Let’s take a closer look at several Christmas book club picks for 2025!
When do you typically like to read a holiday-themed novel? As much as I try to read books well ahead of pub dates, I do tend to save my holiday reading for the actual Christmas season.
This is my annual Christmas book club list, featuring older titles that should all be easily found at the library, along with audiobook deals, paperback copies, and more. I’ve read each of these and have also included links to my original book club questions.
If you’re looking for new holiday 2025 books, check out my list right here.
Let’s get to the Christmas book club picks!
Comfort & Joy by Kristin Hannah
Yes, I recommend this book every Christmas season. I have to! It’s that good, and still holds the place of my favorite holiday read of all time.
The story follows Joy Candellaro, who is having an extremely hard time. She has a messy divorce and feels all alone. An unexpected detour lands her alone deep in the woods of the Olympic rainforest.
There she meets a six-year-old boy who is experiencing his first Christmas without his mother. And the two form a deep and powerful bond.
I think Comfort & Joy is the ideal holiday read. You have the setting during Christmastime, and it’s not an afterthought; it’s very much part of the novel. But there’s a bit of magical realism too.
This isn’t the historical fiction style that Kristin Hannah is now known for. It’s a quiet and lovely story. Check out my spoiler-free review for more details about the book here.
For book clubs, check out my discussion questions here.
The Most Wonderful Crime of the Year by Ally Carter
If you’re seeking more of a mystery with some holiday vibes, The Most Wonderful Crime of the Year by Ally Carter is a great pick! I really enjoyed reading this one last year. It combines the best aspects of a locked-room mystery with the delightful charm of a romance.
Maggie Chase is known for her popular cozy mystery stories, while Ethan Wyatt is a big-time thriller guy. Naturally, they’re enemies. Everything changes when they both accept a cryptic invitation to attend a Christmas house party at an English estate.
But neither is expecting their host to be the most powerful author in the world: Eleanor Ashley.
That night, the weather turns, and the next morning, Eleanor is gone.
The Most Wonderful Crime of the Year is a fun mystery/romance. It serves both genres well, with the nice added touch of the holiday season. Highly recommend! For more about the story, check out my spoiler-free review here.
Check out my discussion questions here.
The Christmas Countdown by Holly Cassidy
The Christmas Countdown is a very sweet and fun romance set during the holidays. It’s somewhat Hallmark vibes, but with more depth and definitely more spice.
Callie is not excited about Christmas this year. She’s still recovering after the sudden breakup with her childhood sweetheart. Her sister Anita is determined to help get Callie back into the holiday spirit.
Anita stages a Christmas intervention for Callie with a homemade Advent calendar challenge. These cheerful tasks aim to push Callie out of her comfort zone and into the holiday spirit, inspired by a childhood tradition.
I really loved that this novel embraced the holiday season. All in all, a cute and fun read. For more about the story, here’s my spoiler-free review.
Check out my discussion questions here.
Flight by Lynn Steger Strong
For those seeking a more serious story set during the holidays, consider Flight by Lynn Steger Strong.
The novel takes a look at a specific family that is trying to continue their late mother’s holiday traditions while each of them is going through their own struggles.
I think those looking for a story set in the holidays that goes a little deeper with family relationships and dynamics will find Flight of interest. Despite the messiness of so many characters, it was engaging and overall a good read. For more about the story, here’s my spoiler-free review.
Check out my discussion questions here.
The Holiday Swap by Maggie Knox
For another fun and festive read, try The Holiday Swap by Maggie Knox. It features holiday baking, twin swap, two romances, and small-town vibes.
BTW, if you’re not a steamy romance fan, have no fears—this is very PG. It reminds me so much of those old-school romantic comedy movies. I definitely could see Netflix or Hallmark turning this into a movie.
I loved The Holiday Swap! It’s such a lovely story about sisterhood and love. And there’s plenty of holiday baking too. For more about the story, check out my spoiler-free review here.
Check out my discussion questions here.
Merry Christmas!
