✨Books to Read when You are Snowed In: 2025 Winter and Christmas Book Recommendations ✨
As the weather gets colder and the holidays approach, it’s the perfect time to curl up with a great book. I’ve put together 10 winter book recommendations in two cozy categories:
- Cold Wintery Vibes – Think atmospheric, isolated, or dark reads. Winter or snow does not always appear in these ones, but the vibe is chilling and immersive. These are the books that are perfect for reading while you are wrapped up in a blanket beside the fire.
- Christmas Reads – Festive, heartwarming, or magical tales with unmistakable Christmas spirit. This group includes one gem by the Father of Modern Fantasy himself that isn’t The Hobbit or Lord of the Rings.
I’ve included a mix of well-known favorites and hidden gems, so I hope you find at least one new favorite. If you think I’ve missed a must-read winter title, leave a comment to share your recommendation!
For any book recommendations I make: if content warnings are important to you, I encourage checking them before diving in. Every reader’s comfort level is different, and that’s okay.
This post contains affiliate links. If you buy something through them, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting Reading Under the Northern Lights and helping me keep sharing bookish content!
❄️Cold Winter Vibes ❄️
Near the Bone by Christina Henry (2021)
Fantasy, Horror, Thriller
This is one of those books you pick up and immediately can’t put down. The story is set on a remote, snow-covered mountain. It is a fast-paced psychological horror that keeps you holding your breath until the very end.
Mattie lives in isolation with her husband, William, with no memories of life before him. She knows she must avoid upsetting him, because when he becomes angry, terrible things happen. One day, she discovers a mutilated fox carcass and strange, enormous tracks in the woods. Something terrifying is nearby…and it has sharp claws and teeth…
Why it fits winter: The snowy, isolated mountain amplifies the suspense, creating a claustrophobic, edge-of-your-seat tale of survival. Cozy up with this one if you like the thrill of isolation horror.
Moon of the Crusted Snow by Waubgeshig Rice (2018)
Dystopian, Thriller
This is a slow-burn, atmospheric novel that builds tension gradually rather than delivering fast-paced action. It’s the type of book you need to be in the right mindset for. If you are feeling patient, reflective, and ready to immerse yourself in creeping dread, this is a good choice.
A northern Anishinaabe community slips into crisis when a mysterious, long-term power outage cuts them off from the rest of the world. At first, life goes on almost normally. As days pass, it becomes clear that communication, supply deliveries, and outside support aren’t returning.
Things get worse when a group of outsiders, led by the unsettling and manipulative Justin Scott, arrives seeking refuge. As winter deepens, food dwindles, and trust begins to crack, the community faces not only physical survival but also the challenge of returning to traditional values and Indigenous knowledge in a collapsing world.
Why it fits winter: The slow pace and icy, isolated northern setting create a reflective, immersive reading experience. This one is ideal for settling in with a cup of tea and letting the story unfold gradually.
The Shining by Stephen King (1977)
Horror, Thriller
Like many people, I had seen the movie but hadn’t read the book. The old adage is true: the book is better. Pick this one up if cold, wintery isolated horror appeals to you. This is a great first Stephen King book to pick up if you haven’t read his other works yet.
We follow Jack Torrance as he take a new job as the winter caretaker of the Overlook Hotel in Colorado. Jack is hoping for solitude to focus on writing and rebuild his life after some personal struggles. His five-year-old son, Danny, possesses “the shining,” a psychic ability that allows him to see the terrifying secrets lurking in the hotel.
As the snow piles up and winter isolates the family, the hotel’s malevolent forces begin to manipulate Jack, preying on his anger and weaknesses. Danny’s visions of the supernatural grow more horrifying. Tension builds slowly creating a sense of creeping dread that makes the reader feel trapped alongside the family. The story explores both the horror of the haunted hotel and the unraveling of Jack’s mind, leading to a suspenseful, chilling climax.
Why it fits winter: The heavy snow, remote isolation, and slow-building terror make this a quintessential winter read. Perfect for curling up by a fire and immersing yourself in a classic tale of winter horror.
The Girl from the Other Side by Nagabe with Adrienne Beck (Translator) (2016, Vol. 1)
Fantasy, Manga, Mystery
This manga series was my first introduction to manga, and it’s a wonderfully dark and atmospheric read. The story takes place in a cursed land divided into two kingdoms. The Outside is inhabited by twisted, dangerous beasts, and the Inside is where humans live safely.
We follow Shiva, a young girl, as she encounters one of the Outside’s cursed beings, called Teacher. The cursed beings can not touch humans without killing them. Their bond grows withing a gothic, fairy-tale-like landscape, full of subtle horror. The story slowly reveals the origins of the curse and the dark forces surrounding them, testing both Shiva and Teacher.
Why it fits winter: The haunting illustrations and muted colors enhance the eerie atmosphere. This is a perfect series to curl up with on a quiet, snowy afternoon. Each of the volumes in the series can be read in a single afternoon, making it an excellent introduction to manga and dark fantasy alike.
And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie (1939)
Mystery
While not set in a snowy winter, this classic locked-room mystery is a perfect read for this time of year. Ten strangers are invited to a secluded island under different pretexts. Once they arrive, they discover they’ve been lured into a deadly plot. One by one, they are killed in ways that mirror a chilling nursery rhyme. Paranoia escalates as they realize the killer is among them.
