Are you looking for the best Christmas fiction, the best fiction books to read at Christmas, or heartwarming stories that take place during the Christmas season? I’ve got a great cozy list for you!

Christmas gives us all the warm and cozy feels. From quiet evenings spent reading by the fire to joyful holiday parties with family and friends, there’s something so warm and magical about this season. This warmth and magic is often reflected in some of the best Christmas fiction, which is why we love to return to our favorite Christmas stories again every year, or enjoy a new story to celebrate the season.

For many bibliophiles and introverts, curling up with a good book in our favorite cozy chair is one of the greatest joys of the Christmas season! And in honor of Christmas, why not read fiction books that actually take place during the Christmas holidays?

From old favorites to brand-new releases, there are so many ways to incorporate reading into your Christmas, bringing old stories and new ones to life, and reminding us why Christmas is so special in the first place. Let’s discover the best cozy fiction books to enjoy this Christmas!

P.S. For some annoying reason, I could only embed Amazon links here. But if you are able, please purchase from actual booksellers and publishers like Barnes & Noble, Lifeway, Books-A-Million … or even your local bookstores!

Best Cozy & Heartwarming Fiction Books to Read at Christmastime

1. “Little Women” by Louisa May Alcott (1868)

While not exclusively a Christmas story, Little Women opens with a memorable scenes of the March sisters at Christmastime. This classic tale of sisterhood, growing up, and finding joy in simplicity captures the true heart of Christmas—gratitude, giving, and family love. This is one of my favorite books of all time! I’ve loved the movie version since I was a girl and I just can’t imagine life without this book and film!

2. “A Christmas Carol” by Charles Dickens (1843)

The story follows Ebenezer Scrooge, a miserly, bitter old man who despises Christmas. On Christmas Eve, Scrooge is visited by the ghost of his former business partner, Jacob Marley, who warns him to change his ways. He is then visited by three spirits: the Ghost of Christmas Past, Ghost of Christmas Present, and Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come. Through these visits, Scrooge witnesses his own life, the struggles of the poor, and the consequences of his selfishness.

The ultimate Christmas classic for a reason, Charles Dickens’ tale of Ebenezer Scrooge’s transformation reminds us of the redemptive power of Christmas. With its carols, feasts, and snowy London streets, it’s the perfect cozy Christmas read!

3. “An Angel in Her Pocket: A Pride and Prejudice Variation” by Brenda Webb (2021)

I absolutely adore this novella! For Jane Austen lovers, this unique variation of Pride and Prejudice is a heartwarming holiday tale.

Set during a bleak Christmas season, Elizabeth Bennet faces hardship after Lydia’s elopement with Mr. Wickham and her father’s subsequent death. With Mr. Collins taking possession of Longbourn, Elizabeth and Jane are forced to live apart. In London, Elizabeth’s hope of finding employment is fading as Christmas approaches. During this challenging time, an angel appears, offering guidance and support to Elizabeth, leading her toward unexpected joy and love.

Taking place during the Christmas season, this novella blends Regency charm, romance, and the spirit of second chances. This novella combines Pride & Prejudice and It’s a Wonderful Life! It definitely brought a tear to my eye!

4. “The Noel Diary (Book 1 of 4)” by Richard Paul Evans (2017)

Jacob Churcher, a successful author, returns to his childhood home in Salt Lake City after learning of his estranged mother’s passing. While sorting through her belongings, he discovers a diary belonging to a young woman named Noel, who had lived with his family during her pregnancy. Rachel, an adoptee seeking her birth mother, arrives at the house, believing Noel to be her mother. Together, they embark on a journey to uncover the past, leading to unexpected revelations and a chance for healing and redemption.

This modern Christmas romance is about healing old wounds and rediscovering love during the holidays. With themes of family, forgiveness, and unexpected connection, it’s tailor-made for cozy Christmas reading.

