I don’t know about you, but Christmas is my absolute favorite time to read. There’s something magical about the season that makes every story feel cozier, every romance sweeter, and every mystery more thrilling. So, my fellow bookworms, consider this your holiday reading guide—handpicked, warm-hearted, and ready to make your Christmas merrier. From classic tales to fresh new reads, I’ve rounded up a list of Christmas books that’ll transport you straight into the heart of the holiday season. Ready to turn the page on holiday magic? Let’s go! 🎅✨
15 Christmas Books to Read at Christmas: A Cozy and Merry Collection
There’s something truly magical about reading at Christmastime. The twinkling lights, the scent of pine trees, the soft flicker of candlelight—everything feels cozier with a good book in hand. Whether you’re in the mood for holiday romance, a heartwarming family story, or something a little spooky, I’ve got the perfect list for you. Grab your favorite holiday beverage, snuggle up in a blanket, and let’s read these 15 books that are sure to make your Christmas reading extra special!
1. “A Christmas Carol” by Charles Dickens
📖 Goodreads Rating: 4.23/5
Tropes: Redemption, Ghosts of Christmas, Self-Discovery.
No Christmas book list would be complete without this timeless classic. Ebenezer Scrooge, the miserly old man who despises Christmas, is visited by three ghosts—each showing him different aspects of his life and the impact of his choices. Can Scrooge change his ways before it’s too late?
🎄 Why It’s a Must-Read:
I mean, it’s A Christmas Carol. Do I really need to say more? This novella has everything: ghosts, redemption, and a heartwarming finale that reminds us of the true meaning of Christmas—kindness, generosity, and compassion.
💡 Personal Take: I’ve read this story so many times, and every time I do, it still gets me. Dickens’ way with words is like a warm hug, and I always feel like I’ve learned something new about myself (and Christmas!) by the end.
2. “The Polar Express” by Chris Van Allsburg
📖 Goodreads Rating: 4.27/5
Tropes: Magic, belief, Christmas adventure.
A young boy climbs aboard the magical Polar Express on Christmas Eve, traveling to the North Pole to meet Santa. It’s a story of wonder, imagination, and belief—one that has enchanted children (and adults!) for generations.
🚂 Why You’ll Love It:
The illustrations in this book are mesmerizing—each page is like a little piece of Christmas magic. It’s a book that reminds us of the power of belief and the thrill of childhood wonder.
🎄 Personal Take: Every Christmas Eve, I read this book to my kids (and even my dog loves to listen!). It’s become a family tradition, and the moment we close the book, I always feel like I’m stepping into a magical world.
3. “The Snowman” by Raymond Briggs
📖 Goodreads Rating: 4.32/5
Tropes: Christmas Magic, Adventure, Friendship.
The beloved wordless picture book that tells the story of a young boy who builds a snowman that comes to life. Together, they embark on an unforgettable adventure.
☃️ Why It’s a Heartwarming Read:
The story is so simple but incredibly powerful. The lack of words makes the illustrations speak volumes, and the tender bond between the boy and the snowman captures the essence of childhood magic and wonder.
💭 Personal Take: I clearly remember reading this as a child and just being swept away. There’s something timeless about this story—whether you’re young or old, it’s hard not to feel a little misty-eyed at the end.
4. “The Christmas Wish” by Richard Siddoway
📖 Goodreads Rating: 4.18/5
Tropes: Magical realism, wishes, family.
In this story, a little girl named Marnie wishes for the return of her father, who has been gone for years. As Christmas approaches, the line between wishful thinking and reality starts to blur.
🌟 Why It’s Special:
This book has a little bit of magic, a little bit of sadness, and a whole lot of heart. It beautifully explores the themes of family, longing, and the power of Christmas wishes.
💖 Personal Take: This one gave me all the feels. It’s a story about hope and how sometimes, the things we wish for don’t come in the ways we expect—but they’re still worth wishing for.
5. “The Christmas Chronicles” by Tim Slover
📖 Goodreads Rating: 4.09/5
Tropes: Christmas adventure, family bonding, holiday spirit.
The Christmas Chronicles weaves together the story of a girl named Holly and her brother, who goes on a holiday adventure after discovering Santa Claus’ workshop.
🎅 Why You’ll Be Hooked:
This book blends excitement, humor, and holiday magic in the best way possible. It’s a Christmas adventure with heart, perfect for young readers (and young-at-heart adults).
