Best of the Best Holiday Romance Books
The 36 Best of the Best holiday romance books based on a meta-analysis of 53 "best of" lists.
As winter approaches, I've been thinking about which holiday romance books I'm going to read this year. For the last few Decembers, I've focused on seasonal reading, devouring 48 holiday romance books to date.
With two Best of the Best lists under my belt, I decided to apply my meta-analysis methodology to the subgenre of Holiday Romance, specifically winter holidays, including Christmas, Diwali, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, New Year's and Winter Solstice.
In this post, I outline the Best of the Best Holiday Romance Books: a meta-analysis of 53 best holiday romance book lists to see which books appeared on the most lists and can be named the best of the best.
Note: This list has been compiled based on research and should not be considered my own personal recommendations or endorsements.
JUMP TO:
- Data and Lists
- Best of the Best Overview
- 36 Best of the Best Holiday Romance Books (THE LIST!!!)
- Honourable Mentions
Data and Lists
Since Christmas dominates this subgenre, I searched for lists that referenced either holiday or Christmas romance books described as the best, favourites or top recommendations.
I debated including lists of Hanukkah romance books as well, but since it's a much smaller pool of books and Hanukkah romances also appear on some of the broader holiday romance lists, I chose to include only one Hanukkah-specific list.
I ended up with a whopping 53 lists—more than double the amount of lists found in my last meta-analysis (26 for the Best of the Best Romance Books of All Time)! This translated to 1,011 rows of data and 471 books nominated (i.e., appeared on at least 1 list).
To be included in the analysis, the lists had to be:
- Focused on winter holiday or Christmas romance books at large and not a specific type or genre like spicy/erotic, clean, historical, young adult, etc. (except for the one Hanukkah romance list included).
- An all-time list and not specific to books published in a certain year.
- Relatively recent (published in 2020 or later). I've previously used a cutoff of 2022 or later, but because of the obvious recency bias I've observed in best-of book lists I expanded the timeframe.
- Free from obvious bias (for example, lists from specific publishers were not included).
The Lists (click arrow to expand)
Here are the 53 best holiday romance book lists used in the meta-analysis:
- A Love So True (consolidated with this list and this list)
- Alibris
- Ashley Brooke
- Beyond the Bookends
- The Bibliofile
- BookBub
- Bookish Wayfarer
- Booxoul
- Business Insider
- Cabin in the City
- The Candid Cover
- The Catalog by Celine
- Country Living
- The Creative Muggle
- Culturess
- Dani's Bookshelf
- Elle Canada
- Everyday Eyecandy
- Everyday Reading
- The Everymom
- Five Books
- Honest Fiction
- Jeeves Reads Romance
- Jewish Unpacked
- Kelly Nan
- Le Salon
- Leah's Little Pleasures
- Literary Leaf
- The Literary Lifestyle
- Modern Mrs. Darcy
- Mollie Reads
- NewBookRecommendation.com
- Oprah Daily
- Parade
- Peanut Blossom Book Club
- Perhaps, Maybe Not
- Perpetual Page-Turner
- Pollard Memorial Library
- ProWritingAid
- Reader's Digest
- Really Into This
- Refinery29
- RT Book Reviews
- She Reads
- She Reads Romance Books
- SheKnows (consolidated with this list)
- Southern Living
- Style Your Shelf
- ThriftBooks
- USA Today
- Weekend Craft
- Wide Open Country
- Woman's World
Best of the Best Overview
Based on my analysis, 36 books rose to the top and appeared on 6 or more best holiday romance book lists. The top book, In a Holidaze by Christina Lauren, appeared on 32 of the 53 lists!
Here is an overview of the top 36 books:
Popular Authors
There are 7 authors and writing duos with 2 books on the list:
- Jenny Bayliss
- Jenny Holiday
- Josie Silver
- Julie Murphy & Sierra Simone (writing together)
- Maggie Knox (writing duo)
- Mary Kay Andrews
- Tessa Bailey.
