9 Romance Books Set During Christmas

Ah, Christmas—the season of twinkling lights, festive cheer, and, of course, irresistible romance. The holidays create the perfect backdrop for tales of love, passion, and second chances, with snowflakes falling, cozy fires crackling, and mistletoe hanging in the air. Whether you’re curled up with a blanket, a hot cup of cocoa, or simply dreaming of the magic that Christmas brings, these nine romance novels will sweep you off your feet and fill your heart with warmth and wonder.

So, let’s unwrap these stories together—get ready for forbidden passions, surprising twists, and the kind of high-stakes love that only Christmas can bring.

**1. The Holiday Swap by Maggie Knox**

For Fans of: Small-town charm, mistaken identities, and festive feels

When Charlie, a celebrity chef, and Cass, a small-town baker, swap homes for the holidays, their lives are turned upside down in the best possible way. With the snow falling gently outside, Charlie finds herself navigating the kitchen of a quaint village while Cass steps into the glamorous but hectic world of television. As they each find themselves unexpectedly drawn to someone new, they start to question everything they thought they wanted.

🎄 Why It’s Compelling: The chemistry between the characters is palpable, and the small-town magic paired with the glamour of the big city creates an unforgettable backdrop for this festive love story. It’s a heartwarming reminder that sometimes, the best presents come when we least expect them.

**2. A Merry Little Meet Cute by Julie Murphy & Sierra Simone**

For Fans of: Steamy romance, enemies-to-lovers, and holiday heat

It’s not every day that a Christmas movie set on a Hallmark-esque movie set turns into something far more… sizzling. When Bea, a plus-size pop star, and Nolan, a former boy band member, are forced to work together on a Christmas movie, their immediate chemistry is undeniable—but so is their animosity. As the tension builds, so does the forbidden passion between the two. The Christmas magic in the air only adds fuel to the fire.

🎄 Why It’s Compelling: This book combines the delightful charm of a holiday rom-com with moments of sizzling intensity. Bea and Nolan’s push-pull dynamic is intoxicating—proof that even Christmas movie stars can have a little bit of naughty mixed with nice.

**3. In a Holidaze by Christina Lauren**

For Fans of: Time loops, second chances, and family drama

Maelyn Jones is stuck in a time loop that keeps bringing her back to the same Christmas vacation with her family. Faced with the same awkward moments and holiday traditions, Maelyn realizes that she might have a second chance to change the course of her life—and maybe even her love life. As Maelyn is forced to confront her feelings for her best friend, the one person she’s secretly loved for years, things start to get complicated.

🎄 Why It’s Compelling: Time loops may be a fantasy trope, but Christina Lauren brings it to life with an emotional and romantic twist. The tension between Maelyn and her love interest is electric, and the holiday setting feels like a character in its own right, filled with nostalgia, family drama, and, of course, love.

**4. One Day in December by Josie Silver**

For Fans of: Fate, soulmates, and years-long love stories

The moment Laurie locks eyes with a stranger on a bus, she’s convinced he’s the one. But their paths don’t cross again until she’s dating his best friend, Jack. The longing glances, the unsaid words, and the “what could have been” create a romantic tension that lingers throughout the story. As Laurie and Jack’s love story unfolds, Christmas moments add a layer of magic to their complicated relationship.

🎄 Why It’s Compelling: This isn’t just a Christmas romance—it’s a tale of soulmates who are forced to navigate years of missed connections, friendship, and longing. The festive setting amplifies the tension, making the characters’ emotional journey even more captivating.

**5. The Christmas Cottage by Samantha Chagollan**

For Fans of: Second chances, small-town romance, and homecoming magic

Lila returns to her hometown for Christmas after years of avoiding her past. The charming Christmas cottage, once a place of childhood memories, is now in need of a little holiday cheer. Enter Ryan, her high school crush, who’s back in town to help restore the house. As they reconnect, sparks fly and old feelings resurface, but the ghosts of their pasts may still stand in the way.

🎄 Why It’s Compelling: The tension between Lila and Ryan feels electric, and their slow burn romance against the backdrop of a cozy Christmas cottage is undeniably swoon-worthy. There’s something about the small-town setting, combined with the holiday spirit, that makes second-chance love even more magical.

**6. A Season for Second Chances by Jenny Bayliss**

For Fans of: Fresh starts, holiday charm, and self-discovery

Widowed and disillusioned, Annie moves to the small town of Bortford to escape the suffocating reminders of her past life. There, she’s given a chance to start over—by working at a quirky, magical Christmas shop. But love is never far away, and soon, Annie is faced with the opportunity to embrace a new life full of romance and possibility.

🎄 Why It’s Compelling: This book is a heartfelt reminder that it’s never too late to start over, especially when the spirit of Christmas is on your side. Annie’s journey of self-discovery and romance is as sweet as it is poignant.

**7. Christmas in Peach Blossom Creek by Michelle Major**

For Fans of: Small-town charm, healing love, and holiday magic

Savannah’s return to her small hometown for the holidays isn’t exactly what she expected—she’s there to attend a family wedding and face a past filled with old wounds. But when she runs into Connor, the man she once loved and left behind, sparks reignite. Together, they must navigate their complicated history while the magic of Christmas offers them a second chance at happiness.

🎄 Why It’s Compelling: The push-pull of Savannah and Connor’s relationship makes for an emotionally charged romance, and the small-town charm is so festive, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped right into the holiday magic yourself.

**8. Merry & Bright by Debbie Macomber**

For Fans of: Family ties, holiday cheer, and opposites attract

Merry’s life is in disarray, from her overbearing mother to her long-distance relationship that’s on the rocks. But when she’s tasked with helping her family’s holiday-themed business, she meets a new man who changes everything. As the Christmas season sparks romance, tension, and chaos, Merry finds herself on a journey to discover what she truly wants for her future.

🎄 Why It’s Compelling: The mix of humor, heart, and holiday chaos creates a festive atmosphere that’s perfect for those who want a lighthearted but deeply emotional love story.

**9. The Twelve Days of Dash & Lily by Rachel Cohn & David Levithan**

For Fans of: Flirty banter, quirky characters, and holiday scavenger hunts

Dash and Lily meet through a notebook left in a bookstore during the holiday season. What follows is a whirlwind romance filled with scavenger hunts, cheeky dares, and heartwarming moments as they learn about each other and grow closer.

🎄 Why It’s Compelling: The quirky, fast-paced romance feels like a breath of fresh air, with Dash and Lily’s clever banter and playful flirtation keeping things exciting from start to finish. The Christmas magic only adds to the undeniable chemistry between them.

Which Romance Will You Be Unwrapping This Christmas?

These nine books are guaranteed to make your heart race, your cheeks flush, and your spirit soar. Each one offers something unique—a dash of magic, a sprinkle of tension, and the kind of Christmas love stories that will have you swooning by the fire. Which one are you curling up with first? Or maybe you have your own favorite Christmas romance to share? Drop your suggestions and let’s keep the holiday cheer going all year round! 🎄✨