The Ultimate Winter Reading Bucket List for Classic Literature Lovers
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Time to read 6 min
I LOVE THE WINTER SEASON! It takes us from fall and pumpkins, to gratitude, to the reason for the season, and then into new beginnings. It really is the most wonderful time to slow down, get cozy, and spend some time reading classic stories!
Most of us also have a little more time off than we do during the rest of the year, which makes it the perfect season to read—or reread—some of our favorites. So grab your fuzzy blanket, light the fire, make something warm to drink, and let’s get into some of my favorite classics for winter!
Table of Content
TAPESTRY AND TOMES CLASSIC WINTER TBR LIST
Christmas Classics
1. A Christmas Carol
A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens: How about this being THE MOST CLASSIC CHRISTMAS NOVEL OF ALL TIME?! I was actually terrified of this story as a child because of the Disney rendition, the ghosts were SO scary to me! But as I got older and actually read the book, I realized what an incredible story it is.
It gives you such a great opportunity to reflect on your perspective, the way you’re living, and how changing the way you look at life can change everything. If there is one classic to read at Christmastime, this is it!
Immerse Yourself in the World of Scrooge!
2. The Nutcracker and the Mouse King
The Nutcracker and the Mouse King by E.T.A. Hoffmann: My mom and I would go see The Nutcracker Ballet during the holiday season annually, and we still try to go when we can! It is definitely a wild ride.
I mean…the Mouse King?! Haha but it really brings all of the magic and whimsy of Christmas front and center. To be honest, I didn’t even know it was originally a book until more recently, and now I can’t wait to make reading the story along with seeing the ballet part of our Christmas tradition!
3. The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe
The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis: CLASSIC! I love reading this one and watching the movie afterward. When I was younger, I always liked to pretend I was Susan while I read it…although the older I get, the more I realize I might have a little too much Edmund in me if someone offered me sweets! Haha. Between the snowy setting, the magic, and the deeper meaning behind the story, it just feels made for winter reading.
4. The Winter’s Tale or Twelfth Night
The Winter’s Tale or Twelfth Night by William Shakespeare: Shakespeare is a literary genius who has SO much to offer, and I love that these two stories give us completely different approaches to the winter season.
The Winter’s Tale captures the more serious, emotional, reflective side of winter, while Twelfth Night gives us the humor, chaos, and celebration. If you’re looking for something that feels fitting for a long winter evening, I think you’ll be happy with either one!
Coming of Age
1. Little Women
Little Women by Louisa May Alcott: This is my FAVORITE classic book. I grew up in a house with two sisters and no brothers, so I resonate so deeply with all of the cozy, sweet, chaotic coming-of-age experiences the March sisters go through!
You could even say Jo inspired me a little bit to finally take the leap and make Tapestry & Tomes a real thing. I definitely recommend this as a holiday read. It is full of family, dreams, growing up, cozy moments, and everything I want in a winter book.
2. Sense and Sensibility
Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen: This is another classic that brings the cozy to the forefront while also giving you plenty to think about as you’re curled up by the fire.
And once again…two sisters with VERY different personalities, which I can personally attest is absolutely a real thing when you’re growing up! Haha. It has romance, family dynamics, heartbreak, humor, and all of those quiet little moments that make a classic feel especially good in the winter.
Everything you need to bring the world of Sense and Sensibility to life!
3. Jane Eyre
Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë: This coming-of-age story takes us to the gloomier, moodier side of winter, and I LOVE IT.
There’s something about Jane’s fiery personality against these dark, cold settings that makes the story feel even more dramatic. And weirdly enough, I always notice my fuzzy blanket, socks, and warm house a little more while reading this one! If you want something cozy but with a little gothic moodiness mixed in, this is such a good choice.
Adventure
1. The Odyssey
The Odyssey by Homer: A whole new take on “I’ll be home for Christmas,” you know?! Haha. It is literally a story about a man trying to get home for YEARS, and I think that feeling hits a little differently during the holidays.
Even though my husband and I live way down yonder now, I still find myself homesick for snowy Christmas Eves at my mom’s house. The adventure is epic, but underneath all of it is this deep desire to make it home and I think that makes it surprisingly perfect for the season.
2. The Call of the Wild
The Call of the Wild by Jack London: This one holds a special place in my heart because I have SUCH a thing for dogs. We have two little dogs that I absolutely adore and cannot imagine life without. I am also 100% positive neither of them has the resilience of Buck.
One of ours experienced snow for the first time last year and I have never seen a dog look more betrayed by the weather in my life! Haha. The harsh Arctic setting makes you especially grateful to be curled up under your favorite blanket somewhere warm while reading it.
3. The Long Winter
The Long Winter by Laura Ingalls Wilder: I think we all know and love the Ingalls family and their story. Their experiences are such a reminder that building a life on the American frontier was anything but glamorous or easy and just how important family, resilience, and community were.
This one is such a good reminder about weathering storms, appreciating what you have, and still finding joy in the season even when difficult things come knocking at your door.
Mystery
1. Nancy Drew: The Mystery at the Ski Jump
The Mystery at the Ski Jump by Carolyn Keene: Y’all already know I have a HUGE thing for mysteries, so naturally, THEMED mysteries are one of my favorite things! Haha.
This one lets you go on a winter adventure with Nancy filled with skiing, snowstorms, suspicious people, and all of the classic Nancy Drew fun. It’s such an easy, light mystery to curl up with during winter!
2. The Adventure of the Blue Carbuncle
The Adventure of the Blue Carbuncle by Arthur Conan Doyle: This short story is one of my favorites from Doyle because you get to see the sweeter, more compassionate side of Sherlock that can sometimes be easy to miss!
Also…a mystery at Christmastime? Dare I say whimsical?! Haha. The holiday setting really lightens and brightens the generally serious nature of the Sherlock Holmes stories, and since it is a short story, it is super easy to add to your yearly Christmas reading.
3. Agatha Christie Winter Mysteries
Agatha Christie: The Sittaford Mystery, Hercule Poirot’s Christmas, and Murder on the Orient Express: THE MOTHER OF ALL MYSTERY absolutely comes through for winter reading!
Agatha Christie gives us multiple stories filled with snow, freezing weather, isolated settings, family drama, and, in true Christie fashion, murder. Hercule Poirot even has to solve a case during a family Christmas gathering, which honestly might not feel like that much of a stretch from some family holidays at this point! Haha.
If you want a classic whodunit set against a cold, wintry backdrop, any of these three will absolutely scratch that itch.
Slow Down with the Classics This Winter
Winter is already a season that makes me want to slow down, stay home, and soak in all of the little cozy moments and adding a classic book just makes it even better.
Whether you want Christmas magic, family stories, a huge adventure, or a snowy murder mystery, there really is a classic for every kind of winter reader!
Must Have Embroidery Kits To Help You Slow Down and Savor the Winter Moments!