Genre
All of the books on the list are contemporary romances. If you're a historical romance fan, there are two that received Honourable Mentions.
Year Published
This is a seasonal subgenre and in general there's a big focus on marketing what's new each year, so it's no surprise that there's a clear recency bias. The oldest books among the top 36 are from 2017. Almost 3/4 of the books are from the last 3 years.
Representation
In a nutshell, it's a straight, white Christmas, as only:
- 8% of the books feature a winter holiday other than Christmas
- 14% of the books have BIPOC representation
- 17% of the books have LGBTQIA+ representation
If you're looking for a few more diverse options, be sure to also check out the Honourable Mentions.
Series
The top holiday romance books tend to be standalone—only 33% of the books were part of a series.
Prolific Authors
I don't usually do a deeper analysis of all the nominated books; however, I couldn't help but notice the number of prolific authors in this subgenre. Below is a list of the authors who had the most books nominated (i.e., appear on at least 1 list)—interestingly, only 1 of them (Jenny Colgan) ranked in the top 36:
- Debbie Macomber | 11 books nominated
- Richard Paul Evans | 9 books nominated
- Sarah Morgan | 8 books nominated
- RaeAnne Thayne | 7 books nominated
- Jana Aston | 6 books nominated
- Jenny Colgan | 6 books nominated
- Jill Shalvis | 6 books nominated
If you're interested in seeing a consolidated list of all 471 books nominated, check out the All Nominees tab of the spreadsheet.
Something About J
Okay, this is kind of random, but I started to notice another trend—Jenny, Josie, Julie, Jana, Jill. Maybe I'm biased because my name also starts with a J, but I took a quick look and found that 55 authors on the list of nominees have a first name that starts with J! The next most popular letter for first names was S, clocking in at 35 authors.
36 Best of the Best Holiday Romance Books
And now here is the list!
Given that there are numerous ties on the list, the books are ranked alphabetically by title within each tied group for the sake of simplicity.
Note: Commissions may be earned from the links on this page.
Definitions
For each book, I've indicated which holiday(s) it features, whether it has BIPOC and/or LGBTQIA+ representation, and whether it's part of a series.
☑️ BIPOC rep: At least one of the main characters is identified as BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, Person of Colour) on the page.
☑️ LGBTQIA+ rep: At least one of the main characters is identified as LGBTQIA+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer or Questioning, Intersex, Asexual, or another diverse gender identity) on the page.
Here are some other versions of the list:
Spreadsheet (Google Sheets): for the data nerds! This has all the details about which lists the books appeared on. You can also use the checkmark column to tally how many you've read.
Simple list (PDF): for those who would like a simplified version for viewing or printing.
StoryGraph Reading Challenge: for StoryGraph users who want to track how many of the 36 books they've read.
Amazon List: list of the top 36 books on Amazon.com.
Libby List: list of the top books on Libby (note: two of the books were not available for me to add).
Goodreads Group Bookshelf: for Goodreads users who want quick access to the list.
1. In a Holidaze by Christina Lauren (2020)
Appeared on 32 lists | Christmas
Caught in a time loop, Maelyn relives her holiday with family and friends until she figures out what—and who—makes her truly happy. Festive, funny, and full of heart.
2. Royal Holiday by Jasmine Guillory (2019)
Appeared on 24 lists | Christmas | ☑️ BIPOC rep | ☑️ Series
Vivian’s Christmas vacation to London turns magical when she meets and falls for the Queen’s charming private secretary, proving romance can spark at any age.
3. One Day in December by Josie Silver (2018)
Appeared on 20 lists | Christmas
Laurie spots the love of her life through a bus window, but fate has other plans. A decade of chance encounters, friendship, and heartbreak unfolds.
4. Lovelight Farms by B.K. Borison (2021)
Appeared on 19 lists | Christmas | ☑️ Series
A woman fakes a relationship with her best friend to save her Christmas tree farm. Along the way, holiday magic transforms their pretend love into something real.
