Best New Christmas Books of 2023

It’s time for our annual list of the best new Christmas books of 2023! This list is always filled to the brim with stories to get you in the holiday mood.

New christmas books of 2023

Below you will find Christmas books to make you cry, warm your heart, start you in a fit of giggles, or put your sleuthing skills to good use. Some may do more than one of those!

Whichever kind of new Christmas books you are looking for, you’ll find below. Be sure to let me know which is your favorite!

The Best New Christmas Books of 2023

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 Fiction Christmas Books of 2023

A Winter in New York

Author: Josie Silver

Year: 2023

Genre: Romance

More info:POPSUGAR Best Book of the Year

Spice Rating:đź’‹đź’‹

Age Range: 18+

In this sweet holiday romance book, Iris uncovers a hidden family recipe, falls in love, and learns the power of mouthwatering gelato. Set against the backdrop of New York City from Halloween to NYE, this romance book covers more than just love.

It’s a story that includes uncovering new layers of a deceased parent, recovering from an emotionally abusive relationship, single parenthood, and family ties.

Emotional Abuse, Death of a Parent

With secrets, romance, and a dash of culinary magic, this charming tale will leave you craving for more. My only complaint is that Iris kept the secret for a little too long. #gifted by Delacorte Press

Find this book in: Best Holiday Books / Best New Christmas Books of 2023 / New Year’s Eve Books

The Wake Up Call

Author: Beth O’Leary

Year: 2023

Genre: Fiction

Spice Rating:đź’‹

Age Range: 16+

In this delightful romantic comedy, rival hotel receptionists Izzy and Lucas must set aside their differences and work together when they stumble upon a collection of lost wedding rings.

As they compete to return the rings and save their struggling hotel, their rivalry transforms into a love story that might mend more than just the business.

While set over the busy holiday season, this hotel book isn’t too heavy on the Christmas backdrop. This is one of the new Christmas books of 2023 that could be read any time of year! #gifted

Find this book in: New Christmas Books of 2023 / Hotel Novels

Bright Lights Big Christmas

Author: Mary Kay Andrews

Year: 2023

Genre: Fiction

Spice Rating:đź’‹

Age Range: 16+

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.

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

Romance Christmas Books 2023

Three Holidays and a Wedding

Author: Uzma Jalaluddin & Marissa Stapley

Year: 2023

Genre: Holiday Romance

Spice Rating:đź’‹đź’‹đź’‹

Age Range: 18+

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.

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

along came holly

Author: Codi Hall

Year: 2023

Genre: Romance

More info: Mistletoe Romance #3

Spice Rating:đź’‹đź’‹đź’‹đź’‹

Age Range: 18+

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.

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

Starting over scottish

Author: Tricia O’Malley

Year: 2023

Genre: Romance

Spice Rating:đź’‹đź’‹đź’‹đź’‹

Age Range: 18+

Harper wants to start over, so she books a stay in a Scottish town that includes getting to run a local pub.

Unbeknownst to her, the owner of the flat has died leaving his surly, though handsome, grandson with the deed to her lease. She refuses to go home, he is convinced to let her stay and reopen his grandpa’s pub.. and well… I think we know where this one ends.

This is a STEAMY new Christmas book that’s perfect for the grumpy sunshine lovers out there. It’s filled with charming descriptions of Christmas in Scotland and a few sexy scenes. It’s more a novella than a book, so it’s a perfect one-sitting read! #gifted

Find this book in: Christmas Books 2023 

The Christmas Wager

Author: Holly Cassidy

Year: 2023

Genre: Romance

Spice Rating:đź’‹đź’‹đź’‹

Age Range: 18+

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?

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

Wrapped With a Beau

Author: Lillie Vale

Year: 2023

Genre: Romance

Spice Rating:đź’‹đź’‹đź’‹đź’‹

Age Range: 18+

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.

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

The Ex Mas Holidays

Author: Zoe Allison

Year: 2023

Genre: Romance

Spice Rating:đź’‹đź’‹đź’‹

Age Range: 18+

When Maya bumps into her ex, Sam, at a holiday party, she never imagined she would see him again and certainly not naked and serving drinks. Maya is moving home after a breakup with her live-in boyfriend and the timing could not be more awkward.

She also never expected that they would end up working together in the Scottish Highlands as ski instructors. As they begin to spend more time together, they realize some things about their past- was their breakup a huge misunderstanding? Will Maya work up the courage to tell her father that his dreams are not her dreams?

This adorable pick will make you want to hop on a plane to Scotland.

Find this book inChristmas Books 2023 / Books Set in Scotland

Wreck the Halls

Author: Tessa Bailey

Year: 2023

Genre: Romance

Spice Rating:đź’‹đź’‹đź’‹đź’‹

Age Range: 18+

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

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

Mystery Christmas Books 2023

the christmas appeal

Author: Janice Hallett

Year: 2023

Genre: Mystery

More info: The Appeal #2

Age Range: 14+

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.

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 / Christmas Mystery Books / Janice Hallett Books in Order

murder on the christmas

Author: Alexandra Benedict

Year: 2023

Genre: Mystery

Age Range: 16+

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.

Rape, Domestic Violence

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

the takedown

Author: Carlie Walker

Year: 2023

Genre: Rom-Com Thriller

Spice Rating:đź’‹đź’‹đź’‹

Age Range: 18+

Sydney Swift is a CIA agent who has not been home for Christmas in three years. Now, Syney’s sister is engaged to Johnny Jones who happens to be part of an organized crime family and Sydney is the perfect choice to go undercover.

