Cozy Up: Holiday Books with a Sense of Place
Why My Holidays Start with Holiday Books with a Sense of Place
As soon as Halloween wraps up, my holiday rituals begin—and for me, that means reading. But not just any seasonal story. I want holiday books with a sense of place: novels that drop me into a snow‑dusted village pub, a glittering New York sidewalk, or a candle‑lit Christmas market in Europe.
These are the reads that take you somewhere: where twinkle lights flicker across cobbled streets, where romance brews over spiced cider, and where culture, weather, and setting shape every page.
If you’re like me—someone who believes the best holiday escape often begins with a book—this list is for you. Whether you’re armchair‑traveling from your sofa or planning a festive trip, these books will immerse you in places as vivid as their plots. They’re grouped by region (U.S., Europe, Global), with genres and summaries to help you find your next perfect cozy read.
So grab a blanket, a cup of something warm, and get ready to travel the world—without leaving your reading nook.
You can also pair this list with my Cozy Christmas Movies list for a festive armchair-travel double feature.
Holiday Books with a Sense of Place: United States Edition (4)
A Cross-Country Christmas
Author: Courtney Walsh
Genre: Fiction, Romance
Location(s) Featured: United States Road Trip
Lauren Richmond doesn’t “do” Christmas trips—until a new family baby changes her mind and a fear of flying forces a Plan B: a cross-country drive from California to Illinois. Her brother “helpfully” pairs her with Will, the childhood crush she’s been trying to forget, and what begins as a practical car share becomes a heart-opening detour through diners, snowstorms, and small towns that look like postcards. Between playlists, confessions, and mishaps, the road becomes the third main character, nudging both travelers toward honesty and courage. Walsh’s strength is chemistry that feels grounded—banter, friction, tenderness—and a journey that reveals what really matters.
Note from Jen: A total comfort read. This was my first book by Courtney Walsh and she is now a must-read author for me—she writes light romances, but there’s always something substantial and meaningful behind the story.
The Matzah Ball
Author: Jean Meltzer
Genre: Romance, Humor
Location(s) Featured: New York City, New York, United States
Rachel, a Jewish romance novelist who secretly loves Christmas, is tasked with producing an extravagant Hanukkah gala—unfortunately alongside her childhood nemesis. Meltzer manages to thread chronic illness representation through a sparkling New York holiday scene—glam ballrooms, Borough bakeries, late-night trains—without losing levity or the sweet romance factor. Family expectations, identity, and accessibility concerns are treated with care, giving the rom-com weight and warmth. And, of course, the city is a star: window displays, deli counters, and the frantic joy of December deadlines. This isn’t “Christmas with different branding”…it’s a fully realized celebration of a different holiday experience that comes with the same human longing to belong.
Note from Jen: I found this one to be inclusive, funny, and heartfelt. A perfect pick when you want holiday spirit that isn’t only about Christmas.
The Spectacular
Author: Fiona Davis
Genre: Historical Fiction, Mystery
Location(s) Featured: New York City, New York, United States
One of the first things many think of when it comes to the holiday season in New York City is the famous Rockettes at the Radio City Music Hall. And in The Spectacular, Davis (known for her well-researched and well-written historical fiction novels) takes us to 1950s Manhattan to tell the story of a young dancer, Marion, struggling to make it work as one of the popular dancers. But, in addition to the struggles of rehearsal rooms, precision drills, and costume fittings, there are also bomb threats threatening the city’s public spaces and Marion is pulled in to help find the bomber. Rockefeller Center’s tree, parade routes, and shop windows build a December mood, but the novel is also one about fear and mystery, family dynamics, and standing up for oneself.
Note from Jen: The book is based on a true story (there was a “Mad Bomber” who terrorized NYC with more than 30 bombs in public places) and Davis had extensive interviews with actual Rockettes to really get the true story of what life was like.
