Best Christmas Cozy Mysteries
(According to a Very Cozy Reader)

There’s something extra magical about Christmas cozy mysteries. Maybe it’s the snow-dusted small towns, the endless trays of cookies, or the way sleuths manage to juggle murder investigations while still making it home in time for cocoa and caroling. Whatever the reason, here are some of the best Christmas cozy mysteries that are my go-to when I want comfort and a clever mystery wrapped up in twinkly lights.

Below is a mix of Christmas-themed cozy mysteries I’ve personally read and loved, along with a few I haven’t gotten to yet—but that still deserve a spot on your winter TBR. Think of this as a cozy buffet: baking-heavy mysteries, bookish sleuths, crafty crimes, small towns across the U.S. (and beyond), and even a dash of light paranormal fun.

Grab a blanket, adjust the tree lights, and let’s get cozy.

Best Christmas Cozy Mysteries
Baking, Cookies & Culinary Crimes

If your ideal Christmas mystery includes recipes, bake-offs, and suspiciously competitive cookie exchanges, you are absolutely in the right place.

Slashing Through the Snow, ’Twas the Knife Before Christmas, and Twelve Slays of Christmas form a delightful trio of baking cozies set in a charming New England farming town. These are pure holiday comfort reads—snowy settings, plenty of pastries, and mysteries that feel festive without ever tipping into dark.

For bake-off lovers, Murder at the Christmas Cookie Bake-Off is a standout. It leans into foodie fun while adding a light paranormal touch, which gives the story just a little sparkle beyond the usual cozy formula.

Then there’s the iconic Hannah Swensen holiday lineup:

• Christmas Cake Murder
• Christmas Caramel Murder
• Christmas Cupcake Murder

These Midwestern small-town mysteries are basically Christmas dessert trays in book form—familiar, comforting, and perfect for binge-reading during December.

If you enjoy anthology-style cozies, Candy Cane Murder, Christmas Sweets, and Gingerbread Cookie Murder offer multiple regional flavors and sleuths in one festive package.

Best Christmas Cozy Mysteries
Bookish, Crafty & Hobby-Themed Cozies

Some Christmas cozies just feel like curling up inside a bookstore or craft room—and I adore them for it.

A Holiday Homicide is a bookish cozy that blends winter vibes with literary charm, perfect for readers who like mysteries set among bookshelves and close-knit communities.

Tea lovers will want to cozy up with In Peppermint Peril, a New England–set series starter that combines tea, books, and Christmas cheer. It’s gentle, welcoming, and an easy entry point into a new cozy series.

For crafters, Silent Knit, Deadly Knit brings together knitting, food, and holiday intrigue in a Northeastern small town. It’s especially perfect if you like your mysteries with yarn, snacks, and community vibes.

Best Christmas Cozy Mysteries
Small Town Christmas Vibes
(All Regions Welcome)

One of my favorite things about Christmas cozies is how many regions they cover—each with its own flavor of holiday cheer.

O, Deadly Night delivers classic small-town Christmas coziness with a snowy Northeastern backdrop.

Christmas in Paradise offers something a little different: a winter holiday mystery with travel elements and a warmer destination, perfect if you like your Christmas stories with palm trees and surprises.

Southern cozy fans will enjoy Christmas, Criminals, and Campers, which mixes RV life, Southern charm, and holiday mayhem in a way that feels playful and unique.

For village coziness with an international twist, Christmas Cocoa Murder brings Irish small-town charm, warm drinks, and festive mystery together beautifully.

Best Christmas Cozy Mysteries
Light Paranormal, Animal Sidekicks & Extra Whimsy

Sometimes Christmas cozies are even cozier with a little magic—or at least a very opinionated animal companion.

The Snow Globe Murder leans into whimsical holiday imagery with light paranormal elements that make it feel almost fairy-tale-like.

Sugar Plum Poisoned blends baking, holiday chaos, and just enough mystery to keep things moving briskly.

Trixie Silvertale’s holiday titles—Apple Dumpling Murder and Peppermint Cookie Murder—add animal sidekicks and light paranormal fun, making them ideal for readers who like their mysteries playful and whimsical.

Best Christmas Cozy Mysteries
New Series Starters & Cozy Discoveries

A few Christmas cozies on this list are still waiting for me, but they’ve earned a place here because they offer excellent entry points into new series.

Deck the Santa combines travel, family reunion chaos, and holiday mishaps—always a promising recipe.

A Christmas Candy Killing and Christmas in Sugar Creek both bring foodie coziness and small-town warmth, making them perfect picks for readers who want something festive but fresh.

