The ultimate Christmas book list | updated for 2025

The Bookseller's Gift by Felicity Hayes-McCoy

In this "festive feast of a novel", Catherine summons the courage to ask the tightknit community of Finfarran in Ireland for help when the future of her beloved Lissbeg Books is in real jeopardy.

Three Holidays and a Wedding by Uzma Jalaluddin & Marissa Staple

In this heart-warming, multi-faith festive read, an emergency landing finds Anna, Maryam and Saif snowbound at a quirky hotel in the picture-perfect town of Snow Falls…

A Midwinter's Tail by Lili Hayward

The more time Mina spends in her long-estranged godfather's Cornish cottage, Morgelyn, looking after his cat Murr, the harder it becomes to tear herself away. When she discovers that a set of ruthless property developers are coming for Morgelyn, she realises she might be the only one who can stand in their way to save it. The purrfect yuletide story for long winter nights. 

Gifts by Laura Barnett

A bittersweet story about twelve people, twelve gifts, and one Christmas to remember, from the author of The Versions of Us.

Skipping Christmas by John Grisham

Luther and Nora Krank are about to discover that skipping Christmas brings enormous consequences – and isn't half as easy as they'd imagined...

The bestselling novel behind the iconic movie Christmas with the Kranks.

The Christmas Tree that Loved to Dance written by Miranda Hart and illustrated by Lucy Claire Dunbar

A joyful, hilarious and heartwarming story of a seemingly ordinary woman, her beloved dog and a forgotten but friendly Christmas tree...

Written by the beloved actress, comedian, and bestselling author of I Haven't Been Entirely Honest With You.

The Christmas Appeal by Janice Hallett

In this festive companion to the bestselling mystery novel The Appeal, join lawyers Femi and Charlotte as they attempt to find out the truth behind the dead body discovered at the town's festive panto. 

Murder Under the Mistletoe by Richard Coles

It is Christmas Day and at Champton Rectory, Canon Daniel Clement and his mother Audrey are joined by the residents and guests of the big house to drink, eat and be merry. Until two meet under the mistletoe. One of them falls down dead. And Daniel suspects murder has returned to Champton...

The Christmas Card Crime and Other Stories edited by Martin Edwards

With neglected stories by John Bude and E.C.R. Lorac, as well as tales by little-known writers of crime fiction, this collection of mysteries explores the darker side of the festive season, from unexplained disturbances in the fresh snow, to the darkness that lurks beneath the sparkling decorations.

Murder at Holly House by Denzil Meyrick

Yorkshire, 1952. Christmas is fast approaching when a dead stranger is found lodged up the chimney of Holly House in the snow-covered village of Elderby. Is he a simple thief, or a would-be killer?

Everyone This Christmas Has a Secret by Benjamin Stevenson

24 advent calendar doors. 23 clues. And 1 killer to catch before Christmas...

A deviously clever, classic murder mystery from the bestselling author of Everyone In My Family Has Killed Someone.

The Christmas Clue by Nicola Upson

Christmas Eve, 1943. Anthony and Elva Pratt arrive in a snowy English village to run a murder mystery game – and instead discover a real murder.

A Christmas murder mystery featuring the real-life couple who invented Cluedo.

Make the Season Bright by Ashley Herring Blake

A swoon-worthy queer festive romance from the author of Delilah Green Doesn't Care.

It's been five years since Charlotte was ditched at the altar by her ex-fiancée, Brighton. This year, Charlotte's friend Sloane persuades her to spend Christmas in Colorado. But when Charlotte arrives, she discovers that Sloane's sister also brought a friend home – Brighton.

Christmas at the Bookshop by Jenny Colgan

When Carmen's sister, Sofia, mentions a job opportunity in a secondhand bookshop in Edinburgh, Carmen soon finds herself pulling into the snowy city just a month before Christmas. What Sofia didn't say is that the shop is on its last legs and that if Carmen can't help turn things around before Christmas, the owner will be forced to sell... 

Also by Jenny Colgan: Midnight at the Christmas Bookshop, The Secret Christmas Library, Christmas at the Island Hotel.

Snowed In by Catherine Walsh

When Megan literally bumps into Christian in a Dublin pub, they come up with a pact to see them through the holiday season with their families. They're going to be the very best fake dates for each other, ever.

Also by Catherine Walsh: Holiday Romance, the companion novel.

Someday at Christmas by Lizzie Byron

With a store to save and her own romance going off-script, Christmas just got complicated for Shell. But this is the most wonderful time of the year, so there must be a happy ending awaiting… right?