A Very Merry Manhattan Christmas
Author: Darcie Boleyn
Genre: Romance
Location(s) Featured: New York City, New York, United States
For a slightly different take on the American-woman travels to cozy-England for Christmas trope, A Very Merry Manhattan Christmas is about the opposite. Lucie is an English woman who usually hates Christmas, but when her best friend from college asks her to come to Manhattan to be a bridesmaid at her extravagant wedding, Lucie feels like she can’t say no. And, not wanting to go alone, she asks her childhood friend, Dale, to go with her. Although they’re “just friends,” that message is lost on Dale’s family and the lies start to spiral as the two attempt to keep up the pretenses…while also exploring New York City during the Christmas season and supporting the wedding planning. It’s a sweet story with some depth and many scenes that bring NYC Christmas to life.
European Holiday Books For a Festive Getaway (10)
Winter Solstice
Author: Rosamunde Pilcher
Genre: Fiction
Location(s) Featured: Creagan, Scotland
As Rosamunde Pilcher does so well, Winter Solstice weaves together the stories of several unique and realistic characters against the backdrop of a winter in Scotland. The story is a little complicated to summarize here, but if you’re looking for a cozy read to pull you in and leave you with feelings of love and strength and friendship and light on the darkest day of the year (and of course amazing descriptions of the Scottish Highlands), then this is a good holiday book for you.
Mr. Dickens and His Carol
Author: Samantha Silva
Genre: Historical Fiction
Location(s) Featured: London, England
I’m assuming if you’re reading this list, you’re a fan of holiday stories, so you’re familiar with A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens (arguably the most popular Christmas story ever–it certainly has many adaptations). Mr. Dickens and His Carol is a fictional account of how Dickens came up with the idea for his Christmas classic. In the story, when Dickens’s latest book is a flop, his publishers force him to write a Christmas book…but he really doesn’t want to. He turns to walking the streets of London to help battle his writer’s block…where he meets Eleanor Lovejoy who helps him find the story he’s been looking for. Even though this story is fictional, it’s still a sentimental tribute to Charles Dickens and the power of a holiday story.
Note from Jen: This one has been on my list for awhile and I’m so excited to dig in this season!
Last Christmas in Paris
Author: Hazel Gaynor and Heather Webb
Genre: Historical Fiction, War & Military
Location(s) Featured: Paris, France
“Surely the war will be over by Christmas.” Written as a series of letters, The Last Christmas in Paris follows several characters as England joins World War I. Men are sent off to fight and women are left at home with worry, guilt and a desire to help. Thinking the war would be over by Christmas, Evie Elliott, her brother, and her brother’s best friend make plans to spend Christmas in Paris…but it doesn’t quite work out that way and the book takes us through a few more Christmases as we see the long-term impact of war. And although it’s a tough subject, it is still a holiday book with a story of love and hope.
Note from Jen: This is the first of two books by this duo on this list–they’re just well-researched well-written historical fiction pieces that bring a place, a time, and a season to life.
Christmas at Frozen Falls
Author: Kiley Dunbar
Genre: Romance
Location(s) Featured: Lapland, Finland
Sylvie’s fiancé broke off their wedding just a week before it was supposed to happen, so instead of heading off to her honeymoon, she finds herself struggling to make plans for a lonely Christmas. Her best friend has another idea, though: a trip to Finland to see the Northern Lights…which also happens to be where Sylvie’s dreamy ex-boyfriend lives. Reindeer treks, husky runs, saunas, and aurora-watching bring some light back to Sylvie’s life…and bring Finland to life on the page.
A Christmas in Prague
Author: Helga Jensen
Genre: Fiction, Romance
Location(s) Featured: Prague, Czech Republic
A heartwarming second-chance romance, A Christmas in Prague is the story of lonely and grieving Olivia traveling to Prague to give a message to her Aunt Grace’s long-lost true love, Marek, after her Aunt’s passing. She meets Marek’s nephew, Tomas, who begins to show her Christmas around the snowy city (which includes markets, cafés, and beautiful Old Town Prague), which, of course, leads to opening up her own heart.
