The Best New Christmas Books for 2022
Every year I look forward to the newest Christmas novels because of the happy, festive stories they tell. I’m happy to report that the new Christmas books for 2022 are as good as in previous years!
There is a good mix of Christmas romance novels, Christmas book club books, and heartwarming Christmas stories about family. For the newest Christmas books, check out our Christmas book lists for adults!
The Best Christmas Books of 2022
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 Steamy Christmas Book of 2022
A Very Merry Bromance by Lyssa Kay Adams – Jump to section
The Best Fantasy Christmas Book of 2022
Just Like Magic by Sarah Hogle – Jump to section
The Best Emotional Christmas Book of 2022
Meet Me Under the Mistletoe by Jenny Bayliss – Jump to section
The Best YA Christmas Book of 2022
Whiteout by Various Authors – Jump to section
The Best Mystery Christmas Book of 2022
A Murder at Balmoral by Chris McGeorge – 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.
Steamy Christmas Romance Books for 2022
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:Â Christmas Books for 2022Â /Â Christmas Romance Books / Grumpy Sunshine Trope Books
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
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
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 2022Â / Best Christmas Romance Books
So This is Christmas
Author: Jenny Holiday
Year: 2022
Genre: Romance
More info: Christmas in Eldovia #3
Spice Rating:💋💋💋
Age Range: 18+
Plot
Matteo Benz is an equerry for the King of Eldovia and he’s a total type-A, ex-military man with a secret soft spot for helping others. He’s upset that Cara Delaney has been set to restructure the watch factory that’s Eldovia’s main source of income because it means she may have to lay off some employees. As they clash over the future of the factory and the country, the sparks fly.
Why Kirsten loves it
The final book in Jenny Holiday’s Christmas romance books set in Eldovia is here! I love that this time we finally got Matteo’s love story in my favorite magical winter wonderland kingdom.
Find this book in: Christmas Books for 2022
2022 Fantasy Christmas 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
Emotional Christmas Novels for Book Clubs in 2022
Meet Me Under the Mistletoe
Author: Jenny Bayliss
Year: 2022
Genre: Fiction
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 16+
Plot
Nory, a used bookstore owner, is back in her hometown staying in a castle for her posh friend’s wedding. Reunited after years apart, this group of high school friends have lots of secrets and shared memories. But during the week-long festivities, Nory is drawn to her former childhood nemesis, Isaac, who now runs the castle grounds and gardens.
Why Kirsten loves it
I thought this would just be a charming Christmas romance novel, but it deals with the fallout from one of the friends in their group who had committed suicide a few years prior. Mental health, adultery, and classism are just a few of the heavier topics discussed in this book. #gifted by Penguin Random House
Find this book in: Christmas Book Club Books / Christmas Books for 2022
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 / Reality TV Novels
Plot
Emily Stone’s last book was my favorite Christmas book of 2021, so I knew I would love her newest book. This story is heartbreaking as well, but not in the same way.
Cassie has relied on her brother, Tom, since they were orphaned when she was 5. Each year, Tom creates a Christmas scavenger hunt for her, but after a sudden accident kills Tom, Cassie is left bereaved and celebrating Christmas without him. Until she finds his final scavenger hunt. As she begins to solve the clues, her heart begins to heal, and love forms as well.
Why Kirsten loves it
This book is like the Christmas version of P.S. I Love You in the best possible way. I adored this Christmas romance novel about grief.
Find this book in: Fiction Books about Grief / Christmas Books for 2022 / Christmas Book Club Books / Emily Stone Books Ranked
A Winter Wedding at Willowtree Hall
Author: Alison Sherlock
Year: 2022
Genre: Romance
More info: Willow Tree Hall #3
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 16+
Plot
Will is back at Willowtree Hall after his recent tabloid scandal and loss of his job. He thinks he can move into the Willowtree Lodge he’s expecting to inherit until Skye shows up claiming she owns the Lodge too.
