The holidays are a time of nostalgia, warmth, and reflection. There’s something magical about curling up with a good book as snow falls softly outside, a cup of hot cocoa warming your hands. To help you get into the festive spirit, we’ve compiled a list of the best books that take place during the holidays. These stories embody the wonder, complexity, and joy of the season. Whether you love romance, mystery, or family dramas, there’s something here for everyone.
1. A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens
You can’t talk about holiday books without mentioning A Christmas Carol. Charles Dickens’ classic novella is synonymous with Christmas spirit. It tells the story of the miserly Ebenezer Scrooge, who learns the true meaning of generosity through visits from the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Future. This timeless tale emphasizes compassion, reflection, and the power of change. It’s full of perfect lessons for the season.
2. Little Women by Louisa May Alcott
Little Women is not strictly a holiday story, but many key moments take place during the winter holidays. The March sisters—Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy—navigate life’s challenges while growing up during the Civil War era. Their close-knit family dynamics are especially poignant during Christmas. They demonstrate love and sacrifice for one another. Louisa May Alcott captures the warmth of family togetherness, making this book a perfect winter read.
3. One Day in December by Josie Silver
For romance lovers, One Day in December by Josie Silver is a modern holiday must-read. The story follows Laurie, who locks eyes with a stranger from a bus window and feels an instant connection. When fate brings them back together years later, they navigate twists that test the power of love. Set during the holiday season, this book is about hope, missed opportunities, and love, with plenty of snowy nights to set the mood.
4. The Twelve Clues of Christmas by Rhys Bowen
If you’re a fan of holiday mysteries, The Twelve Clues of Christmas by Rhys Bowen is a fantastic option. It is part of the Royal Spyness series. This cozy mystery features Lady Georgiana Rannoch, who is determined to solve a spate of suspicious accidents in a quaint English village during Christmas. The delightful mix of humor, intrigue, and holiday charm makes you feel as if you’re part of a snow-covered English countryside filled with cheer and suspense.
5. The Christmas Train by David Baldacci
The Christmas Train by David Baldacci is a heartwarming holiday story about a disillusioned journalist, Tom Langdon. He takes a train ride from Washington, D.C. to Los Angeles just before Christmas. Along the way, he encounters a diverse cast of characters and gets a chance to rediscover the importance of love and forgiveness. The book is filled with a sense of wonder and unexpected surprises, capturing the adventure and sentimentality of the holiday season.
6. Holidays on Ice by David Sedaris
For readers who prefer humor with a bite, Holidays on Ice by David Sedaris offers a quirky collection of essays about the absurdities of the holiday season. His infamous piece, “Santaland Diaries,” recounts Sedaris’ time working as a Macy’s elf. It provides a refreshingly cynical yet laugh-out-loud perspective on the holiday madness. Sedaris’ wit and sarcasm are perfect for readers wanting a break from saccharine holiday tales.
7. Dash & Lily’s Book of Dares by Rachel Cohn and David Levithan
Dash & Lily’s Book of Dares is a young adult romantic comedy set during December in New York City. It follows Dash and Lily, who communicate through a red notebook full of dares they pass back and forth around the city. This book captures the magic of the holidays in Manhattan—from decorated shop windows to spontaneous adventures through a snow-blanketed Central Park. It’s a fun, lighthearted story that makes you feel like you’re experiencing holiday romance firsthand.
8. The Gift by Cecelia Ahern
Cecelia Ahern’s The Gift is a moving exploration of time and gratitude during the holidays. The protagonist, Lou Suffern, is an ambitious businessman who struggles to balance work and family. When he meets a homeless man named Gabe and gives him a job, Lou’s life changes in unexpected ways. With magical realism and meaningful messages about what really matters, this story will leave you reflecting on your priorities this holiday season.
9. Skipping Christmas by John Grisham
Skipping Christmas by John Grisham is the inspiration behind the movie Christmas with the Kranks. It’s a funny, satirical look at the holiday season and the societal pressures it brings. Luther and Nora Krank decide to skip Christmas entirely and book a cruise instead. Things don’t go as planned, leading to hilarious chaos. If you’re looking for a lighter, comedic take on holiday traditions, this book is a perfect choice.
10. Let It Snow by John Green, Maureen Johnson, and Lauren Myracle
Let It Snow is a collection of three interconnected holiday romances by John Green, Maureen Johnson, and Lauren Myracle. Each story captures the magic of a small-town Christmas with snowstorms, unexpected encounters, and love in the air. It’s a delightful collection that offers multiple perspectives on holiday romance, making it ideal for a cozy night in.
Conclusion
Holiday books have a way of wrapping us in the comforting warmth of the season. They remind us of the power of love, kindness, and even laughter in times of stress. Whether you want a classic tale like A Christmas Carol or a modern love story like One Day in December, these books offer a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle. Pick one, grab a cozy blanket, and lose yourself in the magic of the holidays.
Which of these books will you be reading this holiday season? Let us know your favorite holiday reads in the comments below!
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