December Reading Challenge 

Join in Hoopla’s Happy Holidays December Reading Challenge! We’ve curated a list of more than 100 festive holiday books that are perfect for December reading fun. You’ll find cozy mysteries, sweet romances, and even a few scary stories. So choose a title (or three!), grab a blanket, curl up on the couch, and light the tree for the ultimate holiday entertainment. 

Here are a few highlights: 

The Christmas Tree Farm book cover

The Christmas Tree Farm by Laurie Gilmore 

Kira despises Christmas, yet she’s bought a rundown tree farm in the impossibly cheerful town of Dream Harbor. Ben, vacationing from California and tired of bad dates, meets her by chance and initially refuses to help.

But when fate draws him back, Kira reconsiders her stubbornness—especially after seeing him effortlessly chop a tree and realizing she may need more than pride. 


Time to Shine book cover

Time to Shine by Rachel Reid 

Landon Stackhouse, a shy backup goalie newly called up to Calgary, feels out of place—except with superstar winger Casey Hicks, whose warmth easily disarms him.

When Casey offers him a room in his huge, lonely house, friendship deepens into something more. As their holiday romance grows, Landon can’t ignore that his stint in Calgary may soon end. 


Murder at Holly House book cover

Murder at Holly House by Denzil Meyrick 

In 1952, as Christmas nears in the snowy Yorkshire village of Elderby, a dead stranger is discovered wedged in Holly House’s chimney. Inspector Frank Grasby is sent to investigate, but chaos follows.

When the doctor’s husband is murdered, he realizes the villagers harbor dangerous secrets—and solving them may prevent a far greater catastrophe. 


The Gift Audiobook cover

The Gift by Freida McFadden and read by Alyson Krawchuk 

Stella Hansen is painfully broke on Christmas Eve—so broke that, despite working two jobs, she can’t afford a gift for her husband on their first Christmas together. When a mysterious pawnshop owner proposes an unusual trade, Stella sees a chance to give her husband the perfect present.

But the offer may carry a devastating cost. Based on the O. Henry short story “The Gift of the Magi.” (Listen for the heroine to grab an Oh Henry! bar for a snack.) 


Christmas presents audiobook cover

Christmas Present by Lisa Unger and read by Jennifer Pickens 

Madeline Martin, who rebuilt her life as the owner of the Next Chapter Bookshop while caring for her ailing father, is shaken when true-crime podcaster Harley Granger arrives intent on revisiting her past.

As the sole survivor linked to convicted killer Evan Handy—and with more women now missing—Harley’s questions revive fears that the real predator may still be free. 

Explore Holiday Books 

There are many more holiday titles in Hoopla’s December Reading Challenge collection, enough for all 12 days of Christmas and then some. 

Join the December Reading Challenge and discover your next holiday favorite. 

Happy holidays and merry reading! 

*Title availability may vary based on library availability.