Best Holiday Audiobooks: Top Picks to Enjoy

A Christmas Carol

By Charles Dickens, narrated by Jim Dale

Jim Dale, a British actor renowned for his narration, enhances the listening experience of Charles Dickens’ novella. This audiobook version has received several accolades, including AudioFile Earphones Award (2004), YALSA Selection (2005), and was an Audie Award Finalist.

Make the Season Bright

By Ashley Herring Blake, narrated by Kristen DiMercurio

In this cozy holiday romance, two exes, Charlotte and Brighton, reunite unexpectedly at a Colorado retreat. Initially pretending to be strangers, they find themselves drawn together through festive activities like horseback riding and cookie decorating. As memories resurface, both women confront their unresolved feelings and rekindle their relationship, all under the spell of the holiday season.

The Night Before Christmas

By Clement Clarke Moore, narrated by Jeff Bridges

The audiobook of The Night Before Christmas, narrated by the Academy Award winning actor Jeff Bridges, brings the classic poem to life through his engaging performance and a notable nod to Dutch references. The story captures the magic of Christmas as children await Santa Claus and his reindeer, making it a wonderful choice for the whole family and a gift that resonates with young readers.

Holidays on Ice

By David Sedaris, narrated by David Sedaris, Ann Magnuson & Amy Sedaris

Holidays on Ice features a collection of David Sedrais’s humorous and poignant Christmas stories. Sedaris himself reads part of the audiobook, and his captivating voice performance and comedic timing keep listeners engaged from start to finish.

Love You a Latke

By Amanda Elliot, narrated by Kelli Tager

Abby Cohen, the only Jew on her Vermont town’s tourism board, must plan a Hanukkah festival. Annoyed by her cheerful customer Seth, she discovers he’s her only ally. As they fake-date for the holidays, Abby finds unexpected warmth and connection, igniting a spark in her own guarded heart.

The Nightmare Before Kissmas

By Sara Raasch, narrated by Ellis Evans

“A giggle-worthy, swoon-inducing romance that you will absolutely need to inflict on your friends. The premise is as delightful as it is ridiculous: the princes of Halloween and Christmas in a rivals-to-lovers romantic whirlwind fighting over a girl that neither of them actually want. I thoroughly enjoyed every moment of reading this book. Even among all the magic, the characters felt dynamic and real. The holiday politics (yes, you read that correctly) were engaging and inventive without being overbearing. I laughed, I cried, I fell in love. The perfect read to keep you warm on a chilly, festive night.”

— Maggie, Quail Ridge Books

The Christmas Tree Farm

By Laurie Gilmore, narrated by Regina Reagan

In this spicy romantic mystery by TikTok favorite Laurie Gilmore, Kira North, who despises Christmas, buys a struggling Christmas tree farm in the charming small town of Dream Harbor. While on vacation, Bennett Ellis encounters Kira and offers help despite her stubbornness. As they work together, unexpected chemistry develops.

The People Remember

By Ibi Zoboi, narrated by Ibi Zoboi & Robin Miles

In The People Remember, Ibi Zoboi connects African American history to the seven principles of Kwanzaa. The narrative begins in Africa, detailing the journey of enslaved individuals who, despite their differences, create a shared culture in America. This powerful audiobook emphasizes survival, joy, and community, making it an essential read for families seeking to understand African American heritage and its relevance to contemporary social justice movements.

Blackmail and Bibingka

By Mia P. Manansala, narrated by Danice Cabanela

“A fun addition to this drool worthy mystery series. As usual, my stomach was grumbling as Lila and her aunties try and solve the murder, involving Lila’s ne’er do well long lost cousin.”

— Audrey, Belmont Books

Gingerbread

By Helen Oyeyemi, narrated by Helen Oyeyemi

“Helen Oyeyemi’s beautiful, sweet, almost sing-song voice is the perfect narration for Gingerbread’s quirky and magical story. The novel flows like a river, twisting and turning in unexpected but pleasurable ways as we explore Perdita, her mother Harriet, and the mystery of their gingerbread recipe. Taking elements from traditional folk stories and blending them perfectly with modern struggles Helen has created a bedtime story that will fill your day with magic floating just outside your vision and a pull to get back to bed to listen more!”

— Genavieve, Books & Company

Charlotte and the Nutcracker

By Charlotte Nebres, narrated by Charlotte Nebres

This modern retelling of The Nutcracker intertwines the classic holiday story with the true-life story of 12-year-old Charlotte Nebres, the first Black girl to play Marie in the New York City Ballet. Charlotte’s love for ballet and Christmas shines as she overcomes challenges with support from her multicultural family, making this debut a celebration of dance, family, and holiday spirit.