5. “The Chronicles of Narnia” by C.S. Lewis (1950-1956)

Though not exclusively Christmas stories, C.S. Lewis’ The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe is a classic fantasy novel that famously introduces Narnia under the White Witch’s rule—“always winter, never Christmas.” The return of Aslan brings hope, joy, and yes—Christmas! This fantastical story is a masterful allegory of the Christian faith and is perfect for a wintry escape, no matter how old you are.

6. “Once Upon a Wardrobe” by Patti Callahan (2021)

Continuing on the Narnia theme, this touching story is about the origins of Narnia and the heart of C.S. Lewis’s imagination. This novel weaves family, love, and wonder. While not a Christmas story per se, its magical, nostalgic tone makes it an enchanting December read!

Set in December 1950, the novel follows Megs Devonshire, a 17-year-old mathematics student at Oxford University. Her younger brother, George, is gravely ill and confined to bed, finding solace in his favorite book, The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. Driven by his burning question—“Where did Narnia come from?”—George asks Megs to seek out the author, C.S. Lewis, and find an answer. Despite her logical, scientific mindset, Megs approaches Lewis, who responds not with a direct answer but by sharing stories from his own life that inspired Narnia. As Megs listens to these tales, she begins to understand the profound connection between imagination, faith, and healing. The narrative beautifully explores the bond between siblings and the life-changing magic of stories.

7. Charles Dickens’ Classic Christmas Novella Collection (compiled 2023)

This delightful compilation includes Dickens’ beloved Christmas stories—each one brimming with Victorian festivity, redemption, and seasonal charm. If you love A Christmas Carol, this collection lets you savor more of the Dickensian Christmas spirit!

8. “Merry and Bright” by Debby Macomber (2018)

Macomber is the queen of cozy holiday romance, and this tale of love discovered during Christmastime is sweet, hopeful, and heartwarming. A perfect fireside read with cocoa in hand.

Merry Knight is a 24-year-old temp at a consulting firm, juggling her demanding job, caring for her mother with MS, and managing holiday preparations. Her well-meaning family sets up an online dating profile for her, leading to a connection with a charming man named Jay. Their online conversations become the highlight of her day. However, when they arrange to meet in person, Merry discovers that Jay is none other than her uptight boss, Jayson Bright. Despite their initial awkwardness, a deeper connection begins to form, challenging their perceptions and leading to unexpected romance.

9. “Winter Street” by Elin Hildebrand (Book 1 of 4: Winter Street) (2023)

Elin Hilderbrand is a personal favorite of mine, and her stories are always set in Nantucket, which I absolutely love! Set at a Nantucket inn during Christmas, this family drama is full of holiday mishaps, laughter, and reconciliation. It’s the first book in a four-book series about the Quinn family.

10. “The Christmas Box” by Richard Paul Evans (1993)

The story follows a successful young businessman who moves his family into a new house just before Christmas. While settling in, he meets an elderly woman named Mary, who shares with him a mysterious “Christmas Box” containing memories, letters, and objects that reveal profound lessons about life, love, and family. Through Mary’s wisdom and the stories within the Christmas Box, the man learns to prioritize what truly matters, reconnect with his family, and embrace the spirit of giving and gratitude.

This modern classic explores love, family, and the lessons of loss at Christmastime. Gentle and deeply moving, it reminds readers to cherish what matters most during the season.

11. “The Gift of the Magi” by O. Henry (1905)

A timeless short story about sacrificial love at Christmas, The Gift of the Magi offers a simplicity and poignancy that captures the very heart of holiday giving. It’s a short Christmas classic for a reason!

12. “Mr. Dickens and His Carol” by Samantha Silva (2020)

A fictional retelling of how Dickens wrote A Christmas Carol, this story brings Victorian London and Christmas creativity to life, perfect for fans of literary history and festive atmosphere.

