Here are 84 books that Christmas fans have personally recommended if you like Christmas. Book DNA is a community of 13,000+ authors and super readers sharing their favorite books with the world.

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Book cover of The Krampus and the Old, Dark Christmas: Roots and Rebirth of the Folkloric Devil

Jason Mankey Author Of Llewellyn's Little Book of Yule

From my list on Christmas and the Holiday Season.

Why am I passionate about this?

Since I was four years old, I have been in love with Christmas! I’m the kind of person who starts humming carols in October and puts up their first decorations the moment Halloween ends. I’ve got a Christmas Sweater for every day and a card or a present for every friend I bump into. Without a doubt, the Holiday Season is the best time of the year!

Jason's book list on Christmas and the Holiday Season

Jason Mankey Why Jason loves this book

I love weird and mostly overlooked Christmas-related stuff, and there are few Holiday characters as weird and overlooked as the Krampus!

I loved the full-color photographs Ridenour includes of the Krampus (and adjacent figures), many of which I had never seen before. And a lot of the pictures feature a very menacing Krampus! There’s more to Christmas than just Santa Claus. 

By Al Ridenour ,

Why should I read it?

2 authors picked The Krampus and the Old, Dark Christmas as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

With the appearance of the demonic Christmas character Krampus in contemporary Hollywood movies, television shows, advertisements, and greeting cards, medieval folklore has now been revisited in American culture. Krampus-related events and parades occur both in North America and Europe, and they are an ever-growing phenomenon.

Though the Krampus figure has once again become iconic, not much can be found about its history and meaning, thus calling for a book like Al Ridenour's The Krampus: Roots and Rebirth of the Folkloric Devil. With Krampus's wild, graphic history, Feral House has hired the awarded designer Sean Tejaratchi to take on Ridenour's book…


If you love Christmas...

Book cover of Aggressor

Aggressor by FX Holden,

It is April 1st, 2038. Day 60 of China's blockade of the rebel island of Taiwan.

The US government has agreed to provide Taiwan with a weapons system so advanced that it can disrupt the balance of power in the region. But what pilot would be crazy enough to run…

Book cover of The Battle for Christmas: A Cultural History of America's Most Cherished Holiday

Jason Mankey Author Of Llewellyn's Little Book of Yule

From my list on Christmas and the Holiday Season.

Why am I passionate about this?

Since I was four years old, I have been in love with Christmas! I’m the kind of person who starts humming carols in October and puts up their first decorations the moment Halloween ends. I’ve got a Christmas Sweater for every day and a card or a present for every friend I bump into. Without a doubt, the Holiday Season is the best time of the year!

Jason's book list on Christmas and the Holiday Season

Jason Mankey Why Jason loves this book

As a longtime reader of Christmas histories, I thought I knew most of what there was to know about the holiday, but Nissenbaum’s book continually and consistently surprised me! While reading, I found myself taking notes and jotting down instances of forgotten customs and traditions, determined to work some of them into my own celebrations of the holiday going forward!

It is truly inspirational to know that my favorite holiday has been a part of the American fabric for hundreds of years now and has continued to evolve to meet the needs of those who love it so much. 

By Stephen Nissenbaum ,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked The Battle for Christmas as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

PULITZER PRIZE FINALIST • Drawing on a wealth of research, this "fascinating" book (The New York Times Book Review) charts the invention of our current Yuletide traditions, from St. Nicholas to the Christmas tree and, perhaps most radically, the practice of giving gifts to children. 

Anyone who laments the excesses of Christmas might consider the Puritans of colonial Massachusetts: they simply outlawed the holiday. The Puritans had their reasons, since Christmas was once an occasion for drunkenness and riot, when poor "wassailers extorted food and drink from the well-to-do. In this intriguing and innovative work of social history, Stephen Nissenbaum…


Book cover of A Christmas Carol and Other Christmas Writings

Jason Mankey Author Of Llewellyn's Little Book of Yule

From my list on Christmas and the Holiday Season.

