The Best Holiday Audiobooks for Getting In The Festive Spirit
December 6, 2022
Are you feeling festive? As the holiday season approaches, there’s nothing better than enjoying a story that gets you in the mood for all the good times yet to come. We’ve compiled a list of the best holiday books for you to hit play on with the whole family.
Discover audiobooks to listen to with the family while putting up the Christmas tree and doing Christmas activities, or waiting for Santa Claus’s arrival on Christmas Eve. From classic Christmas stories to tales about holidays celebrated by cultures around the world, these titles are sure to get you in the festive spirit!
Classic & Contemporary Holiday Books
-
-
A Christmas Carol: A Signature Performance by Tim Curry
- Written by: Charles Dickens
- Narrated by: Tim Curry
- Length: 3 hrs and 31 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
This one-of-a-kind performance puts a unique spin on a treasured classic....
-
-
Just perfect.
- By Jeremy S. on 2017-12-12
-
A Christmas Carol: A Signature Performance by Tim Curry
- Narrated by: Tim Curry
- Length: 3 hrs and 31 mins
- Release date: 2010-12-01
- Language: English
-
No list of Christmas books would be complete without A Christmas Carol, one of the best and most beloved holiday books of all time, which tells a heartwarming tale of Ebenezer Scrooge’s awakening and redemption. Listening to Charles Dickens's timeless story offers an array of exciting possibilities—there are so many incredible narrators to choose from! Take your pick of actors and celebrity readers including Tim Curry, Hugh Grant, Patrick Stewart and Simon Prebble. If radio dramas are more your style, there are several dramatised versions to choose from as well. These audio versions range in length from 90 minutes to three hours, so curl up with the whole family and listen to this classic Christmas tale to get into the holiday spirit!
-
-
-
A Treasury of African American Christmas Stories
- Written by: Bettye Collier-Thomas
- Narrated by: Adenrele Ojo
- Length: 7 hrs and 34 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
A collection of Christmas stories written by African American journalists, activists, and writers from the late 19th century to the modern civil rights movement....
-
A Treasury of African American Christmas Stories
- Narrated by: Adenrele Ojo
- Length: 7 hrs and 34 mins
- Release date: 2018-10-09
- Language: English
-
A Treasury of African American Christmas Stories is a collection of Christmas stories, compiled and edited by historian Dr. Bettye Collier-Thomas. It contains writings from Black artists, activists, journalists and writers from the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Many of the entries first appeared in the African American newspapers that thrived after the Civil War. By turns heartfelt, funny, serious and whimsical, these stories celebrate the holiday traditions of Black Americans, as well as America’s rich Black literary history. This collection of short stories makes for a truly fascinating and engaging listen that explores the true meaning of Christmas to Black Americans.
-
-
-
Seven Days of Us
- A Novel
- Written by: Francesca Hornak
- Narrated by: Jilly Bond
- Length: 9 hrs and 34 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
A family can’t escape their secrets when they’re forced to spend a week in quarantine in this “sharply funny” (People) novel - an Indie Next and number one Library Reads Pick....
-
Seven Days of Us
- A Novel
- Narrated by: Jilly Bond
- Length: 9 hrs and 34 mins
- Release date: 2017-10-17
- Language: English
-
In this keenly observant and darkly funny holiday story from Francesca Hornak, one family tests the limits of their love when they're forced to quarantine together. When the elder Birch daughter, Olivia, returns home for the holidays after working abroad as a doctor in the middle of an epidemic, she's required to spend seven days in isolation—with her parents and younger sister, the frivolous Phoebe. Tempers are tested, secrets are revealed and long-buried tensions rise to the surface. Oh, and then an unexpected guest shows up. Hilarious and, at times, painfully relatable, Seven Days of Us is an altogether heartwarming holiday audiobook that just might ease tensions among family members who listen together.
-
-
-
Letters from Father Christmas
- Written by: J. R. R. Tolkien
- Narrated by: Derek Jacobi, John Moffatt, Christian Rodska
- Length: 2 hrs and 7 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Can you imagine writing to Father Christmas and actually getting a reply?....
-
-
Too much music...
- By Angel13tnt on 2017-12-24
-
Letters from Father Christmas
- Narrated by: Derek Jacobi, John Moffatt, Christian Rodska
- Length: 2 hrs and 7 mins
- Release date: 2005-10-04
- Language: English
-
When you think of the legendary fantasy writer J.R.R. Tolkien who brought us the world of The Lord of the Rings, Christmas stories don’t exactly spring to mind. But J.R.R. Tolkien's skill for voice and world-building extended far beyond his creation of Middle-earth. Each year, he replied to his children's letters to Father Christmas with whimsical missives. Collected here, these letters tell wonderful stories of Father Christmas's adventures on the North Pole and around the world. Warm and wonderfully narrated by Derek Jacobi with John Moffatt and Christian Rodska, Letters from Father Christmas makes for cozy fireside listening with the entire family.