The Christmas Tree Farm by Laurie Gilmore

Fate finds Ben trapped by a blanket of snow at Kira's Christmas tree farm, and, despite her Grinchiest first impressions, with the glow of the fairy lights twinkling in the trees, and the promise of a warming hot chocolate, maybe, just maybe, these two lost souls will have a Christmas they’ll remember forever.

Also in the series: The Gingerbread Bakery.

Christmas Fling by Lindsey Kelk

Laura was all set for a quiet solo Christmas until she's mistaken for a stranger's mystery girlfriend, and is swept off to the snowy Scottish Highlands with the whole family.

Stranger Callum is hot, hilarious and their 'fake' chemistry is off the charts. So is this just a Christmas fling? Or the start of something more?

The Snow Child by Eowyn Ivey

A bewitching tale of heartbreak and hope set in 1920s Alaska.

Jack and Mabel have staked everything on a fresh start in a remote homestead, but the wilderness is a stark place, and Mabel is haunted by the baby she lost many years before. When a little girl appears mysteriously on their land, each is filled with wonder, but also foreboding: is she what she seems, and can they find room in their hearts for her?

Midnight in Everwood by M.A. Kuzniar

A magical fairy tale retelling of The Nutcracker.

Marietta longs to be a ballerina but, as Christmas draws nearer, her dancing days are numbered – she must marry and take up her place in society in the New Year. After mysterious toymaker Dr Drosselmeier constructs an elaborate theatrical set for her final ballet performance on Christmas Eve, Marietta discovers it carries magic – a magic darker than anyone could imagine. 

The Twelve Days of Christmas by Susan Stokes-Chapman

A beautiful collection of seasonal stories stories set during the Napoleonic Wars, inspired by the classic Christmas carol, from the bestselling author of Pandora.

The Winter Spirits: Ghostly Tales for Frosty Nights by Various

The tradition of a haunted tale at Christmas has flourished across the centuries. These twelve stories, written by some of today's most loved authors of historical and gothic fiction, are all centred around Christmas or Advent.

Even more wintry collections: The Haunting Season: Ghostly Tales for Long Winter Nights and The Witching Hour: Haunting Tales for Long Dark Nights.

The Wood at Midwinter by Susanna Clarke

An enchanting and haunting Christmas short story from the author of Piranesi and Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell.

19-year-old Merowdis can talk to animals and trees – and she is only ever happy when she is walking in the woods. One snowy afternoon, out with her dogs and Apple the pig, Merowdis encounters a blackbird and a fox. As darkness falls, a strange figure enters in their midst – and the path of her life is changed forever.

Hogfather by Terry Pratchett

'Twas the night before Hogswatch and all through the house... something was missing.

In this beloved Discworld Christmas classic, Death realises that belief in the Hogfather is dangerously low, and decides to take on the job. But it's just not right to find a seven-foot skeleton creeping down your chimney and trying to say 'ho, ho, ho'. If Susan, Death's granddaughter, doesn't sort everything out by morning, there won't be a morning. Ever again...

The Box of Delights written by John Masefield and illustrated by Quentin Blake

A magical old man has asked Kay to protect the Box of Delights, a Box with which he can travel through time. But Kay is in danger: Abner Brown will stop at nothing to get his hands on it. The police don't believe Kay, so when his family and the Bishop are scrobbled up just before Christmas, he knows he must act alone...

The Mistletoe Bride and Other Haunting Tales by Kate Mosse

I hear someone coming. It has happened before...

Rooted in the elemental landscapes of Sussex, Brittany and the Languedoc, here are tales of ghosts and spirits seeking revenge, of grief-stricken women and haunted men coming to terms with their destiny.

Atmospheric and unforgettable, The Mistletoe Bride is a collection of stories inspired by ghost stories, folk tales and legends, from one of our most captivating writers.

The Ghosts Of Merry Hall by Heather Davey

The ghost of a girl who performed in Victorian freak shows haunts this chilling gothic ghost story, perfect for fans of Laura Purcell's The Silent Companions and Alice Hoffman's The Museum of Extraordinary Things.

Snowdrift and Other Stories by Georgette Heyer

Affairs of honour between bucks and blades, rakes and rascals; affairs of the heart between heirs and orphans, beauties and bachelors; romance, intrigue, escapades and duels at dawn. All the gallantry, villainy and elegance of the age that Georgette Heyer has so triumphantly made her own are exquisitely revived in these wonderfully romantic stories of the Regency period.

