Summary: In today's article, I compiled 20 of the best Christmas novels, from timeless classics to modern favorites, perfect for cozy holiday reading. My top 3 picks:
- A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens
- The Christmas Box by Richard Paul Evans
- The Polar Express by Chris Van Allsburg
Christmas novels capture the magic of the holiday season with stories of love, redemption, and festive cheer. From the transformation in A Christmas Carol to the wonder of The Polar Express, these books remind us of the true spirit of Christmas—kindness, hope, and togetherness. Whether curling up by the fire or sharing a story with loved ones, reading them adds an extra touch of holiday magic.
TOP 20: Best Christmas Novels
- A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens
- The Christmas Box by Richard Paul Evans
- The Polar Express by Chris Van Allsburg
- Skipping Christmas by John Grisham
- The Best Christmas Pageant Ever by Barbara Robinson
- The Christmas Train by David Baldacci
- The Gift of the Magi by O. Henry
- Little Women by Louisa May Alcott
- Hercule Poirot's Christmas by Agatha Christie
- The Legend of Holly Claus by Brittney Ryan
- The Christmas Shoes by Donna VanLiere
- The Mistletoe Promise by Richard Paul Evans
- The Snow Child by Eowyn Ivey
- The Christmas Secret by Donna VanLiere
- The Christmas Hope by Donna VanLiere
- The Christmas Blessing by Donna VanLiere
- The Christmas Candle by Max Lucado
- The Christmas Sweater by Glenn Beck
- One Day in December by Josie Silver
- The Nutcracker by E.T.A. Hoffmann
1. A Christmas Carol
- Author: Charles Dickens
- About: The story follows Ebenezer Scrooge, a miserly old man who is visited by the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Yet to Come, leading to his transformation into a kinder, more generous person.
- Style of Writing: Victorian prose with rich descriptions and dialogue.
- Length: Approximately 28,000 words.
- Year Written: 1843
- Emotional Impact: Profound; it leaves a lasting impression about redemption and the spirit of Christmas.
- Difficulty Level: Moderate; some archaic language typical of the Victorian era.
- Why Read It: It's a timeless classic that encapsulates the essence of Christmas and personal transformation.
2. The Christmas Box
- Author: Richard Paul Evans
- About: A touching story about a young family who discovers the true meaning of Christmas through an elderly widow's mysterious box.
- Style of Writing: Simple and heartfelt prose.
- Length: Approximately 20,000 words.
- Year Written: 1993
- Emotional Impact: Heartwarming; emphasizes the importance of family and love.
- Difficulty Level: Easy; accessible to a wide audience.
- Why Read It: Offers a modern perspective on the true spirit of Christmas.
3. The Polar Express
- Author: Chris Van Allsburg
- About: A magical train ride to the North Pole on Christmas Eve, capturing the wonder and belief in the holiday spirit.
- Style of Writing: Lyrical and descriptive, complemented by vivid illustrations.
- Length: Approximately 1,000 words.
- Year Written: 1985
- Emotional Impact: Enchanting; evokes a sense of wonder and belief.
- Difficulty Level: Easy; suitable for children and adults alike.
- Why Read It: A beautifully illustrated tale that rekindles the magic of Christmas.
4. Skipping Christmas
- Author: John Grisham
- About: A humorous narrative about a couple's attempt to skip the holiday season, leading to unexpected adventures.
- Style of Writing: Light-hearted and satirical.
- Length: Approximately 41,000 words.
- Year Written: 2001
- Emotional Impact: Entertaining; highlights the chaos and joy of the holiday season.
- Difficulty Level: Easy; engaging and straightforward.
- Why Read It: Provides a comedic take on holiday traditions and the pressures of conformity.
5. The Best Christmas Pageant Ever
- Author: Barbara Robinson
- About: The story of the Herdman children, who unexpectedly bring new meaning to the annual Christmas pageant.
- Style of Writing: Humorous and engaging, with a conversational tone.
- Length: Approximately 15,000 words.
- Year Written: 1971
- Emotional Impact: Heartwarming; showcases the transformative power of the Christmas story.
- Difficulty Level: Easy; suitable for all ages.
- Why Read It: Offers a fresh perspective on the Nativity story through the eyes of misfit children.
6. The Christmas Train
- Author: David Baldacci
- About: A journalist's cross-country journey by train during Christmas, leading to profound personal revelations.
- Style of Writing: Descriptive and character-driven narrative.
- Length: Approximately 85,000 words.
- Year Written: 2002
- Emotional Impact: Reflective; explores themes of love, forgiveness, and self-discovery.
- Difficulty Level: Moderate; engaging with some complex themes.