Only for the Holidays

By Abiola Bello, narrated by Kenton Thomas & Nneka Okoye

“This book keeps you entertained through all of your family holiday drama! I’ve never cheered so hard for two people to be together. Adding this to my holiday favorites!”

— Shakeria, Lark & Owl

Everyone This Christmas Has a Secret

By Benjamin Stevenson, narrated by Barton Welch

Benjamin Stevenson returns with a festive addition to his bestselling Ernest Cunningham mysteries. This Christmas, Ernest is backstage at a magic show when the benefactor is murdered. Surrounded by professional tricksters, he must decipher twelve clues and navigate a web of deception to solve the mystery, blending festive cheer with thrilling suspense.

The Mistletoe Mystery

By Nita Prose, narrated by Lauren Ambrose

In this new holiday novella in the Molly the Maid series, Molly looks forward to a joyful holiday Christmas with her boyfriend. However, a Secret Santa gift exchange at the Regency Grand Hotel leads to trust issues and unexpected questions. As Molly investigates her most consequential and personal mystery, she starts to question whether she has once again confused a frog for a prince.

Eight Very Bad Nights

By Tod Goldberg, narrated by Robb Moreira, Johnny Heller, Emily Lawrence & Jasmin Walker

Perfect for crime fiction lovers, Eight Very Bad Nights features eleven twisted Hanukkah capers that blend noir, comedy, and holiday themes. Stories include an unstable rep at a family dinner and detectives solving a holiday murder, offering a mix of slapstick comedy and poignant reflections on Hanukkah.

In a Holidaze

By Christina Lauren, narrated by Patti Murin

“If you want a good rom com holiday movie vibe, this book is perfect for you! Set in snowy Park City and involves enviable family traditions and a time loop where one character continuously relives her Christmas vacation until the universe decides she made the right decisions, In a Holidaze is a borderline Hallmark movie (in a good way). Narrated by the wonderful Patti Murin (the original Anna in Frozen the Musical), this listen is pure warmth and holiday cheer and sets you in a movie marathon mood.”

— Kimi, Buttonwood Books and Toys

Santa’s First Christmas

By Mac Barnett, narrated by Mac Barnett

In Santa’s First Christmas, Mac Barnett and Sydney Smith present a heartwarming story about Santa needing a little holiday cheer himself. With the help of his loyal elves, Santa experiences the magic of Christmas for the first time, complete with a perfect tree, delicious treats, and presents.

The Holiday Switch

By Tif Marcelo, narrated by Leiana Bertrand

Lila Santos looks forward to her last winter break of high school while working at a local inn. Her plans are disrupted when her boss’s charming nephew, Teddy Rivera, joins her as a coworker. As they clash over tasks, an accidental phone switch reveals their hidden secrets. With a snowstorm looming, will their rivalry blossom into romance?

The Christmas Murder Game

By Alexandra Benedict, narrated by Ana Clements

“Ghosts, games, and a gothic old house with history and mystery! Perfect for a snowy winter day by the fire.”

— Melanie, The Well-Read Moose

Brightly Shining

By Ingvild Rishøi & Caroline Waight, narrated by Jesse Vilinsky

Brightly Shining is a heartwarming Norwegian Christmas tale that explores sisterhood, financial struggles, and dreams of a better life. As Christmas approaches, ten-year-old Ronja’s father loses his job, prompting her to seek work at a local Christmas tree stand. When he disappears one night, her sister Melissa takes over, and together they find support and hope in their community.

The Real Santa

By Nancy Redd, narrated by Torian Brackett

A heartwarming journey to discover the true appearance of Santa in this delightful tale that celebrates identity, family, and holiday joy from the bestselling author of Bedtime Bonnet.

The Legend of the Christmas Witch

By Aubrey Plaza & Dan Murphy, narrated by Aubrey Plaza

“I highly recommend listening to the audio of The Legend of the Christmas Witch on Libro.fm during your favorite holiday activity this winter. Read by the author, we are told the story of Kris Kringle’s little known sister and her connection to Christmas – perhaps just a bit more sinister than her brother’s. To make it an even more immersive experience, listen and read at the same time to appreciate the beautiful illustrations as well as the audio production.”

— Maggie, Carmichael’s Bookstore

Hanukkah Bear

By Eric Kimmel, narrated by Laural Merlington

A bear visits Bubba Brayna, a 97-year-old who mistakenly thinks he’s her rabbi. They celebrate Chanukkah together, make and enjoy latkes, and laugh when the mix-up is revealed.