--- description: It’s time to cozy up with one of the best Christmas books right now, from JRR Tolkien's 'Letters From Father Christmas' to 'A Christmas Carol.' title: The Best Christmas Books to Read This Holiday Season image: https://static.time.com/v3/assets/bltea6093859af6183b/blt6bd8b444171d48db/698940f1fb4eac7c6a898659/featured-image-template.jpg?branch=production&width=3840&quality=75&auto=webp&crop=16:9 ---  * [Entertainment](/section/entertainment/) ## Entertainment Update your preferences in [Account Settings](/account/preferences/) Close * [Books](/tag/books/) ## Books Update your preferences in [Account Settings](/account/preferences/) Close # The 16 Best Christmas Books to Read This Holiday Season by [Rachel E. Greenspan](/author/rachel-e-greenspan/) ## Rachel E. Greenspan Update your preferences in [Account Settings](/account/preferences/) Close Dec 10, 2018 10:04 PM CUT  by [Rachel E. Greenspan](/author/rachel-e-greenspan/) ## Rachel E. Greenspan Update your preferences in [Account Settings](/account/preferences/) Close Dec 10, 2018 10:04 PM CUT There’s nothing quite as cozy as curling up with hot cocoa and a festive book on a winter night. This holiday season, rediscover classic Christmas books along with modern reads that can help any Grinch join the celebration. From classic Christmas stories like _A Christmas Carol_ and _The Night Before Christmas,_ to poetry by Maya Angelou and children’s books like _Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer_, there are options for everyone. Whether you’re interested in Christmas books for adults or kids, here are the 16 best Christmas books to read this holiday season. ## [_A Christmas Story_](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0767916220/ref=as%5Fli%5Fqf%5Fasin%5Fil%5Ftl?ie=UTF8&tag=time-books-20&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=0767916220&linkId=188c7c8193555edab84c2d21b2c7fa5b "undefined"), Jean Shepherd  A Christmas Story Jean Shepherd Be warned: _A Christmas Story_ is funny enough to make any Scrooge laugh out loud. The classic 1983 comedy movie [_A Christmas Story_ ](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0010HLGZA/ref=as%5Fli%5Fqf%5Fasin%5Fil%5Ftl?ie=UTF8&tag=time-books-20&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=B0010HLGZA&linkId=eeb6ae7cd3a1d72496cac4d74aa1ba0a "undefined") draws inspiration from anecdotes you can find in Jean Shepherd’s 1966 and 1971 essay collections to tell a story for the ages. Retold in full in this collection, _A Christmas Story_ is perfect for anyone looking for a good chuckle this winter. The semi-autobiographical tale focuses on nine-year-old Ralphie Parker’s shenanigans—and scheming to receive grown-up gifts like an air rifle—during one Christmas. ## [_Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer_](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1557091390/ref=as%5Fli%5Fqf%5Fasin%5Fil%5Ftl?ie=UTF8&tag=time-books-20&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=1557091390&linkId=49c3b3df46e2e74e08319c83f2fb3138 "undefined"), Robert L. May  Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer Robert May The iconic song isn’t the only way to share the story of the world’s most beloved reindeer this holiday season. _Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer_ started as a book in 1939 when Robert L. May, a copywriter, was tasked with writing a new story for Christmas. Now, more than half a century later, the story of Rudolph is inextricable from seasonal celebrations. This edition of the book features the original 1939 illustrations by Denver Gillen, which paved the way for how we see the famous red-nosed reindeer. ## [_The Tailor of Gloucester_](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0723247722/ref=as%5Fli%5Fqf%5Fasin%5Fil%5Ftl?ie=UTF8&tag=time-books-20&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=0723247722&linkId=ec52a7a229f1e8bb477d2217fa7e87d9 "undefined"), Beatrix Potter  The Tailor of Gloucester Beatrix Potter One of the best children’s Christmas books is [_The Tale of Peter