Can we take a moment to appreciate the magic of young adult Christmas? Whether you’re in your teens or have a teeny bit of a nostalgic heart (guilty 🙋♀️), these books are the holiday escape you didn’t know you needed. Imagine all the warmth and cheer of Christmas, but with a little extra spark—maybe some swoon-worthy romance, a dash of adventure, or even a dash of rebellion. 💥
These YA Christmas reads are full of everything that makes the season special, but with a twist: the fun, the drama, and the unforgettable moments that come with being young during the holidays. From heartwarming family stories that make you wish you could go back to your teen years (or maybe stay in them for a bit longer) to those magical romances where snowflakes and sparks fly, these books are perfect for escaping into a world where Christmas feels like the ultimate coming-of-age moment.
10 Young Adult Christmas Books You Absolutely Need To Add To Your Holiday Reading List
Whether you’re looking to relive the excitement of Christmas morning or you just want to curl up with a story that’ll make you feel all the teen angst and holiday cheer, I’ve got the perfect list for you. Grab your fuzzy socks, a cup of cocoa (maybe a little more whipped cream than you’d usually go for 🤭), and let’s read some YA books that are going to make your heart grow three sizes this season. 🎅❤️
1. “Let It Snow” by John Green, Maureen Johnson, and Lauren Myracle
⭐ Goodreads Rating: 3.9/5
🎄 Tropes: Holiday Romance, Small Town Charm, Love Triangle, Serendipity.
Let me tell you, this book is like the Christmas equivalent of a rom-com movie—bright, light, and heartwarming. Written by three YA heavyweights, Let It Snow weaves together three interconnected stories of love, friendship, and holiday magic. It’s set in a small town in the middle of a Christmas snowstorm (because why not, right?), where our main characters’ lives collide in the most unexpected ways.
What I really love about this collection is how each author brings their own style to the table while still keeping the Christmas theme running through the book. It’s basically the perfect light read if you need something that’s equal parts heartwarming and hilarious. The characters? So relatable. You’ll root for them, cringe with them, and definitely swoon over their romantic moments. Plus, there’s a snowball fight. Need I say more? ⛄️❤️
My Personal Take: It’s an easy, feel-good read—when you need a book to pick you up after a long day of holiday shopping. The mix of humor and heart made me smile, and the short story format made it easy to read a bit each day.
2. “The Afterlife of Holly Chase” by Cynthia Hand
⭐ Goodreads Rating: 4.0/5
🎄 Tropes: Scrooge Story, Redemption Arc, Christmas Ghosts.
Imagine A Christmas Carol but with a modern twist. The Afterlife of Holly Chase tells the story of Holly, a girl who’s visited by three ghosts on Christmas Eve after her untimely death—only, this time, she’s the one who needs to change her ways before it’s too late. It’s a mix of supernatural suspense and a redemption journey, with a dash of romance and witty banter.
What makes this book stand out is how it flips the Christmas Carol concept. It’s got humor, but it’s also got some serious heart. And the ending? Y’all… it’ll hit you right in the feels. Trust me, you might cry (in a good way). 😭
My Personal Take: If you’re a fan of A Christmas Carol but want something with more YA flair, this book delivers. Plus, it’s got that touch of spookiness and redemption that’ll make you want to read it in one sitting.
3. “Dash & Lily’s Book of Dares” by Rachel Cohn and David Levithan
⭐ Goodreads Rating: 3.8/5
🎄 Tropes: Holiday Adventures, Opposites Attract, Letters, Bookish Romance.
Okay, let’s talk about one of my absolute favorites. This one’s a holiday classic for book lovers! Dash and Lily meet in the most unexpected way—via a red notebook full of dares hidden at a bookstore. Their witty banter, their quirky personalities, and their blossoming romance through notes will make you wish you had your own red notebook of challenges (or maybe even your own Dash).
What makes this book work is the chemistry between the two leads, which is both electric and sweet. It’s also set in New York City during the Christmas season, which adds this magical, almost whimsical vibe to the entire story. Picture the city streets all decked out in lights, the cold air, and cozy cafes. Oh, and did I mention there’s a Christmas tree in this book that’s basically a character on its own? 🌲🎁
My Personal Take: This book gives me major warm-and-fuzzy vibes. It has romance and holiday fun. Every page feels like you’re opening a new little present!
4. “My True Love Gave to Me” edited by Stephanie Perkins
⭐ Goodreads Rating: 4.0/5
🎄 Tropes: Holiday Romance, Short Story Anthology, First Love, Christmas Magic.
If you’ve ever wished for a collection of heartwarming Christmas stories (and who hasn’t?), this anthology is what the doctor ordered. With contributions from authors like Rainbow Rowell, Matt de la Peña, and Stephanie Perkins herself, each story in My True Love Gave to Me captures the essence of love, magic, and holiday cheer in a unique way. From snowy streets to mistletoe moments, it’s got everything to make you swoon.
My Personal Take: I’m a sucker for short stories, especially holiday ones. This collection was like a stocking stuffed with literary treats.
5. “10 Blind Dates” by Ashley Elston
⭐ Goodreads Rating: 4/5
🎄 Genres: Young Adult, Romance, Holiday, Contemporary.
Age Range: 12+ (but perfect for teens and adults who love lighthearted reads).
