7 Christmas Romance Books You Need To Read In 2026

The holiday season has a way of softening the edges of our lives. Lights glow warmer, snow feels quieter, and love—whether new, rediscovered, or long-awaited—seems more possible. Christmas romance books capture this magic better than any other genre, blending festive nostalgia with heartfelt emotional journeys that remind us why love stories endure.

Below is a list of 7 Christmas romance books you need to read in 2026. These novels aren’t just seasonal fluff—they explore connection, healing, second chances, and hope, wrapped in twinkling lights and snow-covered settings.

1. One Day in December – Josie Silver

This heartfelt Christmas romance explores love, timing, and emotional growth over the course of ten years. Laurie believes she’s found her soulmate after locking eyes with a stranger through a bus window one snowy December day. When fate intervenes and separates them, their lives continue to cross in complicated, bittersweet ways. Josie Silver beautifully captures longing, restraint, and the quiet pain of missed opportunities. Set across multiple Christmas seasons, the novel shows how love can evolve as we mature. It’s a deeply emotional story that resonates with anyone who believes some connections are meant to endure.

2. The Mistletoe Motive – Chloe Liese

Set in a cozy bookstore, this holiday romance offers a thoughtful take on the grumpy-sunshine trope. The story centers on two rival booksellers whose competition slowly turns into genuine affection. Chloe Liese is known for inclusive, emotionally aware storytelling, and this novel shines in its respectful portrayal of neurodiversity and mental health. The romance develops through communication, mutual care, and shared passions rather than forced drama. Warm, festive, and deeply human, The Mistletoe Motive is a comforting reminder that love flourishes where understanding and kindness are prioritized.

3. Christmas Shopaholic – Sophie Kinsella

In this festive installment of the Shopaholic series, Becky Bloomwood faces the chaos of hosting a family Christmas. While filled with Sophie Kinsella’s signature humor, the novel also explores themes of perfectionism, generosity, and the pressure to create “perfect” holidays. Becky’s mishaps are laugh-out-loud funny, yet surprisingly relatable. Beneath the comedy lies a heartfelt message about connection, acceptance, and letting go of unrealistic expectations. This book is ideal for readers seeking a light, joyful Christmas romance with humor, warmth, and a meaningful holiday lesson.

4. A Christmas by the Sea – Melody Carlson

This quiet, reflective Christmas romance focuses on healing after loss and finding hope in unexpected places. Wendy retreats to a small coastal town during the holidays, seeking solitude and clarity after a difficult year. Instead, she finds friendship, community, and the possibility of new love. Melody Carlson’s gentle storytelling emphasizes emotional renewal, faith, and second chances. The peaceful seaside setting enhances the novel’s calming tone, making it especially comforting for readers navigating grief or transition. It’s a tender reminder that Christmas can mark new beginnings, even after heartbreak.

5. In a Holidaze – Christina Lauren

This playful Christmas romance adds a clever time-loop twist to a heartfelt love story. Mae is stuck reliving the same holiday vacation repeatedly, giving her endless chances to reflect on her life choices and her long-suppressed feelings. As she learns what truly makes her happy, the story becomes a journey of self-discovery, courage, and emotional honesty. Christina Lauren blends humor, warmth, and romance effortlessly, creating a festive read with surprising depth. The novel reminds us that sometimes love requires choosing ourselves first—and being brave enough to change.

6. The Twelve Dates of Christmas – Jenny Bayliss

Set in a charming English town, this gentle romance follows Kate as she’s enrolled in a holiday matchmaking program after a painful breakup. Each festive date challenges her comfort zone and forces her to reconsider what she truly wants from love. Jenny Bayliss excels at creating cozy settings, relatable characters, and emotionally realistic romance. Rather than relying on grand drama, the story focuses on personal growth, community, and quiet connection. It’s a warm, hopeful novel that shows love often arrives when we stop forcing it and start embracing possibility.

7. Holiday Romance – Catherine Walsh

This cozy friends-to-lovers romance unfolds during a chaotic journey home for Christmas. Molly and Andrew, long-time friends, face travel disasters that push them into close quarters and honest conversations. As old feelings resurface, the story explores vulnerability, emotional timing, and the comfort of shared history. Catherine Walsh captures witty banter and emotional depth with ease, creating a romance that feels authentic and heartfelt. Perfect for readers who enjoy slow-burn love stories, this novel highlights how familiarity can quietly transform into something extraordinary during the holidays.

Conclusion

Christmas romance books remind us of what matters when the world feels noisy—connection, kindness, and hope. These seven books offer more than cozy entertainment; they provide emotional insight, comfort, and sometimes even healing.

Our recommendation? Pick one that mirrors where you are emotionally, and one that challenges you to feel something new. Let these stories be your pause, your comfort, and your reminder that love—like Christmas—has a way of finding us.