Rabbit_](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0723247706/ref=as%5Fli%5Fqf%5Fasin%5Fil%5Ftl?ie=UTF8&tag=time-books-20&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=0723247706&linkId=ed037b9ecf778e51baa4d5b42295bbca "undefined") author Beatrix Potter’s iconic Christmas tale, _The Tailor of Gloucester_. The book’s premise is a bit distressing — a poor tailor works hard to make it through a cold and long winter — but the story brightens up early on, as the tailor discovers a group of mice who want to help him do his work. ## [_The Greatest Gift_](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1476778868/ref=as%5Fli%5Fqf%5Fasin%5Fil%5Ftl?ie=UTF8&tag=time-books-20&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=1476778868&linkId=ca1ef2c5c868282cf584df3ff5b0b18b "undefined"), Philip Van Doren Stern  The Greatest Gift Philip Van Doren Stern Pretty much everyone has seen the Oscar-winning classic [Christmas movie](http://time.com/5047224/best-christmas-movies/ "undefined") [_It’s a Wonderful Life_](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001M432XA/ref=as%5Fli%5Fqf%5Fasin%5Fil%5Ftl?ie=UTF8&tag=time-books-20&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=B001M432XA&linkId=2d0b96c1e0081a62bb696f4000aa1529 "undefined")_._ But it’s worth cracking open the text that inspired the film. Philip Van Doren Stern’s _The Greatest Gift,_ written and originally published in 1943, offers a chance to see the world through new eyes. As protagonist George Pratt contemplates suicide on Christmas Eve, a stranger approaches him and grants his wish: that he’d never been born in the first place. After George gets to see how life for his loved ones would be without him — including some striking realities — he realizes what life’s “greatest gift” truly is. ## [_The Polar Express_](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0544580141/ref=as%5Fli%5Fqf%5Fasin%5Fil%5Ftl?ie=UTF8&tag=time-books-20&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=0544580141&linkId=7a399bc6d923db238343206344004b2d "undefined"), Chris Van Allsburg  The Polar Express Chris Van Allsburg In the realm of Christmas books for children, _The Polar Express_ is hard to beat. The 1985 book, which inspired the [2004 animated movie](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0011TNVLY/ref=as%5Fli%5Fqf%5Fasin%5Fil%5Ftl?ie=UTF8&tag=time-books-20&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=B0011TNVLY&linkId=c0128ec74f3cff039f2a25cc9544a409 "undefined") starring Tom Hanks, tells the story of a young boy woken up by a train waiting outside his house on Christmas Eve. The boy goes on a wild Christmas adventure that any child would envy, befriending elves and even Santa Claus along the way — with plenty of teachable moments sprinkled throughout. ## [_The Nutcracker_](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1936830906/ref=as%5Fli%5Fqf%5Fasin%5Fil%5Ftl?ie=UTF8&tag=time-books-20&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=1936830906&linkId=1430e155732ea72f0fadecde117975ef "undefined"), E.T.A. Hoffmann  The Nutcracker ETA Hoffmann Originally written in 1816, the story of German author E.T.A. Hoffmann’s _The Nutcracker_ has become a holiday icon in its own right. Most notably remembered through George Balanchine’s ballet, this tale begins on Christmas Eve. Hoffmann’s book centers on young Marie, for whom the evening takes a fanciful turn after the discovery of a Nutcracker toy. When the clock strikes midnight, every toy becomes alive, a mouse with multiple heads emerges and the holiday is forever changed for Marie. ## [_Amazing Peace: A Christmas Poem_](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0375841504/ref=as%5Fli%5Fqf%5Fasin%5Fil%5Ftl?ie=UTF8&tag=time-books-20&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=0375841504&linkId=ce61a9e08272687de22a46cc95d4d4d3 "undefined"), Maya Angelou  Amazing Peace Maya Angelou Any Maya Angelou writing can have a warming effect on a reader, and she shines on Christmas poetry. _Amazing Peace_ encourages and inspires readers to experience togetherness