There’s something extra special about Christmas when you’re a teenager; the cozy nights, the smell of hot cocoa, the endless playlists of Mariah Carey, and that feeling that anything can happen before the year ends. And honestly? Few things make the holidays feel more magical than getting lost in a good book.
Whether you’re gifting a teen, a book-loving niece, or just looking for a little festive escapism for yourself (because who doesn’t want a cute snowy romance or heartfelt story during the holidays?), this list is for you.
Here are five Christmas holiday books for teens that are warm, funny, romantic, and perfectly cozy, just like the holidays should be. Find more related posts on books to read here.
Table of Contents
5 Must Have Christmas Books for Teenagers.
1. Let It Snow: Three Holiday Romances by John Green, Maureen Johnson & Lauren Myracle
This one is basically a Hallmark Christmas movie in book form, way cooler and written by three of YA’s biggest authors.
The story follows three different couples whose lives intertwine during a snowstorm on Christmas Eve. There’s a stranded train, a waffle house, and just the right amount of teenage chaos and romance.
It’s sweet, funny, and totally gives that snow-globe feeling of being young, in love, and caught up in holiday magic.
This edition is gorgeous, with a snowflake-embossed cover that makes it perfect for gifting or displaying on a bookshelf.
Why Teens Love It: It’s full of real, relatable moments; awkward kisses, crazy adventures, and snow-covered surprises.
Why You’ll Love It: It’s fun and heartwarming without being cheesy. Perfect for curling up with when you want a dose of nostalgia and feel-good vibes.
2. Dash & Lily’s Book of Dares by Rachel Cohn & David Levithan
If you could combine holiday adventure + bookstore romance + New York City magic, you’d get this story.
It all starts when Lily leaves a red notebook full of dares on a bookstore shelf and Dash, a total stranger, finds it. What follows is a flirty, funny, and heartwarming holiday scavenger hunt across NYC.
The hardcover edition is minimalist, modern, and totally aesthetic. The perfect gift for your favorite book lover.
Why Teens Love It: It’s witty, fast-paced, and has that “unexpected holiday romance” charm.
Why You’ll Love It: It celebrates books, adventure, and taking risks, all with the prettiest Christmas-in-New-York backdrop.
Holiday tip: Pair it with a cozy red journal and a pack of fine-tip pens, so your teen (or you!) can start their own book of dares this season.
3. The Afterlife of Holly Chase by Cynthia Hand
If your teen prefers their Christmas reads with a touch of fantasy and depth, The Afterlife of Holly Chase is a total gem.
It’s a modern-day twist on A Christmas Carol only this time, the “Scrooge” is a teenage influencer named Holly who ignores her warning and ends up… dead. Now, she works for a mysterious company that helps other “Scrooges” find redemption before it’s too late
This edition has an elegant black-and-gold cover that looks stunning under fairy lights.
Why Teens Love It: It’s witty, modern, and surprisingly emotional. A mix of Mean Girls and A Christmas Carol.
Why You’ll Love It: It has a beautiful message about second chances, purpose, and what really matters, perfect for end-of-year reflection.
4. The Christmas Clash by Suzanne Park
Enemies-to-lovers? At Christmas? Yes, please!
Set in a busy mall during the holidays, The Christmas Clash follows two teens, Chloe and Peter whose families run rival restaurants. When the mall faces closure, they have to work together to save their family businesses… and, of course, sparks fly.
The cover is bright, festive, and totally Instagram-worthy; a book that looks as cute as it reads.
Why Teens Love It: It’s funny, romantic, and relatable, with lots of cultural and family themes mixed in.
Why You’ll Love It: It’s lighthearted but still meaningful, a story about family, dreams, and unexpected connections.
5. My True Love Gave to Me: Twelve Holiday Stories edited by Stephanie Perkins
Think of this one as a box of assorted Christmas chocolates, twelve short stories from twelve incredible YA authors, all wrapped up in holiday cheer.
Each story brings something different, from cozy romances to bittersweet moments to magical adventures. It’s perfect for teens who love variety or have shorter attention spans (we’ve all been there 😅).
Why Teens Love It: Each story feels like its own little Christmas world, you never get bored.
Why You’ll Love It: You can read one story a night leading up to Christmas, like a literary advent calendar!
Bonus Pick: 10 Blind Dates by Ashley Elston
If there’s one word for this book, it’s adorable.
After breaking up with her boyfriend, Sophie’s big, loud Italian family decides to set her up on 10 blind dates before Christmas. Each one is wilder and funnier than the last and it’s honestly the sweetest, most feel-good holiday rom-com you’ll ever read.
Why Teens Love It: It’s laugh-out-loud funny, romantic, and full of family chaos.
Why You’ll Love It: It captures that wholesome, holiday-movie energy that makes you smile long after you finish it.
How to Make Reading Feel Extra Cozy This Christmas
You know how we said reading is magic? Well, here’s how to make it Pinterest-perfect magic.
Create a “Holiday Reading Nook.” Add twinkly lights, soft pillows, and a faux fur blanket.
Gift-wrap the books. Even if they’re for you — there’s something so joyful about unwrapping a story.
Light a festive candle. (Think: pine, cinnamon, or sugar cookie scents.)
Serve up cocoa with whipped cream — because every good book deserves a warm drink.
Make it a tradition. One new Christmas book every year = a lifetime of memories.
The teen years are when you start discovering what you love; your taste in music, style, and yes, books. So why not make Christmas stories part of that journey?
These books remind us that even when life feels messy, there’s always room for magic, love, laughter, and a fresh start, which, honestly, is what the holidays are all about.
So grab a blanket, light a candle, and get lost in these festive pages. Whether you’re 15 or 50, there’s a story here that’ll make your heart glow.