Why am I passionate about this?

Since I was four years old, I have been in love with Christmas! I’m the kind of person who starts humming carols in October and puts up their first decorations the moment Halloween ends. I’ve got a Christmas Sweater for every day and a card or a present for every friend I bump into. Without a doubt, the Holiday Season is the best time of the year!

Jason's book list on Christmas and the Holiday Season

Jason Mankey Why Jason loves this book

I grew up with this book and rereading Dickens’ most famous work always feels like curling up in a favorite blanket. When I find myself overwhelmed with the hustle and bustle of the season, the story of Scrooge, Tiny Tim, and Jacob Marley always reminds me of the true meaning of the holiday.

It’s probably cliché to say that I cry every year after reading it, but I do! I recommend the Penguin Classics edition of this festive tale because it includes some of Dickens’ other Christmas stories, which are worth reading, too! 

By Charles Dickens ,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked A Christmas Carol and Other Christmas Writings as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Part of Penguin's beautiful hardback Clothbound Classics series, designed by the award-winning Coralie Bickford-Smith, these delectable and collectible editions are bound in high-quality colourful, tactile cloth with foil stamped into the design.

After reading Christmas Carol, the notoriously reculsive Thomas Carlyle was "seized with a perfect convulsion of hospitality" and threw not one but two Christmas dinner parties. The impact of the story may not always have been so dramatic but, along with Dickens other Christmas writings, it has had a lasting and significant influence upon our ideas about the Christmas spirit, and about the season as a time for…


If you love Bruce David Forbes...

Book cover of The Warhog Paladins

The Warhog Paladins by Jer Patch,

Mia Lark is running out of options. There is only one way to change the score: the fantasy planet Revivium. 

Armed with the powerful magic in the helm and the friendly AI, Hex that goes with it, Mia throws caution out the window. It’s time to find the main guildhall…

Book cover of The Old Magic of Christmas: Yuletide Traditions for the Darkest Days of the Year

Jason Mankey Author Of Llewellyn's Little Book of Yule

From my list on Christmas and the Holiday Season.

Why am I passionate about this?

Since I was four years old, I have been in love with Christmas! I’m the kind of person who starts humming carols in October and puts up their first decorations the moment Halloween ends. I’ve got a Christmas Sweater for every day and a card or a present for every friend I bump into. Without a doubt, the Holiday Season is the best time of the year!

Jason's book list on Christmas and the Holiday Season

Jason Mankey Why Jason loves this book

Today, the Christmas season is a festival of sparkling lights and happy carols, but I love the dark side of the Holidays too...the long nights, the spirits of the dead, and the menagerie of folkloric characters who are just as likely to leave a Christmas trick as a Christmas treat.

I didn’t find anything in this book scary, but I did find myself looking over my shoulder a few times wondering if I had unwittingly invited a Christmas gnome or elf into my home. I also appreciated the crafts and activities included throughout the book by the author, making for the perfect mix of the practical and the historical. 

By Linda Raedisch ,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked The Old Magic of Christmas as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Not so very long ago, Yuletide was as much a chilling season of ghosts and witches as it was a festival of goodwill. In The Old Magic of Christmas you'll find a Christmas bestiary and a White Witch's herbal, as well as tips for delving more deeply into your relationship with the unseen. Bring the festivities into your home with cookie recipes and ornament making while brushing elbows with veiled spirits and discovering the true perils of elves. Rife with the more frightful characters from folklore and the season's most petulant ghosts, this book takes you on a spooky sleigh…


Book cover of The Twelve Dates of Christmas

Sylvie Kurtz Author Of Christmas by Candlelight

From my list on Christmas stories with a romance.

Why am I passionate about this?

