23 Holiday Romances to Read if You’re Obsessed With Hallmark Movies

‘Holiday Romance’ by Catherine Walsh

In Catherine Walsh’s novel Holiday Romance, Molly and Andrew are two longtime friends who have one yearly tradition together: to travel from Chicago to their home country of Ireland together and catch up along the way. One year, however, a snowstorm ruins their plans until Molly concocts a plan to get Andrew to Dublin no matter what. Along the way, however, feelings between them start bubbling to the surface.

‘Meet Me Under the Mistletoe’ by Jenny Bayliss

Meet My Under the Mistletoe by Jenny Bayliss follows two exes, Nory and Isaac, who find themselves back together again at the wedding celebrations of their old friends. When their connection proves stronger than ever, Nory begins to question if their different lifestyles are worth the risk of falling in love again. 

‘The Christmas Fix’ by Lucy Score

The Christmas Fix by Lucy Score is a Hallmark movie that meets HGTV! The novel follows small town manager Noah Yates as he tries to patch his town back together after a hurricane. That is, however, until blonde bombshell and reality TV star Catalina King visits the town and offers to renovate it all for her show – something Noah isn’t too keen on. “Blonde bombshell Cat is used to being underestimated, but Noah has an uncanny knack for getting under her skin,” the description reads, teasing their enemies-to-lovers-type chemistry. 

‘Good Elf Gone Wrong’ by Alina Jacobs

In Good Elf Gone Wrong by Alina Jacobs, the main character, Gracie, loved Christmas until she caught her fiancé cheating on her with her sister on Christmas Eve. And while she puts on a brave face at first, she’s determined to give them a taste of their own medicine when she invites handsome, six-foot-five Hudson to be her holiday date. That is, however, until their fake relationship takes a turn for the real. 

‘The Twelve Dates of Christmas’ by Jenny Bayliss

The Twelve Dates of Christmas by Jenny Bayliss follows 34-year-old Kate as she reaches a rut in her quest to find “The One” in her hometown. That is, however, until her best friend signs her up for a dating agency and she begins a dating marathon of twelve dates with twelve different men until Christmas.

“Yet with each new date more disastrous than the one before –and the whole town keeping tabs on her misadventures– Kate must remind herself that sometimes love, like mistletoe, shows up where it’s least expected. And maybe, just maybe, it’s been right under her nose all along…” the description reads. 

‘Wreck the Halls’ by Tessa Bailey

Wreck the Halls by Tessa Bailey follows the main girl Melody, the daughter of a famous musician, who’s settled in her out-of-the-spotlight life until a producer gives her an offer she can’t refuse to reunite her mother’s old band, the Steel Birds. That’s when she reconnects with Beat, the son of the band’s lead singer, as they embark on this mission to reunite the band, and fall in love with each other in the meantime. 

‘The Holiday Stand-In’ by Kortney Keisel

In a dilemma too complicated for anyone to figure out, The Holiday Stand-In by Kortney Keisel tells the story of Summer as she gets the news that her boyfriend, Justin, is too busy with work to attend her family Christmas. But, to avoid her family’s judging eyes, and to guarantee some company, she brings along Justin’s twin brother, Caleb. And while that seems like a good plan at first, things quickly become messy when they start developing feels for each other. 

‘Wreck My Plans’ by Jillian Meadows

Wreck My Plans by Jillian Meadows tells the story of Lena, a recently unemployed young woman who’s planning to lay low for her family’s upcoming holidays. That is, however, until she finds out her family has one unexpected guest for Christmas: her brother’s handsome best friend Gavin who’d disappeared for the past three years. “As the pieces fall into place about why Gavin left, staying friends is the last thing on their minds, and all the plans they’ve made might end up completely wrecked,” the description reads. 

‘Three Holidays and a Wedding’ by Uzma Jalaluddin & Marissa Stapley

In Three Holidays and a Wedding by Uzma Jalaluddin & Marissa Stapley, two strangers Maryam Aziz and Anna Gibson are flying to Toronto next to each other when a moment of severe turbulence leads them to confess all their hopes and dreams. Then, as the turbulence continues, the plane has an emergency landing in a picture-perfect town in the middle of nowhere. “As Maryam finds the courage to open her heart to Saif, and Anna feels the magic of being snowbound with an unexpected new love—both women soon realize there’s no place they’d rather be for the holidays,” the description reads. 

