Christmas novels: 8 festive books to read over the holidays

Christmas novels: 8 festive books to read over the holidays

Credit: Jessica Fadel via Unsplash

Entertainment


Christmas novels: 8 festive books to read over the holidays

By Annie Simpson

2 years ago

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4 min read

We all love a Christmas movie, but what about a Christmas novel? Here are eight to read over the festive season.     


In between festive catch-ups, family obligations and the big day itself, Christmas is a time to reset, recharge and take a little time out for yourself. 

Before gearing up for the new year ahead, we’re looking to enjoy some downtime – and while we’ll be turning to the very best that Netflix, Amazon Prime and Disney+ have by way of Christmas films – nothing beats a good book. 

From Charles Dickens’ classic A Christmas Carol, to more modern tales of the festive season, including romance, murder and everything in between, carve a little time out of your busy December plans to settle in with these eight seasonal reads. 


A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens

A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens

Would Christmas even be Christmas without Charles Dickens? The classic novel gave us Ebenezer Scrooge and the four ghosts of Christmas – not to mention pretty much inventing the Victorian Christmas that we still know today. 

And while many us of us will have watched the countless TV and film adaptations – yes, we’re looking at you, The Muppet Christmas Carol – how many have actually sat down and read the original words? The Dickensian festivities promise to be infectious from the very first page. 

Shop A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens at Bookshop

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A Magical New York Christmas by Anita Hughes

A Magical New York Christmas by Anita Hughes

Switching gears to something more modern, A Magical New York Christmas was released in September 2021 and is set in none other than New York’s Plaza Hotel. But rather than following Kevin McCallister, the book tells the story of struggling journalist Sabrina Post as she accepts a ghost-writing position for the memoir of famous art dealer Grayson Westcott, and with it, six nights in her own suite at the Plaza. 

A frothy Christmas love story, this one is for those looking for some lighter holiday reading. 

Shop A Magical New York Christmas by Anita Hughes at Amazon

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Last Christmas in Paris by Hazel Gaynor and Heather Webb

Last Christmas In Paris by Hazel Gaynor and Heather Webb

A romantic historical tale, Last Christmas In Paris follows Evie Elliott as her brother, Will, and his best friend, Thomas Harding, depart for the frontline of the First World War in August 1914 – with all involved believing that they will back by Christmas to celebrate in Paris. 

Told through a series of letters between Evie, her brother and their childhood friend, the novel spans through the war from 1914 to 1918 and into December 1968, depicting how the individuals, their lives and relationships change over time. 

Shop Last Christmas In Paris by Hazel Gaynor and Heather Webb at Waterstones

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The Nutcracker and the Mouse King by E.T.A. Hoffmann

The Nutcracker And The Mouse King by E.T.A. Hoffmann

While we all know and love Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker ballet, you may not be aware of the original novel which it draws inspiration from. Originally published in 1816, E.T.A. Hoffmann’s The Nutcracker And The Mouse King tells the tale of Marie Stahlbaum, whose favourite Christmas toy, the Nutcracker, comes alive on Christmas Eve to battle the Mouse King. 

Though still a traditional Christmas tale familiar to fans of the festive ballet, Hoffmann’s original story is darker than expected.

Shop The Nutcracker And The Mouse King by E.T.A. Hoffmann at Bookshop

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The Twelve Dates of Christmas by Jenny Bayliss

The Twelve Dates Of Christmas by Jenny Bayliss

Grab a glass of mulled wine and a chocolate selection box and settle into this Christmas romcom. Set in the fictional English village of Blexford, happily single Kate Turner is convinced by her best friend to sign up to new dating app, Twelve Dates of Christmas. 

Cue 12 very different first dates and enough festive references to get anyone into the Christmas spirit. 

Shop The Twelve Dates Of Christmas by Jenny Bayliss at Bookshop

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Hercule Poirot's Christmas by Agatha Christie

Hercule Poirot's Christmas by Agatha Christie

Known for penning countless whodunnits, any of Agatha Christie’s works are ideal for revisiting at Christmas, but it’s her famed character of Poirot who has a mystery to solve in this festive tale. 

When the Lee family reunion is derailed by a suspicious death, the Belgian detective is on hand to unravel the crime – finding an atmosphere not of mourning but of mutual suspicion… 

Shop Hercule Poirot’s Christmas by Agatha Christie at Bookshop

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The Gritterman by Orlando Weeks

The Gritterman by Orlando Weeks

What else would Maccabees’ front man Orlando Weeks do after the band dissolved? Write and illustrate an adult Christmas book, of course. 

The heart-warming novel tells the story of the hardworking Gritterman – who after years of diligent work, sets out on his last night of preparing roads and pavements for the public. To complete the experience, Weeks has also released an accompanying 10 track The Gritterman album to listen to as you read. 

Shop The Gritterman by Orlando Weeks at Bookshop

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A Boy Called Christmas by Matt Haig

A Boy Called Christmas by Matt Haig

First released in 2015, A Boy Called Christmas by Matt Haig has this year been made into a whimsical festive film, but the book is definitely still worth a read. 

Depicting the story of an 11-year-old boy called Nikolas as he embarks on a life-changing adventure to become the very symbol of Christmas itself, it’ll bring a touch of magic to your festive season. 

Shop A Boy Called Christmas by Matt Haig at Bookshop

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Images: Unsplash; courtesy of publishers

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