Who doesn’t love a good holiday romance trope? Holidays bring out the best in romance, weaving together heightened emotions, a dash of nostalgia, and the promise that something magical might be just around the corner. Whether it’s a cosy Christmas in the snow, a steamy summer fling on a beach, or the thrill of a midnight kiss on New Year’s Eve, holidays create the perfect backdrop for love to unfold.
While Christmas might steal the spotlight in the world of holiday romance, any occasion can set the stage for an unforgettable love story. Valentine’s Day, Halloween, summer vacations, and even Thanksgiving each offer their own unique charm, with the power to transform ordinary moments into something truly memorable.
So, if you thought the holiday romance trope was just for Christmas, think again—love finds its way into every season and celebration!
Why Any Holiday Works for Romance
Every holiday has its own atmosphere and traditions, creating the perfect canvas for unique romance dynamics. Imagine the fresh-start energy of New Year’s Eve, when the countdown adds a spark of urgency to a midnight kiss, or the easy, sun-soaked days of summer that invite casual flings with the potential to turn into something deeper. Each holiday brings its own charm, offering endless ways to add tension, excitement, or sweet nostalgia to a love story.
While all romance tropes create some kind of extraness in a romantic plot, part of what makes holiday romances so compelling is the way these occasions heighten the stakes. The special rituals of any holiday—from Halloween costumes that let lovers meet in disguise to the pressure of Valentine’s Day, with its romantic expectations—offer opportunities for romance to flourish in ways that feel spontaneous and a little bit fated. The characters know their time together might be fleeting, which adds an extra thrill and intensity to each interaction. Even the most ordinary moments can turn extraordinary under the magic of a holiday, as characters find themselves swept up in the festive spirit and wondering if this might just be the love that lasts.
Beyond that, holidays also lend themselves to a lot of other romance tropes. The heroine finds herself facing down Christmas alone and ex suddenly reappears in her life, can they have a second chance? A snowstorm blows in, trapping the heroine in a romantic cabin with a hawt guy and there’s nothing she can do but enjoy the smouldering tension of their forced proximity. The possibilities are endless, which is probably why so many holiday romance trope novels are released every year!
Iconic Holidays in the Romance Trope
Christmas will always be my favourite setting for a holiday romance—there’s just something magical about cosy nights, twinkling lights, and the crisp winter air. Halloween, though, comes in a close second with its thrill of mystery and disguise. There are, however, a few more holidays that frequently feature as the backdrop for the holiday romance trope, and they’re all worth a look for their own unique quirks…
Christmas
Christmas is the classic holiday for romance, bringing the magic of sparkling across snowy vistas, open fires, dazzling markets and fairs, elaborate food, and all-round cosy vibes that’s perfect for love stories. With family gatherings, festive cheer, and chilly winter nights, the season lends itself to warmth and connection but also, drama. Popular Christmas romance tropes include the good ole stranded in a snowstorm or falling for a Christmas grinch who eventually finds the holiday spirit. There’s something endlessly charming about watching two people warm each other’s hearts while the world around them is chilly and almost forlorn in its barren darkness.
This Christmas by Emma Heatherington
A heart-warming holiday romance that follows the lives of two strangers, Rose and Charlie, who both seek solitude during the festive season. Rose, once a lover of Christmas, has avoided her family holidays since a life-changing event. Charlie faces his first Christmas alone, finding little joy in the season. Both retreat to Seaview Cottage in rural Donegal, only to discover it has been double-booked. As they navigate this unexpected situation, they find comfort and connection in each other’s company, leading to a Christmas neither will forget.
Maybe Next Christmas by Emma Heatherington
Another heartwarming holiday romance from Emma Heatherington that follows Bea and Ollie, two strangers who meet by chance at Heathrow Airport on Christmas Eve. Both are returning home to Ireland for the holidays—Bea to reunite with her long-term partner, Sean, and Ollie to visit his ailing father. A delayed flight leads them to share a conversation, revealing an undeniable connection. After parting ways upon arrival, they unexpectedly cross paths again in London months later, sparking a series of events that could change their lives by the next Christmas.
