27 Young Adult Christmas Books to Read This Holiday Season

Christmas reading has a special place on my holiday TBR list, especially when a book promises snowy settings, complicated crushes, festive traditions, and the kind of romance that makes me want to curl up with a warm drink.

I love how young adult Christmas books can bring together so many different moods, from lighthearted fake-dating romances and Hanukkah love stories to holiday mysteries and magical retellings of familiar Christmas classics.

This list brings together new YA Christmas books for 2026 and older seasonal favorites, so I can plan my reading around both upcoming releases and books I have been meaning to pick up for years.

Whether you are searching for cozy Christmas romance books for teens, winter YA novels with a little mystery, or holiday books featuring characters finding their way through family complications, these are the titles I would consider adding to my seasonal reading list.

A Knight Before Christmas by Cara Stout

A Christmas reality dating show sounds like an entertaining setting for a young adult romance, especially when one of its contestants makes a living pretending to be royalty at his family’s fairytale theme park.

Juliet agrees to help her mother get a dating show for teenagers off the ground, bringing her into the orbit of Garrick, who signs up to participate despite his unusual background.

What interests me most is the possibility of romance developing between someone in front of the cameras and someone working behind the scenes, where the pressure and excitement of the show might complicate their feelings.

As the second book in the Fairytale in Progress series, this Christmas romance is one I would put on my list if I wanted festive matchmaking, a royal-inspired setting, and teenage romantic tension.

What Light by Jay Asher

I am always drawn to Christmas romances that revolve around a seasonal tradition, and Sierra’s annual family trip to California offers a lovely starting point for a story about first love and making memories.

Every year, her family travels to sell Christmas trees, but this particular visit might be their last, making Sierra determined to appreciate the experience while she still can.

Meeting Caleb adds an unexpected romantic possibility to a season that already carries emotional significance for her.

I would be curious to see how their relationship unfolds alongside Sierra’s concerns about the future of her family’s tradition, especially because the book also explores forgiveness and redemption.

For readers searching for a contemporary YA Christmas romance about first love, family traditions, and a holiday that could change everything, this sounds like a fitting seasonal choice.

The Christmas Clash by Suzanne Park

Two teenagers trying to protect their parents’ restaurants from eviction during the Christmas season sounds like an excellent recipe for conflict, particularly when their families already have a feud between them.

This young adult romance follows a pair of adversaries who begin working together to save their respective family businesses and the other shops facing closure at their local mall.

Their growing connection introduces another complication, because falling for someone is difficult enough without having to navigate the disagreement between your parents.

I appreciate the idea of a holiday romance that gives its characters practical problems to solve alongside their romantic feelings, and this one also addresses racism.

I would add it to my list when I want a teen Christmas romance that combines a developing relationship with family conflict, community concerns, and the pressure of trying to save something important before the holidays arrive.

Only for the Holidays by Abiola Bello

Tia and Quincy are dealing with heartbreak just as the holiday season begins, which makes their decision to pretend to be a couple feel like a particularly entertaining way to handle their romantic disappointments.

Tia is a city girl, while Quincy comes from the country, and both need dates for the Winter Ball.

Their arrangement gives them a convenient way to face the festivities together, but I would be interested in seeing how their different personalities and circumstances influence the relationship they are pretending to have.

The combination of fake dating, holiday celebrations, and the possibility of unexpected feelings makes this an appealing choice for anyone who loves Christmas romantic comedies.

I would save this YA holiday romance for a reading day when I want something lighthearted, with the festive atmosphere of a Christmas movie and the added fun of two people who begin with very different experiences of love.

A Heart for Christmas by Sophie Jomain

April has spent much of her life dealing with a heart defect, and even after receiving a heart transplant at sixteen, she struggles to return to living without fear.

Two years later, she travels to the Alps to spend Christmas with her father, where disagreements between her parents continue to affect how she approaches everyday life.

She is excited about her best friend Eva’s expected arrival, but while she waits, she spends time with Eva’s brother, Augustin.

I am particularly interested in the emotional questions surrounding April’s recovery, independence, and relationships, especially because her parents disagree about what she should be able to do.

The advent-calendar format also makes this book appealing for readers who enjoy opening a story gradually throughout December, while the inclusion of text messages offers another way to experience the characters’ lives.

Because the story deals with heart defects and a heart transplant, those subjects are also worth keeping in mind before choosing it.

Love in Winter Wonderland by Abiola Bello

A family bookstore threatened by a local developer gives this winter romance a conflict that feels especially meaningful for anyone who loves spending time among books.

