The best holiday audiobooks for making spirits bright

There are few combinations more perfect than Charles Dickens’s A Christmas Carol and the exquisite skill set of English icon Tim Curry. The Victorian tale of guilt, greed, family, and redemption is matched beautifully by the dynamic (and, at times, appropriately chilling) narration. Curry previously performed the role of Ebenezer Scrooge in 2001’s Madison Square Garden musical adaptation of A Christmas Carol, and he brings the same stage-crackling energy to this narration of the story. With the arrival of each ghost of Christmas, the listener can hear the indignation, fear, remorse, and then, finally, joy in the voice of Curry’s Scrooge.

J.R.R. Tolkien's wit 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 in the North Pole and around the world. Warm and wonderfully narrated by Derek Jacobi with John Moffatt and Christian Rodska, this audiobook makes for cozy fireside listening.

This collection, compiled and edited by historian Dr. Bettye Collier-Thomas, celebrates the holiday traditions of Black Americans as well America’s rich Black literary history. By turns heartfelt, funny, serious, and whimsical, it features stories written in the late 19th and early 20th centuries by Black artists, activists, journalists, and visionaries such as Langston Hughes, Pauline Hopkins, John Henrik Clark, and W. E. B. DuBois. Narrator Adenrele Ojo lends her accomplished voice to the entire treasury.

This treasure trove of more than 60 beloved holiday stories is made for immersing yourself in the festive spirit. Featuring works from classic authors like Charles Dickens, Hans Christian Andersen, Louisa May Alcott, and Beatrix Potter, The Ultimate Christmas Collection brings together timeless tales of joy, wonder, and reflection. Narrated by a cast of talented voice artists, this audiobook offers more than 39 hours of holiday cheer for listeners of all ages.

This inventive reimagining of A Christmas Carol is full of humor, heart, Victorian holiday cheer, and some endearing grumbling. Charles Dickens is not in a festive mood. 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 book, 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. Actor Euan Morton, whose roles include playing King George in the Broadway musical Hamilton, narrates, impeccably.

From the bestselling author of Murder on the Christmas Express, this fiendishly clever mystery marks the return of puzzle compiler and former Christmas skeptic Edie O’Sullivan. When Edie wins a two-day holiday getaway to a remote Scottish island, she’s looking forward to sitting by a fireplace with a good book and hot toddy. But when guests at the hotel begin dying under mysterious circumstances, she must rise to the challenge of stopping the killing spree by solving the strange riddles found in the victims’ Christmas crackers. Narrator Sandra Duncan captures the fun and suspense of this cozy Christmas crime caper.

Mystery fans fell in love with Benjamin Stevenson's Everyone in My Family Has Killed Someone, and now amateur sleuth Ernest Cunningham is back with a festive whodunit. It starts backstage at the show of a world-famous magician, whose benefactor has just been murdered. All of the suspects—including a hypnotist, a tech whiz, and the magician himself—are professional tricksters Could the clue to solving it all be hidden in an advent calendar? Barton Welch's narration, complete with Australian accent, makes this series a must-listen.

Part of a popular series, this audiobook is perfect for mystery lovers who adore a literary twist. Following book restoration expert Brooklyn Wainwright and her husband Derek as they unravel clues in a Scottish castle, The Twelve Books of Christmas pairs rare books and holiday cheer with an intriguing locked-room murder. With narrator Kimberly M. Wetherell's warmth and gift for building suspense, you'll be immersed in the story's holiday charm as you keep guessing until the very end.

Danny Pellegrino’s witty narration turns his holiday memoir into a laugh-out-loud experience. With hilarious stories about family antics and traditions gone awry, this audiobook captures the chaos and charm of the holiday season. It’s perfect for anyone looking to embrace the imperfect but joyful reality of the holidays with plenty of humor along the way.

With the gift pressures, food squabbles, travel nightmares, and family feuds, Christmas can be a lot to handle. Happily, award-winning comedian Katherine Ryan is here just in time for a holiday intervention. In this new Audible Original series, Katherine sits down with her husband Bobby and daughter Violet to dig into their most memorable Christmas disasters and brainstorm some solutions to help you not just survive the season but actually enjoy it. Throughout the six short and hilarious episodes, she is joined by celebrity guests—her personal Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Future—who share their own holiday messes and magical saves.