🎄 Personal Take: It’s a fun, fast-paced read that made me feel like I was a kid again, eagerly awaiting Christmas morning and all the magic it holds.
6. “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever” by Barbara Robinson
📖 Goodreads Rating: 4.19/5
Tropes: Misfit children, Christmas pageant, heartwarming lessons.
This hilarious and heartwarming story revolves around the Herdman kids, the town’s troublemakers, who end up in the church’s Christmas pageant. They bring chaos, but also something truly special to the performance.
🎭 Why It’s Hilarious and Heartfelt:
Robinson’s writing is sharp and witty, and the humor in this book will have kids and adults laughing out loud. But beyond the laughter, there’s a beautiful message about acceptance, kindness, and the true meaning of Christmas.
❤️ Personal Take: This book was a staple in my childhood, and every year, I remember how the pageant turned out—it’s one of those stories that sticks with you long after the last page is turned.
7. “Let It Snow” by John Green, Maureen Johnson, and Lauren Myracle
📖 Goodreads Rating: 3.98/5
Tropes: Holiday romance, small town, winter magic.
Three interconnected stories about love, friendship, and holiday magic. Set in a small town during a snowstorm, this YA Christmas anthology is full of heart, humor, and a little bit of drama.
❄️ Why It’s Perfect for Teens:
If you love a good holiday romance, this one is for you! The characters are sweet, funny, and relatable, and the snowstorm backdrop creates the perfect setting for sparks to fly.
💘 Personal Take: This book made me feel all the warm fuzzies— the right amount of romance and sweetness. It’s perfect for cozying up by the fire on a cold December night.
8. “Hercule Poirot’s Christmas” by Agatha Christie
📖 Goodreads Rating: 4.11/5
Tropes: Christmas mystery, detective fiction, whodunit.
If you’re in the mood for something a little more mysterious this Christmas, this classic Agatha Christie novel is perfect. Hercule Poirot is called in to solve a murder on Christmas Eve, and the drama unfolds as only Christie can deliver.
🕵️♂️ Why It’s Perfect for Mystery Lovers:
Christie’s mastery of suspense and intricate plots is on full display here. It’s a gripping read that will keep you guessing—and what better time to read a cozy, holiday whodunit than Christmas?
💼 Personal Take: I love mysteries, and Christie’s ability to craft a perfect puzzle always leaves me in awe. The Christmas setting adds a lovely seasonal touch, but the suspense will keep you hooked until the very last page.
9. “Little Women” by Louisa May Alcott
📖 Goodreads Rating: 4.09/5
Tropes: Family bonds, coming of age, holiday spirit.
While not strictly a “Christmas book,” Little Women is filled with Christmas moments that have become iconic, especially the story of how the March sisters spend Christmas without presents and make the best of a tough situation.
👭 Why It’s a Classic:
This is a book about love, sacrifice, and growing up—and it’s perfect for the holidays because it reminds us of the importance of family. The Christmas scenes are particularly poignant and heartwarming.
💝 Personal Take: Every time I read Little Women, I fall in love with the March sisters all over again. It’s a timeless reminder of what truly matters in life—family, love, and giving.
10. “The Nutcracker” by E.T.A. Hoffmann
📖 Goodreads Rating: 4.11/5
Tropes: Christmas fantasy, magical adventure, coming-of-age.
A little girl named Clara receives a magical Nutcracker for Christmas and is whisked away on a magical adventure to a world of sweets and enchanted creatures.
🍬 Why You’ll Love It:
This classic tale has been adapted into countless movies and ballets, but the original story is magical. It’s full of adventure, magic, and of course, holiday spirit.
🎄 Personal Take: Reading this story always makes me feel like I’m a kid again, swept up in the magic of Christmas. Plus, it pairs perfectly with a hot cup of cocoa!
11. “The Christmas Train” by David Baldacci
📖 Goodreads Rating: 4.09/5
Tropes: Christmas romance, holiday adventure, second chances.
A former journalist, now down on his luck, boards a cross-country train ride during the holiday season. Along the way, he meets a quirky cast of characters and discovers that Christmas miracles can happen when you least expect them.
🚂 Why It’s a Feel-Good Read:
The setting—a train traveling across the snowy landscape—is so atmospheric, and the characters are endearing. It’s the mix of romance, nostalgia, and holiday cheer.
❤️ Personal Take: I love the heartwarming stories of second chances, and this one delivers just that. Plus, trains + Christmas? A total win in my book.
