Back in 2022, I started my very first 20 Books of Christmas Challenge as a fun way to combine two of my favourite things: reading and the magic of the holiday season. What began as a personal reading challenge quickly became one of my favourite yearly traditions. There’s just something special about evenings spent under a cosy blanket, twinkling lights glowing in the background, and a stack of festive books waiting to be read. What could be better?
Now it’s 2026, and I’m so excited to keep the tradition going—and I’d love for you to join me for this year’s Christmas Reading Challenge, running from October 1 through December 31!
And this year, there’s a little more flexibility. You choose your own reading goal. Whether you want to read 5 books, 10 books, 20 books, or challenge yourself to even more, there’s no right or wrong number. The goal is simply to make time for some festive reading and enjoy a little extra bookish joy during the holiday season.
Over the next few weeks, I’ll be sharing Christmas book recommendations, reading updates, and maybe even a few festive extras to help keep us motivated along the way.
So grab a cosy blanket, pour yourself a mug of something warm, and get those Christmas books ready. The 2026 Christmas Reading Challenge is officially on!
Who’s joining me?
The Why:
I’ll admit it – I’m a bit of a Christmas fanatic. I love reading Christmas-themed books and watching Hallmark Christmas movies.
Each year the book publishers start publishing Christmas books during the summer and early Fall. Yes that’s right. In fact, almost all of these books are published in September and October which may likely surprise many of you.
In the early years, the challenge kicked off in September—but I know that felt a little too early for many of you. So I’ve shifted the start date to October 1, which feels like the perfect balance of giving us plenty of time while still keeping it festive.
I’ve also created a more flexible image for the challenge to reflect the different ways people like to join in. Some readers prefer a cozy handful of books, while others aim for a towering stack—and both approaches are absolutely welcome here!
The 2026 Christmas Reading Challenge:
Would like to join in on the fun?
- Just 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 your goal and if known what you are going to read. You’re welcome to use the image below.
- Link back to this post and comment below so I know who is joining in. You do not need to have a blog to participate. In the past we’ve had instagrammers who’ve also joined in.
This challenge is intended to be very relaxed:
- Fancy changing your list half way through? No problem.
- Want to swap a book? Go for it.
- Decide to drop your goal part way through? That is fine with me.
- Want to start in November or December? I have no problem with that.
- Please use #2026ChristmasReadingChallenge when posting
My own reading list may change based on availability of the books, but I hope to read 15 books which allows me to read other books during this timeframe as well. As I read each book I will create a link to my review and post it below. For those of you who don’t like to read holiday-themed books, don’t worry. I’ll still be reading other books that are not part of this challenge but I will only include Christmas-themed books here.
Here are the books I hope to read:
My 2026 Christmas Reading Challenge Books Read (with links to published reviews) will be placed here.
The Christmas Yes List by Melissa Ferguson Review: A Charming and Humorous Christmas Romance
Cozy Little Christmas by RaeAnne Thayne Review: A Heartwarming Holiday Romance With a Great Message
A Season of Secrets by Fern Michaels Review: A Heartwarming Christmas Story With a Touch of Mystery
Postmarked December by Jenny Hale Review: A Magical Christmas Romance Book
The Best Christmas Ever by Sarah Morgan Book Review: A Heartwarming Christmas Story
The Christmas Curse by Alix Kelinda Review: A Magical Holiday Romance with a Halloween Twist
If you’d like to see my Christmas books from previous years check out the following links:
Others Who Have Joined Me in The 2026 Christmas Reading Challenge: (Good luck everyone!)
The official image to use:
If you would like to use a different size let me know and I can help you out with that.
Any questions? Simply ask in the comments below.
Good luck everyone! I hope you enjoy this festive challenge 🎄. Feel free to share widely.
Susan Dyer
Yay!! Im in! I will be back with my link!
Thank you so !such for doing this Jodie!💜
thathappyreader
That’s wonderful Susan!
Jonetta | Blue Mood Café
I’m in again! Love this challenge, Jodie, no matter how I do💜
thathappyreader
That’s wonderful Jonetta!
Her Digital Coffee
I’m determined to join this year! I’m so excited to make my list. Thanks for the motivation, Jodie!
thathappyreader
That’s wonderful Winnie!
hena
So many great reads. I don’t remember the last time I read a holiday book.
thathappyreader
It’s nice to change things up a bit at this time of year Hena.
Carla@CarlaLovesToRead
You know I’m in. I have to see what is on my shelf both new and backlist to see what I hope to read. I’m going to go with 20 books over the three months, so we shall see. I send my link once I put the post together.
thathappyreader
That’s wonderful Carla!
Carla@CarlaLovestoRead
Here’s my link, Jodie. I’m ready to go!
https://wp.me/p6H3KI-kZi
thathappyreader
Thanks Carla! Good luck with the challenge!
Joy's Book Blog
Looking forward to it! I appreciate the flexibility. I’ll likely start late and read few books, but I love reading everyone else’s posts, too!
thathappyreader
That’s wonderful Joy! I’m glad you are going to be part of the challenge this year.
Deb Nance at Readerbuzz
I plan to join in with five books in December. I’ve posted about it here: https://readerbuzz.blogspot.com/p/2026-reading-challenges.html at the very bottom of the page. Thank you for hosting!
thathappyreader
Thanks for joining Deb!
thathappyreader
I’ve added you to my post Deb.
Susan Dyer
Okay, I’ve made my picks! Thanks so much Jodie for hosting!
https://susanlovesbooks.wordpress.com/2026/09/27/20-books-for-christmas-2026/
thathappyreader
Thanks for joining in Susan!