- Why Read It: A heartwarming journey that captures the essence of holiday travel and personal growth.
7. The Gift of the Magi
- Author: O. Henry
- About: A young couple's selfless love leads them to sacrifice their most prized possessions to buy gifts for each other.
- Style of Writing: Concise and poignant with a twist ending.
- Length: Approximately 2,000 words.
- Year Written: 1905
- Emotional Impact: Touching; highlights the spirit of giving and sacrifice.
- Difficulty Level: Easy; accessible to a broad audience.
- Why Read It: A classic short story that encapsulates the essence of selfless love during Christmas.
8. Little Women
- Author: Louisa May Alcott
- About: The novel follows the lives of the four March sisters—Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy—as they grow up during the American Civil War, facing challenges, pursuing dreams, and experiencing love and loss.
- Style of Writing: Descriptive and character-driven, with a focus on moral lessons and domestic life.
- Length: Approximately 189,000 words.
- Year Written: 1868
- Emotional Impact: Deeply moving; it offers enduring themes of family, personal growth, and resilience.
- Difficulty Level: Moderate; 19th-century language and cultural references may require thoughtful reading.
- Why Read It: A classic portrayal of sisterhood and personal development that remains relevant across generations.
9. Hercule Poirot's Christmas
- Author: Agatha Christie
- About: Detective Hercule Poirot investigates the murder of a wealthy patriarch during a family Christmas gathering, uncovering hidden motives and family secrets.
- Style of Writing: Classic mystery with intricate plotting and suspenseful narrative.
- Length: Approximately 76,000 words.
- Year Written: 1938
- Emotional Impact: Intriguing; engages readers with its clever twists and character revelations.
- Difficulty Level: Moderate; requires attention to detail to follow the complex plot.
- Why Read It: A masterful whodunit that combines the festive setting with a compelling mystery.
10. The Legend of Holly Claus
- Author: Brittney Ryan
- About: The tale of Holly Claus, the daughter of Santa Claus, who embarks on a quest to break a curse and discover her destiny, blending elements of fantasy and holiday magic.
- Style of Writing: Fairy-tale narrative with rich, imaginative descriptions.
- Length: Approximately 100,000 words.
- Year Written: 2004
- Emotional Impact: Enchanting; inspires wonder and belief in magic and goodness.
- Difficulty Level: Easy; accessible language suitable for a broad audience.
- Why Read It: A modern fairy tale that adds depth to the mythology of Christmas.
11. The Christmas Shoes
- Author: Donna VanLiere
- About: Inspired by the popular song, this story explores the lives of a young boy buying shoes for his dying mother and a man facing his own personal struggles, highlighting themes of love, loss, and the true spirit of giving.
- Style of Writing: Emotional and poignant, with interwoven narratives.
- Length: Approximately 40,000 words.
- Year Written: 2001
- Emotional Impact: Heart-wrenching; evokes deep empathy and reflection on life's priorities.
- Difficulty Level: Easy; straightforward prose with a focus on emotional storytelling.
- Why Read It: A touching narrative that reminds readers of the importance of compassion and family during the holidays.
12. The Mistletoe Promise
- Author: Richard Paul Evans
- About: Two strangers, both dealing with personal pain, enter into a pact to be each other's companion during the holiday season, leading to unexpected healing and romance.
- Style of Writing: Contemporary romance with introspective character development.
- Length: Approximately 45,000 words.
- Year Written: 2014
- Emotional Impact: Uplifting; explores themes of trust, healing, and the transformative power of love.
- Difficulty Level: Easy; engaging narrative suitable for casual reading.
- Why Read It: A feel-good story that captures the magic of unexpected connections during the holiday season.
13. The Snow Child
- Author: Eowyn Ivey
- About: Set in 1920s Alaska, a childless couple creates a child out of snow, and the next morning, they glimpse a young girl running through the trees, leading to a tale that blends reality and fairy tale.
- Style of Writing: Lyrical and evocative, with vivid descriptions of the Alaskan wilderness.
- Length: Approximately 100,000 words.
- Year Written: 2012
- Emotional Impact: Haunting and bittersweet; delves into themes of longing, loss, and the mysteries of nature.
- Difficulty Level: Moderate; rich prose that invites careful reading.
- Why Read It: A beautifully crafted story that intertwines human emotion with the enchantment of folklore.
14. The Christmas Secret
- Author: Donna VanLiere
- About: Christine Eisley, a struggling single mother of two, saves the life of an elderly woman, setting off a series of events that test her strength and lead her toward unexpected love and support.
- Style of Writing: Heartfelt and uplifting, with interwoven character narratives.
- Length: Approximately 304 pages.
- Year Written: 2009
- Emotional Impact: Inspiring; emphasizes themes of kindness, resilience, and the unexpected blessings of life.
