Holiday-themed Books for a Merry Christmas Reading List
Reading holiday-themed books during the Christmas season adds to the merriment! Here is our Christmas Reading List of new and old beloved fiction this holiday season.
We have linked to the books on Amazon for you to read more or for ease of purchase. Please note that as an Amazon affiliate, I will receive a small fee, which doesn’t increase the cost for you at all.
Current Hit Christmas Romances
Lovelight Farms by B. K. Borison
Two best friends fake date to reach their holiday happily ever after in this first romantic comedy in the Lovelight series.
This small-town Christmas tree farm romance is huge on Goodreads and TikTok.
Window Shopping by Tessa Bailey
An Opposites-Attract Christmas Romance with a Charming Twist from the Author of Wreck the Halls.
A grumpy/sunshine holiday rom-com set around a New York department store window display. Best of BookTok.
Tis the Season for Revenge by Morgan Elizabeth
Book 1 of 4: Season of Revenge Series
A high-heat revenge-turned-romance holiday story that has become a go‑to spicy Christmas read. Best of BookTok.
Once Upon a December by Amy E. Reichert
After a stinging divorce, Astra’s trip to the Milwaukee Christmas market takes on a whole new meaning. She’s ready to eat, drink, and be merry.
A little magical realism, a family bakery, and a one-of-a-kind Christmas market for readers looking for sweetness more than spice.
Book Club Christmas Fiction with Richer Plots
Christmas Shopaholic by Sophie Kinsella
A humorous, chaotic holiday novel about consumerism, family, and expectations that are oh-so-relatable.
The Christmas Bookshop by Jenny Colgan
A Heartwarming Holiday Romance Novel of Family Bonds, Unexpected Love, and a Charming Edinburgh Bookshop.
The sister dynamics and gentle romance make it a frequent Christmas book-club choice.
One Last Gift by Emily Stone
Sometimes the best gifts in life are the ones you don’t expect.
This novel and Love, Holly also by Emily Stone are emotional, grief-and-healing-centered Christmas novels recommended for readers who like to cry a little over the holidays.
The Christmas Lights by Karen Swan
The perfect winter’s day treat. A delicious tale full of drama and mystery, heartache and hope by Sunday Times bestseller Karen Swan.
A dual-timeline, darker festive read blending romance and suspense for readers wanting something less fluffy.
Perennial Christmas Classics
A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens
A beloved novella by Charles Dickens that tells the story of Ebenezer Scrooge, a miserly old man who despises Christmas and the joy it brings. On Christmas Eve, Scrooge is visited by three ghosts who take him on a journey through his past, present, and future where Scrooge learns the true meaning of Christmas.
The Autobiography of Santa Claus by Jeff Guinn
An enchanting holiday treasure, this “interview” with Santa delivers the definitive story of Santa Claus.
A fantasy “life story” of Santa that mixes legend and history, often recommended on adult Christmas reading lists.
Holidays on Ice by David Sedaris
Holidays on Ice collects six of David Sedaris’s most profound Christmas stories. It’s a darkly comic essay collection beloved by readers who like a more satirical take on the season.
Faith-based Christmas Reading List
Coming Home for Christmas by RaeAnne Thayne
This novel is repeatedly cited as a favorite “clean” small‑town Christmas romance.
Shepherds Abiding by Jan Karon
Millions of Americans have found Mitford to be a favorite home-away-from-home, and countless readers have long wondered what Christmas in Mitford would be like. This novel is frequently reread at Christmas for its gentle faith, community, and village Christmas preparations.
Want more? Review your Christmas novels in a Keepsake Reading Journal.
Just $9 for 9 Holiday book reviews in a gorgeous Christmas keepsake reading journal.
Available in PDF formats for tablets or to print.
Includes a bonus Christmas Adventure Notebook for 6 holiday events with pictures, souvenirs & notes. Also in digital and printable formats.
Also: sticker page for digital & printable in the same retro storybook art.