Even decades after its publication And Then there Were None remains a suspenseful, darkly cozy read. This book is ideal for those long, quiet evenings when you want to be completely absorbed in a gripping story.
Why it fits winter: Christie’s masterful storytelling keeps you guessing, and the isolated island setting provides a tense, claustrophobic atmosphere akin to winter isolation.
🎄Christmas Reads 🎄
The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis (1950)
Fantasy, Middle Grade
This timeless classic is a childhood favorite that still delights on re-read. The icy Narnian landscapes, magical battles, and moments of courage create a sense of winter wonder making it ideal for reading under a blanket with a mug of cocoa.
Four siblings, Peter, Susan, Edmund, and Lucy, step through a wardrobe and discover the magical, snow-covered land of Narnia, enslaved by the White Witch and trapped in eternal winter. The story includes a brief but memorable appearance by Father Christmas, symbolizing the warmth and generosity of the holiday season.
Why it fits Christmas: Though Christmas isn’t the central focus, the story carries themes of hope, rebirth, and the triumph of good over evil, making it a perfect seasonal read.
The Best Christmas Pageant Ever by Barbara Robinson (1972)
Middle Grade
Hilarious, heartwarming, and short enough to finish in one sitting, this story is perfect for holiday reading.
The Herdman siblings (Ralph, Imogene, Leroy, Claude, Olly, and Gladys) have earned a notorious reputation as ‘the worst kids in the history of the world.’ When they show up at church for free snacks, they surprise everyone by joining the town’s annual Christmas pageant. Their chaotic, unconventional, yet surprisingly heartfelt interpretations of the nativity story spark laughter, confusion, and ultimately a warm, touching celebration of community, faith, and the true spirit of Christmas.
Why it fits Christmas: This story is brimming with humor and heart, gently reminding us to look beyond appearances and appreciate what’s truly in people’s hearts. Perfect for reading aloud with kids or enjoying yourself.
Christmas with the Dead by Joe R. Lansdale with Lincoln Gillett (Narrator) (2010)
Horror, Short Story
I listened to the audiobook of this quirky, fast-paced holiday tale. While this is not the best book I’ve ever read, it was a fun, quick listen. It is full of darkly festive humor and is completely unique.
The story follows Calvin, a man determined to celebrate Christmas despite his town being overrun by zombies. He risks life and limb to put up decorations, hang lights, and embrace the holiday spirit, all while navigating a town full of the undead.
Why it fits Christmas: Despite the zombies, the story centers on celebrating Christmas against all odds. Christmas with the Dead emphasizes determination, cheer, and the absurd lengths we’ll go to hold onto holiday traditions. If you want a quick, unconventional festive story that blends horror and humor, this is a perfect choice.
Letters from Father Christmas by J.R.R. Tolkien with John Moffatt (Narrator), Christian Rodska (Narrator), Derek Jacobi (Narrator) (1976)
Fantasy
I stumbled across this delightful book completely by accident, and what a happy discovery it was! The audiobook included Christmas music in the background and added a festive touch to the already excellent narration.
This charming collection of letters, written by Tolkien as Father Christmas to his children, is full of whimsy, adventure, and winter magic. Each letter recounts mishaps at the North Pole including clumsy polar bears, snow-elves, goblins, and magical battles.
After my own heart, the letters even include references to the Northern Lights, described as shimmering above Father Christmas’s house, creating a vivid and magical winter setting.
While I have only experienced the audiobook, the hard copy is known to feature Tolkien’s original illustrations, calligraphy, and decorative envelopes, making it a treasure for any Tolkien fan.
Why it fits Christmas: The whimsy, nostalgia, and a peek into Tolkien’s imagination make this a perfect seasonal treasure. A perfect audiobook to listen to while decorating, baking, or just relaxing during the holidays.
A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens (1843)
Classic Fantasy
If they would rather die, they had better do it, and decrease the surplus population.— Ebenezer Scrooge
Finally, another short read that most of you are likely already familiar with: A Christmas Carol. I’ve known the story through various adaptations over the years including movies, theater performances, and holiday specials. A few years ago, I decided to finally read the book itself.
A timeless story of redemption, generosity, and the spirit of Christmas. Ebenezer Scrooge is a miser who despises the holiday. Visits from three ghosts thaw his frozen heart and force him to confront his choices and change his ways.
I am not the man I was. — Ebenezer Scrooge
Why it fits Christmas: This short, classic tale is perfect for reflecting on the warmth, mercy, and human connection that make the holidays meaningful. Ideal for a quiet evening by the fire, it reminds us that even the coldest heart can thaw.
✨Final Thoughts ✨
I hope you found at least one new book to try in this winter and Christmas collection! Do you have any favorite winter or holiday reads? Any special reading traditions during the season? I’d love to hear about them in the comments!
Next week, I’ll post my December 2025 TBR, including a few books that could end up on next year’s Winter Recommendations list.
Also, check out: Bookshelves & Recommendations — A Book Lover’s Journey for five of my all-time favorite reads for any time of year!
If you enjoyed this post, give it a like and subscribe so you don’t miss future bookish chats, recommendations, and cozy moments Reading Under the Northern Lights.
~Kerri
Leave a Reply