Finding Love at the Christmas Market
Author: Jo Thomas
Genre: Fiction, Romance, Food/Wine
Location(s) Featured: Germany
Although the German town where this book is set is never specifically named, it still manages to capture the joy and comfort of a German Christmas market—the smells, the sounds, and the sights. It’s the story of a single mother taking a group of elderly retirees on a road trip to Germany to scatter the ashes of one of their friends…while she goes to meet a German man she has met online, so of course there’s some romance. There’s also a sweet side story about helping a local bakery win a cake contest, but mostly it’s a book about recapturing the magic of Christmas even as you age and situations change. Jo Thomas is known for writing food fiction and this is no different; it even comes with recipes that will truly transport you.
Note from Jen: As many of you know, I’ve lived 20+ years in Germany, so German Christmas markets have a special place in my heart.
Celebrations at the Chateau
Author: Jo Thomas
Genre: Fiction, Romance, Food/Wine
Location(s) Featured: Normandy, France
This is the second book on this list by Jo Thomas (the one right above was written by her, too), but her books really are just so cozy and comforting with fun settings that I just had to include this one, too. Celebrations at the Chateau is the story of Fliss and her sisters who have newly inherited a chateau near Normandy, France. When they arrive in their new town, though, they find it much harder to work with the locals—and maintain a chateau—than they expected. Fliss is forced to work with the locals to figure out how to maintain the chateau. It’s a story of friendships, village life, and French food with the holidays as a backdrop.
Note from Jen: There are other holiday books set in France on this list, or for non-holiday choices, you might want to also check out my list of Books Set in France.
The Little Swiss Ski Chalet
Author: Julie Caplin
Genre: Women’s Fiction, Romance
Location(s) Featured: Switzerland
Another popular “travel romance” writer is Julie Caplin (in fact, this is book #7 in her Romantic Escapes series of standalone books that take place all over the world) and in this book, Caplin takes us to Switzerland where food technician Mina has come to work at her godmother’s chalet (and figure out her life). Cue chairlifts, bakery runs, fondue nights, and mountain air that clarifies decisions. This book is just as much about the location, the food, and the self-growth as it is about the romance and it’s a heartwarming story.
All I Want for Christmas
Author: Karen Swan
Genre: Romance, Mystery, Art/Art History
Location(s) Featured: Copenhagen, Denmark
While you might be tempted to write this off as another light holiday romance, there’s actually much more to it: at the center of the story is a mystery of a rediscovered painting, hidden beneath a nationally significant masterpiece. Our heroine, Darcy, is an art history PhD student studying in Copenhagen when the painting is discovered and she is tasked with finding out more about this secret painting. She is then forced to work with Max, the lawyer she had just started dating who works for the archive organization. So there’s mystery, art, romance, and the holidays all set against a Danish background.
Note from Jen: There are A LOT of books with this same title. Make sure you’re getting All I Want for Christmas by Karen Swan (you can use my handy-dandy links, of course.)
Christmas with the Queen
Author: Hazel Gaynor and Heather Webb
Genre: Historical Fiction
Location(s) Featured: England, United Kingdom
In this heartfelt novel, we step back into the 1950s, exploring the early years of Queen Elizabeth’s reign after her father’s sudden passing and her unexpected ascension to the throne. While we occasionally hear from the Queen herself, most of the story alternates between two compelling characters: Olive Carter, a determined BBC reporter fighting for respect in a man’s world and Jack Devereaux, an American chef reeling from personal tragedy while chasing his culinary dreams. Their paths converge at Sandringham House, the Queen’s Christmas retreat, where both characters navigate personal struggles and professional challenges…while also remembering their life when they first eight years earlier.
Note from Jen: Although there’s romance, it’s the book’s portrayal of life in 1950s England and unique insights into the early days of Queen Elizabeth’s reign that make it a good read. The writing is captivating, the characters are well-developed (and occasionally frustrating—just like real life!), and the setting feels magical for a holiday read.
