If you're hearing sleigh bells in supermarkets, it can only mean one thing: Christmas is a-coming. It's a time when book lovers start looking for reads that remind them of the festive season: the misty-eyed memories of holidays past; the joyous spirit of giving and, of course, the difficulties that sometimes go hand-in-hand with family get-togethers and dinners.
Here, we revel in the books classic and new that capture the spirit of Christmas both as it's meant to be and as it really is, as we get in the mood for the most wonderful time of year.
The Penguin Book of Christmas Stories by Various (2019)
If all you want for Christmas is more time to curl up with a book, this collection of short stories might just be the thing for you. From enchanted forests in Sweden to midnight mass in Rio, this collection takes you around the world with tales of ghosts, Santas and unexpected guests from the greatest short story writers of all time including Shirley Jackson, Dylan Thomas and Anton Chekhov.
Death Comes at Christmas by Gladys Mitchell (1936)
If you’ve ever had your Christmas spoiled by an overcooked turkey, spare a thought for the protagonist of this clever whodunnit novel who, having escaped London for a relaxing visit to the Oxfordshire countryside, discovers a dead body by a snowy river bank and enters into a race against time to uncover the murderer. First published in 1936, Death Comes at Christmas is a book that fans of Agatha Christie will enjoy.
Festive Spirits by Kate Atkinson (2019)
The bestselling author of Big Sky and Life After Life returns with a little Christmas present for her legion of fans and those yet to discover her, with three short but extremely sweet stories. Guaranteed to make you laugh, cry and smile – perhaps all at the same time – the stories explore themes of loneliness, secrets and that one person who is always reluctant to join in the festivities.
A Book for Christmas by Selma Lagerlöf (trans. 2024)
Selma Lagerlöf was the first female author to win the Nobel Prize, in 1909. Now, the Swedish writer’s enchanting collection of Christmas short stories is available in English for the very first time. Weaving together Swedish folklore, Biblical fables and festive magic, these are tales to treasure – and sure to get even the most stubborn of Scrooges in the Christmas spirit.
Murder Most Festive by Ada Moncrieff (2020)
Billed as ‘Downton Abbey meets Poirot’, this festive whodunnit is set at the fictional Westbury Manor on Christmas Eve, 1938, where the Westbury family have gathered their friends for another of their famous Christmas parties. But in the morning, one guest is found dead in the snow outside, a pistol and a single set of footprints next to him. Amateur sleuth High Gaveston is on the case, in this witty, charming Christmas mystery.
Christmas at Cold Comfort Farm by Stella Gibbons (1940)
A must-read for fans of Gibbons’ much-loved 1932 novel Cold Comfort Farm, this is a collection of 16 short stories, including the title tale which heralds the return of the formidable Starkadder family. As the beloved family take their places for Christmas dinner, they tuck into a rather unfortunate Christmas pudding... Full of Gibbons’ trademark wit and gentle satire, there are also plenty of period details to make for a very nostalgic Christmas tale.
The Nutcracker by E.T.A. Hoffmann, illustrated by Sanna Annukka (2017)
Everyone knows the ballet, of course, but the original fairy tale is just as enchanting – particularly when it’s illustrated by Finnish artist Sanna Annukka in this gorgeous clothbound edition. Rediscover Marie’s adventures as her nutcracker doll transports her to a world of sugar plum fairies, chocolate kings and other tasty-sounding characters. For a darker, subversive twist on the tale, we also recommend the 2024 gothic fantasy, The Kingdom of Sweets.
Village Christmas by Laurie Lee (2016)
From the author of Cider With Rosie, this is a lyrical portrait of England which, as with much of Lee’s writing, focuses on his childhood home in the Cotswolds. The essays explore the traditions, landscapes and stories of the area and include Lee’s memory of Churchill’s icy January funeral, and of carol-singing in the snow. A moving glimpse into a vanished world.
Christmas Days by Jeanette Winterson (2018)
This curious book by prize-winning author Jeanette Winterson takes the reader through 12 stories inspired by the festive season (with matching recipes, no less), including a retelling of the nativity from the donkey’s point of view. This is as bold, inventive and funny as you’d expect from Winterson – and also, importantly, very Christmassy indeed.
One Day in December by Josie Silver (2018)
Love at first sight is for the movies, right? Yet Laurie knows, somehow, that the man she’s just locked eyes with through her bus window is the man for her, even if they’ve missed the chance to meet. When her friend Sarah introduces her to her new boyfriend at a party later that year, Laurie is shocked that it's the same man. She lets him go – but fate has other plans in store... For more festive romances, don't miss our round-up of the best Christmas love stories.
Christmas Pudding by Nancy Mitford (1932)
If you are looking for escapism this Christmas, take shelter in Mitford’s classic novel about the formidable fox-hunter Lady Bobbin, who is hosting what she hopes will be the perfect Christmas party. Guests include her rebellious daughter, a pompous suitor, a dejected writer and a beautiful ex-courtesan. This is a funny novel that will probably make you a little more appreciative of the people around your own Christmas table.
Twelve Nights by Urs Faes (trans. 2020)
There are few stranger times of year than just after Christmas, when offices are closed, the festivities are mostly over, but the new year has yet to begin in earnest. That time is captured beautifully in this gorgeous, thoughtful novella, translated from the original German version published in 2018. In Twelve Nights, Manfred walks alone through the snowy Black Forest in Europe, heading towards his childhood home and contemplating the reasons he and his brother are now estranged. But there is hope here, making it an ideal read for that ponderous, liminal space at the end of the year.
A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens (1843)
Nothing quite says ‘Christmas’ like Dickens’ mean old miser who hates everything associated with the cursed day. The story of Ebenezer Scrooge and his ghostly visitations is as synonymous with the season as turkey, Santa and raisin-addled puddings. And with most editions just under 100 pages, it is the perfect book to curl up with alongside a glass of mulled wine.
A Maigret Christmas by Georges Simenon (2018)
If you’re unfamiliar with the classic fictional detective Jules Maigret, here’s the perfect opportunity to get acquainted. And what could be more festive than a set of mysteries in snow-covered Paris? This is a wonderful introduction to Simenon’s writing, which focuses on cases around Maigret’s own neighbourhood, including a little girl who insists she’s met Father Christmas and a boy who leaves an ingenious trail for him to follow in pursuit of a criminal.
There’s something so comforting about cosy crime, especially as we head into winter. In his latest book, Benjamin Stevenson turns his trademark warmth and humour to a Christmas mystery. This time, amateur sleuth Ernest Cunningham is investigating the murder of a magician’s benefactor backstage at the Christmas show. This locked-room mystery feels like a festive episode of Only Murders in the Building.