‘Snowed In’ by Catherine Walsh

In another Catherine Walsh romance, Snowed In tells the story of Megan and Christian, two people who are dreading going through the holidays alone and single with their family’s judging questions. Therefore, when they meet at a Dublin bar, the two make a pact to pretend to be each other’s date throughout all the family events. When they get snowed in at a cozy cabin, however, their feelings for each other become more real than ever. 

‘A Holly Jolly Ever After’ by Julie Murphy & Sierra Simone

A Holly Jolly Ever After by Julie Murphy and Sierra Simone tells the story of two actors, Kallum and Winnie, with completely different backgrounds. Kallum, who was one of the three members of the boy band INK, took time away from the spotlight until a leaked sex tape of his led him right back to the headlines. Winnie, on the other hand, safely transitioned from her adolescent stardom to a stable acting career despite seeing her personal life fall apart in recent years. When both of them are cast as love interests in a “steamier-than-a-steaming-hot-mug-of-cider Christmas movie,” sparks immediately fly between them.

‘Christmas Shopaholic’ by Sophie Kinsella

In the ninth book of the Shopaholic series, Christmas Shopaholic by Sophie Kinsella follows Becky as she’s challenged to host her family’s Christmas for the first time. And while her parents and sister’s requests are tough as is, things get even messier with the visit of an old boyfriend–turned–rock star and his pushy new girlfriend. “As the countdown to Christmas begins and her bighearted plans take an unexpected turn toward disaster, Becky wonders if chaos will ensue, or if she’ll manage to bring comfort and joy to Christmas after all,” the description reads. 

‘Lovelight Farms’ by B.K. Borison

Lovelight Farms by B.K. Borison tells the story of Stella Bloom, a young woman who’s willing to do just about anything to save the Christmas tree farm she grew up going to. After the farm’s holidays started in a rough patch, Stella signed up for a contest by Instagram-famous influencer Evelyn St. James. In the application, however, Stella convinces her best friend Luka Peters to pretend to be her boyfriend and farm co-owner. After all, what’s more romantic that than two lovebirds?

A Princess for Christmas by Jenny Holiday

A Princess for Christmas, by the perfectly named Jenny Holiday, follows Brooklyn cab driver Leo as he agrees to serve as a wealthy European woman’s private driver during her trip to New York, thinking it will be easy money.

During drives across the city, the pair start a flirtation that’s almost derailed when Leo learns his passenger is Princess Marie of Eldovia. Over a Christmas trip to Marie’s tiny home country, the two consider if a relationship between a taxi driver and a princess could work. (Spoiler: It does.)

Miracles and Menorahs by Stacey Agdern

No holiday movie is complete without a festival, with villagers walking arm-in-arm, drinking hot chocolate, and taking in the twinkle lights. Stacey Agdern’s Miracles and Menorahs puts one of those celebrations— and an adorable couple — front and center.

Sarah Goldman is thrilled about her small town’s annual Hanukkah festival until a town counselor encourages her to make it a generic “holiday” event, featuring a Santa Claus. Hoping to draw a crowd and maintain the event’s Hanukkah focus, Sarah asks New York City sculptor Isaac to build a large, show-stopping Menorah. Their first meeting ends in a disaster when the artist declines the commission, not wanting to make the holiday more commercial, and Sarah calls him a snob. Yet, the two keep running into each other over the next few months, much to the delight of meddling neighbors.

Sweet on You by Carla de Guzman

What’s sweeter than a Christmas cookie? This love story from Filipino romance writer Carla de Guzman. Set in the Philippines, home to the world’s longest Christmas celebration, Sweet on You features rival store owners whose loathing for each other might mask deeper feelings. Sari Tomas’s coffee shop is a bustling, beloved neighborhood spot until Gabriel Capras, owner of the new bakery next door, starts to steal her customers by offering cheaper coffee and delicious treats.

A full-on prank war — complete with a marching band playing at 6 AM — ensues as each entrepreneur attempts to drive the other away. Eventually, though, Sari and Gabriel begin to wonder if working together would be more fun.

