Need some ideas on which Christmas books to read this winter? We love nothing more than snuggling up at wintertime with a Christmas-themed novel. Whether you want something to wind down with on Christmas Eve or just want to keep your mind on Christmas, these books are the answer. Christmas stories will certainly get you in the mood.
So pop on a cinnamon-scented candle, grab a thick wool blanket, and snuggle down to read some Christmas books.
These would also make for great Christmas gifts this year if you know any book-lovers.
A Christmas CarolA Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens
If you haven’t already read this book, you may want to now. A Christmas Carol is one of the classic Christmas novels. People don’t think of Christmas without imagining Ebenezer Scrooge. The movie plays at least once every year but the book is worth a read if you want to experience the tale for yourself.
Available to buy here
The Valancourt Book of Victorian Christmas Ghost StoriesThe Valancourt Book of Victorian Christmas Ghost Stories edited by Tara Moore
For spooky history lovers, pick up the Valencourt Book of Victoria Christmas Ghost Stories. The first-ever collection of ghost stories, written by the likes of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and Walter Alva Scott and curated by Tara Moore. This book is perfect if you want a bit of fun horror during the jolliest season of all.
Available to buy here
The Nutcracker and The Mouse KingThe Nutcracker And The Mouse King by E.T.A. Hoffmann
This story follows a young girl’s favourite Christmas toy coming to life and defeating the evil mouse king. It whisks the reader away to a magical land filled with dolls. If this sounds familiar, it has been adapted many times, from being made into a ballet to getting its own Barbie movie. The book is worth a read, especially if you have children and want to tell them a festive tale. Top tip, keep a nutcracker nearby to add a little magic for any children you read it to.
Available to buy here
One Day In DecemberOne Day In December by Josie Silver
Described as a ‘heart-warming and immensely moving love story’ One Day In December is perfect if you need a little romance this Christmas. The story follows Laurie, Sarah and Jack over the course of 10 years seeing their relationships grow and develop.
Available to buy here
Silent Night: The Story of the WW1 Christmas TruceSilent Night: The Story of The WWI Christmas Truce by Stanley Weintraub
Another book for the history lovers. If you want some recent Christmas history the recounting of the famous Christmas truce may be something you want to look into. Written by renowned military historian Stanley Weintraub read more about the story of the time the war stopped in 1914.
Available to buy here
The Deal Of A LifetimeThe Deal Of A Lifetime by Fredrik Backman
This book is a heart-warming tale of a father and sons first meeting in years. The Deal Of A Lifetime will have you thinking about life and legacy and what it means to be alive whilst reminding you of the love you have with your family.
Available to buy here
Hercule Poirot’s ChristmasHercule Poirot’s Christmas by Agatha Christie
If you want a little mystery during the festive holidays, Hercule Poirot’s Christmas is the book for you. Another one of Agatha Christies murder mysteries. In this story, a family Christmas Eve reunion ends in a murder. Thankfully Hercule Poirot is staying nearby.
Available to buy here
Mr Dickens and His CarolMr Dickens And His Carol by Samantha Silva
Harkening back to the first book we mentioned, Samantha Silva writes a fictional version of what she imagines Charles Dickens Christmas’s were like. Taking you on an adventure following Dickens in a Scrooge-like journey.
Available to buy here
The Greatest GiftThe Greatest Gift by Philip Van Doren Stern
Originally a short story in a booklet and then published into a short novel, The Greatest Gift is now an internationally known and loved Christmas title. Although, we know it as It’s A Wonderful Life now. The book published in 1944 is a fun festive read, following the character George Pratt on one fateful Christmas Eve.
Buy here.
Letters From Father ChristmasLetters From Father Christmas by J.R.R. Tolkein
Although known for the Lord of The Rings series, Tolkein has many other works under his belt. Such as this charming little book of letters he wrote to his children under the guise of Father Christmas.
Available to buy here
The Snow QueenThe Snow Queen by Hans Christian Andersen
We know Frozen to be the biggest children’s movie since the Lion King, but did you know it was based on Hans Christian Andersen’s, The Snow Queen? Being one of the classic Christmas novels, why not pick up the tale to see the full story the hit movie was based on. It’s a fun read for all, adults and children alike.
Available to buy here
Amazing Peace: A Christmas PoemAmazing Peace: A Christmas Poem by Maya Angelou
Technically this is not a novel, but a poem. The poem inspires readers to feel togetherness in a promise of joy and peace at Christmas which everybody should read once in their lifetime.
Available to buy here
So whether you are looking for a Christmas Eve read or something to read little by little over the whole season, you are bound to enjoy one of these Christmas novels.
If you need a break from your Christmas novels, why not check out some Christmas TV or download and print out ‘Twas The Night Before Christmas.