Trey has to balance his social life at school with helping at Wonderland, his family’s bookstore, while Ariel hopes to pursue an arts programme but needs a way to pay for it.

When Ariel gets a job at the bookstore, their circumstances bring them together, although their individual ambitions and the threat to Wonderland complicate matters.

I am curious about how their relationship might develop while they try to protect a place that matters to both of them in different ways.

The combination of a bookstore setting, creative aspirations, holiday pressure, and a hate-to-love romance makes this a strong candidate for readers looking for contemporary YA winter romance books.

I would especially consider it for a seasonal reading list if I wanted a story where the characters have something important to fight for beyond their feelings for each other.

Whiteout by Dhonielle Clayton, Tiffany D. Jackson, Nic Stone, Angie Thomas, Ashley Woodfolk, and Nicola Yoon

Having six popular young adult authors contribute to one Christmas romance makes Whiteout particularly appealing to me because the story brings several romantic threads together rather than concentrating on a single couple.

Set in Atlanta during an unusual snowstorm, the book follows interconnected love stories unfolding on the same night as friends try to help their best friends reconcile.

The snowy setting creates a natural sense of urgency, while the overlapping relationships offer different perspectives on romance and friendship.

I would be interested in seeing how the individual storylines connect and how the characters’ efforts to help someone else affect the wider group.

For readers who enjoy YA holiday anthologies, contemporary romance, and books that bring multiple characters together through one shared event, this sounds like a lovely winter reading choice.

It is also an appealing option when I want a Christmas book with a group of authors rather than one author telling a single extended romance.

Christmas Trees and Weak Knees by Katrina Emmel

A Christmas tree farm, songwriting, and a developing romance make this one of the new young adult Christmas books I would be excited to add to my 2026 reading list.

Paisley enjoys working at her family’s farm and has a strong interest in music, but a terrible experience involving the band Six String Justice has left her reluctant to perform in front of an audience.

Then Kash Murray arrives at the farm looking for inspiration after his band breaks up, creating an opportunity for the two to connect through their songwriting.

I am curious about how their shared creative interests might influence their relationship and whether Paisley will reconsider what she wants from music and her future.

The combination of a festive rural setting and two young people finding common ground through songwriting sounds perfect for readers who enjoy sweet holiday romances with an artistic side.

With its scheduled October 27, 2026 release, this is one I would keep on my radar for late-October and November reading.

Blame It on the Mistletoe by Beth Garrod

Swapping homes for Christmas is already an appealing setup for a holiday novel, but this story adds two teenagers with very different reasons for wanting a change of scenery.

Holly hopes to get away from her ex-boyfriend, who also happens to be her neighbour, while Noelle wants to win a social media challenge and establish herself as a teenage influencer.

As they experience each other’s surroundings and spend time with different friends and families, their lives become more connected than either might have expected.

I would be interested in how the two girls navigate their new circumstances and what they learn about themselves and their relationships along the way.

The premise brings to mind the appeal of holiday home-swap stories, while the double-romance element offers another reason to consider it.

For readers looking for YA Christmas romance books featuring changing perspectives, social media ambitions, and festive experiences in different places, this one deserves a place on the seasonal list.

The Holiday Switch by Tif Marcelo

I am always interested in Christmas romances that bring two teenagers together through work, especially when their workplace offers plenty of opportunities for festive mishaps and unexpected conversations.

In this story, two teenagers work at an inn where a famous holiday movie was filmed, giving the setting an immediate connection to Christmas traditions and movie magic.

Both characters are keeping secrets from their families, but they gradually begin confiding in each other.

That combination of hidden information, a shared workplace, and growing trust gives the romance room for both tension and sweeter moments.

I would be curious to see how their secrets affect the connection they form and whether spending time together helps them understand each other better.

For readers searching for a sweet YA Christmas romance with an enemies-to-lovers dynamic, this is an appealing option, particularly if you prefer teen love stories that keep the romance innocent and suitable for younger YA readers.

The Afterlife of Holly Chase by Cynthia Hand

A modern fantasy retelling of A Christmas Carol is an especially tempting choice for readers who enjoy seeing familiar holiday material reimagined in unexpected ways.

Holly Chase is seventeen when the ghosts of Christmas visit her because of her selfish behaviour, but their intervention does not have the intended effect, and she dies soon afterwards.

Her next chapter involves working for Operation Scrooge, where she takes on the role of the Ghost of Christmas Past and helps other people who resemble her former self.

After five years in the position, the arrival of another Christmas brings the possibility of a change in her circumstances.

I would love to see how this premise reshapes the familiar ideas behind Dickens’s classic while giving Holly her own supernatural predicament.

