Cozy Coastal Christmas Books to Add to Your Holiday Reading List
These lighthearted Christmas romance books are perfect for the holiday season.
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The Charm of Reading Coastal Christmas Books
Beach-themed and coastal Christmas books bring a fun twist to holiday reading, blending that cozy Christmas vibe with the charm of a seaside setting. If you’re like me and love escaping to a coastal village in New England or other quaint seaside towns, these stories are a perfect way to enjoy a little holiday spirit with a seaside spin. You’ll still feel all the holiday magic, just with a coastal twist, blending festive traditions with ocean breezes.
There’s something about reading holiday-themed stories that just makes the season feel more complete. I love how these books add a cozy, festive touch to my days, pulling me right into the warmth and wonder of Christmas through their engaging stories. They’re reminiscent of everyone’s favorite holiday TV romance movies, and a perfect way to enhance the holiday spirit, offering a bit of comfort and escapism during this special time of year.
The coastal Christmas books in this list bring all the warmth and wonder we crave during the holiday season, set against a variety of beautiful seaside backdrops, like Nantucket, Cape Cod, New Hampshire, and more. With stories of friendship, family, and love, they capture the heart of what makes the holidays so special, all while transporting you to charming small towns, coastal villages, and festive seaside celebrations. Whether it’s the cozy charm of a Nantucket winter or the breezy holiday spirit of a beach town, each book offers a perfect escape to enjoy the holiday season a little more fully.
Cozy Coastal Christmas Books List
Here’s a list of charming coastal holiday romance reads to bring a little extra warmth and joy to your season.
Let It Snow by Nancy Thayer
This charming holiday romance captures the festive spirit through the story of Christina, a toy shop owner on the island of Nantucket. One day she shows kindness to a young shoplifter, named Wink, and offers her a job. It turns out that Wink is the granddaughter of her grumpy landlord, who is trying to raise her rent to an amount she can’t afford. With its cozy setting, engaging characters, and a touch of predictability, it’s a fast read that’s perfect for getting you in the Christmas mood.
Print book length: 304 pages
Audiobook length: 6 hours and 29 minutes
Genres: Christmas, romance, fiction
Summary:
Let It Snow is now a Hallmark TV movie! They’re calling it Nantucket Noel!
A Nantucket shopkeeper discovers that Christmas is the perfect occasion to make unexpected friendships . . . to warm the coldest of hearts—and maybe even find love.
Christina Antonioni is preparing for the holidays at her Nantucket toy shop, unpacking last-minute shipments and decorating for her loyal Christmas shoppers. But when her Scrooge of a landlord, Oscar Bittlesman, raises her rent, it seems nearly impossible for Christina to continue business on the wharf. Even so, Christina hopes there is a warm heart underneath Oscar’s steely exterior. When she bonds with Wink, his sweet, young granddaughter who frequents the shop, it becomes clear that perhaps he isn’t so cold after all. And with the help of Wink’s uncle, who happens to be a charming and very handsome bachelor, this may be the best Christmas any of them could have ever imagined. Nancy Thayer’s enchanting Nantucket setting provides the perfect backdrop for this holiday love story.
— From the publisher: Ballantine Books
The Christmas Promise: A Dazzling New England Holiday Romance by Lindsay Gibson
This enchanting Christmas story weaves together dual timelines, a compelling mystery, and a heartwarming romance, all set in the picturesque fictional town of Seabreeze, New Hampshire. With rich characters, beautiful descriptions, and a perfect balance of joy and intrigue, it’s the ideal read for anyone seeking a cozy, magical escape this holiday season.
Print book length: 294 pages
Audiobook length: 8 hours and 25 minutes
Genres: Christmas, romance, fiction
Summary:
From the newest sensation in contemporary romance comes a delightfully heartwarming holiday story that’s perfect for fans of RaeAnne Thayne, Denise Hunter, and Debbie Macomber.
Art buyer Charlotte Moore is given the chance of a lifetime to be head buyer for the esteemed Wallace Gallery’s Christmas charity gala. But when she arrives at auction, after the most prominent pieces are all bought up, in a panic, she bids on the final painting—an unsigned sunset landscape she’s nearly sure her boss will despise.