Sophie has her holiday season turned upside down when her parents decide to spend Christmas with her pregnant sister, leaving Sophie free to stay with her giant, crazy family—aunts, uncles, cousins, and her beloved nonna. After a bad breakup, Sophie’s family takes it upon themselves to cheer her up in the most ridiculous way possible: by setting her up on 10 blind dates over the holiday season. Yup, 10 different dates, each orchestrated by a different family member, with varying levels of hilarity and chaos.
From awkward setups to sweet surprises, Sophie’s dates are as unpredictable as they are entertaining. Along the way, she learns more about herself, her family, and maybe, just maybe, finds love where she least expects it. 💕
My Personal Take: I’m a sucker for a friends-to-lovers trope (yes, that’s a tiny hint), and this book does it perfectly. It’s not overly dramatic, and the chemistry feels real.
6. “The Twelve Days of Dash & Lily” by Rachel Cohn & David Levithan
⭐ Goodreads Rating: 3.9/5
🎄 Tropes: Second Chances, Love Through Letters, Holiday Adventure.
Remember how I talked about Dash & Lily’s Book of Dares? Well, the sequel The Twelve Days of Dash & Lily picks up right where the first book left off, with more dares, more letters, and more swoon-worthy moments. This time, Dash is trying to make their relationship work during the holidays. You know, the classic second-chance romance set against a backdrop of Christmas cheer.
My Personal Take: If you loved the first book, this one’s like the perfect dessert after a hearty meal. More of what you loved, with a little more depth and a lot more holiday sparkle.
7. “The Christmas Pig” by J.K. Rowling
⭐ Goodreads Rating: 4.3/5
🎄 Tropes: Magic, Adventure, Holiday Quest, Friendship.
This one’s a bit of a departure from your typical YA romance holiday book, but it’s worth the ride. In The Christmas Pig, Jack goes on an adventurous quest through a magical world to rescue his beloved Christmas toy, a pig named Dur Pig. It’s got everything you could want—adventure, Christmas magic, and a friendship that’ll tug at your heartstrings. Plus, it’s J.K. Rowling, so you know there’s some serious world-building happening.
My Personal Take: This book was a little like a Christmas-themed Harry Potter—full of magic, wonder, and deep emotions. If you want a holiday read that takes you on a journey, this is it.
8. “Merry & Bright” by Debbie Macomber
⭐ Goodreads Rating: 4.0/5
🎄 Tropes: Holiday Romance, Family Drama, Second Chances.
Debbie Macomber’s Merry & Bright is the best choice for those who love a little romance with their Christmas cheer, but also a dash of family drama. The story follows Merry, a woman who’s stuck in a rut during the holiday season, until she meets someone online. Can their online connection translate into real-life romance? The book is filled with all the festive warmth you’d expect from a Christmas romance, complete with Christmas cookies and cozy moments.
My Personal Take: It’s a gentle, sweet story about finding love and new beginnings at Christmas.
9. “A Christmas Carol” by Charles Dickens
⭐ Goodreads Rating: 4.3/5 (but let’s be real, this one’s timeless)
🎄 Tropes: Classic Holiday Tale, Ghosts, Redemption.
You might be wondering, “Isn’t this a classic?” Yes, yes it is. But hear me out: A Christmas Carol has earned its spot on any holiday book list, and especially on a YA list if you’ve never read it before. It’s the quintessential story of transformation, redemption, and the magic of Christmas. The ghosts, the cold, the grumpy Scrooge… it’s one of those timeless reads that will always have you feeling all sorts of emotions.
My Personal Take: If you haven’t read it yet, do yourself a favor. It’s classic for a reason—and the original Christmas story! 🎅
10. “Finding Christmas” by Karen Schaler
⭐ Goodreads Rating: 3.9/5
🎄 Tropes: Christmas Miracle, Small Town Romance, Personal Growth.
A heartwarming story set in a small town during Christmas, Finding Christmas follows the journey of a woman trying to rediscover her love for the holiday season. The town itself is a character in this one, full of Christmas cheer and warmth. There’s a little romance, a little mystery, and lots of holiday magic.
My Personal Take: I’ll be honest, I didn’t expect to love this one as much as I did. But it’s full of charm, with a story that’s like the best Christmas cookie—sweet and satisfying.
And there you have it! Ten Christmas books for your YA holiday reading list that are sure to leave you feeling festive, warm, and maybe even a little bit romantic. Whatever you choose, I hope it adds some sparkle to your holiday season! ✨📚
Last Words
From discovering yourself during the holiday season to finding love in the most unexpected places, these books capture the spirit of Christmas through the eyes of young adults, and they do it in the most heartfelt way. 💖
So, which book are you ready to give a chance? Will you choose a Christmas romance that’ll make you swoon, or maybe a coming-of-age tale that reminds you how magical the holiday season can be (even when things don’t go as planned)? Whatever you pick, I’m certain it’ll leave you with that perfect dose of holiday magic and maybe even a bit of nostalgia for those teen years.
I’d love to hear what you think! Got any YA Christmas book recommendations of your own? Drop a comment below, let’s share the joy, and maybe even add a few more books to our ever-growing TBR list. Happy reading, and may your holidays be filled with lots of cozy moments, sweet romances, and all the Christmas cheer you can handle! 🎄🎁✨
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