This YA Christmas fantasy is worth considering if you enjoy ghost stories, contemporary retellings, and holiday novels that offer something different from a straightforward festive romance.

Finding Her Edge by Jennifer Iacopelli

Figure skating and fake dating are an appealing combination for a young adult romance, especially when the main character has a complicated history with someone she once loved.

Adriana Russo comes from a family of celebrated figure skaters, and expectations surrounding her future place in the sport put pressure on her ambitions.

Training with her new partner, Brayden, leads to a plan that encourages people to believe their chemistry on the ice extends beyond their performances.

As attention builds around the supposed relationship, Adriana begins questioning whether the feelings involved might be genuine.

Then Freddie, her former skating partner and first crush, returns to her life.

I would be curious to see how Adriana manages the expectations attached to her skating career while navigating the differences between a relationship created for public attention and the feelings she already has for someone from her past.

For readers who enjoy YA romance with competitive sports, complicated crushes, and a love triangle, this is one to consider.

Talk Santa to Me by Linda Urban

Working in a family-owned holiday shop sounds like the sort of Christmas setting I would enjoy in a seasonal novel, particularly when the business comes with family disagreements and an increasingly complicated workload.

Francie belongs to a family that works at the Hollydale Holiday Shop, founded by her grandfather, but she is unhappy with the changes her Aunt Carole has been making.

Her new responsibilities as Santa’s intern add to the pressure, while teasing at school about her kissing reputation leaves her dealing with a different kind of holiday problem.

Francie hopes to protect the family business and improve how her classmates see her, all while trying to understand her feelings for a boy who works at the Christmas tree lot across the street.

I like that the premise connects family traditions, teenage embarrassment, and a possible romance through one busy seasonal workplace.

This is a good option for readers who want a sweet YA Christmas romance centred on a character balancing family responsibilities with the awkwardness of growing up.

Eight Nights of Flirting by Hannah Reynolds

Shira goes into Hanukkah determined to find her ideal boyfriend, but a major snowstorm threatens to interfere with her carefully considered plans.

The situation becomes more complicated when she ends up stranded with Tyler, a former crush who has also become her nemesis.

I am drawn to the possibility of a romance developing under circumstances that prevent Shira from following the plan she originally had in mind.

The storm creates a natural reason for the characters to spend time together, while their history gives their interactions plenty of potential for tension and unexpected moments.

I would also be interested in how the story approaches the difference between trying to make a holiday unfold perfectly and allowing room for surprises.

For readers searching for YA Hanukkah romance books, winter romantic comedies, or holiday novels with snowstorm complications, this sounds like a lovely seasonal choice.

It is especially worth considering if you enjoy romance plots in which a character’s carefully organised expectations begin to unravel.

All the Jingle Ladies by Beth Garrod

Molly’s dislike of Christmas begins with an embarrassing childhood experience involving a family music video, in which she appeared dressed as an elf.

Her parents continue to embrace Christmas enthusiastically, but Molly would rather avoid the attention associated with the song that made her infamous.

Unfortunately for her, that same song becomes the main theme of a major new Christmas movie, bringing her back into the spotlight through a series of events connected to the production.

Meeting a handsome boy who is also working on the film adds a romantic complication as Molly struggles with whether to reveal herself or remain out of view.

I would be curious to see how she handles being associated with a part of her past she would prefer to leave behind.

This YA Christmas romance could be a fun choice for readers who enjoy entertainment-industry settings, awkward family traditions, and characters trying to work out how much of themselves they want other people to see.

A Castle in the Clouds by Kerstin Gier

A luxury hotel during the Christmas season sounds like a wonderful setting for a young adult mystery, especially when the festivities lead towards a New Year’s Eve ball.

Sophie works as an intern at an old-fashioned hotel, where she expects to help guests rather than become caught up in a collection of unusual problems.

Instead, the holiday brings missing jewels, possible ghosts, a potential love interest, and the threat of kidnappers into the mix.

I am intrigued by how the hotel setting might bring these different elements together, particularly because the story combines teenage drama with mystery and supernatural possibilities.

The festive atmosphere also makes it appealing to readers who enjoy novels that move from Christmas towards New Year’s Eve.

For anyone looking for a YA holiday book that is not primarily a romance, this is worth considering because it offers a mix of suspense, humour, and an unusual seasonal setting.

So, This Is Christmas by Tracy Andreen

A Christmas-loving town is a charming place to return to for the holidays, but Finley’s homecoming becomes more complicated when she realises that her version of the place may not match reality.

Finley comes back from boarding school to Christmas, Oklahoma, for winter break, only to find that changes in her life are making the familiar town feel different.