Global & Winter Holiday Books with a Sense of Place (4)
Fifty Words for Snow
Author: Nancy Campbell
Genre: Narrative Nonfiction, Short Stories
Location(s) Featured: Global
This isn’t specifically a holiday book, but it is a winter book. Nancy Campbell is a poet and author who loves to travel the world (especially the Arctic), wants to know more about languages, and is interested in climate change–she’s combined all of those interests into this little book (just over 200 pages) of short stories that talk about how snow is celebrated, acknowledged, and dealt with all over the world. Some of the stories are folk tales, some are historical, and some focus specifically on the linguistics of the word. It’s an interesting concept for a short read–and paired with photos of snowflakes by Wilson Bentley, the first known person to take detailed photographs of snowflakes.
Three Holidays and a Wedding
Author: Uzma Jalaluddin and Marissa Stapley
Genre: Fiction, Romance, Self-Discovery
Location(s) Featured: A fictional town in Ottawa, Canada
Set in the year 2000 (one of the few times Christmas, Hanukkah, and the end of Ramadan occurred within just a few days of each other), this is the story of two strangers who meet on a plane to Toronto. Severe turbulence leads to an emergency landing in small town Snow Falls—and the snowstorm keeps them from being able to go anywhere else. Since they’re stuck there, the strangers from the plane and the townspeople come together during the snowstorm to make the most of it and celebrate the holidays (and an upcoming wedding). Of course, there are some love interests in the crowd, some self-discovery and life lessons, and some delicious food! Overall, it’s a sweet story with some insight into three major holidays and a variety of cultures with unique traditions.
Note from Jen: With so many great themes, Three Holidays and a Wedding is a great holiday book club selection–check out my holiday book club guide.)
Eight Bright Lights
Author: Sara Gibbs
Genre: Romance
Location(s) Featured: Tel Aviv, Israel and London, England
Eight Bright Lights is more than a Hanukkah-themed romance. It’s about family, grief, starting over, politics, work troubles, and more. Three young Jewish women are dealing with various stressors in their lives, but all are intertwined in the lead up to the wedding of one of those women. It’s a holiday story where you’ll learn a lot about Israel, Jewish traditions and Hanukkah, but also a lot about life.
Note from Jen: This book was written before the most-recent conflict between Israel and Palestine, but reviewers all say the political discussions in the book are balanced and fair.
The Christmas Swap
Author: Sandy Barker
Genre: Romance
Location(s) Featured: England, Colorado (USA), Australia
Three friends from different continents realize they all want to spend Christmas in different locations so they decide to swap houses for the holidays. Jules is tired of snowy Colorado so heads off to Melbourne, Australia. Chloe (currently living in Melbourne) wants to try out a proper English Christmas in Oxfordshire. And Lucy leaves England to try out Christmas in the United States. The author (a traveler herself) does a great job of capturing the uniqueness of each location through language, descriptions, and even differing holiday traditions, so you really do feel transported to each location. The story can be a bit predictable, but isn’t that why we love holiday books about romance?
Note from Jen: Yes, The Holiday which has a similar premise is one of my all-time favorite travel movies and is included on my list of Travel Holiday Movies. If you *really* like this book, you can find out what happens to all the couples in The Christmas Trip which features the same characters spending the holidays in Hawaii.
More Than Just Holiday Cheer
Whether you’re a Christmas enthusiast or simply someone who loves curling up with a good book during winter, these holiday books with a sense of place offer more than seasonal cheer—they offer escape, depth, and discovery.
Reading stories rooted in real (or real‑feeling) locations brings the world to you. They let you smell the spice of European markets, feel the hush of snow‑covered cities, and celebrate the season through different cultures and traditions.
If you’re craving more cozy content, don’t miss my Cozy Christmas Movies with a Sense of Place list — perfect for pairing with your next festive read.
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