In 1843, Charles Dickens is facing financial troubles and a recent literary failure. Under pressure from his publishers to write a Christmas book, he embarks on a quest for inspiration. During his nightly walks through London, Dickens encounters Eleanor Lovejoy, a spirited young woman who becomes the muse for his story. Her son, Timothy, inspires the character of Tiny Tim, and their interactions help Dickens rediscover his passion for storytelling. As he writes, Dickens confronts his own past, including childhood poverty and strained family relationships, leading to personal growth and a renewed sense of purpose.

13. “The Christmas Bookshop” by Jenny Colgan (2021)

Jenny Colgan is another one of my favorite “cozy authors.” She’s especially adept at weaving in descriptions of food and delicious baked treats… making me extra hungry!

Set in snowy Edinburgh, this delightful story follows a woman who revitalizes a failing bookshop at Christmastime. Carmen Hogan, a London shopgirl, faces uncertainty when her department store closes, forcing her to reluctantly move in with her successful lawyer sister, Sofia, in Edinburgh. There, she starts working at Mr. McCredie’s struggling bookshop on picturesque Victoria Street, tasked with saving it before Christmas. Amid managing the shop and navigating her tense relationship with Sofia, Carmen discovers the transformative power of literature and the value of community.

Cozy, bookish, and full of holiday charm—what’s not to love!

14. “Louisa May Alcott’s Christmas Treasury” by Louisa May Alcott, Edited by S. Hines (2002)

If you’re already a fan of Little Women, then this one is right up your alley! A collection of Alcott’s Christmas tales that highlight generosity, family, and festive cheer, this treasury is a wonderful companion to Little Women, especially during the holidays.

15. “Christmas Stories (Everyman’s Library)” Edited by Diana Secker Tesdell (2007)

For me personally, I am a big fan of Everyman’s Pocket Classics short story collections, and I own multiple delightful collections. This particular anthology of classic Christmas tales encompasses all different types of authors, including Chekhov, John Cheever, and Truman Capote. From Dickens to modern writers, this volume is like sitting down to a banquet of holiday storytelling. With each tale unique in it’s own right, you won’t know quite what to expect!

16. “The Christmas Dress” by Courtney Cole (2021)

Meg Julliard, a fashionista from New York City, returns to her hometown of Chicago to manage her late father’s apartment building, Parkview West. The building is in disrepair, and its eclectic tenants require her attention. Among them is Ellie Wade, a longtime resident preparing to move into a nursing home. As Ellie sorts through her belongings, she gifts Meg a vintage green velvet dress, symbolizing both the best and worst night of her life. Ellie encourages Meg to wear the dress to the building’s Christmas party, believing it will bring her luck. The dress fits perfectly, leading to a series of events that inspire Meg to pursue her lifelong dream of restoring Parkview West and preserving it as a safe home for its residents.

A heartwarming contemporary romance centered on an heirloom Christmas dress that brings love and hope to its new owner, this one is perfect for those who love sentimental holiday reads.

17. “A Literary Christmas: An Anthology” by The British Library (2018)

This anthology gathers poems, stories, and excerpts from beloved writers like Charles Dickens, Jane Austen, and Thomas Hardy, all centered on Christmas. It’s not a single narrative but rather a collection of voices across centuries that celebrate the beauty, nostalgia, and spiritual meaning of the season. Perfect for dipping into on cozy December evenings, it makes a lovely Christmas tradition—reading a piece each night until Christmas morning.

18. “Christmas in Vermont” by Anita Hughes (2019)

With glittering lights, charming inns, and the magic of snowy walks, this book feels like stepping into a Hallmark Christmas movie! Christmas in Vermont by Anita Hughes is a heartwarming holiday romance set in the picturesque town of Snowberry, Vermont.

The story follows Emma, a woman who, after ending a relationship just before Christmas, finds herself in a pawn shop in Manhattan. There, she encounters a familiar-looking watch—the same one she had given her college boyfriend, Fletcher, years ago. On a whim, she trades her ex-boyfriend’s bracelet for the watch, and her best friend Bronwyn believes it’s a sign of fate. Bronwyn convinces Emma to spend the week after Christmas at a romantic inn in Vermont, where Fletcher is staying with his daughter and fiancée. As Emma navigates this unexpected reunion, she discovers that sometimes, second chances come when least expected.