To save her job, she finds herself in the beautifully festive New England coastal town of Seabreeze, the setting of the painting. When a nor’easter blows through, she’s stuck at the adorable Cove Hill Inn, all decorated for the holiday and brimming with Christmas magic. While it’s not an awful place to be snowed in, her ability to work is at a standstill, with the gala looming closer.
And she isn’t expecting to meet the innkeeper’s son, ruggedly handsome Aiden Bennett, a distraction she definitely doesn’t need. Even the inn’s cherry scones and the town’s Christmas fair are no match for Aiden’s charm.
However, when she uncovers a family secret that could impact everyone, including herself and Aiden, it might shake up more than just the holiday. Under the shimmer of the town twinkle lights and the snow-covered Christmas trees, will Charlotte find the answers she’s looking for? Or has she unearthed something else entirely?
A heartwarming, holiday love story that will have you on the edge of your seat, reaching for the gingerbread cookies and hot cocoa.
— From the publisher: Harpeth Road Press
The Christmas Inn by Pamela Kelley
The Christmas Inn has a charming Cape Cod setting, which serves as the perfect backdrop for a coastal holiday romance. The cozy atmosphere of the inn and the warm interactions among the characters create a heartwarming escape that captures the essence of the season beautifully.
Print book length: 320 pages
Audiobook length: 8 hours and 41 minutes
Genres: Christmas, contemporary romance, family, fiction
Summary:
Explore this delightfully cozy and joyful novel of second chances at the most wonderful time of the year, from USA Today bestselling author Pamela Kelley.
A feel-good novel as delightful and comforting as a cup of hot chocolate on a cold winter’s night, The Christmas Inn is bestselling author Pamela Kelley’s most heartwarming and magical book yet.
Riley Sanders didn’t plan on losing her job as a content marketing manager right before Christmas. When she calls her sister Amy to vent, she learns that their mother has broken her leg and could really use some help at the inn. Riley decides to head home to the inn, nestled along the shores of Cape Cod, in time for the Christmas rush. She is happy to help and needs something to distract her as mistletoe is hung and snowflakes begin to fall.
When she gets there, she not only finds delicious cookies and a crackling fire to lift her spirits, but also the sense of family she’s been missing all along. There’s Franny, a woman who has just lost her sister and has four unopened letters from her that she plans to use to open her up to new experiences on the Cape. And there’s Aidan, her high school sweetheart, now a widower, who is staying at the inn with his nine year-old son, Luke. What begins as a quick stay over the holidays to help her mom turns into something that means much more―a second chance at romance, a deeper sense of found family, and all the joy and wonder that comes with Christmastime on Cape Cod.
— From the publisher: Griffin
More fun for the Christmas season: The Ultimate TV Christmas Episodes List
Winter Street by Elin Hilderbrand
I recommend Winter Street for its engaging portrayal of the Quinn family as they navigate a whirlwind of holiday drama at their charming Nantucket inn. Elin Hilderbrand masterfully combines humor and heartfelt moments, making it a delightful read that captures the complexities of family dynamics during the holiday season. This book is the first in a series.
Print book length: 256 pages
Audiobook length: 6 hours and 51 minutes
Genres: Christmas, romance, family, fiction
Summary:
Cozy up with New York Times bestselling author Elin Hilderbrand's first Christmas novel, hailed “a diverting tale… filled with humor, romance, and realism” by USA Today, in which a family gathers on Nantucket for a holiday filled with chaos, caroling, and cheer.
Kelley Quinn is the owner of Nantucket's Winter Street Inn and the proud father of four, all of them grown and living in varying states of disarray. Patrick, the eldest, is a hedge fund manager with a guilty conscience. Kevin, a bartender, is secretly sleeping with a French housekeeper named Isabelle. Ava, a school teacher, is finally dating the perfect guy but can't get him to commit. And Bart, the youngest and only child of Kelley's second marriage to Mitzi, has recently shocked everyone by joining the Marines.
