by Angela (@angelareadsbooks)
It’s the most wonderful time of the year. Time for all the festive Christmas movies and books! If you are anything like me, you have Christmas movies going and a Christmas book in hand, with a cup of hot cocoa and some cozy socks! I have my list of must watch Christmas movies, and I’m sure you do too. If you are looking for read-alikes for all your favorite movies, look no further. I have you covered with a list of 10 Christmas movies and 12 books similar to those favorites. With plenty of time to spend at home, this will keep you busy all season!
The Family Stone (2005) + In A Holidaze by Christina Lauren
For many of us, our favorite part of the holiday season is the time spent with family. And all the quirks and traditions that it brings. The Stones in The Family Stone might be one of my all time favorite movie families. And one of the things truly special about this movie, for me, is their home. I always think of the Stone family home as being its own character in this movie. If you are looking for the same antics and warmness of The Family Stone, with a sweet love story try In A Holidaze by Christina Lauren. Family friends gather together in a Utah cabin each year for the holidays. You will fall in love with these families and the cabin they share together!
The Holiday (2006) + New Year’s Kiss by Lee Matthews
Wishing you could travel over the holidays? Get swept away to Evergreen Lodge in Vermont with sisters Tess and Lauren. New Year’s Kiss by Lee Matthews, though a YA romance, reminds me of The Holiday because this time of year is the perfect time to make a change and get out of our comfort zones. And these characters do just that! And who doesn’t love a story that ends with a New Year’s Kiss??
How the Grinch Stole Christmas (1966) + Faking Under the Mistletoe by Ashley Shepherd
The Grinch, but make it romance! I’m a Grinch purist and only recognize the 1966 television special, a true classic. In Faking Under the Mistletoe by Ashley Shepherd, Olivia is an intern for Asher McGowan, resident grinch of the office. Through a series of events she decides they must enter a fake relationship so he can prove to his ex how happy he is now. And Asher is definitely the grinch to Olivia’s holiday cheer! Will his heart grow 3 sizes this Christmas??
Elf (2003) + A Princess for Christmas by Jenny Holiday
Who doesn’t love a fish-out-of-water romance set in New York City? Princess Marie of Eldovia might not be an elf or from the North Pole, but she’s lost in New York and needs taxi driver Leo’s assistance! She needs a personal driver, and he of course is willing to show her around town. A Princess for Christmas by Jenny Holiday is a modern fairy tale about a tough New Yorker from the other side of the tracks who falls for a princess from the other side of the world.This sweet, sexy romance will have you laughing!
Die Hard (1988) + An Alaskan Christmas by Jennifer Snow
There is a lot of debate whether or not Die Hard is a Christmas movie. (I’m team #NotAChristmasMovie). If you are looking for a book light on Christmas with a little bit of action and suspense, try An Alaskan Christmas by Jennifer Snow. Set in Alaska, this book has a little bit of Christmas and a lot of steam. Workaholic Erika takes a vacation in Alaska and ends up partnering with Reed’s search and rescue team. Your heart will be racing in more ways than one with this book, and there’s plenty of snow for all the snow-lovers!
You’ve Got Mail (1998) + Her Christmas Cowboy by Jessica Clare and Sweet on You by Carla de Guzman
So if we are counting Die Hard as a Christmas movie, I’m adding my all time favorite movie, You’ve Got Mail to the list. I chose two books for this matchup, as they each highlight different elements of this classic movie. If you are looking for a Christmas love story with rival businesses, try Sweet on You by Carla de Guzman. Sparks fly between Sari from the coffee shop and the new baker next door, Gabriel. A fun adversaries-turned-lovers Christmas romp! And if you love the secret admirer and letter writing elements of You’ve Got Mail, Her Christmas Cowboy by Jessica Clare is just what you’re looking for. Cowboy Caleb has always had feelings for school-teacher Amy. This Christmas, Caleb volunteers to be Santa to Amy’s Mrs. Claus. He’s also been leaving Amy secret admirer Christmas gifts. When she discovers who her secret admirer is, will she be swept off her feet?
Serendipity (2001) + Christmas in Vermont by Anita Hughes
Every holiday season needs a little serendipity. While Emma is selling back a bracelet from her now ex-boyfriend at a local pawn shop, she comes across the watch she gave to her college boyfriend Fletcher many years earlier. There is no such thing as coincidences, and this sends Emma on a journey to rekindle the romance with her college sweetheart. Christmas in Vermont by Anita Hughes is brimming with holiday cheer and is perfect for fans of Serendipity.
Love Actually (2003) + A Wedding in December by Sarah Morgan and Home For the Holidays Sara Richardson
Love Actually is the quintessential ensemble cast. If you are looking for similar books, I have two recommendations. A Winter in December by Sarah Morgan centers around the White family gathering in Colorado for Rosie’s wedding. With a beautiful cast of characters, this book is the perfect combination of Christmas, a family drama, and romance. Home for the Holidays by Sara Richardson is the story of the three Buchanan sisters coming home for the holidays to Aunt Sassy’s house. This Christmas each sister will discover what they truly want and need. These two books will put you in the Christmas spirit and have you cheering “love for everyone!”
The Family Man (2000) + A Christmas to Remember by Jenny Hale
Working too much got you down this Christmas? Have no fear, you can refind Christmas magic this year. The Family Man and A Christmas to Remember both center upon workaholic men that need to refind Christmas joy, and LOVE! A Christmas to Remember by Jenny Hale is a beautiful story about the magic of childhood Christmas memories, the strength of family and falling in love when you least expect it.
While You Were Sleeping (1995) + Why I Held Your Hand by Augusta Reilly
Looking for a Christmas love triangle? Look no further than Why I Held You Hand by Augusta Reilly. The mountain town of North Powell hopes to become a tourist destination, so Laura Delaney hires a marketing team to assist her. Not only does she begin a relationship with David, she also falls for his nemesis Spencer, too. With two men in Laura’s life, which one will she choose?
Hope your holiday season is filled to the brim with festive books and movies. Come and chat with me on bookstagram about your favorite book and movie matchups so I can add to my ever growing stack. You can find me at @angelareasbooks!