19. “Christmas at the Cupcake Cafe” by Jenny Colgan (2022)

Another Jenny Colgan Christmas book–yay! Baking, friendship, and romance collide in this delightful story set during the holidays. When Issy Randall prepares her beloved Cupcake Café for Christmas, she discovers that recipes aren’t the only things that need mixing—sometimes hearts do too. Overflowing with delicious descriptions of holiday treats and the joy of community, this book is best enjoyed with a plate of cookies or a cup of cocoa.

20. “The Christmas Candle” by Max Lucado (2013)

Set in 19th-century England, this story follows a small village where every 25 years an angel is said to touch a single candle, bringing a miracle to whoever receives it. As Christmas approaches, hope, faith, and divine wonder sweep through the town. Beautifully written with a touch of historical charm, this novella is perfect for readers who want a Christmas story infused with faith and inspiration. This book was also made into a Christmas movie!

21. “The Secret Christmas Library” by Jenny Colgan (2025)

I love books that can combine the love of Christmas and the magic of bookstores. Colgan’s newest release (coming just in time for Christmas!) promises another cozy blend of romance, festive charm, and the magic of books. If you’ve loved Colgan’s other holiday novels, you can expect another heartwarming tale filled with quirky characters, twinkling lights, and plenty of Christmas cheer. This is one to put on your holiday reading wish list this year! And if you love the movie You’ve Got Mail, I can’t imagine you won’t be excited about this one!

22. “Once Upon a Christmas Carol” by Melody Carlson (2025)

Carol Langstrom, a 40-year-old woman born on Christmas Day, harbors a deep resentment toward the holiday. Raised in a dysfunctional home, her birthday was often overshadowed by family conflicts, leading her to dread the season. As a designer managing extravagant holiday decor for affluent clients, Carol’s disdain for Christmas only intensifies. Determined to escape the festive season, she plans a solo trip to the Bahamas. However, a blizzard reroutes her flight to Michigan, where she unexpectedly finds herself at the home of her estranged Aunt Maria. During her stay, Carol discovers a different kind of Christmas—one filled with love, family, and holiday spirit.

Known for her sentimental and faith-filled Christmas stories, Melody Carlson gives readers another treat with this novella. It’s a quick, heartwarming read—perfect for curling up with when you need a dose of Christmas spirit.

23. “Waiting for Christmas” by Lynn Austin (2024)

Waiting for Christmas by Lynn Austin is a heartwarming historical novella set in 1901 New York City, blending themes of compassion, faith, and the true spirit of Christmas.

Adelaide Forsythe, a wealthy heiress, has recently married Howard, a lawyer, and is adjusting to a modest lifestyle. On the first Sunday of Advent, she discovers Jack, an 8-year-old boy hiding near her home. Claiming he’s not an orphan but separated from his father, Jack’s story leads Adelaide and Howard on a mission to reunite him with his family. As they delve into Jack’s past, they encounter challenges that open Adelaide’s eyes to the struggles of the less fortunate and the importance of community and compassion.

This moving story centers on Advent—the waiting, the hoping, the anticipation of Christmas. Lynn Austin’s storytelling beautifully reflects the deeper meaning of the holiday season, focusing on both the spiritual journey and the joy of Christ’s arrival. If you’re looking for a story that helps you slow down and savor the true meaning of Christmas, this one is a gem.

24. “The Santa Suit” by Mark Kay Andrews (2022)

When Ivy Perkins buys an old farmhouse to start over, she finds a vintage Santa suit in the closet—complete with a heartfelt note tucked inside. Intrigued, she sets out to uncover its story and ends up finding community, hope, and a fresh start along the way. Sweet, funny, and filled with small-town holiday charm, this novel is a festive reminder that sometimes, the past holds the key to new beginnings.

