SIGN UP! 
Hallmark Christmas Movies Based On Books
By: Angela & Melissa
Updated:
As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, we may earn a referral fee from qualifying purchases.We love Hallmark Christmas movies as much as the next girl. In fact, I might be watching one as I write this post. Ok, you got me… I’m definitely watching one!
But you know what they say… the book is always better than the movie! That got us wondering – are any of the Hallmark movies based on books? It turns out that, YES, many of them are. So we did what we do best… we compiled a list!
This list of Christmas Hallmark movie books could go on and on! But since we know half the fun is watching the movie after you finish the book, we’ve limited our list to books that inspired Hallmark movies that you can easily watch after reading. For each book, we’ve listed the corresponding movie title and included links to stream the movies online so that you can watch any time.
The Book That Inspired a New 2024 Hallmark Christmas Movie
Christmasland
Book Summary
Bea is a writer who travels the world collecting stories to inspire her novels. She knows fiction, and she knows that the stories in popular holiday movies are too good to be true. Not only that, but she’s not a big fan of Christmas.
So when her best friend, Em, wins an all-inclusive trip to “Christmasland” – a town in Vermont that promises to create a romantic Christmas movie experience for all visitors—Bea is more than a little skeptical about the idea of manufactured Christmas cheer.
Dragged along by Em, Bea is caught off guard when, one by one, she starts to experience all of the typical experiences that you’d find on a holiday movie bingo card, beginning with being rescued by a handsome stranger who’s back home from the big city for the holidays.
Soon, there’s a baking competition, an interrupted first kiss, and even a sleigh ride through the woods. But if all of it is just for show, then why does it feel like she’s really falling for Ethan?
The Book Girls Say…
Angela read this short Christmas book a few years ago and loved the Hallmarkesque movie inside a book concept. That it’s now been made into an actual Hallmark movie is even better!
The 2024 movie adaptation, Believe in Christmas, will premier on Hallmark Channel on Saturday, November 30th at 6 pm Eastern.
More Hallmark Christmas Movies Based on Books
Hope at Christmas
Book Summary
After a painful divorce, Sydney returns home to Hopewell, North Carolina, looking for a fresh start. She and her daughter settle in at the farmhouse that once belonged to her grandparents, and Sydney takes a job at her favorite bookstore, The Book Bea.
Kevin MacAlea (“Mac”) is a history teacher and baseball coach at the local high school. Single dad Mac has been playing the town’s Santa ever since his son was born 12 years ago.
When Syndey meets Mac, a relationship is the last thing on her mind, but they find themselves spending more and more time together.
The holiday season starts out magical, but things take a turn when a catastrophe forces The Book Bea to close. Then things get worse when Sydney’s ex-husband breaks a promise to their daughter, causing her to run away.
Let It Snow
Book Summary
Let It Snow is one of those classic Christmas concepts that never get old. Christina is busy preparing for the busy season at her toy shop in Nantucket when her Scrooge-like landlord raises the rent to a level that means her only option is closing her shop.
She tries to keep her hope alive that she can appeal to some decency under his harsh exterior and realizes that could be possible after meeting his sweet granddaughter. Of course, an attractive bachelor also enters to assist in her attempt to save her store. While the concept isn’t unique, sometimes an enjoyable, predictable read is just what we need to escape unpredictable reality.
Never Kiss a Man in a Christmas Sweater
Book Summary
Maggie’s Christmas has always been made festive (and a bit chaotic) by her daughter, Ellen, and her father, Paddy. But this year, both Ellen and Paddy have their own plans for the holidays, and Maggie is facing a lonely, blue Christmas.
But then, while walking the snowy streets of Oxford, Marco literally crashes into her life – all handsome 6 feet 5 inches of him. She thought it was a universally accepted truth that you should never kiss a man in a Christmas jumper (or, as we call it in the US, a Christmas sweater). But when Marco and his broken leg become her unexpected houseguest, everything she thought she knew goes out the window.
How the Grinch Stole My Heart
Book Summary
Newly divorced Noelle has never met her next-door neighbor, but she knows that he’s a Grinch! And he seems determined to ruin her first Christmas as a single mom. He’s always leaving her nasty notes about her son playing in the hallway, and he even forced the doorman to get rid of the beautiful Christmas tree in the lobby.
There are also a couple of things that Noelle doesn’t know about her neighbor. For one, he’s not the old man she envisions him to be. And second, he’s going to be her date on Saturday night.
Long Lost Christmas
Book Summary
Interior designer Hayley hopes to reunite her mother with her long-lost brother. She travels to Montana and hides her true identity from her uncle to get closer to him and his family.
Things get further complicated when Hayley finds herself falling for her uncle’s business partner, architect and builder Blake Dennison. Blake is also attracted to Hayley, but he’s suspicious.
A Timeless Christmas
Book Summary
Megan loves the past and works as a tour guide at a historic mansion. She tells visitors about the original owner, Charles Whitley, who was an inventor and businessman in the early 1900s before he disappeared.