Only this time, she is going to work with the FBI! Now Sydney has to brave family and the holidays while taking Johnny down before her sister is lost forever into a crime family. The fact that his bodyguard and best friend is an insanely good-looking guy is just a complication to the situation.

This is a hilarious new Christmas book sure to make you laugh out loud.

Find this book in: Christmas Books of 2023 / Books about Con Artists and Thieves

2023 Christmas Books for Book Clubs

a december to remember

Author: Jenny Bayliss

Year: 2023

Genre: Fiction

Spice Rating:đź’‹

Age Range: 16+

Jenny Bayliss is back with an exciting holiday book about the Winter Solstice. When Simone, Maggie, and Star, half-sisters with different moms, find out their father has died they also learn that to receive their inheritance, they must first solve a scavenger hunt and then relaunch the town’s Winter Solstice celebration.

The sisters don’t have a relationship outside of the one month each summer they all spend together with their father. Now, they are forced to work together and rebuild their sisterly bond.

Each sister is also working through something. One is a single mom facing eviction. One is struggling with infertility. And one is a bit adrift and trying to start over and settle down.

I adored this holiday book about love and reconnection during the holiday season. It’s probably my favorite Christmas book for 2023. #gifted

Find this book in: Best Holiday Books / Christmas Books of 2023 / Christmas Book Club Books

the christmas orphans club

Author: Becca Freeman

Year: 2023

Genre: Fiction

Spice Rating:đź’‹

Age Range: 16+

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?

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 

love holly

Author: Emily Stone

Year: 2023

Genre: Fiction / Romance

Spice Rating:đź’‹đź’‹

Age Range: 18+

Holly joins a letter-writing program for people alone at Christmas. When she meets elderly Emma through the letter, she goes on a mission to connect Emma with her family.

Along the way, she meets Jack whom she had a connection with the year she separated from her family. As their lives intercept, Holly needs to decide how truthful to be and how soon into their budding relationship.

Like every Emily Stone book, her newest Christmas book will have you crying as well! #gifted by Penguin Random House Audio

Find this book in: Christmas Books 2023 / Emily Stone Books Ranked

Sweet Christmas Books 2023

The Christmas Cafe

Author: Eliza Evans

Year: 2023

Genre: Romance

Spice Rating:đź’‹

Age Range: 16+

Join Sylvie, the clumsy baker with a heart of gold, as she fights to save her beloved Christmas CafĂ© with the help of her mischievous pup, Crumpet. Her plan? To get the new Christmas movie to film in the cafĂ©! But she didn’t count on the insane demand after the movie’s star posts about the bakery. And she certainly didn’t expect to be caught in a love triangle!

This whimsical tale is a wonderful Christmas romance with romance, festive shenanigans, and delicious treats. #gifted by Putnam

Find this book in: Christmas Books 2023 / Bakery Romances

The holiday mix up

Author: Ginny Baird

Year: 2023

Genre: Romance

Spice Rating:đź’‹đź’‹

Age Range: 18+

Katie has been smitten with Juan since she started serving him at the cafe months ago – so when he asks her to be his fake girlfriend for Christmas, she’s thrilled.

Until he gets hit by a van and is put into a coma – after he’s announced he’s got a girlfriend to his family. Reluctant to tell Juan’s secret, Katie is welcomed by the Martinez family. As she keeps up the rouse, she learns about their struggling winery and begins developing feelings for Juan’s brother, Mateo.

This charming romance reminds me of While You Were Sleeping. #gifted

Find this book in: Christmas Books 2023 / Fiction Books About Wine

Midnight at the Chritsmas Bookshop

Author: Jenny Colgan

Year: 2023

Genre: Fiction

More info: The Christmas Bookshop #2

Spice Rating:đź’‹

Age Range: 16+

This Christmas book is the sequel to The Christmas Book Shop, a New York Times bestseller from Jenny Cogan. Once again, the story takes place at Edinburgh bookstore run by Carmen and her flighty boss. This time around, Carmen needs a new living arrangement and is broken up with Oke. She’s also angry with her sister for forcing her our of her guest room and trying, once again to keep the bookstore afloat despite outside forces.

This particular sequel wasn’t my favorite though. It had all the same characters as the first story, but while the setting was still just as enchanting, I didn’t love the characters as much this time around. Oke was barely in it, Carmen was infantile, but the new “stacks” of the bookstore and Carmen’s new living situation were wonderfully described. Plus I loved the quest to save the bookstore once again. #gifted

Find this book in: Jenny Colgan Books / New Christmas Books of 2023

Fantasy Christmas Books 2023

through the snowglobe

Author: Annie Rains

Year: 2023

Genre: Adult Fantasy Romance

Spice Rating:đź’‹

Age Range: 18+

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?

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

the kingdom of sweets

Author: Erika Johansen

Year: 2023

Genre: Historical Fantasy

Age Range: 16+

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.

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 / Books with Food in the Title

More 2023 Christmas Book Releases

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  • If you are a library patron, it’s easier to get backlist picks for the Christmas season. The Hold times won’t be nearly as long as the newer releases.
  • Looking to host a Christmas book club? I have a guide filled with holiday book club ideas for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best Christmas books of 2023?

If I can only choose three, I would pick A December to Remember by Jenny Bayliss, The Christmas Orphan’s Club by Becca Freeman, and Three Holidays and a Wedding by Uzma Jalaluddin & Marissa Stapley.

What is the best Christmas book club book of 2023?

I love A December to Remember by Jenny Bayliss. There is so much to discuss in this story that it would make a great book club pick.

Epilogue

These are the Christmas books I’ve read and recommend for this year. Which of the new Christmas books of 2023 do you want to read the most?

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