-
-
-
Mr. Dickens and His Carol
- A Novel
- Written by: Samantha Silva
- Narrated by: Euan Morton
- Length: 8 hrs and 9 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Charles Dickens is not feeling the Christmas spirit. His newest book is an utter flop, the critics have turned against him, relatives near and far hound him for money....
-
-
Fantastic story
- By A. R on 2023-11-30
-
Mr. Dickens and His Carol
- A Novel
- Narrated by: Euan Morton
- Length: 8 hrs and 9 mins
- Release date: 2017-10-31
- Language: English
-
This charming and inventive reimagining of A Christmas Carol by Samantha Silva is full of humour, heart, Victorian holiday cheer and some endearing grumbling. Charles Dickens is not exactly feeling the holiday spirit. The critics are railing against him, and it seems like everyone he knows wants money that he doesn't have. When his publisher asks him to write a Christmas story, he flat-out refuses. But everything changes on a walk through London, where he meets the mysterious Eleanor Lovejoy—a woman who reminds him what Christmas is all about. Mr. Dickens and His Carol is undoubtedly one of the best books to hit play on at Christmas time, and it’s delightfully narrated by the British-accented Euan Morton.
-
-
-
Holiday Greetings from Sugar and Booze
- Written by: Ana Gasteyer, Mona Mansour
- Narrated by: Ana Gasteyer, Maya Rudolph, Patti LuPone, and others
- Length: 2 hrs and 28 mins
- Original Recording
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Holiday Greetings from Sugar and Booze is a music-filled holiday comedy starring Ana Gasteyer and Maya Rudolph, with a jolly cast including Patti LuPone, Rachel Dratch, and Richard Kind....
-
Holiday Greetings from Sugar and Booze
- Narrated by: Ana Gasteyer, Maya Rudolph, Patti LuPone, Rachel Dratch, Richard Kind, full cast
- Length: 2 hrs and 28 mins
- Release date: 2019-12-05
- Language: English
-
This Audible Original holiday comedy tells the story of Sugar and Booze, best friends since college. With time, the two women grow apart and have families, each caught up in their own busy lives. They remain in touch mostly through their annual holiday letters. But simmering tensions in their longstanding friendship finally bubble up one year at their annual holiday party. Filled with music and plenty of raucous humour, this full-cast production will make you rethink holiday cheer. Ana Gasteyer and Mona Mansour craft and perform this thrilling holiday comedy with help from a talented cast of narrators. If you’re looking for a laugh or to get into the holiday spirit, add this audiobook to your library.
-
-
-
Jingle Bell Pop
- Written by: John Seabrook
- Narrated by: Erin Moon
- Length: 1 hr and 14 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
On Christmas Eve, 1818, in a small Austrian village, a local Catholic priest and a church organist composed a Christmas carol that changed the course of holiday music forever. Exactly two hundred years later, it’s not the holiday season until you’ve heard “Silent Night” in the car, at the store and on TV – all in the same day....
-
Jingle Bell Pop
- Narrated by: Erin Moon
- Length: 1 hr and 14 mins
- Release date: 2018-12-06
- Language: English
-
Ever wonder why the same seasonal songs get played year after year after year? So did reporter John Seabrook. In Jingle Bell Pop, he offers a fascinating look inside the holiday music machine that has become a big part of Western culture’s Christmas traditions. Drawing on interviews with songwriters, producers and singers, he sheds light on how holiday mega-hits are made, complete with secret recipes and rhyming, and why they stand the test of time. Listen in to this wholly unique audiobook to learn the stories behind your favourite yuletide earworms, and you'll soon find yourself humming those familiar tunes and getting into the Christmas spirit.
-
Holiday Romances
-
-
Eight Winter Nights
- Written by: Liz Maverick
- Narrated by: Eva Kaminsky, Jason Clarke
- Length: 2 hrs and 55 mins
- Original Recording
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Last year, Rachel Bacharach met the man of her dreams at a Hanukkah party — and then her outgoing best friend Tamara swooped in and “called” Oz Caplan for herself....
-
-
Cute Hanukkah read
- By Christina Coburn on 2024-10-17
-
Eight Winter Nights
- Narrated by: Eva Kaminsky, Jason Clarke
- Series: Winter Nights, Book 1
- Length: 2 hrs and 55 mins
- Release date: 2020-11-24
- Language: English
-
This listen, written by Liz Maverick, offers a fresh holiday twist on the classic boy meets the wrong girl. At last year's Hanukkah party, Rachel met a dreamy man, the sweet and charming Oz. But then her more confident, glam and outgoing best friend swooped in, and Tamara and Oz have been dating ever since. Rachel does her best to hide her lingering feelings for Oz, but when he and Tamara finally break up—and he begs Rachel for help winning Tamara back before Hanukkah—well, Rachel can't keep up the charade. Eight Winter Nights makes for a heartwarming holiday listen that you won’t want to pause.
