Raise your hand if you watch Hallmark Holiday movies! If you watch despite the derision they receive. If you watch even though we all know what’s going to happen. If you watch even because we all know he’s secretly Santa… Keep that hand up if you love to read holiday romances, too. We’ve got you.
Hallmark holiday movies are beloved for their heartwarming charm, cozy settings, and predictable—but absolutely comforting—romantic plots. There’s nothing better when you’re sick, need an escape, or just want something that you know will deliver! These feel-good films offer a festive, snowy small towns, rekindled love, and life lessons wrapped in twinkling lights. If you’re someone who counts down the days with Hallmark’s “Countdown to Christmas,” then chances are you’re also drawn to stories that bring warmth, nostalgia, and a bit of seasonal magic. After the credits roll, the right book can extend that feeling and keep you in the holiday spirit just a little longer.
We also know all the rules: She’ll probably have to enter and win a contest, but mostly against her will. He’s in a flannel and his hometown way of life is in contrast to her big city education. They must bake something and realize how they feel when there’s that smudge of flour on someone’s face or they can opt out of baking and have a snowball fight. We all expect these things, but we’re still looking for the characters and heart that make us connect.
If your favorite part of Hallmark movies is the charming small towns and festive settings, you’ll definitely gravitate toward these books that immerse you in wintry villages, snow-covered inns, or cozy cafes where community plays a central role. These books blend a strong sense of place with lighthearted storytelling and just enough drama to keep you turning the pages. They’re perfect for curling up by the fire with a blanket and a cup of cocoa, offering the same escapist joy as your favorite holiday movie.
We’ve got 3 more Movie and Book pairings for you!
(or should I say “3 more”? Head over to our earlier Hallmark movie and book pairing post for more recs! And check out our Holiday Romance Bingo.)
Hallmark Holiday Movie: HAUL OUT THE HOLLY
Rating: ‼️⁉️‼️⁉️‼️I have no idea what rating to give this one! How does anyone make sense of this over-the-top, Hallmark-on-steroids extravaganza?
If you like Grumpy/Sunshine romances, well, this one is Grumpy/Grumpy. Yes, her name is Holly. Also, he’s the HOA president and you must have a nutcracker on your porch no less than 32″ from shoe to chapeau (his words, not mine!) He’s writing her citations for a too-short porch decor. 🎄🎄🎄
She’s home for the holidays (who isn’t?), only her parents completely forgot (!) to tell her they’ve moved to Florida and she’s on her own to decorate the house, enter the cookie contest, and run the annual snowman build, host the ugly sweater contest … And more! I don’t even have to try with this one. It’s bonkers. And it’s all in one movie.
Here’s why you might love it: It knows its a Hallmark movie and it doesn’t care. The characters are so much (including faces you’ll recognize). Every character and trope is stuffed in. I spent the first half wondering if I had accidentally done street drugs. But I spent the second half with popcorn and hot cocoa thoroughly enjoying every wacky minute. (And there’s a sequel!) ☕️🍿
What to read after watching:
The Twelve Dates of Christmas by Jenny Bayliss
This charming novel follows a woman reluctantly navigating a series of holiday dates, all set in a picturesque snowy town. It’s packed with humor, holiday traditions, and a dash of romance. Readers who enjoy watching a protagonist stumble through awkward (yet endearing) situations will love this book’s cozy, British take on festive matchmaking. It’s heartwarming without being overly sweet, making it a perfect match for fans of holiday rom-coms with personality.
Hallmark Holiday Movie: HANNUKAH ON RYE
This one gets 5 menorahs. 🕎🕎🕎🕎🕎
The love story is plenty cute for a Hallmark! The actors are fun, but … I don’t want to offend any actually Jewish friends here. You’ll have to watch and tell me about it, because, as best I can figure, this one was … Jewish-ish.
They say “Latke” more times than you can count. And the Bubbes? There’s more than one and they are determined to matchmake–to the point of disrupting the romance. These two young, big city kids don’t do anything that isn’t specifically Jewish. Which is a bit much, but isn’t “A Bit Much” the battle cry of the Hallmark movie? So this one fits right in! 🕍🕍🕍
They do make sure to have that little sound at the start of the word “Hannukah.” At least, Hallmark thinks it’s necessary. Given all of that, the story is solid, and they hit all the notes. This is a refreshing and welcome change from the Hallmark movies than are all so (Also, do you know who Jeremy Jordan is??? He’s a catch.) the same. It’s close enough to the mark that you’ll still get everything you wanted, but enough different to make it just a little bit of a surprise. And I think that’s the best of Hallmark: What we wanted, with something we didn’t know we needed. Enjoy!
What to read after watching:
Home For the Challah Days by Jennifer Wilck
This book delivers the same charming blend of Jewish traditions, heartfelt romance, and delicious food. It’s sweet and witty and brings together holiday warmth, family expectations, and a relatable search for love and identity. Wilck’s writing captures the humor and heart of navigating modern Jewish life, much like the film’s cozy, deli-centered world. With a strong sense of culture, community, and connection, this book is a perfect read for anyone who wants to stay in that festive, feel-good Hanukkah spirit a little longer.
Netflix Holiday Movie: THE HOLIDATE
Rating: 🍪🍪🍪🍪 4/5 cookies (if you’ve seen it you know about licking cookies.)
Interestingly, it’s never actually a 4 star flick. The film manages to consistently be a 5 or a 3. Both the lead characters have moments where we want to throttle them. While I readily forgive them for not recognizing their own budding romance, there are a few “ugh” moments. However, there are some truly great moments in here, too. There’s the requisite public declaration of love, a handful of wonderfully funny moments, and Kristin Chenowyth shines as the slutty aunt. *Not being an actual Hallmark movie, the characters have sex, flash boobs in public (though we don’t see), and say the **** words.
This one’s worth getting out your movie theater popcorn or leftover Halloween candy (Do you still have any?) 🍿🍬🍭
What to read after watching:
Eating Her Christmas Cookies by Alina Jacobs
If you need snarky banter, outrageous situations, and sizzling slow-burn romance, this book is your next must-read. This spicy romantic comedy delivers all the chaotic holiday energy with a side of enemies-to-lovers tension and over-the-top festive flair. With a quirky heroine, a grumpy-but-gorgeous neighbor, and plenty of cookie-fueled flirting, it’s just the right mix of naughty and nice. Fans of The Holidate will love the sharp humor, modern dating disasters, and the unexpectedly sweet heart at the center of all the holiday madness. It’s pure escapist fun with frosting on top.
I don’t know why each of us watches Hallmark Holiday Movies. I’ve DNFd (Did Not Finish) so many that it looks like Santa’s naughty list. I can’t handle characters who have no clue what the job they have actually entails. If I see one more woman told by her boss that she needs to ‘find herself,’ I might puke. And I even saw a time travel one that proved Hallmark Men have been hating on Big City Women since 1837! But when you find the right one, it’s really good. Just what you need. Some of them nail that romantic tension and emotional resolution. And we know we’ll find second chances, unexpected love, and family connections for the perfect match. These three books will deliver when it comes to all the things you want. Ideal for readers who want to hold onto the emotional glow of a Hallmark ending.
Happy holidays, and happy reading!