Best New Christmas Romance Books of 2026

It may only be Christmas in July, but if you’re anything like me, it’s never too early to start planning your holiday reading list.

Every year I look forward to seeing which authors are releasing new Christmas romance books because there is nothing better than curling up with a festive romance filled with holiday traditions, small-town charm, fake dating, mistletoe kisses, and all the cozy vibes that make this season so special.

If you’re looking for the best new Christmas romance books of 2026, I’ve already done the filtering for you. These are the holiday romances that instantly caught my attention and earned a spot on my TBR this year.

For even more holiday reading ideas, be sure to browse my Holiday Romance Hub.

📚 Get New Christmas Romance Book Picks First

I’m always reading and discovering new Christmas romance books, and I’ll share my latest favorites, mini reviews, and must-read holiday releases in my free newsletter before updating this list. Subscribe below so you never miss a festive romance worth adding to your TBR:

🎄 The Best New Christmas Romance Books of 2026

⭐ My Top Picks– these are my most anticipated holiday romances of the year

Christmas Staycation
by Meghan Quinn

Tropes: holiday romance, small-town romance, romantic comedy

Meghan Quinn holiday romances have become an annual reading tradition for many romance readers, and I’m expecting this latest visit to Kringletown to be one of the most talked-about Christmas romances of the year. The fact that a fan-favorite character is finally getting her own love story only makes me more excited.

This stands out for its guaranteed holiday charm, humor, and Meghan Quinn’s signature chemistry. Perfect if you love laugh-out-loud holiday romances.

It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Murder
by Ally Carter

Tropes: childhood enemies-to-lovers, slow burn, forced proximity, romantic suspense, holiday romance

A billionaire’s grandson. The housekeeper’s daughter. A missing body. A Christmas party gone horribly wrong.

This instantly became one of my most anticipated holiday reads because it combines everything I love about a cozy Christmas mystery with a slow-burn romance. Ally Carter absolutely nailed the holiday mystery vibe in The Most Wonderful Crime of the Year, so I have high hopes for this one as well.

This stands out for its unique blend of Christmas romance and murder mystery. Perfect if you love holiday romances with a side of suspense.

A Married Little Christmas
by Abby Jimenez

Tropes: fake dating, second chance romance, friends to lovers, holiday romance

Three brand-new Christmas romances from Abby Jimenez? This instantly became one of my most anticipated holiday releases of the year. Between fake dating, a town called Little Christmas, and three festive love stories to enjoy, this feels like the perfect book to curl up with throughout the holiday season.

This stands out for delivering three charming Christmas romances from one of today’s most beloved romance authors.

The Christmas Yes List
by Melissa Ferguson

Tropes: small-town romance, opposites attract, holiday romance, low-spice romance

The premise alone sold me on this one. After deciding she’s done being a people-pleaser, Chloe sets out to collect ten rejections before Christmas, only to meet a man who keeps saying yes to every wild idea she throws his way.

This sounds like exactly the kind of charming, feel-good holiday romance that readers will devour during Christmas season.

This stands out for its unique setup and Hallmark-style appeal. Perfect if you love sweet holiday romances filled with heart. Plus, it has been made into a movie releasing this year.

Counting Down to You
by Emily Stone

Tropes: fake dating, holiday romance, emotional romance, grief and healing

Emily Stone has become one of the authors I immediately associate with emotional Christmas romances, and this year’s release sounds like it will continue that tradition.

An Advent calendar left behind by a best friend, a seasonal job in the Alps, and a fake relationship with a seriously attractive boss feels like the perfect recipe for a heartfelt holiday love story.

This stands out for its emotional depth and winter setting. Perfect if you want a Christmas romance that will make you feel all the emotions.

The Little Shop of Merry and Bright
by Jenny Bayliss

Tropes: holiday romance, magical realism, second chance at life

Jenny Bayliss has built a reputation for cozy holiday romances, and this contemporary spin on A Christmas Carol immediately caught my attention.

The idea of seeing alternate versions of your life and questioning whether everything you’ve wanted has been in front of you all along sounds both festive and surprisingly thought-provoking.

This stands out for its magical premise and Christmas charm. Perfect if you enjoy holiday romances with a touch of whimsy.

Mistletoe All the Way
by Lauren Blakely

Tropes: grumpy sunshine, fake dating, small-town romance, holiday romance

A grumpy veterinarian forced back to his hometown and a Christmas-loving optimist trying to transform him into the town’s holiday ambassador? I’m already sold.

Between the holiday competition, small-town setting, and grumpy-sunshine dynamic, this has all the ingredients of a Christmas romance readers are going to love.

This stands out for its strong holiday atmosphere and irresistible trope combination. Perfect if you’re a sucker for grumpy heroes and festive small towns.

The Santa Claus Con
by Laura Kung Jessen

Tropes: second chance romance, workplace romance, forced proximity, holiday romance

An FBI operation at Santa Claus Con? Sign me up. Between the undercover mission, rival agents with unresolved feelings, and two self-proclaimed Grinches forced to save Christmas together, this sounds like one of the most fun and unique holiday romances releasing this year.

This stands out for blending holiday romance, suspense, and laugh-out-loud rom-com energy.

🎁 More Holiday Romance Books to Add to Your TBR

The Twelve Loves of Christmas: An Advent Romance Collection

Tropes: anthology, Christmas romance, holiday romance

An Advent-inspired collection of twelve festive love stories makes this a fun way to count down to Christmas. Perfect if you enjoy discovering multiple romance authors or prefer short holiday reads you can easily squeeze into the busy season.

They Know If You’ve Been Bad or Good
by Alta Hensley

Tropes: why choose, forced proximity, M/M/F, dark holiday romance

This is definitely the wild card on my list. A remote winter cabin, dangerous heroes, and a much darker, steamier holiday romance make this one stand apart from the more traditional Christmas stories featured above.

Perfect if you like your holiday romances extra spicy.

🎅 How to Pick Your Next Christmas Romance

Not sure where to start? I’ve done the hard work and picked your next holiday romance by vibe:

Want a holiday rom-com?
Start with Christmas Staycation.

Want a Christmas mystery?
Pick up It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Murder or The Santa Claus Con.

Want a Hallmark-style holiday romance?
Go with The Christmas Yes List.

Want all the holiday feels?
Read Counting Down to You.

Want something magical and cozy?
Try The Little Shop of Merry and Bright.

Want grumpy sunshine chemistry?
Start with Mistletoe All the Way.

Want quick holiday reads if you’re short on time?
Pick up A Married Little Christmas or The Twelve Loves of Christmas.

Want something dark and spicy?
Go with They Know If You’ve Been Bad or Good.

📚 More Christmas Romance Books You’ll Love

Looking for even more holiday reading recommendations? Read more here:

• Best Christmas Romance Books
• Best Christmas Novellas
• Best Spicy Christmas Romance Books
• Best Christmas Romance Books on Kindle Unlimited
• Best Historical Christmas Romance Books
• Best Grumpy Sunshine Holiday Romance Books

Or browse my complete Holiday Romance Hub for all my seasonal romance recommendations.

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…because life is better with a love story 💕