but I still thought it was quite fun! It’s clear that it’s written for a teen audience and I think every teen romance lover will adore it.
Find this book in: YA Christmas Books / New Christmas Books 2024
2024 Christmas Mysteries and Thrillers

The Most Wonderful Crime of the Year
Author: Ally Carter
Year: 2024
Genre: Mystery Romance
Spice Rating:đź’‹đź’‹
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 / Best Cozy Mystery Books / Giftable Books / The Best Books of 2024 / Romance Books About Books

The Mistletoe Mystery
Author: Nita Prose
Year: 2024
Genre: Mystery Short Story
More info: Part of The Maid series
Age Range: 14+
Plot
Molly loves Christmas ever since her Gran made it so special every year. Now, she is living with her beloved boyfriend Juan Manuel and he tries to make Christmas just as special for her as when her Gran was alive. But Juan Manuel is acting strange and Molly has trouble reading social cues. What is really going on with him and will she have a merry Christmas?
Why Jackie loves it
This was such a sweet Christmas novella and while, as the reader, I was not surprised, I felt for Molly as she blundered her way through the season trying not to self-destruct.
Find this book in: New Christmas Books for 2024 / Christmas Mystery Books / October 2024 Most Anticipated New Releases

Plot
It’s Christmas time and Edie O’Sullivan is as crotchety as ever when it comes to the holiday season. Renowned for her puzzle-making and doing skills, she is intrigued by a mysterious jigsaw that arrives at her front door. It claims that if she doesn’t figure out the mystery, multiple murders will take place this holiday season.
Soon, she’s working with her nephew, DI Sean Brand-O’Sullivan to solve the case and stop the murders. But she isn’t being entirely honest with Sean because the jigsaw is hitting a little too close to home!
Why Kirsten loves it
I was on the edge of my seat as I tried to figure out who was behind the killings and why! I would love to see the book’s jigsaw puzzle come to life. That would be soo cool!
Find this book in: Christmas Mystery Books / New Christmas Books 2024

You Better Watch Out
Author: James S. Murray and Darren Wearmouth
Year: 2024
Genre: Horror Thriller
Age Range: 18+
Plot
Two days before Christmas, six strangers wake up in a deserted town unsure of how to get there or how to get out. Then, one by one, they start to get murdered. They’ve fallen into the hands of a sinister person who has meticulously planned their deaths. Can they get out alive, or will this be their last Christmas?
Trigger Warnings
Graphic Depiction of Murder
Why Kirsten loves it
I’ve never read a Christmas story like this one! It was terrifying and gruesome and so clever – and that ending! My mouth was on the floor!
Find this book in: Serial Killer Books / Christmas Mystery Books / New Christmas Books 2024
2024 Christmas Books like The Holiday

The Holiday Honeymoon Switch
Author: Julia McKay
Year: 2024
Genre: Genre
Spice Rating:đź’‹đź’‹
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 fiancĂ© 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

I’ll Be Gone for Christmas
Author: Georgia K. Boone
Year: 2024
Genre: Romance
Spice Rating:đź’‹
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

The Most Wonderful Time
Author: Jayne Allen
Year: 2024
Genre: Holiday Romance
Spice Rating:đź’‹đź’‹
Age Range: 18+
Plot
Ramona, from Chicago, is struggling with the recent ending of her engagement – specifically that she hasn’t told her parents the news. Chelsea lives on the beach in Malibu and has been unable to get over the loss of her parents.
They swap houses for the week leading up to Christmas so each can have a reset. Along the way, they have romances that help reset their hearts and they both find what they need to move forward in life.
Why Kirsten loves it
I’m a sucker for anything that reminds me of The Holiday and this story fills that role quite well. Not just a romance, this book deals with grief (in Chelsea’s chapters) and racism (which Ramona, a black woman, encounters in Malibu.) This is a story worth discussing with your book club!
Find this book in: New Christmas Books 2024
Helpful Tips
- I make this list early every year to help with library holds! Since they are new, these stories will be the most popular this year – so make sure you get your holds in early!
- I adore using picture books as holiday decor, but you can easily use adult stories as well! Many of these covers will look great displayed on a fireplace mantel.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best new Christmas romance books of 2024?
The Holiday Honeymoon Switch, A Winter Wish, and The Christmas Countdown are all great choices!
What is the best Christmas book for 2024?
I Loved The Most Wonderful Crime of the Year by Ally Carter. It brought me so much joy while reading it!
Epilogue
Those are all my favorite new Christmas Books for 2024! If I read any more that are worth adding, I’ll be sure to update the list. Which of these holiday stories do you most want to read?

The Best Christmas Books Of All Time
If you like the 2024 Christmas Books, look at our list of the best Christmas books ever!