Holiday Reads for Fantasy Fans

Do you have a favorite holiday read? Maybe you curl up every year for a re-reading of The Christmas Carol or The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe. Maybe you have a less known title you love and wish more people heard about.

Either way, relaxing with a book can be a great way to get into the holiday spirit or just take a pause from the hectic pace of the season for a few hours. 

I'll admit, I'm a little bit of a book hipster. Not that I like high brow or pretentious fiction, but I just love finding books that no one else is really talking about. Because of this, I've crafted a selection for you that involves a few titles that are better known, but also some indie books I'd like to highlight so more people find them. 

So let's start filling your bookshelves (or ereaders) with some cozy, seasonal holiday fiction!

Letters from Father Christmas by J.R.R. Tolkien

This book is an experience as well as a look into the mind of one of the masters of fantasy. Read through letters written for his children and experience the whimsy and wonder of the North Pole as seen by one of the most creative minds all time.

Pair with...

Because of the cozy, playful mood of this classic, we suggest pairing it with Whiskered Winter Ball. The notes of chocolate and Irish cream will put you right in the middle of a festive fete at the North Pole. Just hope Polar Bear doesn't get into too much trouble this year. 

The Candlelight Gifts by J.A. Andrews

This short fantasy retelling is a Gift of the Magi retelling. I read it while driving up to get my Christmas tree last year and my daughters were like, "Mom, why are you crying?"

Pair with...

This is set in an epic fantasy world with all the Dwarves, Elves, and Tree Beings you could want. It just has that classic fantasy vibe, but still manages a cozy, heartfelt experience. To bring this to life, burn Longhouse Hearth while you read.

The Winter Queen's Tale by Naomi P. Cohen.

Full disclosure, this is pre-release, but I got an early copy. An encounter with a faerie crowns a farmer's daughter as the new snow queen and sends her on a cross country quest to save her brother. There are snow bees. It is up for pre-order but launches December 2nd, 2023.

Pair with...

Northern Lights is the perfect cold, fresh scent to take you across a wintery landscape into a world of magic but also danger. The pepper and light patchouli notes give this candle that hint of wild magic. 

A Fairy King by CJ Brightley

Looking for something a little more "Hallmark"? This sweet story about a shy woman whose magical childhood pen pal turns out to be more real than she bargained for is told mostly in letter form, and is so so so cozy and sweet. 

Pair with...

The titular King's companion is an owl, so of course we think you should light Owl's Starry Night while reading this gentle tale. The notes of tree moss and luminescent amber will bring the Faerie Courts to life.

A Dragon for Christmas by Marc Secchia

Want your holidays to be as epic as they are cozy? Journey with a young elf through a snowy landscape as he learns to survive, discovers a magic sword, and rescues a dragon egg. 

Pair with...

This story involves a lot of foresty scenes as well as a very important tree. Because of this, you have to match it with The Yule Tree

Odd and the Frost Giants by Neil Gaiman 

While not technically a "Christmas" book, the wintery setting of this short, funny story can really get you in the mood for the season. The audiobook read by the author is also amazing. 

Pair with...

To get right into the world of a Viking village in winter time, light up The Jarl's Chamber. You'll find yourself partying with Thor and Loki in no time!

What are your favorite holiday reads?

I could go on for hours about all the amazing holiday book out there, but what about you? What is your favorite seasonal tale? A book that really makes you feel the icy breeze on your face or the warmth of a fire crackling in the hearth? 

We'd love to hear about it. Stop by our Facebook group and tell us more.

Are you looking for more Holiday Fragrances?

Mythologie Candles' Christmas in the Castle collection arrives November 17th! These six new candles highlight classic holiday fragrances with a magical twist.
Want to know when they drop? Become an Earlybird.