Soon Skye is being welcomed into the community and Will is catching feelings – even if he wants the Lodge for himself. As they work together to help Will’s older brother get the Christmas wedding of his dreams, their romance blooms in a delightful way.
Why Kirsten loves it
This charming story is being released as an audiobook this year and it’s a sweet Christmas romance book for 2022. #gifted by Saga
Find this book in: Christmas Books for 2022
YA Christmas Books for 2022
Whiteout
Author: Dhonielle Clayton, Tiffany B. Jackson, Nic Stone, Angie Thomas, Ashley Woodfolk, and Nicola Yoon
Year: 2022
Genre: YA Romance
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 13 – 17
Plot
This Young adult Christmas book, written by Dhonielle Clayton, Tiffany D. Jackson, Nic Stone, Angie Thomas, Ashley Woodfolk, and Nicola Yoon, is the perfect ya romance to read on a snowy winter day.
It’s set in Atlanta during a rare snowstorm, features multiple love stories set on the same night, and is interconnected when friends try to help their besties get back together.
Why Kirsten loves it
You know a book is going to be fire when this many heavy-hitting authors are involved. Each of these love stories swept me up and I loved the warm and fuzzy feelings this book gave me. Save this book to read before the fire when it snows and you won’t regret it!
Find this book in: YA Christmas Romance Books / Books with Color in the Title / Books Set in Winter / Short Stories
The Christmas Clash
Author: Suzanne Park
Year: 2022
Genre: YA Romance
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 16+
Plot
This YA story is about 2 enemies-turned-friends trying to save their respective parent’s restaurants from being evicted from the local mall during the holiday season. As the duo team up to save their parents and the other mall residents, sparks fly and they begin to fall in love. But can their budding relationship survive their parent’s feud and the impending closures?
Trigger Warnings
Racism
Why Kirsten loves it
I like that this story focused not just on Christmas, but on racism and other deep topics. Of course it all ends wrapped in a bow, but it’s important to get a little more depth in a teen romance.
Find this book in: YA Christmas Books / Christmas Books for 2022
Plot
Francie’s whole family works at the Hollydale Holiday Shop that her grandpa opened, but recently she’s been frustrated by all the changes her Aunt Carole has is making around the store. She’s recently become “Santa’s Intern” and her workload is piling up.
Add to that, the boys in her high school have been teasing her about the rumor that she’s a bad kisser. Soon, she’s plotting to save her family store from Aunt Carole. At the same time, she wants to rehabilitate her reputation with her peers and try to decipher her feelings for the classmate who works that Christmas tree lot across the street.
Why Kirsten loves it
The story was sweet and heartwarming – a perfect Christmas romance novel for any teens in your life!
Find this book in: YA Christmas Books / Christmas Books for 2022
2022 Mystery Christmas Books
Plot
This story is based on the premise that a different lineage has been atop the British throne. When the king drops dead from poisoning at Balmoral castle on Christmas day, the only people in the house are The King’s immediate family, the head of security, and the King’s personal chef.
Why Jackie loves it
This was a fun and quick murder mystery set at Christmas time. This who-dun-it is a fast, fun read that is perfect for the Christmas season.
Find this book in: Christmas Books for 2022 / Christmas Mystery Books / Best Cozy Mystery Books
More Christmas Books for 2022
Helpful Tips
- 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 2022?
If I can only choose three, I would pick One Last Gift by Emily Stone, Just Like Magic by Sarah Hogle, and A Very Merry Bromance by Lyssa Kay Adams.
What is the best Christmas book club book of 2022?
I love Meet Me Under the Mistletoe by Jenny Bayliss. There is so much to discuss in this story that it would make a great book club pick.
Related Content
We LOVE to support independent bookstores. You can shop our entire list of Christmas Books for 2022 on bookshop.org
Epilogue
These are the Christmas books I’ve read and recommend for this year. What Christmas novels are you planning to read this holiday season?
3 Comments