Christmas Cozies Still on My TBR
(But Absolutely Worth Browsing)

Even the most devoted cozy reader can’t read everything—especially when Christmas cozies seem to multiply faster than cookie recipes in December. These holiday mysteries are still waiting on my TBR, but each one offers something special, whether it’s a snowbound setting, classic sleuthing, or full-on Christmas whimsy. If you’re browsing for festive mysteries beyond the usual baking-heavy picks, these are worth a closer look:

The Twelve Clues of Christmas
Set in snowy Scotland in 1933, this entry in the Royal Spyness series traps Lady Georgiana Rannoch in a winter wonderland where “accidents” start piling up at an alarming rate. A village straight out of A Christmas Carol, a posh holiday party, and a growing body count make this one feel like a classic, clue-filled Christmas mystery. The inclusion of a festive companion with recipes and games only adds to its holiday appeal.

The Mistletoe Murder
This collection gathers several Christmas-themed short mysteries written by P. D. James over the years, each showcasing her elegant plotting and subtle humor. While more traditional than modern cozy fare, these stories offer snowbound settings, contained casts, and that delicious “pure Agatha Christie” energy. A great option for readers who enjoy festive mysteries with a slightly sharper edge and a vintage feel.

A Christmas Corpse
This one leans fully into whimsical holiday fantasy: Candy Cane Hollow, Christmas all year, Mrs. Claus as a suspect, and elf police guarding the door. When a festive treat turns deadly, newcomer Holly Wood teams up with the Claus family to untangle small-town rivalries and very human motives. It promises Hallmark-style charm with a magical twist—perfect for readers who love cozy mysteries that embrace holiday cheer without restraint.

Rest You Merry
A reluctant holiday participant, an over-the-top Christmas illumination, and a murdered librarian make this a classic Christmas cozy setup with a darker undercurrent. Set at an agricultural college that takes its holiday festival very seriously, this mystery blends academic settings, dry humor, and quiet investigation. It’s often recommended for readers who enjoy smart, witty cozies with strong characters and wintry atmosphere.

The Cat Who Came for Christmas
While not a mystery, this beloved Christmas classic frequently pops up on cozy reading lists—and for good reason. It’s a heartwarming, funny account of one very independent cat who takes over a man’s home and life during the holidays. For cozy readers who enjoy animal sidekicks, gentle humor, and emotional warmth, this makes a perfect palate cleanser between murders.

These are perfect if you’re curating a broader Christmas cozy list or want to explore beyond baking-centric mysteries while still staying firmly in festive territory.

Why Christmas Cozies
Are Extra Special

Christmas cozy mysteries hit different—and longtime cozy readers know exactly why.

First, the setting does half the emotional work. Snowy streets, twinkling lights, crowded town squares, and cozy interiors create instant atmosphere. Even before the mystery kicks in, you already feel warm and settled.

Second, Christmas cozies naturally lean into community. Holiday festivals, bake-offs, family gatherings, and seasonal traditions pull characters together in ways that feel organic. That closeness raises the stakes without making the story feel heavy—perfect for cozy pacing.

There’s also something comforting about the predictable structure of holiday cozies. You know there will be cookies. You know someone will complain about the cold. You know the sleuth will juggle festive obligations while solving a murder. It’s familiar in the best possible way.

And finally, Christmas cozies give us permission to enjoy a mystery during a time of year that’s often emotionally full. They’re gentle, contained, and reassuring—proof that even when chaos happens, it can still be wrapped up neatly before dessert.

Why Christmas Cozies
Make Wonderful Gifts

If you’re ever stuck on what to gift a reader during the holidays, Christmas cozies are a surprisingly perfect choice.

They’re seasonal without being disposable. Unlike some holiday media that feels outdated after December 25th, Christmas cozies can be enjoyed all winter long—and often reread year after year.

They’re also incredibly approachable. Christmas-themed cozies are ideal for:

• New cozy mystery readers
• Readers who want something light during a busy season
• Gift recipients whose exact tastes you’re unsure of

Because they’re comforting, familiar, and rarely graphic, they’re a safe yet thoughtful pick.

Christmas cozies also feel intentional as gifts. You’re not just giving a book—you’re giving an experience: quiet evenings, warm drinks, and a little mental escape during one of the busiest times of the year.

And if all else fails? A Christmas cozy pairs beautifully with tea, cocoa, cookies, blankets, bookmarks, and basically any other cozy-adjacent gift item. Truly unmatched gift synergy.

Want more? Checkout my printables shop!

More Seasonal
Cozy Mystery
Recommendations

• Fall Cozy Mystery Picks
• Best Winter Cozy Mysteries
• Best Spring Cozy Mysteries
• Best Summer Cozy Mysteries
• Best Cozy Mysteries for Beginners
• Cozy Mysteries With Animal Sidekicks

Final Cozy Thoughts

Whether you’re team baking cozy, bookshop mystery, crafty sleuth, or light paranormal with pets, Christmas cozy mysteries truly offer something for everyone. They’re comforting without being boring, festive without being overwhelming, and always best enjoyed with snacks nearby.

If you’re building a holiday TBR, you can’t go wrong with any of these. Mix familiar favorites with a few new discoveries, and you’ll have enough Christmas coziness to last well past New Year’s.

And honestly? That’s the coziest plan of all.

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