I am a book nerd, but I am also a GIANT CHRISTMAS LOVER (hence an entire blog dedicated to Christmas). There are 2.5 glorious months in the year when my two loves, Christmas and Romance Books, overlap. So naturally I felt compelled to write a blog post in honor of CHRISTMAS ROMANCE NOVELS. Eeeek! This blog post is more for me as much as it is for my fellow romance book lovers because I wanted to make a space where I could document and share all the Christmas Romance Books that I have read AND I think are worth picking up during every Christmas season. I will build on to this list year after year so check back often for my most up-to-date suggestions.
I have shared the affiliate links to all these books This means if you click through and decide to purchase a book I’ve recommended, I’ll receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. It’s a simple way to support the blog if you find something you like, and it helps me keep sharing all the festive joy with you.
4 Types of Romantic Christmas Novels
When I think about all the Romantic Christmas books I have read, they basically fall into 1 of 4 categories: Comedy, Feel Good, Heart-warming, and Steamy. Let me explain each category.
Comedy
These books, of course, are romantic, but they will also get you giggling. Maybe one of the main characters brings the comedy or maybe the situations the characters find themselves in are funny. But regardless, you will chuckle and swoon when you read these books.
Feel Good
Have you ever finished reading a book and just felt happy and joyful? Like the book filled you with so much pep that you want to skip around everywhere you go instead of walking? Welp, imagine that kind of book but it’s also a romantic Christmas book. These are the romance Christmas books that just leave you feeling great.
Heart-warming
These Christmas romance books will give you that cozy, heart-melting feeling inside. You know the moment when the Grinch realized, ‘Maybe Christmas doesn’t come from a store. Maybe Christmas… means a little bit more.’ That’s exactly how these stories will make you feel—like the magic of the season is coming to life. A Christmas miracle. These are the books that capture the true spirit of Christmas and leave you glowing inside.
Spicy
Go ahead and tell on me if you want, but I’ll admit it—I love a little spice in my romance novels, and Christmas romance is no exception! These reads bring all the festive holiday vibes and just the right touch of spice to keep things interesting.
Christmas Romance Novel Recommendations
This is my list of recommendations and the category it falls in. A book might fall into multiple categories but I choose the category that overall it fits best in.
Comedy
Along Came Holly by Codi Hall – This is book 3 of 3 in the A Mistletoe Romance series (check out the Feel Good category for the first two books!). This series has become one of my holiday traditions—I come back to it year after year because it’s just that good.
Takes place in the charming little town of Mistletoe with its delightful cast of characters, complete with those Christmasy names and puns I can’t resist. I’ve placed this one in the Comedy category for good reason—the FMC is absolutely hilarious and finds herself in some laugh-out-loud situations. Plus, the banter between her and the MMC is pure gold. You’ll be giggling your way through this one! That said, like the rest of the series, this book has its steamy moments, so it’s definitely one to enjoy on your own—preferably with a hot chocolate and no family members peeking over your shoulder!
The Twelve Dates of Christmas by Jenny Bayliss – This romantic comedy Christmas book has a charming English town, a witty heroine, hilarious situations, and all the cozy Christmas vibes that make you want to book a one-way ticket to the English countryside. The story follows Kate, who reluctantly signs up for a holiday dating program that promises to set her up on twelve dates before Christmas. From hilarious disasters to sweet moments, each date has its own twist, but the real magic lies in how Kate discovers what (and who) she truly wants.
Feel Good
Christmas Camp by Karen Schaler -Anything Karen Schaler writes is basically a Hallmark Christmas movie wrapped up in book form, and I am so here for it. The setting in this story is everything—it practically shouts Christmas! And don’t even get me started on the idea of a Christmas camp. I’d sign up in a heartbeat. Who wouldn’t want to do that?
Finding Christmas by Karen Schaler -Although it’s not a sequel to Christmas Camp, this book brings in new main characters while treating us to some familiar faces. Set in the same festive town of Holiday Peak and it’s packed with that irresistible holiday charm. I’ll be honest—I don’t have all of her Christmas romance books on my list, just the ones that stick with me all year long, the ones I can’t wait to revisit again and again.
Christmas Ever After by Karen Schaler – With its charming characters, sparkling setting, and heartfelt moments, this romance Christmas novel is a delightful reminder of the magic of the season and the power of love. A perfect cozy feel-good Christmas romance!