When I was a kid, I used to get to stay up to watch Hallmark movie specials with my Mom. Over the years, I forgot how much I enjoyed them. Then the pandemic hit and I needed something fun to watch, so I got hooked not only on Hallmark movies, but on Christmas books. With all the tension around the world, I found I couldn't write suspense anymore; it brought too much anxiety. Then I got the idea for a couple of Christmas stories. I hope you enjoy reading these Christmas-themed books as much as I did. I suggest snuggling into your favorite reading spot with a comfy blanket, some tea and cookies.

Sylvie's book list on Christmas stories with a romance

Sylvie Kurtz Why Sylvie loves this book

This is another book that features a small British village and a bakery—two of my favorite things. Kate Turner's friend signs her up for a dating program that involves twelve dates. I'm really glad I'm past the dating stage, but it's fun to watch someone else stumble through cringe-worthy, disastrous dates. Especially when she doesn't realize that she already knows Mr. Right, and we all do.

By Jenny Bayliss ,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked The Twelve Dates of Christmas as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

'Tis the season for finding romance in this hilarious and uplifting holiday read

When it comes to relationships, thirty-four-year-old Kate Turner is ready to say "Bah, humbug." The sleepy town of Blexford, England, isn't exactly brimming with prospects, and anyway, Kate's found fulfillment in her career as a designer, and in her delicious side job baking for her old friend Matt's neighborhood café. But then her best friend signs her up for a dating agency that promises to help singles find love before the holidays. Twenty-three days until Christmas. Twelve dates with twelve different men. The odds must finally be…


Book cover of Christmas for Commitmentphobes

Ally Sinclair Author Of The Christmas Season

From my list on Christmas romcoms to lift your mood.

Why am I passionate about this?

I simply love Christmas. My mum always made big deal of Christmas when I was growing up and I’ve carried that enthusiasm with me throughout my life. I love the sense of community and warmth. I love the traditions. I love the slight cheesiness of the whole affair! And I love romantic fiction as well. I adore a Happy Ever After moment, and I absolutely believe that love is splendid and important and ought to be celebrated in all its forms. And those two feelings have led me to write four romance books set at Christmas – firstly the Christmas Kisses series (as Alison May), and now The Christmas Season.

Ally's book list on Christmas romcoms to lift your mood

Ally Sinclair Why Ally loves this book

I think we all know what we want from a Christmas romance. We know there’s going to be snow. We know it’s going to be heartwarming. We know there are going to be heaps of lovely romance tropes (hello there to the commitmentphobes in the titles!).

What we want to see is all of those things done well and bundled together by a brilliant author into a joyous, uplifting, bundle of escape from our day-to-day stresses. And Rhoda Baxter, who also writes as Jeevani Charika, is a brilliant author and this story absolutely delivers that perfect punch of warm, sparkly, loveliness which is exactly what I’m looking for to get me into the festive mood.

By Rhoda Baxter ,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Christmas for Commitmentphobes as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

At Christmas time, the last thing you need is more commitments.

Lara is so busy trying to get her fledgling software company off the ground that she's up in Yorkshire, pitching for business, just before Christmas. When bad weather sees the trains cancelled, the only place she can find shelter is a small pub called the Trewton Arms.


Thilini ('Tilly') loves that her art helps feed her travel addiction. She's back in England for Christmas after two years away and can't wait to be on the move again.


When they meet their attraction is hard to deny. But what happens…


If you love Christmas...

Book cover of A Last Serenade for Billy Bonney

A Last Serenade for Billy Bonney by Mark Warren,

Winner of the 2024 New Mexico - Arizona Book Award.

In this deeply researched novel of America's most celebrated outlaw, Mark Warren sheds light on the human side of Billy the Kid and reveals the intimate stories of the lesser-known players in his legendary life of crime. Warren's fictional composer…

Book cover of The Twenty-Five Deeds of Hanson Drake

Kerri Kochanski Author Of 1,001 People That Suck

From my list on stocking stuffers that’ll lead ‘em to success.

Why am I passionate about this?