As Christmas approaches, Kelley is looking forward to getting the family together for some quality time at the inn. But when he walks in on Mitzi kissing Santa Claus (or the guy who's playing Santa at the inn's annual party), utter chaos descends. With the three older children each reeling in their own dramas and Bart unreachable in Afghanistan, it might be up to Kelley's ex-wife, nightly news anchor Margaret Quinn, to save Christmas at the Winter Street Inn.
Before the mulled cider is gone, the delightfully dysfunctional Quinn family will survive a love triangle, an unplanned pregnancy, a federal crime, a small house fire, many shots of whiskey, and endless rounds of Christmas caroling, in this heart-warming novel about coming home for the holidays.
— From the publisher: TK
Christmas at the Beach Hut by Veronica Henry
Christmas at the Beach Hut is about Lizzy, a character many women will relate to as she deals with feeling taken advantage of by her family during the holiday season. When she escapes to her friend’s beach hut, she meets other people who are also escaping from various things in their lives. Veronica Henry illustrates how Lizzy’s family learns to appreciate her contributions, delivering a warm and uplifting story that resonates well beyond Christmas. This book is part of a series, but can be read as a standalone book.
Print book length: 384 pages
Audiobook length: 10 hours and 2 minutes
Genres: Christmas, family, romance, fiction
Summary:
Everyone adores Christmas . . .
Especially Lizzy Kingham. But this year, she is feeling unloved and underappreciated by her family. The present-buying, decorating and food shopping have all been left to her. So she wonders . . . what would happen if she ran away and left them to it?
Lizzy heads to her favourite place: a beach hut on the golden sands of Everdene. There she meets an unlikely collection of new friends, all running away from something. But the spirit of Christmas gets under Lizzy’s skin: soon the fairy lights are twinkling and the scent of mulled wine mingles with the sea air.
Back at Pepperpot Cottage, her family are desperate to find her. For Christmas isn’t Christmas without Lizzy. Can they track her down in time and convince her she means the world to them, every day of the year?
— From the publisher: Orion (an Imprint of The Orion Publishing Group Ltd)
A Nantucket Christmas by Nancy Thayer
Set against the festive backdrop of Nantucket, this heartwarming holiday story follows a stepmom trying to navigate family drama during Christmas. With lovable characters, a bit of family conflict, and a dog with a sad-turned-happy story, it’s a fast, light read that perfectly captures the spirit of the season.
Print book length: 224 pages
Audiobook length: 4 hours and 23 minutes
Genres: Christmas, romance, family, fiction
Summary:
Known for her heartwarming observations of family life, New York Times bestselling author Nancy Thayer showcases her beloved Nantucket’s snowy off-season in this emotionally gratifying and utterly entertaining story.
Holidays on this Massachusetts island are nothing short of magical, and the season’s wonderful traditions are much loved by Nicole Somerset, new to Nantucket and recently married to a handsome former attorney. Their home is already full of enticing scents of pine, baking spices, and homemade pie.
But the warm, festive mood is soon tempered by Nicole’s chilly stepdaughter, Kennedy, who arrives without a hint of holiday spirit. Determined to keep her stepmother at arm’s length—or, better yet, out of the picture altogether—Kennedy schemes to sabotage Nicole’s holiday preparations. Nicole, however, is not about to let anyone or anything tarnish her first Christmas with her new husband.
Nancy Thayer’s wonderful tale reminds us that this is the season of miracles. Before the gifts are unwrapped, surprise visitors appear, and holiday joy comes to all, both naughty and nice.
— From the publisher: Ballantine Books
A Season for Second Chances by Jenny Bayliss
I recommend A Season for Second Chances for its delightful blend of humor, heart, and community spirit, as Annie navigates her journey of self-discovery while finding a place to belong. The charming cast of characters and the picturesque coastal setting create an inviting atmosphere that takes you through autumn festivities into the holiday season.
Print book length: 448 pages
Audiobook length: 12 hours and 11 minutes
Genres: Christmas, romance, fiction
Summary:
A charmingly quirky seaside town offers a recently separated restauranteur a fresh start and possibly a new lease on love in A Season for Second Chances, by the author of The Twelve Dates of Christmas.
