Getting a teenager to unplug and read a book during the holidays can feel like Mission Impossible. Between TikTok trends, group chats, and epic gaming marathons, how do you compete? Well, friends, the answer is simple—find the right book. And trust me, when it comes to Christmas stories for teens, there’s a little something for everyone: swoony romances, nail-biting mysteries, heartwarming friendships, and even a dash of holiday magic. ✨
Whether your teen is a bookworm or a reluctant reader, a festive read can work wonders to get them into the holiday spirit. It’s the perfect escape from awkward family gatherings (sorry, Aunt Carol) and a great way to cozy up after a snowball fight or hot cocoa overload.
I’ve rounded up the best holiday books for teens—titles that are fun, relatable, and maybe even make you a little nostalgic for your own teenage holiday adventures. So, let’s find the perfect story to add to their holiday reading list (or yours, let’s be honest—you’ll probably want to borrow these books too 😉).
10 Christmas Books For Teens That Will Make Them Actually Want To Put Down Their Phone
If you’re a teen (or a teen at heart), there’s something magical about the books you curl up with during the holiday season. You’re in the mood for a heartwarming romance, an adventure filled with Christmas cheer, or a deep, introspective tale, right? I’ve got a list of 10 books that’ll make your holiday reading sparkle brighter than your Christmas tree lights. ✨
Let me guide you through some truly unforgettable reads, each one guaranteed to make your holiday break a little brighter. These aren’t only any Christmas stories—they’re teen-friendly, super engaging, and packed with heart.
1. “Dash & Lily’s Book of Dares” by Rachel Cohn & David Levithan
⭐ Goodreads Rating: 3.8/5
🎄 Tropes: Holiday Adventure, Opposites Attract, Letters, Bookish Romance.
This one is a total classic for me when it comes to Christmas books. Dash and Lily have a chance encounter, not in real life, but through a red notebook hidden in a bookstore. They exchange dares, clues, and thoughts in the most hilarious and heartwarming way. Set in New York City during Christmas, this book captures all the magic of the season with quirky characters and a budding romance. It’s like the holiday equivalent of a rom-com, but in book form.
My Personal Take: I love how relatable Dash and Lily feel—Dash is snarky and a bit of a Scrooge (don’t we all know someone like that?), while Lily’s earnestness and cheer balance him out perfectly. Their back-and-forth through the notebook made me wish I had a notebook of dares with a cute stranger. Sigh… fantasy, right? 😉
2. “My True Love Gave to Me” edited by Stephanie Perkins
⭐ Goodreads Rating: 4.0/5
🎄 Tropes: Holiday Romance, Short Stories, First Love, Christmas Magic.
Here’s a book that feels like a holiday dream come true. This collection of 12 Christmas-themed short stories by YA heavyweights (think Rainbow Rowell, Ally Carter, and Maureen Johnson) will give you all the feels. Some stories are cute and fluffy, while others will tug at your heartstrings and make you see the beauty in both first loves and second chances.
My Personal Take: This one’s like a box of chocolates—you can pick and choose the stories you want to savor. I loved that each author put their own unique spin on the Christmas theme. And trust me, you’ll find a story for every mood here. Plus, there’s a certain Rowell magic that you know will make you smile from ear to ear.
3. “The Afterlife of Holly Chase” by Cynthia Hand
⭐ Goodreads Rating: 4.0/5
🎄 Tropes: Scrooge Story, Redemption Arc, Christmas Ghosts, Second Chances.
A modern twist on A Christmas Carol, this book follows Holly Chase, a girl who’s already dead after being visited by three ghosts of Christmas past, present, and future. But she doesn’t get to rest in peace—oh no. She’s stuck working at a company that gives Scrooge-like individuals a second chance to change their ways. If you love a redemption arc, ghosts, and a story that’ll have you reflecting on the true meaning of Christmas, this is your jam.
My Personal Take: This book was an unexpected delight. I went in thinking it was going to be a cute twist on the classic, and while it was, it also gave me some serious emotional moments. The holiday magic is real, but the themes of forgiveness and second chances made me appreciate the season even more. I might’ve even shed a tear. Just one… but still. 😭
4. “Snowed In” by Rachel Hawthorne
⭐ Goodreads Rating: 3.9/5
🎄 Tropes: Holiday Romance, Small Town, Snowstorm, Friends to Lovers.
Imagine being snowed in at a cozy cabin with a cute guy, your best friends, and nothing to do but play games, eat snacks, and get to know each other. Snowed In gives us that—and more. It’s sweet, romantic, and it’s the perfect book for those who love a small-town holiday setting with a sprinkle of romance.
My Personal Take: I loved how the holiday setting felt like a character in this book. The snow, the cabin, the sense of being cut off from the world—it created a cozy vibe that was hard to resist. The romance wasn’t forced, either, which made it feel all the more authentic. And let’s face it, who doesn’t dream of snowed-in teen romance? ❄️💕
5. “The Twelve Days of Dash & Lily” by Rachel Cohn & David Levithan
⭐ Goodreads Rating: 3.9/5
🎄 Tropes: Christmas Romance, Second Chances, Holiday Adventure.
