Books to get you in the mood for Christmas
If you're hearing sleigh bells in supermarkets, it can only mean one thing: Christmas is a-coming. It's a time when book lovers start looking for reads that remind them of the festive season: the misty-eyed memories of holidays past; the joyous spirit of giving and, of course, the family get-togethers and dinners.
Here, we revel in books, classic and new, that capture the spirit of Christmas both as it's meant to be and as it really is, as we get in the mood for the most wonderful time of year.
What are the best Christmas books for adults?
There are so many wonderfully wintery Christmas books out there for adults that picking the best ones is no easy task. That being said, there are a few titles that frequently top the lists of festive favourites. These include A Christmas Carol by the king of Christmas himself, Charles Dickens, and the heartfelt love story One Day in December by Josie Silver. Curious to learn more about these books? Read on for further details – and our round-up of other Christmas books to get you in the festive mood.
Best Christmas books
Books set during Christmas
Books about Christmas
Frequently asked questions
What are the most famous Christmas books?
We’re (thankfully) not short on wonderful Christmas books, but some titles frequently come to mind when you consider which are the most famous. Topping this list is A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens, closely followed by The Nutcracker by E.T.A. Hoffmann.
There are also plenty of children’s Christmas books that are pretty famous, too. Particularly popular titles include How the Grinch Stole Christmas by Dr Seuss, and Father Christmas by Raymond Briggs.
What is the best book to read at Christmas?
Of course, the best book to read at Christmas all comes down to your personal taste and what you’re in the mood for. Cosy mystery, memoir, or something purely fantastical? There’s plenty to choose from!
Many enjoy (re)reading classics during the festive season, such as A Christmas Carol and Little Women, or revisiting childhood favourites like The Snowman by Raymond Briggs. Reading these familiar stories is like a mini seasonal celebration, and it can become its own yearly tradition.
What should you read on Christmas Eve?
Having a festive book picked out to snuggle down with on Christmas Eve is a great way to anticipate the arrival of St. Nick. But what should you read? Of course, there are the classics like A Christmas Carol and The Nutcracker. But if you’re after something different that still delivers that magical, seasonal atmosphere, A Child's Christmas in Wales by Dylan Thomas is a great option.