Annie Sharpe’s spark for life has fizzled out. Her kids are grown up, her restaurant is doing just fine on its own, and her twenty-six-year marriage has come to an unceremonious end. Untethered for the first time in her adult life, she finds a winter guardian position in a historic seaside home and decides to leave her city life behind for a brand-new beginning.
When she arrives in Willow Bay, Annie is enamored by the charming house, the invigorating sea breeze, and the town’s rich seasonal traditions. Not to mention, her neighbors receive her with open arms—that is, all except the surly nephew of the homeowner, whose grand plans for the property are at odds with her residency. As Christmas approaches, tensions and tides rise in Willow Bay, and Annie’s future seems less and less certain. But with a little can-do spirit and holiday magic, the most difficult time of her life will become…a season for second chances.
— From the publisher: G.P. Putnam’s Sons
Nantucket White Christmas by Pamela Kelley
Nantucket White Christmas has a charming depiction of a small Nantucket community that feels welcoming and warm, making you wish to call these characters your friends. Angela’s journey of discovering love and belonging amidst the backdrop of the holidays adds a delightful layer to this quick, feel-good read, even though the book editing occasionally suffers from typos. This book is part of a series, but can be read as a standalone book.
Print book length: 244 pages
Audiobook length: 4 hours and 58 minutes
Genres: Christmas, romance, fiction
Summary:
Visit Nantucket’s Beach Plum Cove Inn this Christmas for a feel-good holiday story from the author of the USA Today bestsellers, The Nantucket Inn and Nantucket Neighbors.
Born on Christmas, Angela Stark has always hated the holiday. Bad things always seem to happen and this year is no exception when she is fired and evicted on the first day of December. She was living and working as a maid in San Francisco. Who will hire her at this time of year, especially if they learn why she was fired?
Her only family is Sam, an elderly, and quite vocal orange cat. Her only option is to stay temporarily with her best friend Jane, but she is extremely allergic to cats. It’s not ideal, but it doesn’t look like she has a choice, until a certified letter arrives that changes everything.
The next thing she knows, she and Sam are flying to Nantucket, a place they’ve never been before. It’s meant to be a temporary visit. But then Angela meets the Hodges family and friends and begins to question where home really is.
— From the publisher: Piping Plover Press
Tips for Creating a Cozy Christmas Reading Atmosphere
Creating a cozy space enhances the experience of Christmas-themed books by making each story feel more immersive, letting you fully sink into the warmth and holiday spirit on every page.
- Create a relaxing scene: Setting up a reading space with the glow of a Christmas tree, soft lighting, holiday music in the background (instrumental so it doesn’t distract), and the crackling of a fire creates a relaxing and festive atmosphere.
- Add cozy touches: Get comfortable with soft blankets, a warm drink such as tea, hot chocolate, or coffee, and a holiday-scented candle.
- Find the best times to read: Choose the perfect moment—like a cozy weekend morning in bed, a snowed-in day, or a quiet afternoon—for an ideal reading escape.
- Invite your furry friend to join you: It doesn’t get any cozier than reading while snuggled up with your pet(s)!
More book inspiration: Fall Reading List: 10 Fall Books to Get Cozy With
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Cozy Coastal Christmas Books
As the holidays approach, there’s something truly special about settling into a cozy nook and escaping to a charming seaside town, whether it’s snow-dusted in New England or another coastal location. These coastal and beach Christmas books offer a perfect blend of festive cheer, heartfelt relationships between family and friends, and swoon-worthy romance, capturing the magic of the season with every page you read.
I love having a stack of holiday reads, especially coastal Christmas books, ready to go for when I need a break from the busy season. There’s something calming about stepping into these stories and soaking up a little holiday magic from a different setting, especially when it’s by the sea. I hope a few of these books make it onto your reading list, adding some extra warmth, relaxation, and seaside charm to your December.
Which of these coastal Christmas beach books are you adding to your list? Have you already read any of these coastal Christmas books? Share your thoughts in the comments.
