15 Christmas Book Club Books Everyone Will Love This Holiday

From cozy Christmas reads to festive book club picks and holiday novels for groups, these Christmas book club books will spark great conversations and holiday vibes.
Christmas Book Club books to read scaled

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Christmas is such a perfect time for book club meetings. 

The cozy vibes, the holiday spirit, and that little extra time off make it ideal for gathering – whether in person or online – to share great stories and good conversation. 

This year, I’ll be meeting with my own book club virtually, which has been a great way to stay connected while still enjoying the festive season together.

If you missed it, I recently wrote a post all about how to pick the perfect book club book, with tips that make choosing easier and more fun. 

But for today, I’ve put together a list of the best Christmas book club books, and here’s the exciting part: all of them are Christmas-themed.

These lovely titles are simply fantastic, full of holiday magic, drama, and heartwarming moments that make them perfect for your next book club gathering.

Christmas at Lobster Bay by Annie Robertson

Christmas at Lobster Bay

This one’s such a cozy pick for your holiday book club. I loved how it shows the chaos and magic of building a life together during Christmas. 

Emma and Aidan are expanding their dream guesthouse just before the holidays, but nothing goes as planned. 

Between a chewed-up house, an unexpected guest, and a storm, their relationship is tested. 

But Emma’s determination – and her love for creating a warm Christmas retreat – really touched me. 

If you’re into feel-good Christmas book club reads that mix romance, renovation stress, and heartfelt moments, this one’s a treat. 

It made me think about how the real Christmas miracle is sometimes just holding on to what matters most. 

Perfect for readers who enjoy heartwarming Christmas fiction with a dash of festive drama and a small-town setting. 

It’s charming, a little messy, and completely delightful.

Potential Discussion Questions:

  1. How does the renovation project symbolize Emma and Aidan’s relationship?
  1. What role does community support play in helping Emma during the chaos?
  1. Do you think Emma was too focused on achieving her dream? Why or why not?
  1. How do the unexpected setbacks affect Emma’s sense of control?
  1. What do you think the author is saying about the balance between love and ambition?
  1. How did the festive setting of Lobster Bay impact your feelings about the characters’ struggles?

The Christmas Bookshop by Jenny Colgan

The Christmas Bookshop

This is one of those Christmas novels about bookstores that fills you with warmth from the very first page.

I adored Carmen’s journey. She’s lost her job and reluctantly takes a chance helping run a struggling bookshop in snowy Edinburgh. 

Watching her discover herself (and the magic of books) while saving the shop during Christmas was such a joy. 

The book has all the charm you want from Christmas fiction with a bookshop twist – cozy shelves, chilly nights, and unexpected love. 

If your book club is looking for Christmas books set in bookstores or feel-good Christmas reads about family, this is a gem. 

I really connected with Carmen’s messy but hopeful story. 

Potential Discussion Questions:

  1. What did Carmen’s journey teach you about self-worth and second chances?
  1. How do Carmen and Sofia’s different personalities reflect their childhood experiences?
  1. In what ways does the bookshop become a symbol of healing?
  1. How does the snowy setting in Edinburgh add to the emotional tone of the story?
  1. Why do you think Carmen was so reluctant to accept help, and how did that change?
  1. What does this story say about the unexpected joy in starting over – especially at Christmas?

A Large Measure of Snow by Denzil Meyrick

A Large Measure of Snow

Now, this was a really unique Christmas short novel that surprised me in the best way.

It’s 1967, and the fishing town of Kinloch is snowed in. 

The crew of the Girl Maggie sets off on a supply mission, but what they find along the way includes ghostly Vikings, giant sea creatures, and an unexpected friendship. 

It’s quirky and imaginative, with a lovely sprinkle of humor and heart, which is perfect for readers who like a little folklore and adventure in their Christmas book club selections. 

I didn’t expect to laugh or feel so attached to the characters, but I did. 

If your group wants a Christmas novella set in a Scottish fishing town, with snowy seas and heartfelt surprises, this is a lovely one to pick. 

It’s short, sweet, and full of charm with a whimsical holiday touch.

