23 Great Christmas Historical Fiction Books to Add to Your Shelf

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I always have so much fun putting together lists like this one because historical fiction has a special way of making any season feel even more magical – especially Christmas. 

Honestly, we don’t need an excuse to dive into historical fiction. 

These stories bring the past to life in such an interesting way that you just get pulled right in.

The books on this list are all perfect for Christmas time. 

They mix history, heart, and a little bit of holiday spirit to create stories that feel cozy and captivating. 

Whether you’re curled up by the fire or just looking for a great read to add to your festive season, these historical fiction picks will definitely hit the spot.

Jane and the Twelve Days of Christmas by Stephanie Barron

If you’re like me and love Christmas historical fiction books with mystery and a clever woman at the center, you’ll adore this.

Jane Austen is spending the holidays at a grand estate in 1814, celebrating the season with games and gossip until a guest dies in a tragic accident. 

Jane suspects murder and starts sleuthing through snowy halls and secret-filled parlors. 

I had so much fun reading this because it felt like curling up with a classic and a cozy mystery all at once. The setting, full of carriages, snow, and old secrets, is perfect for a Christmas mystery. 

It’s one of those historical fiction Christmas reads that’s both smart and festive, and it reminded me how much fun it is when history, suspense, and a snowy manor house come together. 

I definitely recommend reading this by a warm fire.

A Magical New York Christmas by Anita Hughes

If you dream about snowy sidewalks, old love stories, and glamorous hotels, A Magical New York Christmas is one of those historical Christmas romance books that just makes you happy. 

I loved how Sabrina’s week at the Plaza turned into something bigger than just ghostwriting a memoir.

There’s that beautiful blend of past and present, plus a sweet mistaken-identity romance that feels like a holiday movie. 

I especially loved how the story shares pieces of real Plaza history, including Kay Thompson and Eloise, which made me smile so much. 

It’s heartwarming and just a little sparkly, which is exactly what I wanted from a Christmas historical fiction set in New York. 

Honestly, it made me wish I could check into the Plaza myself and fall in love under twinkling lights.

Christmas with the Queen by Hazel Gaynor & Heather Webb

This book is set in post-war Britain during the early years of Queen Elizabeth II’s reign, and I loved how it combined royal traditions with personal stories of love, loss, and hope. 

Olive and Jack’s story unfolds gently over five Christmases, and the fact that it’s tied to the Queen’s Christmas speeches gave me goosebumps. 

The royal Christmas at Sandringham was fascinating to read about, but what I loved most was the emotion. 

The slow-burn romance, the dreams Olive had, and the heavy secret she carried made this such a beautiful and bittersweet book. 

It’s perfect if you want a cozy, heartfelt read that combines royal history with a love story and all the nostalgic Christmas feels.

If you enjoy historical Christmas fiction books with royalty and real emotions, this one’s perfect. 

Homecoming by Kate Morton

Set in Australia, it mixes 1950s secrets with a present-day search for answers. 

I couldn’t stop turning the pages once Jess found that old true crime book.

The mystery of the Turner Family Tragedy is heartbreaking, and I loved how it tied into Jess’s life. 

Morton writes so beautifully, and while this isn’t a traditional cozy holiday read, the Christmas Eve setting gives it this haunting, powerful feel. 

I’d say it’s one of the best historical Christmas mystery books if you like layered stories, old family secrets, and strong women digging for the truth.

26 Ways to Come Home for the Holidays by Jennifer Joy

If you love Christmas historical fiction set during WWII with a little romance and a lot of sparkle, you need to read this. 

Stella West is trying to save her department store’s beloved holiday window display and what follows is a whirlwind of teamwork, tradition, and surprises. 

I loved the feeling of old-school Christmas magic here. 

It’s set in 1942, and the city is alive with marching bands, holiday lights, and big dreams. 

I smiled so hard at the growing friendship (and maybe more?) between Stella and Hector – it felt real and sweet.

This book reminded me of all the behind-the-scenes magic that makes the holidays feel special. 

If you’re looking for one of the best WWII Christmas romance novels filled with joy, second chances, and a little chaos, this is it.

The Melodeon (A Christmas Gift) by Glendon Swarthout

This story touched my heart so deeply. It’s short but full of emotion, perfect if you love heartwarming Christmas historical fiction set in rural America. 

The bond between young James and his grandfather is beautiful, and their mission to deliver a melodeon to the church on Christmas Eve is full of love and bravery. 

Even though it’s set during the Great Depression, the story never feels too heavy, so it’s more about hope, tradition, and kindness. 

I actually teared up at the end. This is one of those classic Christmas books you’ll never forget. 

If you like Christmas fiction stories about family, snowy journeys, and unexpected help from mysterious strangers, this is a must-read. 

Christmas Bells by Jennifer Chiaverini

I found this so moving and inspiring. If you love Christmas historical fiction books that tie the past and present together through music and emotion, this is one to savor slowly. 

Inspired by Longfellow’s poem Christmas Bells, the story takes us between 1860s Massachusetts and modern-day Boston. 

Both timelines are powerful – Longfellow’s grief during the Civil War and Sophia’s struggles as a teacher facing job loss today. 

I loved how music brought them both peace and strength. The carols, the history, and the small kindnesses in this book made me think about how we carry Christmas through generations. 

If you want a thoughtful, beautiful Christmas historical novel that honors the past while speaking to the present, this one sings in every way.

Mr. Dickens and His Carol by Samantha Silva

This is a reimagining of how Charles Dickens came to write A Christmas Carol, and it completely pulled me in. 

If you enjoy Christmas historical fiction books based on real people, this one is extra magical. 

I loved seeing Dickens struggling to find inspiration, feeling grumpy and overwhelmed, only to rediscover the spirit of Christmas in the most surprising way. 

There’s even a bit of mystery, some ghostly visits, and a beautiful twist that made me smile. 

I felt like I was walking the snowy streets of Victorian London while reading this. 

For anyone who loves the classic tale or wants something nostalgic and heartfelt, this is a lovely, wintry treat to read by the tree with a warm drink.

The Santa Claus Girl by Patricia P. Goodin

I loved how this story celebrated kindness and hope in the face of so many challenges. 

Based on the real Virginia O’Hanlon – the same girl who inspired Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus – this historical Christmas novel is about how one woman’s spirit inspired a whole community. 

Set in 1950s New York, it follows a cab driver, a WWII pilot, and a reporter who all come together to save a little girl in desperate need of a medical device. 

I was so touched by their courage and selflessness. 

If you’re looking for inspirational Christmas historical fiction that feels real and deeply human, this one is special.

It made me believe in how much good people can do when they come together. 

Last Christmas in Paris by Hazel Gaynor & Heather Webb

This book is absolutely beautiful, and if you love romantic historical Christmas fiction with letters and longing, this one will steal your heart. 

It’s told mostly through letters between Evie and Thomas during World War I, and I couldn’t stop reading. 

They start out as friends, sharing hopeful messages and Christmas dreams, but their feelings grow stronger as the war drags on. 

I liked the way it captured the hope and heartbreak of that time – Christmases full of snow, sorrow, and tiny sparks of joy. The ending had me in tears (the good kind). 

It’s the kind of book that stays with you. 

If you’re searching for a meaningful WWI Christmas historical fiction novel with romance and deep emotion, this is the one to pick up. It’s quiet, powerful, and unforgettable.

I hope this list of the best Christmas historical fiction books gives you plenty of cozy reading ideas for the season.

If you loved these picks, don’t forget to check out my other related posts like Best Cozy Christmas Books and Top Historical Romance Books for Winter