and serenity. “It is Christmas time, a halting of hate time,” Angelou writes in the illuminating, spiritual poem. ## [_A Christmas Carol and Other Stories_](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0198822391/ref=as%5Fli%5Fqf%5Fasin%5Fil%5Ftl?ie=UTF8&tag=time-books-20&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=0198822391&linkId=86adc8cde7a3b7c739cfcfa9f4f90cbb "undefined"), Charles Dickens  A Christmas Carol Charles Dickens _A Christmas Carol_ has been the quintessential classic Christmas book for generations. Charles Dickens’ story follows the embittered Ebenezer Scrooge, a man who hates Christmas and all that it represents. But everything changes for Scrooge when three ghosts visit to retell the stories of his past, present and future. This edition of the story also reprints four other lesser-known Christmas tales by Dickens. ## [_Hercule Poirot’s Christmas_](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0062074016/ref=as%5Fli%5Fqf%5Fasin%5Fil%5Ftl?ie=UTF8&tag=time-books-20&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=0062074016&linkId=89be3dc9232c6e263fe7d12979be7c0c "undefined"), Agatha Christie  Hercule Poirot's Christmas Agatha Christie From one of our most celebrated mystery writers comes this intense and spooky story for the holidays. Agatha Christie’s _Hercule Poirot’s Christmas_ is not for the faint of heart. The page-turning detective story focuses on a murder that happens in the Lee family home on Christmas Eve. When Hercule Poirot, who is visiting a friend for the holiday, offers to help the family solve the murder, he finds himself entangled in a web of suspicion. ## [_Letters From Father Christmas_](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0007463375/ref=as%5Fli%5Fqf%5Fasin%5Fil%5Ftl?ie=UTF8&tag=time-books-20&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=0007463375&linkId=ba329ddb1d51d3ae5efa307916a68b20 "undefined"), J.R.R. Tolkien  Letters to Father Christmas JRR Tolkien Though [J.R.R. Tolkien](http://time.com/5376610/fall-of-gondolin-jrr-tolkien/ "undefined") is known for his prolific[ _Lord of the Rings_ series](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0395489326/ref=as%5Fli%5Fqf%5Fasin%5Fil%5Ftl?ie=UTF8&tag=time-books-20&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=0395489326&linkId=2d9549ae0863a6564af2afff12136fbf "undefined"), the author wrote about more than just hobbits and wizards. Each Christmas, Tolkien wrote letters to his children that detailed stories of adventures on the North Pole. But for these four kids, the letters weren’t from their father — they were from Father Christmas. _Letters From Father Christmas_ is an inventive and kid-friendly collection of stories from one of our greatest fantasy writers. ## [_Little Women_](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1514640805/ref=as%5Fli%5Fqf%5Fasin%5Fil%5Ftl?ie=UTF8&tag=time-books-20&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=1514640805&linkId=fd32f620ea9612958221198dcdd970b8 "undefined"), Louisa May Alcott  Little Women Louisa May Alcott Though _Little Women_ needs no introduction, it may not always be considered a Christmas classic. However, Louisa May Alcott’s iconic 19th-century coming-of-age novel, in which four sisters share the stories of their adolescence, is ideal for a re-read this time of year — and delivers memorable Christmas elements. ## [_How the Grinch Stole Christmas!_](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0394800796/ref=as%5Fli%5Fqf%5Fasin%5Fil%5Ftl?ie=UTF8&tag=time-books-20&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=0394800796&linkId=959a4491232d694264cc5c38f7ece6ff "undefined"), Dr. Seuss  How the Grinch Stole Christmas Dr Seuss After there was Ebenezer Scrooge, there was the [Grinch ](http://time.com/5451612/dr-seuss-grinch-box-office/ "undefined")— not the Jim Carrey movie version, but Dr. Seuss’ classic children’s book. The Grinch is an angry creature living on a mountain overlooking Whoville, a fictional town with a Christmas obsession. The Grinch decides to take his hatred for the