As the holiday season approaches, many people are looking for the perfect books to curl up with by the fire or to read during a cozy night in. For YA readers, holiday-themed books are a great way to get into the festive spirit and escape into magical worlds. Julie, a dedicated bookworm and YA enthusiast, has compiled a list of her top 5 favorite YA holiday books, as well as some highly anticipated releases for 2020.

1. “Let It Snow” by John Green, Maureen Johnson, and Lauren Myracle – This charming anthology features three interconnected holiday romances set in a small town during a snowstorm. With heartwarming stories of friendship, love, and unexpected adventures, “Let It Snow” is the perfect book to get you in the holiday mood.

2. “Dash & Lily’s Book of Dares” by Rachel Cohn and David Levithan – In this delightful novel, Lily leaves a red notebook filled with dares in a bookstore, and Dash discovers it and accepts the challenge. As they pass the notebook back and forth, they begin to fall for each other, leading to a sweet and heartfelt holiday romance.

3. “My True Love Gave to Me: Twelve Holiday Stories” edited by Stephanie Perkins – This anthology features twelve holiday-themed short stories by some of the biggest names in YA literature, including Rainbow Rowell, Jenny Han, and Stephanie Perkins. From magical realism to contemporary romance, these stories capture the spirit of the season in unique and engaging ways.

4. “Carols and Chaos” by Cindy Anstey – Set in Regency-era England, this historical YA novel follows a maid named Kate who gets caught up in a whirlwind of holiday festivities, mystery, and romance. With its mix of Jane Austen-style romance and Christmas cheer, “Carols and Chaos” is a delightful holiday read for fans of historical fiction.

5. “Snow In Love” by Melissa de la Cruz, Nic Stone, Aimee Friedman, and Kasie West – This anthology brings together four heartwarming holiday stories that will make you believe in the magic of the season. From first loves to second chances, these stories celebrate the power of love and connection during the holidays.

For 2020, there are also some exciting new YA holiday releases to look forward to, including “10 Blind Dates” by Ashley Elston, “The Afterlife of Holly Chase” by Cynthia Hand, and “In a Holidaze” by Christina Lauren. With a mix of romance, humor, and holiday cheer, these upcoming books are sure to be must-reads for YA fans this holiday season.

So whether you’re a fan of sweet holiday romances or magical winter adventures, there’s a YA holiday book out there for everyone. Grab a cup of hot cocoa, cozy up with a blanket, and escape into the enchanting worlds of these delightful holiday reads recommended by Julie.