You’re a Mean One, Matthew Prince by Timothy Janovsky

Featuring an entitled David Rose-type as its title character, Timothy Janovsky’s You’re a Mean One, Matthew Prince is perfect for anyone who adores the Schitt’s Creek Christmas episode. After he acts out once again (this time by buying a private island), Matthew Prince’s parents banish him to a tiny town in the Berkshires to spend Christmas with his grandparents.

As if being cut off from his trust fund isn’t bad enough, Matthew must share a room with Hector, a financially struggling student. The two young men immediately dislike each other but develop a grudging respect when Hector coaches Matthew through an anxiety attack. Their relationship deepens when Matthew volunteers to plan the town’s annual Christmas gala, and Hector helps him plan something the residents will enjoy.

A Holly Jolly Diwali by Sonya Lalli

Sonya Lalli’s A Holly Jolly Diwali packs in the festive cheer by celebrating not just Diwali, but Christmas, as well. Our heroine Niki Randhawa has done everything right — earned her degree, took a stable job, and lived at home to care for her parents.

But, after losing her job, she makes the first impulsive decision of her life and flies from Seattle to Mumbai for her best friend’s wedding and the city’s Diwali celebration. At the wedding, she instantly clicks with the band’s bassist, Londoner Sam Mukherji, and the new couple decides to vacation in Goa. With just three weeks until Niki needs to be home for Christmas, their relationship feels like a fling, but could it be something more?

A Merry Little Meet Cute by Julie Murphy and Sierra Simone

Fans looking for an R-rated Hallmark movie will want to grab A Merry Little Meet Cute, a new romcom starring a plus-sized adult film star who is accidentally cast as the lead in a family-friendly Christmas movie. Bee Hobbes’ attempt to keep her work in the adult film a secret on her new set becomes even more complicated when she learns her new costar — and childhood crush — Nolan Shaw is a fan.

The pair quickly start a clandestine affair, but the arrival of the reporter who previously destroyed Nick’s career could expose their relationship and crush their careers.

The Holiday Trap by Roan Parrish

Roan Parrish’s The Holiday Trap packs in two love stories, two cities, and two holidays. Greta Russakoff needs a break from her family and her tiny Maine hometown, where she’s the only out lesbian, even if it means spending Hannukah alone.

Down in New Orleans, Truman Belvedere is craving a quiet Christmas after learning his long-time boyfriend has a husband and a kid. So, when a mutual friend suggests they swap homes for the holiday season, they both set out for a solo adventure. While in their temporary homes, both Greta and Truman find new love interests and as their relationships deepen consider if they should make their moves permanent.

How the Dukes Stole Christmas by Tessa Dara, Sarah MacLean, Sophie Jordan and Joanna Shupe

If you’re looking for a Bridgerton-esque holiday romance, look no further than How The Dukes Stole Christmas, an anthology of four novellas from four of today’s top historical romance writers. Each of the stories — spanning London ballrooms and New York’s Central Park — put new spins on beloved tropes, including enemies-to-lovers and forced proximity due to a snowstorm.

Every romance reader will find something to love with this collection.

Just Like Magic by Sarah Hogle

Feeling a bit grinchy this holiday season? Consider reading Sarah Hogle’s Just Like Magic, which features a literal embodiment of the Holiday Season. Down-on-her-luck social media influencer Bettie Hughes is dreading seeing her judgmental family this Christmas. 

Over a drunken evening, she accidentally plays the Mariah Carey classic “All I Want for Christmas is You” backward on vinyl, an act that inadvertently conjures Hall, the Holiday Spirit, who can make all her wishes come true.

Hall grants Bettie’s wish for an ocean-front villa and attends her family’s celebration as her fiancé. With Hall’s guidance, Bettie begins to see Christmas as more than a time for competing over who can give the best guest. As Hall’s time on Earth dwindles, Bettie has to fight to find a way to keep him here.

Royal Holiday by Jasmine Guillory

Anyone watching The Crown and holiday movies this season will want to add Royal Holiday to their TBR piles. Guillory imagines a romance between Viviane Forest, an American joining her stylist daughter on a job that takes her to a palace in England, and Malcolm Hudson, the Queen’s private secretary. What begins as a flirtation quickly escalates to a kiss under the mistletoe.

The pair begins a short-term relationship — knowing it will end on Viviane returns to the U.S. in the New Year. As their feelings grow, though, they begin to wonder if their relationship should have an end date.