Christmas at Cold Comfort Farm by Stella Gibbons

A festive treat from a treasured comic writer.

It's Christmas-time at Cold Comfort Farm and it's the worst sort of family gathering... Adam Lambsbreath dresses up as Father Christmas in two of Judith's red shawls. There are unsuitable presents, unpleasant insertions into the pudding and Aunt Ada Doom orders Amos to carve the turkey, adding: 'Ay, would it were a vulture, 'twere more fitting!'

Christmas Pudding by Nancy Mitford

A fun and festive story from the author of the modern classic, The Pursuit of Love.

The formidable fox-hunter Lady Bobbin is holding a Christmas house party; Christmas Pudding is a ribald tale of true love and false fidelity, hijinks and low morals, not to mention the consumption of a considerable quantity of Christmas spirit. 

The Penguin Book of Christmas Stories edited by Jessica Harrison

Classic tales from writers including Truman Capote, Shirley Jackson, Dylan Thomas, Saki and Chekhov, as well as little-known treasures such as Italo Calvino's wry sideways look at Christmas consumerism, Wolfdietrich Schnurre's story of festive ingenuity in Berlin, Selma Lagerlof's enchanted forest in Sweden, and Irène Nemerovsky's dark family portrait. Featuring santas, ghosts, trolls, unexpected guests, curmudgeons and miracles, this is Christmas as imagined by some of the greatest short story writers of all time.

A Book for Christmas by Selma Lagerlöf

An enchanting selection of Christmas tales by the Nobel Prize-winning Swedish national treasure.

The Christmas Chronicles by Nigel Slater

The Christmas Chronicles is the story of Nigel Slater's love for winter, the scent of fir and spruce, ghost stories read with a glass of sloe gin, and beeswax candles with shadows dancing on the ceiling. With recipes, decorations, fables and quick fireside suppers, Nigel guides you through the essential preparations for Christmas and the New Year.

The Dead of Winter: The Demons, Witches and Ghosts of Christmas by Sarah Clegg

Sarah Clegg takes us on a journey through midwinter to explore the lesser-known Christmas traditions, from English mummers plays and Austrian Krampus runs, to modern pagan rituals at Stonehenge and the night in Finland when a young girl is crowned with candles as St Lucy. We discover how these traditions originated and how they changed through the centuries, and we ask ourselves: if we can't keep the darkness entirely at bay, might it be fun to let a little in?

Village Christmas and Other Notes on the English Year by Laurie Lee

Village Christmas is a moving, lyrical portrait of England through the changing years and seasons.

Laurie Lee left his childhood home in the Cotswolds when he was nineteen, but it remained with him throughout his life until, many years later, he returned for good. This collection brings to life the sights, sounds, landscapes and traditions of his home – from carol singing in crunching snow to pub conversations and songs.

The Philosophy of Christmas by Caroline Taggart

Caroline Taggart takes a fascinating and quirky look at why we celebrate Christmas the way we do, illustrated in glorious full colour with images from the British Library Collections.

A Very British Christmas by Rob Temple

The ultimate showcase of the quirks, mishaps and traditions that define British life, all rolled into one bonkers season.

Merry Murdle by G.T. Karber

Examine the clues, consider the suspects and complete the deduction grids to determine who's on Santa's naughty list this Christmas. Stuffed to the brim with puzzles and codes, this is the perfect book to hone your detective skills all through the holidays.

The Little Book of Christmas and Hogmanay: Scotland's Festive Traditions by Anna Marshall

From Celtic druids and Viking Yule to the outright banning of Christmas for 400 years, The Broons, first footing and the Loony Dook, this is a joyous miscellany that showcases the creative, elaborate and sometimes downright bizarre aspects of Scottish Christmas and New Year, from the ancient past to the more recent present. It includes different local traditions, from those practised in the Borders all the way to the islands of Orkney and Shetland, as well as the nationwide pastimes enjoyed by everyone.

And So This is Christmas: 51 Seasonally Adjusted Poems by Brian Bilston

With his signature wit, bestselling poet Brian Bilston celebrates the festive season: from bizarre family traditions to the office Christmas party; from voting day for turkeys to the impossible art of gift-giving.

A Poem for Every Day of Christmas edited by Allie Esiri

A splendid collection of thirty-one poems, compiled by award-winning anthologist Allie Esiri, to take you through the month of December. It features festive poems and carols by Brian Bilston, Robert Burns, Wendy Cope, T. S. Eliot, Christina Rossetti. E. E. Cummings, Dylan Thomas, Clement Clarke Moore, and many more.

