It’s the holiday romance season—shop 13 fantastic Christmas romance books

Holiday films aren’t the only way to take in a little holiday cheer this season. Festive storylines crop up in all sorts of media around the holidays, and Christmas romance books are no exception.

Romance books are perfect for escaping into during a holiday break, or even for gift-giving. Whether you're a fan of hockey romance, wholesome friends-to-lovers stories, or royal romance, you can find festive romances from authors like Tessa Bailey, Mary Kay Andrews, Sierra Simone, and more to dive into this year.

The Best Christmas romance books

1. ‘Wreck the Halls’ by Tessa Bailey (2023)

Beloved romance author Tessa Bailey emerged on the holiday romance scene this year with a brand new option: “Wreck the Halls,” the story of children of former rock stars, Melody and Beat, polar opposites who begrudgingly come together to create a Christmas concert for the ages.

2. ‘Royal Holiday’ by Jasmine Guillory (2020)

Can't wait until the next season of "Bridgerton" to get your royal romance? In “Royal Holiday,” protagonist Vivian Forest gets the chance to accompany her daughter on a styling trip to assist a member of England’s royal family—while there, she meets a handsome private secretary who she can’t seem to ignore.

3. ‘In a Holidaze’ by Christina Lauren (2020)

A time loop? A cozy cabin in Utah? What’s not to love! “In a Holidaze” follows the story of Maelyn Jones, a woman who gets a chance to redo (and redo) her disastrous winter cabin trip with her family and friends. Mae learns about herself, and her goals, and finds love in a "Groundhog's Day" style tale.

4. 'Once Upon a December' by Amy E. Reichert (2022)

Amy E. Reichert's 2022 Christmas rom-com "Once Upon a December" was a favorite of one of our editors, Daniell DeSiato. "If ever there was a book that was destined to be a Hallmark Christmas move, this is it. The story of Astra Noel Snow and Jack Clausen has everything a magical Christmas story needs—a compelling protagonist, a handsome love interest, a bit of mystery, and of course, magic."

5. ‘A Holly Jolly Ever After’ by Julie Murphy and Sierra Simone (2023)

Writing team Julie Murphy and Sierra Simone have a holiday offering out this year in “A Holly Jolly Ever After,” the story of a former boy band member and an actress who come together to shoot a sexy film about Santa. If you want to read more of the pair's romance options, try out “A Merry Little Meet Cute,” another steamy Christmas romance.

6. ’Kiss Her Once for Me’ by Alison Cochrun (2022)

Fake dating, second chance romance, and more await in “Kiss Her Once for Me.” Portland resident Ellie’s life is falling apart when she gets an offer from Andrew: marry him, and allow him to access his inheritance, for a tidy fee. Once she arrives at Andrew’s family home, though, she runs into Jack: the woman she fell in love with on Christmas last year.

7. ‘You Make It Feel Like Christmas’ by Toni Shiloh (2023)

Toni Shiloh’s holiday romance book follows Starr Lewis as she heads home not only to hang out with her family for Christmas, but to attend her sister’s wedding. There, she runs into her brother’s friend, Waylon, and is forced to decide if she wants to head back to her life in New York City, or take a chance on love.

8. ‘It’s a Fabulous Life’ by Kelly Farmer (2023)

Small town girl Bailey George intended to head to New York City for the holidays, but thanks to a mixup with the town’s winter festival, ends up getting stuck in Landon Falls. While there, she reunites with her high school crush, Maria, who is home visiting family, in a sapphic retelling of “It’s a Wonderful Life.”

9. ‘A Winter in New York’ by Josie Silver (2023)

There are many crossovers between the mystery and romance genres, and sometimes a cozy mystery is just the thing for the holidays. “A Winter in New York” features the story of Iris and Gio, who come together as they attempt to recreate Iris’ mom’s famous gelato recipe. While not necessarily centered on a holiday, “A Winter in New York” will offer all the comfort you’re craving this season.

10. ‘Three Holidays and a Wedding’ by Uzma Jalaluddin and Marissa Stapley (2023)

In Uzma Jalaluddin and Marissa Stapley’s “Three Holidays and a Wedding,” Maryam and Anna are both on their way to Toronto when an emergency landing traps them in a small town in the mountains. While there, Maryam reconnects with Saif, the love of her life who was journeying to the same wedding she was, and Anna grows closer to an actor who happens to be filming at the inn where they end up staying.

11. ‘The Christmas Swap’ by Talia Samuels (2023)

In “The Christmas Swap,” newly single Margot and her friend Ben agree to pretend to be dating over the holidays. While spending time at his family’s house, Margot meets Ellie, Ben’s sister, and begins to realize that she won’t be able to keep up the charade.

12. ‘Time to Shine’ by Rachel Reid (2023)

Hockey romance and holiday romance collide in “Time to Shine” from Rachel Reid, which follows Landon and Casey, hockey players who end up on the same team in a delightful friends-to-lovers romance.

13. ‘Bright Lights, Big Christmas’ by Mary Kay Andrews (2023)

Romances set on Christmas tree farms are a Hallmark staple, but some prefer a city setting for their romance books; Mary Kay Andrews brings the best of both worlds in her latest holiday romance. Kerry travels to New York City every year to sell Christmas trees, and this year she runs into Patrick, a single dad living in the city.