I grew up with a lot of misconceptions. It wasn’t until I got out in the world and experienced life for myself that I began to see that I didn’t necessarily agree with what I’d been taught (or conditioned to believe). I learned that if I wanted to know the truth, I’d have to learn it for myself… These 5 books offered me a different perspective, and made me see things in a new light. They helped me succeed as a person, an artist, and as a human being… I hope they will help you and your loved ones, too. 

Kerri's book list on stocking stuffers that’ll lead ‘em to success

Kerri Kochanski Why Kerri loves this book

This warm, charming, slightly-odd novel celebrates the Christmas spirit, and makes one realize what’s important in life. Slow, meditative, understated, and engaging, it’s the perfect book to read during the holiday season. It is best read over the course of some nights, so that the chapters can be pondered and savored.

By Briar Kit Esme ,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked The Twenty-Five Deeds of Hanson Drake as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

INTRODUCTION, November 2016

Nearly three years have passed since I wrote "Hanson Drake". Three years, and more than a million letters and emails sent from eight million readers around the world asking questions about Hanson Drake’s life.

What can I possibly tell them?

Tell you?

BLURB
Hanson Drake has five hundred million in the bank and a house on the beach overlooking the ocean. As the writer of the world’s favourite song, he hasn’t had to do a day’s work in his life.

Stung into action by a derisive article in a national newspaper, Hanson Drake decides to change his…


Book cover of The Christmas Countess

Emmanuelle de Maupassant Author Of The Lady's Guide to Scandal

From my list on “snowed-in” Christmas historical romances.

Why am I passionate about this?

Historical romance author Emmanuelle lives on the bonny banks of Loch Fyne with her husband and beloved haggis pudding Archie McFloof—connoisseur of bacon treats and squeaky toys. She’ll never tire of dreaming up handsome and mysterious strangers she’d love to be snowed in with.

Emmanuelle's book list on “snowed-in” Christmas historical romances

Emmanuelle de Maupassant Why Emmanuelle loves this book

Another gorgeous ‘second chance’ romance, also set in the wilds of Scotland. Here, both the hero and heroine believe themselves abandoned by the other, so there are huge walls to be overcome when fate throws them together once more. Caught out in a blizzard, Lady Leventon is rescued by our hero, waking to find him rubbing her frozen toes! With no choice but to remain under his roof, it’s not long before their passion revives… but can past hurts be forgiven?

By K.J. Jackson ,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked The Christmas Countess as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

A shunned lady determined to keep her secrets. A newly minted earl looking for a fresh start. A love gone wrong gains a second chance.

A shunned lady determined to keep her secrets.
Lady Leventon had been shunned to the Scottish wilds of Badenoch for a reason. But she never thought it would be the death of her. That is until her maid and only friend in the world falls deathly ill just days before Christmastide and Karta is determined to make it through a snowstorm for help. She didn’t think it would cost her her life, but as her…


Book cover of Click, Clack, Ho! Ho! Ho!

Dawn Young Author Of Once Upon a Christmas

From my list on fun and festive Christmas pictures.

Why am I passionate about this?

I write funny picture books. Since some of my best memories include reading to my kids while they were plopped in my lap, giggling at silly, fun picture books, I want to bring that same joy to families everywhere. I’m in awe of clever humor, and I’m especially fond of wordplay, puns, and jokes. Of all the holidays, Christmas is my favorite. The tree, the décor, and the traditions bring so much merriment. When my kids were young, reading Christmas books was a huge part of our holiday. Once Upon a Christmas gave me the chance to write a humorous, fun, and festive story that families can enjoy together.

Dawn's book list on fun and festive Christmas pictures

Dawn Young Why Dawn loves this book

This book is part of the Click, Clack series and just humorous as the others. The snow and lights and Duck in a Santa hat on the cover create a festive winter scene, full of Christmas spirit. The text is sparse and easy to read. The story also has a bit of rhyme in it which is always a favorite for me. The rhyme makes the story energetic at just the right time. The repetition of “Ho! Ho! Uh-oh!” and “unstuck duck” are fun to read. The accumulation of animals adds craziness and chaos which further heightens the humor. The ending is perfect with everyone joyfully gathered around the tree. 