Charles was always intrigued by the future, but never expected a clock he bought on his travels to transport him to the 21st century. When he arrives, he’s shocked to find his home decorated for the holidays and filled with strangers.
Charles is determined to find a way back to his own era, but first, Megan will introduce him to smartphones, pizza, and modern holiday traditions.
Time for Me to Come Home
Book Summary
Thirty-five-year-old Heath has made the big-time as a country music star, including headlining a sold-out show at Madison Square Garden on December 23rd.
As soon as the show is over, he realizes that the place he really wants to spend the holiday is home in Okmulgee, Oklahoma. But flight delays and inclement weather are making that challenging. Heath will have to team up with an unexpected travel companion if he wants to be home in time to open presents.
The Book Girls Say…
Blake Shelton and his mom first recorded a song based on their holiday memories, and then she turned the song into a novel. Blake later co-produced the Hallmark movie adaptation, which has numerous sequels.
Boyfriends of Christmas Past
Book Summary
Emma Wallace is a digital designer who has always lived by the work-before-play mantra. This year, though, she’s promised her every-patient boyfriend that this year she’ll spend Christmas with him, rather than in the office.
But that was before she learned that she had a chance at winning the account for a huge corporate rebranding. As Christmas Eve draws near with her deadline still looming, Emma debates on breaking her promise and jeopardizing her relationship with Sam.
She is visited by three boyfriend “ghosts” of Christmases past, who come bearing the gift of hindsight.
Also Featured on These Book Lists:
A Mrs. Miracle Christmas
Book Summary
This is a follow-up to two other Hallmark movies based on Debbie Macomber’s books, Mrs. Miracle and Call Me Mrs. Miracle.
In this story, Laurel and her husband have been praying for a baby. They have also moved in with her beloved grandmother, Helen, who’s having trouble taking care of herself. However, when Laurel contacts a local home-care organization, no caregivers are available until Mrs. Miracle arrives at the door, offering the family the help they need.
The Jingle Bell Bride
Book Summary
Jessica is a NY wedding planner who is used to going the extra mile to make her clients’ dreams come true, but this year she’s going MANY extra miles to fulfill a famous client’s wish for the famed Jingle Bell flower from Alaska. When Jessica gets stranded in the last frontier, she upends the life of Matt, a widowed botanist who also works at the local reindeer farm.
Also Featured on These Book Lists:
Christmas Joy
Book Summary
Joy is a successful market researcher in DC, but when her aunt takes a fall that lands her in a rehab center for the holidays, Joy heads home to take care of the family farm, even though the leave of absence may cost her a big promotion. In addition to taking on the farm, Joy also finds that she has to contend with her former crush, Ben – who always helps Ruby with the annual Christmas Home Tour. And then there’s Molly, the little girl who shows up at the farm unexpectedly.
Also Featured on These Book Lists:
Coming Home for Christmas
Book Summary
Allie is thrilled when she lands a job planning the Christmas gala festivities for the Ashford Estate, but dealing with the family is another matter.
Robert is cold and plans to sell the estate. His brother Kip won’t stop flirting with Allie. Their sister, Sloane, arrives home amid a divorce. And grandma Pippa just grumbles at everyone from her mobility scooter. If it’s going to be the last holiday for the family at the Ashford Estate, Allie is determined to make it a happy one no matter how hard they fight her on it.
Christmas Wishes and Mistletoe Kisses
Book Summary
Single mother Abbey Fuller had to put her dreams of being an interior designer on hold, but now she’s been offered a chance to decorate the huge Sinclair mansion for the holidays.
She worries she might be in over her head with the design job, but when she meets the handsome owner, Nicholas Sinclair, she knows she’s in real trouble.
A Bramble House Christmas
Book Summary
Finn Conrad wants to understand why his late father left $50,000 to his nurse, whom he’d only known for six weeks. He travels to Bramble House Bed & Breakfast in Montana in search of answers.
A December Bride
Book Summary
Layla dreads her cousin’s Christmas wedding because the groom is her ex-fiance. Seth, the ex’s best friend, convinces Layla to be his date to the wedding, and then proceeds to announce that he and Layla are engaged (they’re not!). But the news of Layla and Seth’s (fake) impending nuptials isn’t all bad, because it convinces a client that Layla might just be high-society enough to work for him, which could put her home-staging business on the map. But does Seth have other motives?
A Family Under the Christmas Tree
Book Summary
David doesn’t know much about kids, and when his brother unexpectedly dies, he is unprepared to gain custody of his grieving nephew.
Sophie is a world-traveling, fashion photographer spending Christmas with her grandmother and her dog before heading off on her next assignment. When the boy and the dog become fast friends at the park, David and Sophie unite as well.