Potential Discussion Questions:

  1. How does the small-town setting shape the characters’ personalities and decisions?
  1. What does the voyage say about bravery and tradition?
  1. How did the folklore elements (like the ghostly Vikings) change the tone of the story?
  1. What did you make of Hamish’s secret and how it affected his relationship with Sandy?
  1. In what ways does the snowstorm mirror the emotional journey of the characters?
  1. How does the story mix humor and hardship to reflect the holiday spirit?

The Christmas Cottage by Sarah Morgan

The Christmas Cottage

This one was so tender. I felt deeply for Imogen because she’s successful but hiding so much pain. 

After a big mistake at work, she retreats to the most perfect little cottage in the Cotswolds for Christmas. 

I loved how peaceful the setting felt, and how the story slowly unwrapped her past. 

There’s a sweet romance too, and it felt just right for a cozy, comforting read. 

If you want a Christmas book about second chances, family, and forgiveness for your book club, I highly recommend this one. 

It has that warm holiday feel with a touch of heartache and hope. I found myself rooting for Imogen to heal and be happy. 

A beautiful pick if you’re into emotional Christmas novels set in the countryside with a magical cottage and a soft message of letting go.

Potential Discussion Questions:

  1. How did Imogen’s past shape the way she approached relationships and her career?
  1. What does the cottage represent for Imogen, emotionally and symbolically?
  1. How does the story explore the idea of self-forgiveness?
  1. Were you surprised by the way Imogen started to open up to others? Why or why not?
  1. How did the holiday season help create a space for healing and love?
  1. What message does the book send about the importance of slowing down?

Winter Lights by Deborah Jenkins

Winter Lights

Winter Lights is a collection of short Christmas stories set in a quiet town where people are dealing with tough moments but still find hope.

It’s so gentle and uplifting, perfect for readers who love meaningful stories during the festive season. 

I liked how each story showed how Christmas brings people together – even when life is complicated. 

From a tired teacher to a lonely older woman, every voice felt real. 

If your book club enjoys Christmas short story collections with heartwarming themes, this is a must-read. 

I kept thinking about it days after. And, it’s a wonderful pick for fans of reflective and inspiring Christmas fiction about ordinary lives and quiet holiday miracles.

Potential Discussion Questions:

  1. Which story resonated with you the most, and why?
  1. How does the theme of light in darkness show up in each character’s journey?
  1. How do the small acts of kindness in the book reveal deeper truths about community?
  1. What did this book teach you about the strength in vulnerability?
  1. How does the author use the festive season to show hope without ignoring hardship?
  1. How did the short story format impact the emotional depth of the book?

Under the Mistletoe With You by Lizzie Huxley-Jones

Under the Mistletoe With You

This one’s so cute. It gave me all the snowed-in, holiday romcom joy I needed. 

Christopher is ready for a quiet Christmas but then Nash, a famous actor and his longtime crush, shows up to rent his place. 

When a snowstorm traps them together, sparks fly. I couldn’t stop smiling. It’s the perfect mix of holiday magic, romantic tension, and funny, heartwarming moments.

If you’re looking for Christmas LGBTQ+ romance books for your holiday book club, this is a must. It’s sweet, snowy, and so full of charm. 

I loved how both characters just needed to slow down and connect. 

This one is a delightful pick for fans of festive snowed-in love stories, small town Christmas romance, and a bit of Christmas movie magic. 

Honestly, it’s one of those books that just makes you feel happy.

Potential Discussion Questions:

  1. How did being snowed in change both Christopher and Nash emotionally?
  1. What does this story say about finding connection in unexpected places?
  1. How did celebrity and privacy affect the way Nash navigated the world?
  1. What made their connection feel real or believable to you?
  1. How does the book use Christmas clichés (like snowstorms and mistletoe) in fresh ways?

On the First Day of Christmas by Faith Hogan

On the First Day of Christmas

This book really made me think about how one moment can change everything. 

Liv is heading home for a perfect Christmas when something unexpected makes her pause and it’s that pause that leads her to a completely different kind of holiday. 

It’s emotional and thoughtful, and I found myself tearing up more than once. 

If your book club enjoys reflective and uplifting Christmas novels with a bit of a twist, this one’s perfect. 

Liv’s journey is about love, second chances, and letting your heart lead the way. 

I loved how it showed the quiet beauty of trusting your instincts during the festive season. 

Honestly, this is a great choice if you’re looking for emotional Christmas books about life-changing choices and holiday hope. 