By Doreen Cronin , Betsy Lewin (illustrator) ,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Click, Clack, Ho! Ho! Ho! as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 4, 5, 6, and 7.

What is this book about?

Santa comes to the barnyard in this holiday addition to the award-winning Click, Clack series from the New York Times bestselling and Caldecott winning team who brought you Click, Clack, Moo and Click, Clack, Peep!

It's the night before Christmas and all through the farm, not a creature is stirring, not even a...duck?

Farmer Brown is busy decorating his home in preparation for Santa's arrival on Christmas Eve! All seems calm in the barnyard, but Farmer Brown isn't the only one who is getting ready...

Ho

Ho

OH NO!

Once again, Duck has gotten the whole barnyard STUCK in quite…


If you love Bruce David Forbes...

Book cover of Ramón Ramirez's Dog: Reflections on Then and Now

Ramón Ramirez's Dog by David J. Dunford,

Ramon Ramirez’s Dog is a collection of essays written over the years about the adventures and misadventures, mostly outside but occasionally inside the diplomatic career of a U.S. ambassador. Common threads weaving the stories together are a desire for a life well-lived, balancing career with family and friends, keeping physically…

Book cover of The Geek Who Saved Christmas

LaQuette Author Of Vanessa Jared's Got a Man

From my list on rom-coms with diverse characters living their best lives.

Why am I passionate about this?

I write sexy, stylish, and sensational romance. That means I write sentimental and steamy stories (like Hallmark movies, but with a lot of sex) featuring at least one main character who always keeps it cute. I’m a Brooklyn native who writes unapologetically bold, character-driven stories. My novels feature diverse ensemble casts who are confident in their right to appear on the page. My work has been featured in Entertainment Weekly, O-Magazine, and the Library Journal. If I’m not writing, I am probably trying on or looking for my next great makeup find.

LaQuette's book list on rom-coms with diverse characters living their best lives

LaQuette Why LaQuette loves this book

Gideon Holiday loves Christmas. He’s literally dripping with holiday cheer. Unfortunately, his grumpy next-door neighbor, Paul, the man Gideon is crushing on something fierce, hasn’t a drop of appreciation for the holiday or the accompanying festivities. That holds true until Paul finds out the younger brother he raised plans to visit for the holidays. Just like when they were kids, Paul seeks to give his brother a joyous holiday to make up for the tough times they had when his brother was a kid. But since he knows nothing about getting into the holiday spirit, he’ll need Gideon’s fabulous Christmas powers to make this the best holiday his younger brother has ever had.

This story is filled with humor and heat. While Gideon is teaching Paul how to loosen up and join in on the neighborhood holiday fun, Paul also teaches Gideon that he doesn’t have to be lonely. It’s…

By Annabeth Albert ,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked The Geek Who Saved Christmas as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

His grumpy neighbor needs some holiday sunshine…Gideon Holiday is the perfect neighbor. Need a cup of sugar? Spare folding chair? Extra batteries? He’s always ready to help. And he’s waited years for his hot, grumpy, silver fox neighbor, Paul, to need him. For anything. But this December, Gideon would be happy if he could just get the Scrooge-like Paul on board with the neighborhood holiday lights fundraiser.

Paul Frost has no intention of decking his halls or blazing any Yule logs. Even if his spunky bowtie-clad neighbor does look perfect for unwrapping, Paul would prefer to hide away until December…


Book cover of The Krampus and the Old, Dark Christmas: Roots and Rebirth of the Folkloric Devil
Book cover of The Battle for Christmas: A Cultural History of America's Most Cherished Holiday
Book cover of A Christmas Carol and Other Christmas Writings

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