-
-
-
The Remaking of Corbin Wale
- Written by: Roan Parrish
- Narrated by: Chris Chambers
- Length: 7 hrs and 8 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Last month, Alex Barrow's whole life imploded. Now, he's back in his Michigan hometown, finally opening the bakery he's always dreamed of. But the pleasure of opening day is nothing compared to the lonely and beautiful man who bewitches Alex before he even orders....
-
-
The power of the mind
- By T-in-a-dash on 2023-10-23
-
The Remaking of Corbin Wale
- Narrated by: Chris Chambers
- Length: 7 hrs and 8 mins
- Release date: 2018-08-31
- Language: English
-
This magical holiday romance, written by Roan Parrish, is full of cozy treats, festive parties, and plenty of snowstorms. After losing his partner, job and home in one blow, Alex decides it's time to leave New York and return to his small Michigan hometown to realize his dream of opening a bakery. He's immediately intrigued by Corbin, the quiet man who spends his afternoons writing at the table by the window. As they get to know each other, Alex and Corbin realize that sometimes the best holiday gifts are the unexpected people who come into your life at just the right time.
-
-
-
Mangos and Mistletoe
- A Foodie Holiday Novella
- Written by: Adriana Herrera
- Narrated by: Lacy Laurel
- Length: 3 hrs and 27 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Kiskeya Burgos left the tropical beaches of the Dominican Republic with a lot to prove. As a pastry chef on the come up, when she arrives in Scotland, she has one goal in mind: win the Holiday Baking Challenge....
-
Mangos and Mistletoe
- A Foodie Holiday Novella
- Narrated by: Lacy Laurel
- Length: 3 hrs and 27 mins
- Release date: 2020-12-24
- Language: English
-
This holiday romance novella is full of mouthwatering descriptions of delicious baked goods—so don't listen when you’re hungry! Latinx bakers Kiskeya and Sully arrive in Scotland for reality TV's famed Holiday Baking Challenge with the same goal: to win. Assigned to work together despite their different baking styles, the two women are standoffish at first, but it's not long before sparks start to fly and things start to heat up, in and out of the kitchen. If you’re a fan of Hallmark holiday films, you’ll fall head over heels for Mangos and Mistletoe, written by Adriana Herrera and brought to audio by Lacy Laurel.
-
-
-
The Matzah Ball
- Written by: Jean Meltzer
- Narrated by: Dara Rosenberg
- Length: 10 hrs and 12 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Rachel Rubenstein-Goldblatt is a nice Jewish girl with a shameful secret: She loves Christmas. For a decade she’s hidden her career as a Christmas romance novelist from her family....
-
-
Loved it!
- By Jordan Smith on 2021-12-18
-
The Matzah Ball
- Narrated by: Dara Rosenberg
- Length: 10 hrs and 12 mins
- Release date: 2021-09-28
- Language: English
-
Rachel Rubenstein-Goldblatt has always kept one big secret from her Jewish family: she loves Christmas. She even has a career as a successful Christmas romance novelist. But then her publisher asks her to write a Hanukkah romance, and Rachel can't come up with a single idea. Hoping to find inspiration, she attends the annual Matzah Ball, a huge Jewish music celebration held on the last night of Hanukkah. She's surprised to meet her childhood rival Jacob there—and even more surprised that she's drawn to both him and the holiday she always thought she hated. This is a warmhearted holiday romance by Jean Meltzer about second chances and finding the courage to be yourself.
-
-
-
A Holly Jolly Diwali
- Written by: Sonya Lalli
- Narrated by: Richa Moorjani
- Length: 7 hrs and 12 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
One type-A data analyst discovers her free-spirited side on an impulsive journey from bustling Mumbai to the gorgeous beaches of Goa and finds love waiting for her on Christmas morning....
-
A Holly Jolly Diwali
- Narrated by: Richa Moorjani
- Length: 7 hrs and 12 mins
- Release date: 2021-10-05
- Language: English
-
29-year-old Niki has always played it safe, working a dependable job and dating practical men—even if they don't exactly make her heart beat faster. But when she's abruptly laid off, she decides to throw caution to the wind and spontaneously flies to India for a friend's wedding. There, amidst the light-filled magic of Diwali, she meets a free-spirited musician with whom she shares an immediate connection. As the end of the holiday season approaches, and with a new job offer on the horizon, Niki faces a decision: Will she return to her predictable life or stay and take a chance on love? Holiday book lovers will get instantly gripped by Niki’s story in this heartwarming listen by Sonya Lalli.