A Christmas Bride
Book Summary
Willow returns home for the first time in years to fulfill the wishes of her recently deceased best friend. Widower David is grumpy about the Christmas season, but a kiss under the mistletoe and the magic of the holiday season gives him hope for more.
The Mistletoe Promise
Book Summary
Three years ago, Elise’s husband cheated on her with her best friend. Their divorce left her distrustful. So you can imagine her reaction when a stranger approaches her in the mall food court with the proposition that they pretend to be a couple for the eight weeks leading up to Christmas Eve. A contract with clear rules makes Elise feel more comfortable: (1) No probing personal questions; (2) no drama; (3) no telling anyone the truth; (4) the contract is void on Christmas day.
The Mistletoe Secret
Book Summary
This is the third book in the popular Mistletoe Collection series. A recently heartbroken woman takes to a blog to autonomously share her feelings under the handle LBH. Across the country, Alex reads the blog posts and follows a trail of clues to find LBH. He makes his way to her hometown just after Thanksgiving, but while searching for LBH, he begins to fall for Aria, a waitress at the Mistletoe Diner.
Holiday Hearts
Book Summary
Event planner Eve Canaday and her secret crush, Dr. Ben Tyler, are unexpectedly drafted to help a little girl fulfill her late mother’s wish—a magical Christmas to create some happy memories. Eve sees this opportunity as a sign; Ben, as a glitch in his plan to leave Marietta behind for good.
This book was originally published under the title The Christmas Wish.
The Christmas Club
Book Summary
It’s 1952, and Verna is ready for a great Christmas season. But as she’s leaving the bank, a strong wind blows her Christmas Club money out of her hands and through the streets of busy downtown Cleveland. Strangers come to her aid and set in motion an unexpected turn of events.
Also Featured on These Book Lists:
The Christmas Town
Book Summary
Twenty-year-old Lauren spent her childhood in foster homes and still hasn’t found a place to truly call home. When she witnesses a car accident, she finds herself pulled into life in a small town – first as a witness, then as a volunteer for the annual holiday fundraiser for a center for single mothers.
A Christmas Cottage
Book Summary
Lacy’s heard the legend of the Christmas Cottage – that any couple that spends the night will find everlasting love – but she doesn’t buy it. She doesn’t believe in happily ever after, but her best friend does, and she’s the one who is getting married – so it’s Lacy’s job to make sure the cottage is perfect for the newlyweds. But when she gets snowed in with the best man, all bets are off.
Also Featured on These Book Lists:
Jingle Jammies
Book Summary
Charlie Dobb’s late mother always predicted that Charlie would find her true love in a snowfall. But the closest she’s come is towing a famous pajama designer – Spencer Carmichael – out of a ditch. But it’s ok because she has no time for love. As soon as this season’s Elfcapade festivities are over, Charlie will ditch her mechanic overalls and move to NYC.
Spencer would rather be spending the holidays in the Bahamas, but his famous holiday pajamas have failed for a second year in a row. To overcome his creative block, he’s heading back to his hometown. But so far, the only thing that’s inspired him is the woman who saved him from a snowbank.
As a ploy to spend more time with Charlie, Spenser offers to tackle her to do list in exchange for her designing his pajamas. But can this partnership last past Christmas?
The Book Girls Say…
The Hallmark movie adaptation, Christmas by Design, is available to stream anytime via Fubo.
One Final Book for Hallmark Christmas Movie Fans
Hallmark Channel Countdown to Christmas
Book Summary
This book is different from the novels on the list, but we couldn’t resist sharing it with you. It includes over 50 holiday recipes by Hallmark Christmas movie stars, but that’s just the beginning. You’ll also get gift-wrapping ideas AND a guide to hosting a fun watch party with your friends.
The Book Girls Say…
This would be a really fun gift for a Christmas movie lover in your life (or yourself)!
Join the Christmas Books Mini Reading Challenge
Our free four-prompt mini-reading challenge is perfect for anyone who enjoys reading seasonally. Each prompt comes with a list of recommended books for you to choose from, making it a fun and easy way to enhance your Christmas reading.
Printable Version of this List
Our Inner Circle Members have access to a single page printable version of this book list, along with other fun perks. Join now for instant access to the printable!
Looking for More Seasonal Reads? Try These Next…
- How to Create a Christmas Book Advent Calendar
- 30 of the Best Christmas Books for Adults
- Charming Christmas Novels Set in Europe
- Christmas Books Set in the UK
- 8 Snowy Canadian Christmas Novels
- Hallmark Christmas Movies Based On Books
- 25 Christmas Romance Novels for 2024
- 14 Holiday Rom Com Books (That Aren’t About Christmas)
- Book Club Books for Christmas
- 17 Christmas Cozy Mystery Books & Thrillers
- Best Kindle Unlimited Books for Christmas
- 2024 Christmas Mini Reading Challenge
- 15 Must-Read Magical Realism Books for Christmas
- Christmas Historical Fiction Books
- 11 Great Christmas Books Set in North Carolina