12. “The Christmas Fix” by Lucy Score
📖 Goodreads Rating: 4.3/5
Genres: Contemporary Romance, Holiday, Small-Town Romance, Opposites Attract.
It’s Christmas season, and the small town of Merry, Connecticut, is in big trouble. After a devastating hurricane, the town is struggling to rebuild in time for its annual Christmas festival, which is a major economic and cultural event. Enter Noah Yates, the gruff and serious mayor, who’s determined to get Merry back on its feet—even if it means dealing with the chaos of a certain reality TV star.
That star? Enter Savannah Shepherd, a bold, glitter-loving, reality TV producer with a knack for fixing things (and looking fabulous while doing it). She’s in Merry to help organize a special episode of her show focused on the town’s rebuilding efforts. But her brash, over-the-top personality clashes with Noah’s no-nonsense, practical approach.
As sparks fly between Savannah and Noah, the town slowly comes back together—thanks in no small part to their reluctantly growing partnership. And their chemistry is as electric as the twinkling Christmas lights.
😂 Personal Take: This book never fails to bring a smile to my face. It’s lighthearted, fun, and a great way to get into the holiday spirit.
13. “Twelve Days of Christmas” by Laurel Long
📖 Goodreads Rating: 4.15/5
Tropes: Christmas traditions, festive illustrations, song adaptation.
You already know the story—or should I say, the song. The book takes the beloved Christmas carol The Twelve Days of Christmas and transforms it into a stunning visual journey. Each verse of the song introduces a new gift, from the “partridge in a pear tree” to the “twelve drummers drumming.”
What makes Laurel Long’s version unique is that she doesn’t just illustrate the literal meaning of each verse. Instead, she creates an intricate, magical world where every gift weaves into a larger story. The gifts are presented with enchanting details that make you want to linger over every page.
🎄 Why It’s a Feast for the Eyes:
Laurel Long’s artwork is the star of the show here. Each page is filled with rich, intricate details that bring the carol to life in ways you’ve never imagined. Her use of vibrant colors, golden hues, and delicate patterns feels almost like stepping into a Renaissance painting.
🎨 Personal Take: This is a work of art. Every page feels like something you could frame and hang on your wall. I spent so much time staring at the details, noticing something new every time.
14. “The Christmas Mystery” by Jostein Gaarder
📖 Goodreads Rating: 4.15/5
Tropes: Mystery, Christmas spirit, family connections.
In this captivating story, a young boy named Hans opens a mysterious Advent calendar and embarks on a journey that reveals the deeper meaning of Christmas.
🔍 Why It’s Intriguing:
Gaarder’s writing is magical, and the layers of mystery and introspection will keep readers engaged from start to finish. It’s a thought-provoking holiday read that goes beyond the usual Christmas fare.
💭 Personal Take: This book is so much more than a holiday story—it’s a beautiful meditation on life, family, and what Christmas truly means.
15. “Skipping Christmas” by John Grisham
📖 Goodreads Rating: 3.93/5
Tropes: Holiday humor, Christmas rebellion, family dynamics.
The story follows a couple, the Krank family, who decide to skip Christmas altogether—no decorations, no presents, no big family gathering. But when their plans go awry, hilarity ensues.
🎄 Why It’s a Great Laugh:
If you’re looking for something lighthearted with a dose of humor, this book is perfect. It pokes fun at the over-the-top expectations that come with Christmas while reminding us of the simple joys of the holiday season.
😂 Personal Take: This book always makes me laugh because it captures the chaos and absurdity of holiday preparations. Sometimes, skipping Christmas seems like the best idea!
Final Thoughts
These books are more than holiday reading—they’re an invitation to get lost in the magic, love, humor, and heart of Christmas. Whether you’re curling up by the fire with a classic or looking for something a little more unique, this list has something for everyone. So, here’s my challenge for you: pick at least one book from this list and let it whisk you away this Christmas. 📚
What are you waiting for? Grab a blanket, light a candle, and read one of these gems this holiday season. And if you’ve got any favorite holiday books that I missed, feel free to share—I’d love to hear about them. Happy holidays, happy reading, and may your Christmas be filled with joy, laughter, and the right amount of book-induced tears. 😉🎄✨
More Christmas Collections For You:
10 Best Christmas Books For Preschoolers
10 Magical Christmas Fantasy Books
10 Young Adult Christmas Books
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