5. The Holiday Swap by Maggie Knox (2021)
Appeared on 18 lists | Christmas
Twin sisters switch lives to escape holiday stress. With new roles and unexpected romances, they discover more about themselves and the spirit of Christmas.
6. Kiss Her Once for Me by Alison Cochrun (2022)
Appeared on 15 lists | Christmas | ☑️ LGBTQIA+ rep
A woman agrees to a fake engagement with her landlord but reconnects with her holiday fling, discovering a second chance at love, laughter and warmth.
7. Three Holidays and a Wedding by Uzma Jalaluddin and Marissa Stapley (2023)
Appeared on 14 lists | Christmas, Diwali and Hanukkah | ☑️ BIPOC rep
Two strangers stranded by a snowstorm in Istanbul during Christmas, Hanukkah and a wedding, discover love across cultures in a heartwarming holiday romance.
8. The Twelve Dates of Christmas by Jenny Bayliss (2020)
Appeared on 13 lists | Christmas
To find love, Kate agrees to go on twelve festive blind dates, each more chaotic than the last, leading to unexpected feelings and holiday magic.
9. Wreck the Halls by Tessa Bailey (2023)
Appeared on 11 lists | Christmas
A rocker and a small-town baker team up for a Christmas concert, clashing and connecting in this festive, flirty enemies-to-lovers romance.
10. Holiday Romance by Catherine Walsh (2022)
Appeared on 10 lists | Christmas | ☑️ Series
Best friends endure holiday travel chaos together each year—until this Christmas, when they realize love may have been just one snowstorm away.
11. A Winter in New York by Josie Silver (2023)
Appeared on 10 lists | Christmas
In New York City, a woman mourning her mother’s death stumbles upon romance and her family’s past through an Italian gelato shop during a wintry season.
12. Just Like Magic by Sarah Hogle (2022)
Appeared on 9 lists | Christmas
When Bettie accidentally summons the holiday spirit, they embark on a whirlwind, hilarious Christmas adventure, helping her find love, forgiveness and joy.
13. The Matzah Ball by Jean Meltzer (2021)
Appeared on 9 lists | Hanukkah
A Jewish woman with a Christmas obsession writes holiday romances. Her last chance at a Hanukkah event brings love, laughs and a celebration of identity.
14. Once Upon a December by Amy E. Reichert (2022)
Appeared on 9 lists | Christmas
An enchanted holiday market reappears each year, connecting two star-crossed lovers through holiday magic, baked treats and cozy romance.
15. Window Shopping by Tessa Bailey (2021)
Appeared on 9 lists | Christmas
A quirky girl lands a job decorating a Manhattan store window, falling for her charming boss and finding love amidst New York's holiday glitz.
16. A Holly Jolly Ever After by Julie Murphy and Sierra Simone (2023)
Appeared on 8 lists | Christmas | ☑️ Series
A former child star and a hunky actor fall for each other while filming a holiday romance movie, navigating sizzling chemistry and real feelings.
17. Meet Me Under the Mistletoe by Jenny Bayliss (2022)
Appeared on 8 lists | Christmas
A bookstore owner reconnects with her past at a snowy holiday reunion, finding healing, friendship and love in the English countryside.
18. Merry Inkmas by Talia Hibbert (2017)
Appeared on 8 lists | Christmas | ☑️ BIPOC rep
A tattoo artist and a sweet barista share a steamy holiday romance full of charm, warmth and Christmas spirit.
19. The Christmas Fix by Lucy Score (2017)
Appeared on 7 lists | Christmas
A grumpy mayor clashes with a disaster-prone TV host trying to save his holiday town, leading to unlikely love and festive charm.
20. Christmas Shopaholic by Sophie Kinsella (2019)
Appeared on 7 lists | Christmas | ☑️ Series
Becky navigates holiday mayhem, family demands and shopping frenzies in this hilarious, feel-good Christmas adventure.