Potential Discussion Questions:

  1. What do you think Liv was really running from or toward?
  1. How did the story explore the idea of fate and personal choice?
  1. Did the structure of the story make you reflect on the idea of “what if”? Why?
  1. How did Liv’s role as a nurse affect the way she viewed the world and her choices?
  1. What message does the book send about living in the moment?
  1. How did Christmas bring clarity to Liv’s internal conflict?

Christmas at the Beach Hut by Veronica Henry

Christmas at the Beach Hut

Lizzy is overwhelmed by her family and decides to sneak away to her favorite beach hut. I felt that so much, because sometimes we just need a break. 

What follows is a gentle, hopeful story about rediscovering your worth, meeting new friends, and remembering what Christmas is really about.

 I loved how the beach and the sea made the festive season feel fresh and magical. 

If your book club is looking for Christmas novels set by the sea or stories about women finding themselves again, this is the one. 

It’s light, emotional, and really heartwarming. A wonderful Christmas book about running away only to find the love you’ve been missing.

Potential Discussion Questions:

  1. What did Lizzy’s decision to leave home say about emotional burnout during the holidays?
  1. How does the beach hut symbolize freedom and rediscovery?
  1. What lessons did Lizzy learn from the people she met while away?
  1. How does the story challenge the idea of what a perfect Christmas looks like?
  1. How did her family’s reaction change your view of their relationship?
  1. What role does solitude play in helping Lizzy find her own voice?

The Christmas Escape by Sarah Morgan

The Christmas Escape

Christy needs time with her husband, so she sends her best friend Alix to Lapland with her daughter. 

But Alix is left juggling more than just babysitting – there’s romance, old wounds, and so much snowy magic. 

I really loved the way it explored friendships and honesty. 

If your book club enjoys Christmas books set in snowy places like Lapland, with deep emotions and festive romance, you’ll adore this one.

It gave me all the wintry feels with a side of heartfelt lessons. 

Sarah Morgan always delivers warm, comforting Christmas stories, and this one is no different. 

It’s a story about love, trust, and the bonds that carry us through every season. Plus, the Lapland setting makes everything feel so magical and crisp.

Potential Discussion Questions:

  1. How does the book explore the tension between independence and loyalty in friendships?
  1. In what ways does Lapland reflect or amplify the characters’ emotional journeys?
  1. Why do you think Christy chose to keep secrets from Alix?
  1. How does the dynamic between Alix and Zac add to the story’s message about second chances?
  1. What did you learn about the importance of communication in relationships?
  1. How did the snowy setting help create a space for truth and healing?

The Mother of All Christmases by Milly Johnson

The Mother of All Christmases

Three women, all expecting babies, meet at a Christmas Pudding Club and form a beautiful friendship. 

Each woman’s story is different – Eve is planning a huge Christmas wedding, Annie just found out she’s pregnant later in life, and Palma is a surrogate hoping for a better future. 

I adored how their lives crossed during such a magical and vulnerable time. 

If your club enjoys Christmas books about motherhood, friendship, and new beginnings, this is a wonderful choice. 

It’s festive, funny, and full of heart. I really appreciated how it balanced light moments with real emotions. 

A touching story for anyone who believes in the strength of women and the magic of sharing joy during the holidays, I always, always recommend this one.

Potential Discussion Questions:

  1. How did each woman’s pregnancy reflect her personal emotional journey?
  1. What did you think about Palma’s storyline – especially around choice and sacrifice?
  1. How did friendship help the women find strength during such a vulnerable time?
  1. What does the book say about motherhood – not just biologically, but emotionally?
  1. How do the holiday themes of togetherness and giving shape each woman’s story?
  1. How did the Christmas Pudding Club bring healing and transformation?

I hope this list of the best Christmas book club books helps you find the perfect read to enjoy with your group this holiday season. 

Don’t forget to check out my other posts, like the one on how to select a book club book and my guide to hosting virtual book club meetings for more helpful tips. 

Preye

Hi! I'm Preye ("pre" as in "prepare" and "ye" as in "Kanye"), and I am a lifelong book lover who enjoys talking about books and sharing bits and pieces of all the fascinating things I come across. I love books and, on this blog, I share everything from book recommendations to book reviews and writing tips, so feel free to stop by anytime you like!

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