-
Young Adult Holiday Books
-
-
Dash & Lily's Book of Dares (Netflix Series Tie-In Edition)
- Written by: Rachel Cohn, David Levithan
- Narrated by: Ryan Gesell, Tara Sands
- Length: 6 hrs and 40 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Lily left a red notebook full of challenges on her favorite bookstore shelf, waiting for just the right guy to come along and accept its dares. Dash, in a bad mood during the holidays, happens to be the first guy to pick up the notebook and rise to its challenges....
-
-
Best Christmas Story
- By Cassandra on 2023-11-20
-
Dash & Lily's Book of Dares (Netflix Series Tie-In Edition)
- Narrated by: Ryan Gesell, Tara Sands
- Series: Dash & Lily Series, Book 1
- Length: 6 hrs and 40 mins
- Release date: 2010-11-16
- Language: English
-
Can't get enough of holiday movies set in New York City? Then, you'll love this audiobook about two teenagers and their unexpected romance. On December 21st, Lily leaves a notebook containing a series of fun challenges on a shelf in her favourite bookstore, hoping the right guy will find it. Dash, who hates Christmas and feels lonely during the holidays, picks up the notebook. What follows is a whirlwind romance full of adventures all over the city, as these two young strangers pass the notebook back and forth, sharing their dreams and wishes on its pages. What will happen on New Year’s Day when their game comes to a close, and Dash and Lily meet in real life? Narrated by Ryan Gesell and Tara Sands, Dash & Lily’s Book of Dares is the first book in a series by bestselling authors Rachel Cohn and David Levithan. It inspired the Netflix series, Dash & Lily.
-
-
-
My True Love Gave to Me
- Twelve Holiday Stories
- Written by: Stephanie Perkins - editor
- Narrated by: Various
- Length: 12 hrs and 56 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
No matter what you celebrate there's there's a holiday story in here for everyone. So curl up by the fireplace and get cozy. You have twelve reasons this season to stay indoors and fall in love....
-
My True Love Gave to Me
- Twelve Holiday Stories
- Narrated by: Various
- Length: 12 hrs and 56 mins
- Release date: 2014-10-14
- Language: English
-
Whatever your favourite holiday, this young adult anthology of holiday stories is sure to delight you. My True Love Gave Me features a rich diversity of tales centred on a holiday—Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Christmas and the Solstice among them—from 12 young adult authors, including Rainbow Rowell, Jenny Han and Holly Black. Full of themes of family, love and friendship, these stories will get you in the festive spirit. Edited by Stephanie Perkins and read by various narrators, including Julia Whelan and Fiona Hardingham, this captivating collection of short stories will leave you with that warm and fuzzy feeling from the moment you hit play.
-
Holiday Books for the Whole Family
-
-
The People Remember
- Written by: Ibi Zoboi
- Narrated by: Ibi Zoboi, Robin Miles
- Length: 24 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
From award-winning, New York Times best-selling author Ibi Zoboi comes her debut book - a tour de force that uses the principles of Kwanzaa to talk about the history of African Americans....
-
The People Remember
- Narrated by: Ibi Zoboi, Robin Miles
- Length: 24 mins
- Release date: 2021-09-28
- Language: English
-
Entertaining and educational in equal measure, this unique holiday listen uses the seven principles of Kwanzaa to explore African American history. In her debut book, award-winning and New York Times bestselling author Ibi Zoboi connects each principle to a different story, beginning in Africa, where people were taken from their homes and families. Narrated by the author and Robin Miles, this audiobook includes histories of enslaved people in the United States and explores the rich cultures, rituals and traditions that they built. A beautiful celebration of Black culture, social justice movements and the human capacity for resilience, The People Remember truly embodies the spirit of the Kwanzaa holiday.
-
-
-
Sam and the Lucky Money
- Written by: Karen Chinn, Cornelius Van Wright, Ying-Hwa Hu
- Narrated by: Ming-Na Wen
- Length: 10 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Sam meets a stranger who helps him make the perfect decision on how to spend the lucky money he's received for Chinese New Year....
-
Sam and the Lucky Money
- Narrated by: Ming-Na Wen
- Length: 10 mins
- Release date: 2014-03-18
- Language: English
-
This enchanting children's book, transformed into a stunning audiobook, follows Sam, a boy who's trying to decide how to spend the “lucky money” he received for the Chinese New Year from his grandparents. Luckily, he meets a stranger who helps him make the right decision—and teaches him something about giving and generosity in the process. Karen Chinn’s heartwarming holiday story invites young listeners to experience an American urban Chinatown during the Chinese New Year festivities, which makes for an engaging and educational listening experience. Sam and the Lucky Money is a title you will want to add to your holiday listening list.
-