21. Duke, Actually by Jenny Holiday (2021)
Appeared on 7 lists | Christmas | ☑️ Series
A proper professor and a charming Duke become unexpected friends, leading to a slow-burn holiday romance in a wintery, royal setting.
22. Mangos and Mistletoe by Adriana Herrera (2019)
Appeared on 7 lists | Christmas | ☑️ BIPOC rep | ☑️ LGBTQIA+ rep
Two Dominican chefs clash in a Christmas baking competition, sparking culinary rivalry and steamy romance against a festive, spicy holiday backdrop.
23. A Princess for Christmas by Jenny Holiday (2020)
Appeared on 7 lists | Christmas | ☑️ Series
A cab driver helps a royal princess on a diplomatic visit, leading to a magical New York Christmas romance that proves fairy tales can come true.
24. This Time Next Year by Sophie Cousens (2020)
Appeared on 7 lists | New Year's Day
Minnie and Quinn share the same birthday but opposite luck. A New Year’s journey of missed connections and second chances brings them together.
25. A Very Merry Bromance by Lyssa Kay Adams (2022)
Appeared on 7 lists | Christmas | ☑️ Series
A country star and a jaded immigration lawyer fake a holiday relationship, discovering real sparks with help from his romance-loving friends.
26. All I Want for Christmas by Maggie Knox (2022)
Appeared on 6 lists | Christmas
Two country singers fake a relationship for a career boost, but holiday spirit—and undeniable attraction—bring real love to the stage.
27. Always, in December by Emily Stone (2021)
Appeared on 6 lists | Christmas
A woman mourning her parents meets a stranger one December, leading to an unforgettable, bittersweet romance filled with holiday magic and heartache.
28. Bright Lights, Big Christmas by Mary Kay Andrews (2023)
Appeared on 6 lists | Christmas
A woman selling Christmas trees in New York finds love and community while navigating festive misadventures, city life and family ties.
29. The Christmas Bookshop by Jenny Colgan (2021)
Appeared on 6 lists | Christmas | ☑️ Series
A woman helps save a failing bookstore during Christmas, rediscovering herself, family bonds and love in the snowy, magical streets of Edinburgh.
30. The Christmas Orphans Club by Becca Freeman (2023)
Appeared on 6 lists | Christmas | ☑️ BIPOC rep | ☑️ LGBTQIA+ rep
A group of strangers find family and healing by spending Christmas together, sharing laughs, heartwarming moments and a sense of belonging.
31. A Merry Little Meet Cute by Julie Murphy and Sierra Simone (2022)
Appeared on 6 lists | Christmas | ☑️ LGBTQIA+ rep | ☑️ Series
An adult film star and a boy band member star in a holiday movie, finding unexpected love, laughs and festive mischief on set.
32. The Mistletoe Motive by Chloe Liese (2021)
Appeared on 6 lists | Christmas | ☑️ LGBTQIA+ rep
Two rival bookstore employees must work together during the holiday season, with mistletoe, banter and unspoken attraction leading to love.
33. The Plight Before Christmas by Kate Stewart (2021)
Appeared on 6 lists | Christmas
A holiday cabin brings a woman face-to-face with her first love, rekindling romance, hope and holiday dreams.
34. The Santa Suit by Mary Kay Andrews (2021)
Appeared on 6 lists | Christmas
A woman discovers love, mystery and community in a small town after finding a vintage Santa suit with a hidden note, sparking festive adventures.
35. Wrapped with a Beau by Lillie Vale (2023)
Appeared on 6 lists | Christmas
A Christmas-loving woman returns to her hometown, reconnecting with her high school rival in a cozy, festive romance filled with love and second chances.
36. You're a Mean One, Matthew Prince by Timothy Janovsky (2022)
Appeared on 6 lists | Christmas | ☑️ LGBTQIA+ rep | ☑️ Series
A spoiled rich kid finds redemption and romance in a small town while spending Christmas in forced humility and discovering holiday joy.
Honourable Mentions
As mentioned above, the Best of the Best list reflects a very straight, white Christmas in terms of representation. It also includes only contemporary romances, even though there are a numerous historical romances in this subgenre.