- Difficulty Level: Easy; accessible and engaging for a broad audience.
- Why Read It: A touching story that highlights the power of compassion and the magic of Christmas miracles.
15. The Christmas Hope
- Author: Donna VanLiere
- About: Social worker Patricia Addison, grieving the loss of her son, finds renewed purpose when she takes in a foster child during the holiday season, bringing hope and healing to her fractured family.
- Style of Writing: Emotional and introspective, focusing on personal growth and family dynamics.
- Length: Approximately 288 pages.
- Year Written: 2005
- Emotional Impact: Profound; delves into themes of grief, hope, and the transformative power of love.
- Difficulty Level: Easy to moderate; deals with complex emotions in an approachable manner.
- Why Read It: A moving narrative that showcases the healing potential of opening one's heart during the holidays.
16. The Christmas Blessing
- Author: Donna VanLiere
- About: Medical student Nathan Andrews grapples with doubts about his future and faith until a young patient and a compassionate nurse help him rediscover the true meaning of Christmas.
- Style of Writing: Reflective and tender, with a focus on character development and moral lessons.
- Length: Approximately 320 pages.
- Year Written: 2003
- Emotional Impact: Heartwarming; explores themes of faith, purpose, and the impact of kindness.
- Difficulty Level: Easy; straightforward narrative with emotional depth.
- Why Read It: An inspiring story that reinforces the importance of compassion and finding one's path.
17. The Christmas Candle
- Author: Max Lucado
- About: In the English village of Gladbury, a legendary candle is said to bring miracles every 25 years. As the 19th century draws to a close, the tradition is challenged, and the villagers experience a Christmas they'll never forget.
- Style of Writing: Inspirational and allegorical, with a quaint, old-world charm.
- Length: Approximately 176 pages.
- Year Written: 2006
- Emotional Impact: Uplifting; emphasizes faith, community, and the belief in miracles.
- Difficulty Level: Easy; suitable for readers seeking a light yet meaningful story.
- Why Read It: A heartening tale that blends tradition with the timeless message of hope and faith.
18. The Christmas Sweater
- Author: Glenn Beck
- About: Twelve-year-old Eddie longs for a bicycle for Christmas but receives a homemade sweater instead. This disappointment sets him on a journey of self-discovery, forgiveness, and understanding the true value of family.
- Style of Writing: Semi-autobiographical and poignant, with a focus on personal growth.
- Length: Approximately 284 pages.
- Year Written: 2008
- Emotional Impact: Reflective; delves into themes of regret, redemption, and the importance of gratitude.
- Difficulty Level: Easy to moderate; accessible language with deeper underlying messages.
- Why Read It: A touching narrative that encourages readers to appreciate life's intangible gifts.
19. One Day in December
- Author: Josie Silver
- About: Laurie experiences a moment of love at first sight through a bus window but doesn't meet the man, Jack, until a year later—only to find he's her best friend's boyfriend. The story follows their intertwined lives over a decade.
- Style of Writing: Contemporary romance with alternating perspectives and rich character development.
- Length: Approximately 416 pages.
- Year Written: 2018
- Emotional Impact: Bittersweet; explores themes of love, fate, and the complexities of relationships.
- Difficulty Level: Easy; engaging and relatable prose.
- Why Read It: A captivating love story that delves into the intricacies of timing and destiny.
20. The Nutcracker
- Author: E.T.A. Hoffmann
- About: The tale follows young Marie Stahlbaum, who receives a nutcracker doll from her godfather on Christmas Eve. That night, the nutcracker comes to life, leading Marie on a magical journey to a kingdom of dolls and sweets, culminating in a battle against the Mouse King.
- Style of Writing: Fantastical and imaginative, with rich, descriptive prose.
- Length: Approximately 27,000 words.
- Year Written: 1816
- Emotional Impact: Enchanting; instills a sense of wonder and adventure.
- Difficulty Level: Moderate; early 19th-century language and style.
- Why Read It: A classic fairy tale that has inspired countless adaptations, perfect for immersing oneself in holiday magic.
Conclusion
Christmas novels have a way of capturing the warmth, magic, and deeper meaning of the holiday season. They remind us of the joy of giving, the importance of family, and the wonder of believing. Personally, I think A Christmas Carol, The Christmas Box, and The Polar Express are the best Christmas novels you can read. A Christmas Carol is a timeless story of redemption and generosity, The Christmas Box delivers a heartfelt message about love and loss, and The Polar Express rekindles the magic of childhood wonder. Whether you're looking for inspiration, nostalgia, or just a cozy read by the fire, these books, in my opinion, truly capture the spirit of Christmas.