Nick and Noel’s Christmas Playlist by Codi Hall – This is book 1 of 3 in the A Mistletoe Romance series, and let me just say, I LOVE a good series—especially one I can come back to year after year. Set in the adorably festive town of Mistletoe, this book has everything: a charming small-town vibe, a cast of lovable characters, and tons of Christmasy names and puns that I can’t get enough of. Fair warning, though—this one is steamy! It’s not family fireplace material. If you’re looking for holiday romance with a little extra heat, this series delivers!
There’s Something About Merry by Codi Hall -This is the 2nd book in the A Mistletoe Romance series (and if you haven’t checked out Nick and Noel’s Christmas Playlist, go back and grab that one first!). Set once again in the festive, snow-covered town of Mistletoe, this story is filled with all the holiday charm you could hope for—quirky characters, heartwarming romance, and those irresistible Christmasy names and puns I can never get enough of. This time, we follow Merry and her journey to find love, laughter, and a little holiday magic. But just like the first book, this one brings the heat, so it’s definitely a “me time” kind of read, not one to share during family story hour. If you love your holiday romance with a side of sass and spice, this one’s a must-read!
The Christmas Wedding Guest by Susan Mallery – This is the 2nd book in Susan Mallery’s Wishing Tree series, and it’s everything you could want in a holiday romance book: feel-good, festive, and filled with small-town charm. Set in the magical, Christmas-obsessed town of Wishing Tree, Washington, this story feels like stepping into a Hallmark movie. The book follows two sisters, Reggie and Dena, each on their own journey to finding love.
Home Sweet Christmas by Susan Mallery – This is book 3 in the Wishing Tree series. Set in the charming little town of Wishing Tree, Washington, where Christmas traditions are practically a way of life, this story feels like a cozy holiday hug. This time, we follow two women, Camryn and River, as they each discover unexpected love during the most magical season of all.
Heart-warming
Christmas Jars By Jason F. Write – This book hits you right in the heart and makes you want to embrace the true spirit of Christmas. It’s an uplifting story about kindness, generosity, and how one simple act of giving can change lives. Centered around the tradition of anonymously gifting jars filled with spare change to those in need, it reminds us what the season is really about. This is the kind of book that inspires you to not only feel the magic of Christmas but to spread it, too.
The Christmas Bookshop by Jenny Colgan – This story follows Carmen, who reluctantly takes a job at a charming but struggling bookshop during the holiday season. As she works to bring life back to the shop, she also begins to find her own place in the world. It’s filled with themes of family, forgiveness, and the unexpected ways the Christmas spirit can bring people together. With its enchanting Edinburgh setting, lovable characters, and, of course, a bookshop that feels like a dream, this story is everything you want in a cozy romantic Christmas novel. It’s heartfelt, magical, and sure to remind you why we all love this season so much.
Midnight at the Christmas Bookshop by Jenny Colgan – This sequel to The Christmas Bookshop brings even more holiday magic! We’re back with Carmen and her beloved bookshop in Edinburgh, where the holidays are in full swing. If you loved the first book, you’ll adore this continuation. It’s cozy, heartfelt, and full of the Christmas spirit we can’t get enough of. Perfect for fans of books about books, a little romance, and a lot of holiday cheer!
White Christmas Inn by Colleen Wright – This is one of those books that stays with you, popping into my mind multiple times a year. There’s one particular storyline in this book that completely tugged on my heartstrings and made me fall in love with it instantly. It’s no surprise it’s earned a permanent spot on my must-read Christmas list every single year. Set in a cozy inn during a snowstorm that strands a group of strangers together, this story weaves multiple heartfelt storylines about love, loss, and the magic of connection. If you’re looking for a book that captures the warmth and wonder of the holiday season while giving you all the feels, this one is an absolute treasure.
Spicy
The Plight Before Christmas By Kate Stewart – When I picked up this Christmas romance book, I had no idea it was a spicy Christmas romance. It’s got the perfect balance of cozy holiday vibes, heartfelt romance, and just the right amount of spice to keep things interesting. The story follows Whitney, who finds herself snowed in with her family for the holidays—along with her ex. What starts as an awkward reunion quickly turns into a whirlwind of emotions, laughter, and, yes, plenty of holiday heat.
My Neighbor Stole Christmas by Meagan Quinn – The Queen of Spice nailed it on this one! You want spice, you got it. But this book is also HILARIOUS! I laughed out loud so many times. One time I had to stop reading the book so I could get myself back under control. The Christmas vibes are immaculate. Definitely on my yearly Christmas read list.
Need something to read for the kiddos? Check out my recommended list of reindeer books to read this holiday season.