To provide a few more diverse options, here are some honourable mentions that were nominated but didn't make the final list:
The Christmas Clash by Suzanne Park (2022)
Appeared on 5 lists | Christmas | ☑️ BIPOC rep
Kari and her long-time rival, Jae, clash as their families’ businesses in a mall face closure. Amid festive chaos, these frenemies join forces to save their family legacies, uncovering hidden feelings and holiday cheer along the way.
The Holiday Switch by Tif Marcelo (2021)
Appeared on 5 lists | Christmas | ☑️ BIPOC rep
Lila swaps shifts with her bookstore crush, Teddy, but when they accidentally swap phones, they uncover each other’s secrets. Navigating the holiday rush, they find themselves drawn together in this charming tale of love, family, and cozy Christmas vibes.
The Holiday Trap by Roan Parrish (2022)
Appeared on 4 lists | Christmas and Hanukkah | ☑️ LGBTQIA+ rep
Greta and Truman, strangers stuck in holiday ruts, decide to swap homes in New Orleans and Maine. In their new settings, they find adventure, friendship, and the courage to take romantic risks just in time for Christmas.
A Holly Jolly Diwali by Sonya Lalli (2021)
Appeared on 4 lists | Diwali | ☑️ BIPOC rep
Niki ditches her careful life to attend a friend’s wedding in India, where Diwali lights and a spontaneous romance awaken her adventurous side. This holiday journey brings self-discovery, joy, and a chance at true love.
Lighting the Flames: A Hanukkah Love Story by Sarah Wendell (2014)
Appeared on 4 lists | Hanukkah
Former camp friends turned lovers, Genevieve and Jeremy reunite during Hanukkah for a winter camp celebration. As old sparks fly amidst dreidels and latkes, they must decide if their connection is meant to be more than a holiday fling.
Season of Love by Helena Greer (2022)
Appeared on 4 lists | Christmas and Hanukkah | ☑️ LGBTQIA+ rep | ☑️ Series
When Miriam inherits her estranged family’s Christmas tree farm, she finds herself entangled in holiday traditions—and falling for the headstrong farm manager. As they navigate grief and family feuds, the magic of the season opens Miriam’s heart to love and new beginnings.
A Wallflower Christmas by Lisa Kleypas (2008)
Appeared on 4 lists | Christmas | ☑️ Historical Romance | ☑️ Series
Rafe Bowman, a wealthy American, arrives in London to find a proper bride. But his heart is captivated by an unsuitable wallflower, forcing him to choose between duty and passion in this sparkling Victorian Christmas romance.
How the Dukes Stole Christmas by Joanna Shupe, Tessa Dare, Sophie Jordan and Sarah MacLean (2018)
Appeared on 2 lists | Christmas | ☑️ Historical Romance
This collection of Regency-era novellas follows four dukes and their holiday adventures, with each finding romance through the magic of Christmas. Filled with snowball fights, mistletoe kisses and unexpected love, it’s a holiday treat of passion and charm.
Kwanzaa by Kismet by Layne Daniels (2021)
Appeared on 1 list | Kwanzaa | ☑️ BIPOC rep | ☑️ Series
In this Kwanzaa romance, two childhood friends reunite and discover their feelings have grown as strong as their shared traditions. With each principle of Kwanzaa, they navigate family, faith and the beauty of falling in love.
Here are some other versions of the list:
Spreadsheet (Google Sheets): for the data nerds! This has all the details about which lists the books appeared on. You can also use the checkmark column to tally how many you've read.
Simple list (PDF): for those who would like a simplified version for viewing or printing.
StoryGraph Reading Challenge: for StoryGraph users who want to track how many of the 36 books they've read.
Amazon List: list of the top 36 books on Amazon.com.
Libby List: list of the top books on Libby (note: two of the books were not available for me to add).
Goodreads Group Bookshelf: for Goodreads users who want quick access to the list.
Happy holidays!