holiday to a new level by stealing all the gifts in town. Written in rhymed verse with Seuss’ famous illustrations, _How the Grinch Stole Christmas_ is an all-time favorite. ## [_The Night Before Christmas_](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0316832715/ref=as%5Fli%5Fqf%5Fasin%5Fil%5Ftl?ie=UTF8&tag=time-books-20&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=0316832715&linkId=9fa9e2d571daaecfb6ed60b0ea04747f "undefined"), Clement Clarke Moore  The Night before Christmas Tasha Tudor ‘Twas there ever a night before Christmas on which this poem’s iconic opening line was forgotten? Though there are many adaptations of Clement Clarke Moore’s rhyming lines, the original still reigns as one of the best classic Christmas poems of all time. This edition features beautiful illustrations by Tasha Tudor, making it a captivating read to share with children. ## [_Afterward_: _A Ghost Story_ _for_ _Christmas_](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01IMJV98W/ref=as%5Fli%5Fqf%5Fasin%5Fil%5Ftl?ie=UTF8&tag=time-books-20&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=B01IMJV98W&linkId=edf0af8042edff84b8e0b9421eb97fea "undefined"), Edith Wharton  Afterward Edith Wharton Pulitzer Prize-winning author Edith Wharton has published a plethora of acclaimed novels, short stories and poems, but this lesser-known work is ideal for the holiday season. Wharton’s story _Afterward: A Ghost Story for Christmas_ is the perfect hybrid of Halloween and Christmas. _Afterward_ may frighten more than it will inspire with holiday joy, but what’s Christmas without a little excitement? ## [_A Christmas Memory_](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0385392761/ref=as%5Fli%5Fqf%5Fasin%5Fil%5Ftl?ie=UTF8&tag=time-books-20&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=0385392761&linkId=fbf9dff67c6d5cfdce05a55f1d791406 "undefined"), Truman Capote  A Christmas Memory Truman Caopte Truman Capote, the man behind [_Breakfast at Tiffany’s_](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0847836711/ref=as%5Fli%5Fqf%5Fasin%5Fil%5Ftl?ie=UTF8&tag=time-books-20&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=0847836711&linkId=1514180b409841b4faa34c8475309592 "undefined")_,_ also wrote the classic short story _A Christmas Memory_, which was first published in 1956\. The story centers on a young boy named Buddy whose best friend is his cousin, an older woman, with whom he makes fruitcakes from scratch in the beloved tale. This Christmas classic is actually a semi-fictionalized account of Capote’s own childhood. ## [_Wuthering Heights_](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0141439556/ref=as%5Fli%5Fqf%5Fasin%5Fil%5Ftl?ie=UTF8&tag=time-books-20&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=0141439556&linkId=21c808dc42e5a380592af2f4a699e960 "undefined"), Emily Bronte  Wuthering Heights Emily Bronte Though _Wuthering Heights_ is the only book by Emily Bronte, both the novel and its enduring fame speak for themselves. This classic work of gothic fiction, featuring scenes set during Christmas, is perfect to read by candlelight and teaches its reader about passion, morality and humanity. ```json [{"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"NewsArticle","@id":"https://time.com/5471470/best-christmas-books/","mainEntityOfPage":{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https://time.com/5471470/best-christmas-books/"},"headline":"The 16 Best Christmas Books to Read This Holiday Season","datePublished":"2018-12-10T22:04:32.000Z","dateModified":"2026-05-11T04:57:22.886Z","description":"From Charles Dickens to Dr. Seuss, there's a festive read for everyone","url":"https://time.com/5471470/best-christmas-books/","keywords":["Books","onetime","Holidays 2018"],"thumbnailUrl":"https://static.time.com/v3/assets/bltea6093859af6183b/blt6bd8b444171d48db/698940f1fb4eac7c6a898659/featured-image-template.jpg?branch=production&width=1200&quality=75&auto=webp&crop=1200:675&height=675","author":[{"@type":"Person","name":"Rachel E. 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