Though the late Anthony Bourdain is best loved for his deeply empathetic travelogue television series No Reservations, his writing and narration are exceptional in their own right. And while his memoirs, including the impeccable Kitchen Confidential and Medium Raw, are recognized exemplars of autobiography, this joyfully tongue-in-cheek holiday novella is well worth a listen too. Fans of Bourdain’s raw, gritty prose and irreverent sense of humor will love this story of the kitchen staffers at the struggling Saint Germain, who are determined, against all odds, to turn the eatery’s fate around.

Kitty and Leo are looking forward to celebrating their first Christmas as an official couple in their brand new home. But their dreams of snuggling and making new traditions together are interrupted when both sets of in-laws unexpectly ring their doorbell on Christmas morning. With two meddling Mums, one Scrooge-like Dad, and an aggressively frisky cat in the house for the holidays, what could possibly go wrong? Whether you fell in love with Kitty and Leo in The Rebound or are meeting them for the first time, Leeanne Slades’s holiday comedy about marriage and extended families is bound to keep you chuckling and commiserating.

Jamal and Lesley are Mr. and Mrs. Christmas, the perfect holiday couple—at least, that's what they tell the media. Lesley has been crushing on Jamal, her best friend's older brother, since she was a teenager, so she can't turn down the chance to fake date to help put their small town on the map. Marcella Cox and Ian Hackney's narration perfectly builds the tension between them as they realize that neither of them wants to leave this relationship behind when the snow melts.

All Laura wants for Christmas is to be left alone with a bottle of wine, flat-sitting for a stranger. But when the stranger’s parents pop over and mistake her for his mystery girlfriend, she’s suddenly swept off to the Scottish Highlands with the whole clan—and blown away by Callum. Is getting a fake boyfriend just for Christmas? Or could her chemistry with Callum be the start of a real romance to kick off the New Year? Heather Long narrates this delightfully funny and heartwarming rom-com from Lindsey Kelk.

If you can’t get enough of fake romances for the holidays, Yours for the Season is another must-listen. There’s one thing ambitious attorney Sameera Malik and rising-star chef Tom Cook have in common: neither has time for romance. When they meet at a holiday party, they share a few laughs while making samosas and then go their separate ways. But when one of Tom’s posts sparks a juicy viral rumor, they agree to keep pretending to be a couple for a while—a faux romance will boost Tom’s popularity and, in return, he’ll help Sameera land a wealthy client. It all sounds like a great plan—until Sameera’s traditional parents insist on meeting Tom’s very not Muslim family over Christmas. Narrated by Zaara Noor, this refreshing cross-cultural rom-com features an introduction by the incomparable Mindy Kaling.

This sharp and hilarious Audible Original flips holiday romance tropes on their head in the most delightful way. Narrators Andi Arndt and Teddy Hamilton bring their trademark wit and charm to this unconventional love story, where a disillusioned writer navigates the chaos of Christmas and finds a budding romance along the way. Perfect for anyone craving a fresh, laugh-out-loud take on holiday love stories, this audiobook is a festive treat with a modern twist.

This charming holiday romance weaves together Christmas, Hanukkah, and Eid in a story full of heart, humor, and unexpected connections. When strangers Maryam and Anna find themselves stranded during a snowstorm, their lives collide in ways that transform their holiday plans. Narrated with warmth and depth by Ulka Simone Mohanty, this audiobook beautifully explores cultural traditions, family dynamics, and the magic of love across the winter season. It’s a perfect listen for anyone seeking a feel-good, inclusive holiday tale.

Books about books are always tempting, and this one layers in a holiday romance to make it irresistible. When publishing employee Abi Schore arrives on the doorstep of one of her authors to see why she hasn't submitted her manuscript, it isn't mystery write D. B. Ziegler who opens the door—it's her grandson, Dov. When she couldn't finish the book, Dov promised to do it for her, but now he's in over his head. Together, Abi and Dov work on the story over Hanukkah, and an unexpected romance begins to brew. The dual narration by Eva Kaminsky and Andrew Eiden brings this love story to life.

This magical holiday romance 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.

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, amid the light-filled magic of Diwali, she meets Sameer, a free-spirited London 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?

For a decade, Rachel Rubenstein-Goldblatt has kept a big secret from her Jewish family—she loves Christmas, and, under a pseudonym, 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 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. Jean Meltzer delivers a warmhearted holiday romance about second chances and finding the courage to be yourself.