25. “Skipping Christmas” by John Grisham (2001)

What happens when a family decides to skip Christmas altogether? John Grisham’s witty novella takes readers on a hilarious holiday adventure as the Kranks attempt to avoid the usual chaos of the season, only to discover that Christmas has a way of finding you anyway. Light, clever, and full of relatable family holiday drama, it’s a fun contrast to more sentimental Christmas reads. P.S. I love the Christmas movie version, Christmas with the Kranks!

26. “The Christmas Jars” by Jason F. Wright (2005)

This sweet story tells the story of a young journalist who discovers a mysterious tradition of “Christmas jars”—glass jars filled with money left anonymously for people in need. As she investigates, she learns about generosity, community, and the quiet miracles of Christmas. Inspiring and heartwarming, this book has even sparked a real-life movement of kindness around the world.

27. “The Christmas Inn” by Pamela M Kelley (2024)

Perfect for fans of small-town romances, this cozy story is set at a picturesque New England inn during Christmas. Riley Sanders unexpectedly loses her job right before Christmas. Around that time, her mother suffers a broken leg, and Riley heads home to help at their family inn (on Cape Cod) just in time for the busy Christmas season. While there, she reconnects with old friends and reevaluates what she wants for her life.

With festive decorations, crackling fires, and a dash of holiday romance, this book wraps you in the charm of the season. Kelley’s novels are known for their warmth and sense of belonging, making this one a must-read for anyone who dreams of a snowy Christmas getaway.

28. “A Christmas Memory” by Richard Paul Evans (2022)

The story is set in 1967 and follows a young boy named Ricky who is going through a lot of upheaval and tragedy in his life. His main solace comes through a friendship with an elderly neighbor, Mr. Foster, and Mr. Foster’s dog named Gollum. Mr. Foster becomes something of a mentor/guardian figure who helps Ricky with kindness, stories, wisdom.

This touching novella blends nostalgia, family, and the magic of holiday traditions. Evans captures the bittersweet beauty of remembering past Christmases while embracing the present. For readers who want a story that will make them both smile and tear up, this one beautifully captures the heart of the season.

29. “Christmas with the Queen” by Hazel Gaynor (2024)

A delightful holiday story set against the backdrop of British royalty and tradition, Hazel Gaynor brings readers into a festive tale that sparkles with elegance and charm.

Set between 1952 and 1957, the story follows Olive Carter, a single mother and aspiring reporter at the BBC, who seizes an unexpected opportunity to cover the royal family’s Christmas celebrations at Sandringham House. There, she reconnects with Jack Devereux, a recently widowed chef from New Orleans working in the royal kitchens. Their shared history and evolving relationship unfold over five Christmases, interwoven with the backdrop of Queen Elizabeth II’s early reign and her first televised Christmas message in 1957.

If you’re a fan of The Crown or just love stories steeped in history and holiday cheer, this novel is a perfect choice for Christmastime.

30. “The Paper Bag Christmas” by Kevin Alan Milne (2008)

The story centers on two young brothers, Molar and Aaron, who are preoccupied with the material aspects of Christmas. Their perspective shifts when they encounter Dr. Christopher Ringle, a pediatric oncologist who also portrays Santa Claus at a local mall. Dr. Ringle invites them to volunteer at the children’s oncology ward during the holiday season, where they are assigned to be “elves” and bring cheer to the young patients. Molar’s specific assignment is to befriend Katrina, a girl who hides her disfigured head under a paper bag due to her illness. Through their interactions, the brothers learn profound lessons about kindness, empathy, and the deeper meaning of Christmas.

It’s a heartwarming reminder that the holiday season is about more than gifts—it’s about love, compassion, and seeing others with new eyes.

Reading books at Christmas is a great joy! Not only does this delightful pastime inspire my heart, but it’s also a wonderful activity for slowing down at Christmas, savoring the moment, and relaxing during one of the busiest seasons of the year.