Looking for that perfect holiday book for yourself or others? As Frank Zappa says, “So many books, so little time.” For your convenience, the book guide here offers options for everyone! Enjoy browsing (and purchasing) for this holiday season.

Winter Books

The Snow Child by Eowyn Ivey

Pulitzer Prize finalist (fiction)

This work of fiction will keep readers up at night following the story of a mysterious little girl who arrives on a couple’s doorstep in 1920s Alaska. Where did the little girl come from? What does she need from the couple? Set in the wintery landscape, this novel pairs well with a marshmallow-topped mug of hot cocoa while experiencing the emotional changes of the couple from the snow child on their stoop.

Wintering: The Power of Rest and Retreat for Difficult Times by Katherine May (nonfiction)

Caring for ourselves through a dormant season is a must. In fact, we should embrace the options of rest and recharging. May offers readers a reflective vantage point on these ideas. You may be convinced to do a cold plunge after reading this!

Classics

A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens (novella)

This classic novella stands the test of time with its rich themes and interesting characters. Originally published in 1843, the hope of redemption shines through to readers old and new.

“The Gift of the Magi” by O. Henry (short story)

A favorite short story of many, Henry spins a tale of the joy of gift-giving and love. With twists and turns, this short story will have readers in a heart-spinning state. This short story needs to be a part of your holiday traditions!

A Christmas Story by Jean Shepherd (humor)

It’s not just a movie! Ralphie wants Santa (or anyone, really) to give him a Red Ryder air rifle. Based on Shepherd’s autobiographical humor, reading this will have you laughing out loud. *And you won’t “…shoot your eye out!”

Poetry

Celebrations: Rituals of Peace and Prayer by Maya Angelou

This collection of poetry is representative of the wisdom and compassion of Maya Angelou, an advocate of peace for our planet. Sharing these poems will bring you joy in a time when we need it most.

A Vintage Christmas: A Collection of Classic Stories and Poems by Louisa May Alcott, Charles Dickens, L.M. Montgomery, et al

This collection is the perfect gift for the reader in your life or you. A collection of stories, poems, and reflections, this book is a must-have for holiday reading and celebrating. Sit by the fire, enjoy some delicious treats, and indulge!

The Festival of Lights: 16 Hanukkah Stories edited by Henry Herz

This anthology is a diverse collection of poems and stories filled with goodness. There is something for all faiths in these pages. Sixteen Jewish writers explore the magic of Hanukkah.

Kids’ Books

Billy the Kid Comes Home for Christmas by Dolly Parton

New York Times Bestseller Dolly Parton’s sequel to Billy the Kid Makes it Big is an amazing tale of Parton’s god-dog romping around the true meaning of Christmas. With a cute guitar-toting dog on the cover and inside the pages, who can resist? 

Busy Betty and the Perfect Christmas Present by Reese Witherspoon

It’s the busiest time of the year! Busy Betty is all abuzz with the Christmas craziness. Witherspoon’s character is in the holiday spirit. Readers will be, too, after following Busy Betty!

Tamales for Christmas by Stephen Briseno

Grandma works hard to make tamales in this tale of the gift of giving. Grandma wants to sell her tamales to purchase family gifts. Your heart will be warmed by this story!

Wreck This Picture Book by Keri Smith

By the author of Wreck This Journal comes a picture book for children. The active experience of reading this book will open the imagination!

Diverse Texts

Diwali: A Festival of Lights by Anita Yasuda

Learn about this exciting holiday in the Little Golden Book. Illustrated by Darshika Varma, young readers will delight in food and festivities.

Let’s Celebrate Korean New Year! By Michelle W. Park (illustrated by Hyewon Yum)

On sale December 3, 2024, this picture book has Madeleine and Eloise helping their family prepare for the Lunar New Year. Madeleine shows Eloise how to dress, make dumplings, and set up a traditional game. It takes both sisters to accomplish the setup, though! Learn about the Korean New Year and enjoy the beautiful illustrations in this one.

Together for Kwanzaa by Juwanda G. Ford and Shelly Hehenberger

Will a snowstorm stop Kayla’s older brother from making it home for Kwanzaa? Or will Kayla figure out a way for her family to be together for this special holiday? This is a heartwarming story for all.

Fun Books

Christmas Fun Mad Libs by Roger Price, Leonard Stern, and Mad Libs

Remember Mad Libs? This Christmas twist on a classic word game will be the life of your holiday party. Fill in the missing words and prepare to giggle at the silly stories you and your friends or family make.

Gmorning, Gnight! By Lin-Manuel Miranda

Begin and end your day with affirmations by your favorite creator of Hamilton. Illustrations by Johnny Sun enhance this book to add to your collection of loveliness.

Al Roker’s Hassle-Free Holiday Cookbook: More than 125 Recipes for Family Celebrations All Year Long

Make your holiday gatherings stress-free and special! From gift breads to cookies, Crown Pork Roast to Sunday Chili, and everything in between, this cookbook will be passed to future generations of family and friends. Prepare your dishes then sit back and relax!

Vegan Holiday Cookbook: Festive Plant-Based Meals and Desserts for the Thanksgiving and Christmas Table by Kate Culpin

Included in this cookbook are seventy-five veganized seasonal classic recipes. Whether you are a vegan yourself or welcoming one home for the holidays, you will appreciate revamping your classics.

The Twelve Dates of Christmas by Jenny Bayliss

Kate is not giving up on love! Her best friend is not and signs Kate up for a dating agency, promising to find singles love before the holidays. Twelve dates with twelve different men could end in disaster for Kate…or it could not end in disaster…

Bright Lights, Big Christmas: A Novel by Mary Kay Andrews

This NYT bestselling author brings readers a Christmas in the city. A single dad, a missing neighbor, and a Greenwich Village setting proves to be a festive combination in this one!

The Christmas Book Shop by Jenny Colgan

Bookshop lovers perk up! A bookstore setting in time for the holidays is perfect. Carmen reluctantly takes a job in a bookstore after being laid off from her job. She helps try and save the bookstore and her rocky relationship with her sister, Sofia. The cover of this novel is quaint and inviting!

This was written by our contributing writer, Nina Graue.