With the holiday rush over, there’s nothing better than making Christmas as cozy as possible. You will reach this best of relaxing states by choosing from the top winter reads ever!

When the lights are twinkling on the tree, snow is falling outside the window, and favorite snacks are waiting to be eaten, it’s time to wrap yourself in the softest blanket and travel to the imaginative worlds living on pages of the finest Christmas books. No time of the year sparks the imagination like this one, so you may be able to feel you are really there, with all these vibrant characters reliving their timeless adventures.

Please don’t trouble yourself with making a list of titles to enjoy, as our hand-picked selection of the best books to read at Christmas is already here. Dig in!

Criteria for Selection

Since everyone loves the holiday season and reading, we decided to capture the essence of Christmas in a wide selection of titles for every genre preference. This list contains legendary classics, suspenseful crime stories, touching romances, something for the youngest ones, and more – from its joyful spirit to its traditions and heartwarming messages!

“A Christmas Carol” by Charles Dickens

This most famous recommendation is an excellent choice for fans of timeless classics and more modern books. Packed with a massive dose of Christmas spirit and a meaningful message, “A Christmas Carol” continues to inspire many pop culture works.

Ebenezer Scrooge doesn’t seem to care about anything other than himself and his fortune. Everything changes on Christmas Eve when the ghost visits him to warn the man that something terrible will happen if he doesn’t change his ways. Soon, more ghosts pay him a visit, showing visions of various timelines that may have a tragic conclusion. Will Scrooge learn from what he saw? See for yourself!

“The Night Before Christmas” by Clement Clarke Moore

It is a classic 19th-century work, perfect for reading aloud by generations of kids and adults during the holiday season.

“The Night Before Christmas” is one of the most famous poems written in America, immensely popular worldwide during the holiday season. The rumor has it this particular title maintained the image of Santa as we know him today – with red furs and a white beard, traveling through the starry sky on Christmas Eve.

“Let it Snow” by John Green, Maureen Johnson, and Lauren Myracle

Lose yourself in three stories revealing their tied plots at the least expected moments. It is a recommendation for teens and older readers who crave a bit of Christmas magic in their everyday lives.

Due to hilarious coincidences, young Jubilee must spend Christmas in the unfamiliar Gracetown, where she meets her new friends. Elsewhere, a group of people discover that sometimes happiness may be closer than they initially thought. And heartbroken Addie receives a quest – to collect a piggy teacup for her friend. How do these stories intertwine? Read on to gain a youthful perspective on Christmas themes!

“Winter Street” by Elin Hilderbrand

For those who appreciate decent drama, “Winter Street” is the best choice! Meet the Quinn family – the Winter Street Inn owners, preparing their annual Christmas party amidst the utter holiday mayhem.

“Winter Street” represents part of a series that usually revolves in a summer setting, but not this time. The plot follows the family members coming to the Inn for the winter holiday, and from that moment on, the plans don’t go as well as they could have. Pick this book if you like pre-Christmas chaos and the festive spirit surrounding this particular part of the year!

“Hercule Poirot’s Christmas” by Agatha Christie

Is there anything better than a delicious mystery by the undisputed queen of crime, combining a gripping plot with the warmth of the holiday season? Find out if uncovering the culprit and enjoying Christmas is your thing!

Wealthy Simeon Lee’s Christmas reunion with his sons ends with a man changing his will. Soon, the family finds him dead, and only Hercule Poirot can track down the killer. Is one of the sons the culprit? Or does the threat come from outside? It is one of those books you read in one go!

“The Adventure of the Christmas Pudding” by Agatha Christie

This collection of six short crime stories involves two stars of Agatha Christie’s novels – Hercule Poirot and Miss Marple. Consider reading the chapter of the same name if you’re craving a good murder mystery with a beautifully festive atmosphere!

When Mr. Jesmond asks Hercule Poirot to help the eastern prince, the protagonist discovers the details of a complex case revolving around a valuable ruby. The prince planned to give it to his fiancée, but the stone got stolen, which can cause a massive scandal if not handled with care.

“How the Grinch Stole Christmas” by Dr. Seuss

A charming book by legendary Dr. Seuss unravels the story of the Grinch – a lonely creature living on a mountain overlooking the town of Whoville, inhabited by cheerful Whos. And this guy really doesn’t fancy another Christmas coming!

“How the Grinch Stole Christmas” follows the Grinch deciding to destroy Christmas decorations, food, and preparations and avoid the Whos celebrating this time of year at all costs. What an evil plan! If that happens, the poor Whos will be incredibly sad, but only reading this book can clarify how the story ends.

“The Polar Express” by Chris Van Allsburg

A young boy can’t sleep while waiting for Santa, so he listens to the sound of the sleigh approaching. Instead, a magical train arrives, taking the children to the North Pole.

“The Polar Express” focuses on the children’s extraordinary journey to the North Pole, where they can meet their greatest hero – Santa. Young guests have a chance to discover the details of his work, but it seems not everyone can hear the ringing bells. It is a captivating story about faith and childlike trust in the most amazing things adults forget over time.

“One Day in December” by Josie Silver

It is a heartwarming romance unfolding over several Christmases, exploring themes of affection and destiny. See what happens when a woman falls in love with a man she knows nothing about.

Laurie doesn’t believe in true love until one winter day when she sees a man through a bus window and immediately falls in love. The woman tries to find him for the next few months, unsuccessfully. Finally, her best friend introduces her to her new boyfriend the following Christmas, who turns out to be the same man Laurie saw last year. What will happen to the two heroes chasing their destiny? You’ll have fun with this novel if you enjoy stories like “Sleepless in Seattle.”

“Royal Holiday” by Jasmine Guillory

Vivian Forest decides to go with her daughter on her work trip to England for the upcoming holiday season. Little does the woman know that this one-time trip can give her much more than a beautiful Christmas experience.

When Vivian falls in love with a handsome private secretary, everyday life becomes a never-ending fairy tale. At least until New Year’s Day, when it’s time to leave this charming land of British views and beloved memories. Unless the man is interested in continuing this fiery romance? Read and see! All we can say is that this bestselling novel is all about love, Christmas magic, and tons of delicious food.

Conclusion

Will Hercule Poirot find the stolen ruby? How will the three stories in “Let it Snow” end? And what happened when the Grinch completed his cruel plan of destroying Christmas?

You decide which of these fantastic recommendations should reach their conclusion, but each makes a lasting impression! From heartwarming classics to thrilling mysteries and modern romances, these books are sure to add a touch of magic to your Christmas celebrations. Use this chance and give yourself the best treat of stories that make the world delightful. Happy reading!