A holiday fling turns into a lifelong love in this delightful royal romp from Jasmine Guillory. Vivian is thrilled to accompany her daughter Maddie on a work trip to England, where Maddie will be styling a member of the royal family. Vivian is planning on enjoying some much-needed time off—she's not expecting to fall head over heels for the queen's private secretary, Malcolm. Vivian and Malcolm have no trouble navigating a steamy holiday romance. But when they realize they both want more, are they ready to take risks they never imagined?

This sweet romance intertwines the festive spirit with themes of self-discovery and young love. The story follows Tia Solanké, a city girl reluctantly spending Christmas at Saiyan Hedge Farm, where she meets Quincy Parker, the farm owner's son. To save the farm's Winter Ball, they agree to a fake relationship, leading to genuine feelings as holiday preparations get underway. Bello's immersive storytelling and authentic characters, brought to life by Kenton Thomas and Nneka Okoye's narration, make this novel a perfect listen for those seeking a tale that explores the magic of the season and the complexities of young love.

Set in a quirky year-round Christmas theme park on an island north of Alaska, this LGBTQIA+ rom-com delivers festive fun and unexpected romance. Aaron wants his brother Casey to move on from his ex, while Kris hopes to bring his uncle back to become the first gay Santa. Their paths collide in a whirlwind of holiday chaos and charm, leading to an unforgettable connection. Narrated with humor by the author and Shawn K. Jain, this audiobook celebrates love, self-discovery, and the magic of the holiday season in a fresh and inclusive way.

There’s something uniquely joyous about the holiday season when you’re a teen—school’s out, the snow is mounting, and ice-skating and hot cocoa dates offer a chance at young love. In this contemporary young adult story, three pillars of the genre—Maureen Johnson, Lauren Myracle, and John Green—trace the fates of a cast of characters stuck in their small town on Christmas Eve by a massive storm. As their separate stories begin to intertwine, surprising, heartwarming connections are made, shining a light on the season’s joys. Narrators Rebecca Soler, Brandon Gill, and Ali Ahn bring Let It Snow and its magic to life for listeners.

This audiobook warmly introduces the traditions and celebratory meals of Hanukkah. As a loving family comes together to prepare for the festival, listeners are immersed in the sights, sounds, and flavors of the holiday, from cooking latkes to lighting the menorah. The story emphasizes the joy of family togetherness and the importance of passing down cultural traditions. Charmingly narrated by Emily Lawrence, this audiobook is perfect for families seeking to educate and entertain children about Hanukkah.

Riya eagerly anticipates Diwali's delicious treats but dreads the accompanying darkness and loud fireworks. Through a bedtime story, her mother shares the origins of Diwali, highlighting the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil. While empowering Riya to overcome her fears and fully embrace the celebration, this story educates young listeners about the festival's significance. Author Anita Mishra and narrator Sneha Mathan authentically represent their cultures, showcasing how Diwali is celebrated across various religions, including Hinduism, Jainism, Sikhism, and Buddhism.

This unique holiday listen uses the seven principles of Kwanzaa to explore African American history. Ibi Zoboi connects each principle to a different and equally inspiring real-life story. Read by the author and Hall of Fame narrator Robin Miles, the book 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 and social justice movements, The People Remember truly embodies the spirit of Kwanzaa.

This is an enchanting listen for all children and especially for families who celebrate the Lunar New Year. The story follows Sam, a boy who's trying to decide how to spend the money he received for Chinese New Year. Luckily, he meets a stranger who helps him make the right decision—and teaches him something about giving and generosity in the process.

For generations, families have turned to Clement Moore’s poem every Christmas Eve to prepare children for a magical visit from Santa and his reindeer. What better way to continue the family tradition—or start your own—than inviting Jeff Bridges to do the reading. The accomplished actor brings his distinctive voice, style, and humor to this holiday classic. To quote one enthusiastic grown-up listener: “The Dude makes an excellent Santa!”

Alight with the childhood wonder of connecting with and loving those cherished stuffed companions, Margery Williams's British kidlit classic The Velveteen Rabbit has been breaking hearts and inspiring families for over a century. This holiday season, invite a little warmth into your home with Richard Armitage’s masterful rendition recounting a young boy’s beloved Christmas gift—the titular plush rabbit—as well as the pains of parting and the joys of recognizing his pal in the wild. This listen is perfect for families and those feeling a bit nostalgic during the festive season.