Her classmate Arthur arrives with expectations of his own after hearing Finley’s descriptions of her hometown, which means she has some explaining to do.

I would be interested in seeing how she handles the difference between the Christmas experience she has presented to others and the town she actually returns to.

The story combines romance, self-discovery, and humour in a setting that practically invites seasonal reading.

For readers who want a contemporary YA Christmas romance with small-town traditions and the awkwardness of trying to meet someone else’s expectations, this is a lovely option to keep in mind.

New Year’s Kiss by Lee Matthews

A snow-covered resort in Vermont is exactly the sort of setting I look forward to when I want a winter romance, especially when the story includes a bucket list and a New Year’s Eve deadline.

Tess spends her winter break at the resort, where she meets Christopher and begins working through a list of experiences intended to send the year off in memorable fashion.

The combination of a new connection, holiday travel, and a list of challenges gives the romance a clear seasonal framework.

I would be curious to see how the experiences Tess pursues influence her time at the resort and what secrets emerge along the way.

For readers who enjoy YA winter romance novels with snowy scenery and the excitement of a fresh year approaching, this sounds like a fitting addition to a holiday reading list.

I would save it for the part of December when I start looking for stories that carry the Christmas mood into New Year’s Eve.

Some Like It Cold by Elle McNicoll

Returning home for the holidays can bring up complicated feelings, and Jasper’s visit becomes particularly challenging as she prepares to attend her sister’s wedding.

After leaving for college, Jasper comes back to a place filled with unresolved family issues, including the pressure she has experienced from masking her autism and trying to meet expectations about being the perfect daughter.

Meanwhile, Arthur, her arch-nemesis, is filming the events leading up to the wedding for a film competition.

I would be interested in how their interactions unfold against this emotionally complicated backdrop, particularly as Jasper revisits parts of her life that she has struggled to reconcile.

The book’s attention to the autistic experience also makes it stand out from more conventional holiday romances.

For readers looking for YA Christmas-season fiction with family tension, complicated relationships, and an autistic main character, this offers a different kind of winter reading experience.

The Secret Santa Setup by Sarah Hutt

An advent-style romance is an appealing format for December reading because it offers a natural reason to return to the story throughout the days leading up to Christmas.

Amanda plans to spend the season working at a Christmas tree farm while trying to persuade her parents to let her travel abroad during the summer.

She also wants to take part in the group’s Secret Santa exchange, but drawing Luke’s name leaves her wondering what to choose for a boy who seems to ignore her.

As she gets to know him, her attention begins shifting away from the gift itself and towards the person she is trying to understand.

I am curious about how their connection develops through the holiday preparations and whether the Secret Santa arrangement changes the way Amanda sees Luke.

For readers who enjoy slow-burn YA Christmas romance, Christmas tree farm settings, and books designed to be opened gradually like an advent calendar, this is one to look out for among the 2026 releases.

Eight Dates and Nights by Betsy Aldredge

Hannah Levin would much rather spend Hanukkah in New York with her friends and family than be away in a small Texas town with her grandmother.

Her holiday takes an unexpected turn when a snowstorm delays her flight home, leaving her to celebrate in a place she never intended to stay.

During her time there, she meets Noah, who is determined to bring Hanukkah traditions into his community and help Hannah see the holiday from another perspective.

I like the idea of a romance that also explores how people celebrate, particularly when one character has strong assumptions about a place and the other wants to share something meaningful with her.

I would add this to my list if I wanted a YA Hanukkah romance with a small-town setting, a snowstorm, and an emphasis on cultural traditions.

It is also a useful choice for readers hoping to find more holiday romances that focus on Hanukkah rather than Christmas.

Let It Snow by John Green, Lauren Myracle, and Maureen Johnson

Three authors coming together to write interconnected holiday stories makes Let It Snow an appealing choice when I want a seasonal book that offers more than one perspective on young love.

The collection brings together Christmas-themed stories from John Green, Lauren Myracle, and Maureen Johnson, with romance and holiday complications at the centre of the reading experience.

Rather than following one extended relationship from beginning to end, readers can spend time with different characters and their individual festive experiences.

I would be interested in how the separate stories create their own romantic moments while contributing to the book’s overall winter atmosphere.

This is a useful choice for anyone building a list of classic YA Christmas books or looking for a seasonal collection that can be read in shorter stretches.

Readers who enjoy screen adaptations can also look into the Netflix film based on the book after finishing the stories.

Dash & Lily’s Book of Dares by Rachel Cohn and David Levithan

A red notebook filled with dares is an especially fun way to bring two teenagers together, and the New York City Christmas setting makes this series opener an appealing choice for holiday reading.