You’ve probably heard of Dash & Lily’s Book of Dares (and if not, go read it right now), and the sequel, The Twelve Days of Dash & Lily, does not disappoint. This time, Dash is trying to figure out how to win Lily back after they’ve hit a rough patch. It’s the perfect mix of holiday cheer and emotional depth, with a ton of adventures and romantic moments wrapped up in Christmas lights.
My Personal Take: If you loved the first book, this one’s a must-read. There’s a lot more heart here, especially when it comes to the ups and downs of relationships. Dash and Lily are so real in their imperfections, and the Christmas spirit is truly present in their journey. It’s the kind of book you read with a cup of hot cocoa and a blanket. ☕️✨
6. “Let It Snow” by John Green, Maureen Johnson, and Lauren Myracle
⭐ Goodreads Rating: 3.9/5
🎄 Tropes: Christmas Romance, Snowstorm, Love Triangle, Holiday Magic.
Three intertwined stories by three awesome YA authors, Let It Snow gives you everything you need for a heartwarming Christmas read. Set during a massive snowstorm, the book explores love, friendship, and small-town holiday magic through three distinct stories that all connect by the end. You’ll find romance, adventure, and a sense of cozy nostalgia in this one.
My Personal Take: This book made me feel like I was wrapped in a blanket while sipping cocoa by the fireplace. I’m a sucker for the intertwining stories. Some moments had me laughing, others had me sighing, and a few had me really thinking about what the holidays mean to me.
7. “The Christmas Sisters” by Sarah Morgan
⭐ Goodreads Rating: 4.1/5
🎄 Tropes: Family Drama, Small-Town Charm, Second Chances.
This is the story of three sisters who reunite in their Scottish hometown for Christmas after years of separation. With family drama, rekindled relationships, and a touch of romance, this book feels like the perfect holiday movie in novel form. It’s got everything you want—beautiful scenery, emotional character arcs, and a slow burn romance that feels like the best kind of gift.
My Personal Take: Family relationships are often complicated, and this book nails that complexity while still managing to bring out all the warmth and comfort of a holiday reunion. The Scottish setting was an absolute bonus, and I’m now convinced I need to spend Christmas in a cozy cottage in the Highlands. Anyone else? 🏔️🎅
8. “Merry & Bright” by Debbie Macomber
⭐ Goodreads Rating: 3.9/5
🎄 Tropes: Holiday Romance, Online Dating, Christmas Magic.
Merry is having a hard time finding the joy in Christmas—until a little matchmaking comes into play. After her mom signs her up for an online dating site, she meets someone who could be the one—except she doesn’t realize it. This book is all about finding love, new beginnings, and learning to appreciate the magic of the season.
My Personal Take: If you want something light, with a sprinkle of romance and a lot of Christmas cheer, this is perfect. It’s the kind of feel-good book that will make you smile, laugh, and maybe even send a little prayer to the Christmas spirit to find you someone special too. 😉
9. “A Christmas Carol” by Charles Dickens
⭐ Goodreads Rating: 4.3/5
🎄 Tropes: Classic Holiday Tale, Redemption, Christmas Ghosts.
This is a classic but can we just take a moment to appreciate how powerful this story is? A Christmas Carol has been adapted so many times, but the original still stands as a timeless story of redemption. If you haven’t read it, now’s the time. Scrooge’s transformation is everything we need this time of year.
My Personal Take: Sometimes, you need to revisit the classics to really understand the holiday spirit. This book is timeless for a reason, and I always walk away feeling so much more appreciative of the people I love. So I highly recommend it especially for teen. 🎅🎁
10. “Finding Christmas” by Karen Schaler
⭐ Goodreads Rating: 3.9/5
🎄 Tropes: Christmas Miracle, Personal Growth, Small Town Charm.
In Finding Christmas, the story follows a young woman who’s lost her holiday spirit. When she heads to a small town for a Christmas assignment, she discovers more than Christmas cheer—she finds herself. The book is all about love, redemption, and rediscovering the magic of Christmas.
My Personal Take: This one was a great pick for anyone who’s a little Scroogey (I’m not judging, we’ve all been there!). It’s heartwarming, and the town itself feels like a little Christmas miracle. Plus, the romance will make you swoon. 🌟
Last Words
So there you have it! These books for teens that’ll keep you turning pages well into the holiday season. Whether you’re looking for romance, adventure, or a little holiday magic, there’s something here for everyone.
If any of these books become a hit, or if you’ve got a teen-approved favorite I didn’t mention, let me know! I’d love to add it to the list. Until then, here’s to making this Christmas a little brighter, a little cozier, and a lot more bookish. Happy reading, and may your holidays be filled with stories worth sharing!
What are you planning to read next? Let me know which one catches your eye—and feel free to add some cocoa to your shopping list too. 😉🎄📖
More Christmas Collections For You:
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