I’m excited to join The 2026 Christmas Reading Challenge hosted by Jodie from That Happy Reader. It runs from October 1st to December 31st. This is a fun and flexible challenge, so you may change your list at any time, swap books, drop your goal part way through, or choose to start later. The goal is to have fun!
Believe it or not, but publishers begin releasing Christmas themed books as early as June. So this challenge gives you the opportunity to start making your list to ensure that you get some festive reads in during the holiday season. Here’s how you can join below.
The Rules
- Choose 20, 15, 10 or even 5 books that you’d like to read and review. They do not have to be Christmas-themed but hopefully at least half of them will be.
- Make a quick introductory post telling us what you are going to read.
- Link back to the Christmas Reading Challenge post and say you’re joining in the comments. You don’t need a blog to participate. Instagram works as well!
- Use #2026ChristmasReadingChallenge when posting.
- Use the official image above.
My 2026 Christmas Reading Challenge
1) The Witch by Freida McFadden
Goodreads Rating: 4.26
From the publisher: When Julia Barlow loses her job and her apartment, she has nowhere left to go but Pemberton, her family’s sprawling seventeenth-century estate in rural Massachusetts. Officially, she’s there to check in on her aging grandmother. Unofficially, she’s hoping the old house will give her a place to disappear. Instead, Pemberton begins to unravel her and may be haunted by women whose voices refuse to stay silent.
2) I’ll Be Alone For Christmas by Kristin Mulligan
Goodreads Rating: 3.78
From the publisher: Romee’s winter break was planned out months ahead. A week at a cabin in the woods sounded romantic, and maybe it was just what her boyfriend of two years needed to pop the question. Instead, he proposed they break up. Romee embarks on a solitary journey to the remote cabin, yearning for peace and closure in the tranquil snowscape. Yet, from the moment she arrives, an ominous presence clings to her. She is alone, right?
3) The Winter Retreat by Maria Frankland
Goodreads Rating: 4.07
From the publisher: As I reach Whispering Pines, a haven promising four days of Winter Solstice calm, the snow has just begun to fall. Tensions ripple among staff and guests; small slights sour what should be pleasant meals, and whispered grudges taint the planned activities. The promised serenity is quickly becoming a pressure cooker. Then the unthinkable at a sanctuary like this becomes real. With snow piled high, help can’t get in. Nor can anyone get out. Perfect for fans of Daniel Hurst and Freida McFadden.
4) The Christmas Guest by Aaron Quinn
Goodreads Rating: 3.76
From the publisher: When Hannah’s car skids off an icy Dorset lane, she has no choice but to accept the kindness of strangers. An elderly couple welcome her into their cottage, where the fire burns, the food is hot, and the Christmas decorations are hung with care. But as the storm closes in, Hannah begins to sense that not everything is as it seems. This Christmas, Hannah isn’t their guest. She’s their prisoner.
5) New York Christmas by Nieschlag, Wentrup
Goodreads Rating: 4.23
From the publisher: Take a getaway to New York City on a magical Christmas Eve, when colored lights decorate the buildings, Jingle Bells rings through the streets, and culinary delicacies tempt you on every corner. New York Christmas captures the dream of strolling down a snowy 5th Avenue, ice-skating around the iconic Christmas tree outside the Rockefeller Center, and capping it off by enjoying a delicious slice of pumpkin pie at a cafe.
I’m so excited to join The 2026 Christmas Reading Challenge. I’ve already completed my Goodreads Reading Challenge this year and haven’t really been picking up any new books, so this encourages me to keep reading before the year is over. If you’re looking for a fun but relaxed challenge to join this year, let it be this one. Are there any books on this list that pique your interest? Will you be joining as well? I’d love to know!
Thanks for joining in on the challenge Winnie! Good luck and have fun!
I’d love to see New York at Christmas. Good luck with your challenge you’ve picked some great books, I hope you enjoy them.