Dash and Lily begin exchanging challenges through the notebook, creating a connection that encourages them to share secrets and learn more about each other.

I am drawn to the idea of a romance that develops through a series of written exchanges and adventures rather than beginning with the characters simply meeting and falling for each other.

The book also launches a three-part series, so readers who enjoy spending time with Dash and Lily can continue with their relationship in the subsequent novels.

For anyone searching for YA Christmas books set in New York, romantic stories built around dares, or holiday novels that inspired screen adaptations, this is a natural starting point.

I would put it on my December list if I wanted a festive contemporary romance with a playful premise.

The Twelve Days of Dash & Lily by Rachel Cohn and David Levithan

After beginning with Dash & Lily’s Book of Dares, readers can continue following the pair in this second instalment of the series.

Dash and Lily return for another Christmas-season story, giving readers more time with the characters whose relationship began through a red notebook and a collection of challenges.

I would be interested in seeing how their connection continues beyond the first book and how another holiday season shapes their experiences together.

Because the series is set in New York City during Christmas, the setting is also part of its appeal for readers who enjoy seasonal urban adventures and festive romance.

This is a title I would keep beside the first book when planning a holiday reading marathon, particularly if I wanted to spend more than one evening with the same characters.

Readers who prefer to follow a romance in publication order can begin with Dash & Lily’s Book of Dares before moving on to this instalment.

Mind the Gap, Dash & Lily by Rachel Cohn and David Levithan

The third book in the Dash and Lily series offers readers another opportunity to return to the characters introduced through the red notebook and their playful exchange of dares.

The earlier books establish a Christmas-season connection between two teenagers who share secrets, take on challenges, and develop a romantic relationship while exploring New York City.

I would want to read the series in order so I could follow Dash and Lily’s relationship across all three novels rather than beginning with the final instalment.

For readers who enjoy returning to familiar characters during the holidays, this book can round out a seasonal reading plan centred on the trilogy.

The series is especially appealing if you like contemporary YA romance with an urban setting and a premise that gives the characters a reason to keep communicating.

I would save this one for after the first two books, making it part of a longer Christmas reading weekend or a series marathon during the winter break.

All I Want for Christmas by Wendy Loggia

Bailey has a very specific wish for Christmas: she wants a boyfriend or, at the very least, a memorable holiday kiss.

Her attention turns to Charlie, a mysterious boy from Britain, but Jacob Marley, the local heartthrob, keeps getting in the way of her attempts to catch Charlie’s eye.

I would be curious to see how Bailey manages the competition for her attention and whether the boy she thinks she wants is the one who ultimately matters most to her.

The premise brings together holiday crushes, romantic complications, and the kind of awkward situations that make teenage romances entertaining.

For readers searching for lighthearted YA Christmas romance books, this sounds like a suitable option for a cosy afternoon when the goal is simply to enjoy a festive love story.

I would consider it for a reading list focused on holiday kisses, romantic misunderstandings, and the excitement of having a crush during Christmas.

Johanna’s Christmas by Johanna Basford

Not every seasonal book needs to be a novel, and I like the idea of keeping a Christmas colouring book nearby for quieter moments between longer reading sessions.

Johanna’s Christmas features festive illustrations filled with familiar holiday objects, including snow globes and stockings, giving readers plenty of designs to colour.

The format makes it different from the romance and fantasy titles on this list, but it can still be part of a Christmas reading routine for anyone who enjoys creative activities alongside books.

I would consider setting it out with colouring pencils or markers for an evening when I want to relax without committing to a full chapter or an entire story.

It could also work as a small seasonal gift, a stocking stuffer, or an activity to keep available during holiday downtime.

For readers who enjoy illustrated Christmas activities, this offers a hands-on alternative to traditional YA holiday fiction.

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My Christmas reading list would be incomplete without a mix of familiar favourites, newer releases, and a few books that take holiday fiction in a different direction.

For 2026, I would keep an eye on A Knight Before Christmas, Christmas Trees and Weak Knees, and The Secret Santa Setup, particularly if I wanted to try some newer YA Christmas romance books.

Older titles such as Let It Snow, Dash & Lily’s Book of Dares, and The Afterlife of Holly Chase also offer different ways to enjoy the season, whether I am in the mood for romantic comedy, a festive series, or a supernatural retelling.

I would also make room for Hanukkah romances such as Eight Nights of Flirting and Eight Dates and Nights for a broader seasonal reading list.

Now I can start choosing which books belong on my December TBR, which ones I want to save for the days leading up to New Year’s Eve, and which festive favourites I might finally get around to reading.