The Winter Wish written by Helen Mortimer and illustrated by Rachael Dean (3+)

William lives in Words of Wonder, a perfect bookshop full of stories and delights. He has always lived there with his family, ever since he was a baby, and now he is thirty-seven books tall. But times are hard, and the bookshop is struggling, so William takes it upon himself to create the most beautiful Christmas window to draw people in – with a leaping reindeer, pulling a sleigh full of stories. And then one night, as Christmas draws near, the reindeer comes to life and all William's wishes for his family and all the shops around come true… making a Christmas to remember through the power of words and hope.

The Very Merry Murder Club edited by Serena Patel & Robin Stevens and illustrated by Harry Woodgate (9+)

A collection of wintery crime and mystery stories by thirteen of the most exciting and diverse authors in children's books today. Join them as part of the Very Merry Murder Club as they lead you on a snow-covered journey of festive foul play and murderously magnificent mysteries!

Christmas Wish-tastrophe written by Cariad Lloyd and illustrated by Ma Pe (9+)

When Lydia Marmalade makes a wish on the most magical night of the year, little does she know the chaos she’s about to unleash. Could one simple wish start a... wish-tastrophe?

A hilarious Christmas story, from comedian and writer Cariad Lloyd.

Tinsel: The Girls Who Invented Christmas by Sibéal Pounder (9+)

What if somewhere along the way we've all got the Santa story a bit wrong...? Join Blanche Claus as she aims to deliver a Christmas gift to every child on Earth. With help from her best friend Rinki and an aspiring chef called Santa, it's a funny festive sleigh ride you'll never forget!

The Completely Chaotic Christmas of Lottie Brooks by Katie Kirby (9+)

From hilarious bestselling author, Katie Kirby, comes a festive Lottie Brooks story.

The whole Brooks family are visiting for the festive break (along with some surprise visitors...), there's a Secret Santa to organise, and the hammies won't stop attacking Gavin, the Elf on the Shelf! Will Lottie survive the festivities intact or will she have to hide in the fort of shame until it's all over?

The Very Last Christmas Present written by Adam Baron and illustrated by Benji Davies (9+)

Father Christmas is back from his fast-track journey around the world on Christmas Eve but he's forgotten to deliver one of the presents! The reindeers are exhausted, so there's only one option: Father Christmas's loyal dog, Kado. Can Kado help deliver the very last present?

A magical, heartwarming and unforgettable Christmas story with a powerful environmental message at its heart.

Love in Winter Wonderland by Abiola Bello (14+)

Trey works at his family’s beloved Black-owned bookshop, Wonderland. Ariel is in need of a holiday temp job. An opening at Wonderland is the answer... and the start of a hate-to-love journey. Will Trey and Ariel find their happily ever after in this hopelessly romantic Christmas love story?

Stay Another Day by Juno Dawson (14+)

With four sleeps till Christmas, three secretive siblings, two hot houseguests, and one juicy secret, this Christmas there will be some big surprises under the tree!

Family secrets, chance encounters and festive traditions collide in this juicy Christmas treat.

The Jolly Christmas Postman by Allan Ahlberg & Janet Ahlberg (3+)

The Jolly Postman has a busy day ahead. It's Christmas Eve in Fairy-Tale Land and there's plenty of post for him to deliver! There's a card for Baby Bear, a game appropriately called 'Beware' for Red Riding Hood from Mr Wolf, a get-well jigsaw for Humpty Dumpty and many more! But, can he deliver it all by Christmas? Little ones will love opening the envelopes to read the post in this magical story, full of festive, fairy tale surprises!

The Night Before Christmas written by Clement C. Moore and illustrated by Eric Puybaret (3+)

Clement C. Moore's much-loved classic Christmas poem The Night Before Christmas is brought to life in this gorgeous picture book.

A Child's Christmas in Wales written by Dylan Thomas and illustrated by Peter Bailey (6+)

All the Christmases roll down toward the two-tongued sea, like a cold and headlong moon bundling down the sky that was our street...

Dylan Thomas's lyrical account of his childhood Christmases in a small Welsh town, featuring wolves, bears, hippos and Mrs Prothero's cat.

The Dark is Rising by Susan Cooper (9+)

It's Christmas-time in the Stanton family house: presents, carol singing, good cheer. But for 11-year-old Will, something sinister has begun. On Midwinter Day, Will wakes up to a different world: silent, covered in snow and ancient forest, a world of another time. A world where evil lurks.

A richly imagined classic, part of The Dark is Rising sequence of books.