Christmas books aren’t just for kids! Today, I’ve compiled 12 of the best Christmas books for adults to enjoy over the holidays. Whether you’re reading for pleasure or with a book club, looking for a Christmas romance story or a Christmas mystery to solve, this list of classic Christmas books has you covered.
The holiday season is the perfect time to cozy up with a great book and get into the festive spirit. I love picking a few books to devour over the holidays, hot chocolate in hand and Christmas cookies next to me, and I always start with something seasonal to get me in the mood.
I hope you find your next December read or bookish gift inspiration in the following collection of these great Christmas books.
I’ve included Amazon links to each recommended book, but you can also see my post on where to get e-books and audiobooks for free. Note that the prices may be given in dollars, but the link will take you to your local Amazon store.
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- 1. A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens
- 2. Skipping Christmas by John Grisham
- 3. The Gift of the Magi by O. Henry
- 4. One Day in December by Josie Silver
- 5. Hercule Poirot’s Christmas by Agatha Christie
- 6. The Christmas Train by David Baldacci
- 7. Winter Street by Elin Hilderbrand
- 8. Letters from Father Christmas by J.R.R. Tolkien
- 9. The Twelve Dates of Christmas by Jenny Bayliss
- 10. Christmas at the Cupcake Café by Jenny Colgan
- 11. The Christmas Chronicles by Nigel Slater
- 12. The Snow Child by Eowyn Ivey
- More Christmas Books for Adults
Disclaimer: this post contains affiliate links. This means I earn a small commission if you choose to make a purchase using this link, but at no cost to you.
1. A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens
No list of classic Christmas books would be complete without this iconic tale. Dickens’ A Christmas Carol is one of the best books about Christmas ever written, telling the story of Ebenezer Scrooge’s transformation from a miserly old man to a generous soul after being visited by three ghosts. It’s timeless and perfect if you’re interested in classic Christmas books.
“I will honour Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all the year.”
2. Skipping Christmas by John Grisham
This comic novel, which inspired the movie Christmas with the Kranks, follows a couple who decide to skip Christmas and the chaos that ensues. Skipping Christmas is a good Christmas book for those who are in the mood for light-hearted fun.
“We skip Christmas, save the money, and go splash in the Caribbean for ten days.”
3. The Gift of the Magi by O. Henry
A short but incredibly moving tale of love and sacrifice, The Gift of the Magi is a great Christmas book that beautifully captures the spirit of giving. It’s an ideal quick read or a lovely addition to Christmas books for book clubs looking for something thought-provoking to discuss.
“Life is full of sniffles, sobs and smiles. With sniffles predominating.”
4. One Day in December by Josie Silver
This contemporary Christmas romance book is a feel-good holiday read that will tug at your heartstrings. A serendipitous glance between two strangers at a bus stop leads to a decade-long love story. One Day in December is one of the best Christmas romance books for a little holiday magic.
“Sometimes you just meet the right person at the wrong time.”
5. Hercule Poirot’s Christmas by Agatha Christie
For those who prefer a little murder with their holiday cheer, Agatha Christie’s Hercule Poirot’s Christmas is one of the best Christmas mystery books. This thrilling whodunit set during Christmas makes it a perfect fit for both mystery lovers and those seeking books about Christmas with a twist.
“Ah, but you must have a Christmas uncomplicated by murder.”
6. The Christmas Train by David Baldacci
This heartwarming novel follows a disillusioned journalist as he embarks on a cross-country train trip during the holiday season. Along the way, he discovers the magic of Christmas through encounters with fellow passengers. The Christmas Train is a good Christmas book for those who enjoy stories of redemption and love.
“You can never truly know if you were meant to be somewhere until you’re there.”
7. Winter Street by Elin Hilderbrand
If you’re looking for a good Christmas book to get lost in, Elin Hilderbrand’s Winter Street is a charming family drama set in Nantucket. With complicated family dynamics, romance, and holiday cheer, this novel is perfect for anyone looking for a great Christmas book to read over the holidays while visiting or hosting their own crazy family.
“Christmas, at its best, is a family thing.”
8. Letters from Father Christmas by J.R.R. Tolkien
For a unique holiday reading experience, Letters from Father Christmas offers an adorable collection of letters written by Tolkien to his children. The letters bring to life the magic of the North Pole and are filled with humor and imagination, making this one of the best Christmas books for adults seeking something nostalgic and whimsical, or something perhaps to read to their kids.
“I suppose you will be hanging up your stocking once again? Let me tell you how things are at the North Pole.”
For more Christmas books for kids that adults can enjoy too, read this next:
9. The Twelve Dates of Christmas by Jenny Bayliss
This romantic comedy follows a woman who signs up for a holiday dating adventure, going on twelve dates in search of true love. Full of Christmas spirit and humor, The Twelve Dates of Christmas is a great Christmas romance book for fans of lighthearted, festive reads.
“It’s impossible to live life without risk, and I want to take mine with you.”
10. Christmas at the Cupcake Café by Jenny Colgan
For a sweet treat of a novel, Christmas at the Cupcake Café by Jenny Colgan is a delightful mix of romance and baking, perfect for those looking for a good Christmas book with a cozy, heartwarming plot. This book is ideal for food lovers and fans of feel-good holiday stories.
“Life is full of many things, cupcakes, coffee, and laughter make it that much sweeter.”
11. The Christmas Chronicles by Nigel Slater
Part cookbook, part memoir, The Christmas Chronicles by Nigel Slater is one of the best books about Christmas for food enthusiasts. Filled with festive recipes, traditions, and Slater’s thoughts on the season, it’s a wonderful addition to a collection of Christmas cookbooks or to give as a holiday gift to a food lover..
“Christmas brings with it a sense of the familiar, a pulling in of friends and family.”
12. The Snow Child by Eowyn Ivey
Set in Alaska during the 1920s, The Snow Child is a magical realism novel that captures the cold beauty of winter and the warmth of human connection. This story of a childless couple who encounter a mysterious young girl in the snow is one of the most enchanting books for Christmas, ideal for those seeking a more mystical read.
“She had learned that there were some things that could not be changed, no matter how much you wished it otherwise.”
More Christmas Books for Adults
These Christmas books for adults cover a range of genres, from classic tales to modern romances, thrillers, and even culinary delights. As a gift idea, you could even wrap up these 12 Christmas books and create a book advent calendar!
Whether you’re in the mood for a lighthearted read or something more profound, these great Christmas books are sure to add extra magic to your holiday season.
Happy reading!
For more page-travelling holiday ideas, take a read of the top stocking stuffers for book lovers, gift ideas for book and travel lovers or zero-waste travel toiletries, which make for great stocking stuffers:
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