Meet Me At Midnight by Holly Martin
An enchanting romantic comedy set in the magical village of Midnight. The story follows Iris McKenzie, who is determined to retrieve her grandmother’s stolen locket, even if it means using the magic she’s kept hidden. Her quest leads her to Lynx Oakwood, a witch from Midnight tasked with recovering the same locket due to its potential powers. As they compete for the locket, an undeniable connection forms between them. Iris’s ability to foresee a blissful future with Lynx complicates her mission, especially as she becomes more immersed in the village’s magical community. The novel explores themes of destiny, love, and the courage to embrace one’s true self.
The Secret Christmas Bookshop by Cressida McLaughlin
A heartwarming festive romance set in the charming coastal village of Mistingham. The story follows Sophie, a woman who receives a beautifully bound book from an anonymous sender. Intrigued by this unexpected gift, she embarks on a quest to uncover the identity of the mystery giver, leading her to the enigmatic Harry, a reclusive figure living in a crumbling manor house. As Sophie and Harry collaborate to plan the village’s Christmas festival, they discover that the best stories often take on a life of their own, intertwining their lives in unexpected ways.
The Christmas Tree Farm by Laurie Gilmore
The next in the series that brought us The Pumpkin Spice Café and the Cinnamon Bun Bookstore, this holiday romance transports readers back to the idyllic town of Dream Harbor, where Kira North, who isn’t exactly a fan of the holiday season, finds herself the new owner of a Christmas tree farm. Determined but out of her depth, Kira meets Bennett Ellis, a visitor escaping his own troubles in sunny California. As they work together to bring the farm to life for Christmas, Kira and Ben discover unexpected sparks and a budding romance that just might change how they see the season—and each other. I love this series so much!
Home for Christmas by Heidi Swain
A delightful festive romance set in the charming town of Wynbridge. The story follows Bella, who is living her best life with her beloved Spaniel, Tink. She has found a way to keep the house she inherited from her grandparents while expanding her dream business, Away With the Fairies, and is ecstatic that Christmas is on the horizon. However, her perfect plans are disrupted when family friend Catherine Connelly asks Bella to rent part of her house to freelance author Jude, who is researching the history of the Connelly Clan and Wynthorpe Hall for a book. Initially, the pair clash, but as they spend more time together, friendlier feelings begin to grow. Bella starts to wonder if Jude could become more than just another guest before it’s time for him to leave. That is, until he announces he has no time for Christmas! With her favourite time of the year suddenly in jeopardy, will Bella ever feel like she’s home for Christmas?
All I Want For Christmas by Karen Swan
A captivating winter romance set against the enchanting backdrop of Copenhagen during the festive season. The story follows Darcy Cotterell, an art history PhD student who, after a recent breakup, plans to spend Christmas immersed in her studies rather than returning home. Her well-meaning friend, Freja, intervenes by signing her up for a dating app, leading Darcy to agree to three dates. Simultaneously, Darcy is tasked with identifying the subject of a newly discovered portrait by Denmark’s greatest painter. Her research brings her into contact with Max Lorensen, a charming yet arrogant lawyer who also happens to be one of her dates. As they collaborate on the art mystery, their professional relationship becomes increasingly complicated by undeniable attraction and hidden agendas, challenging Darcy to navigate the complexities of love and ambition during the most magical time of the year.
The Christmas Invitation by Trisha Ashley
A heartwarming festive novel that follows Meg Harkness, an artist recovering from illness and not particularly fond of Christmas. When she’s invited to spend the holiday season in a snowy countryside village, she reluctantly agrees. Upon arrival, Meg is welcomed into a cosy family home and begins to experience the magic of a traditional Christmas. However, her festive cheer is challenged when she encounters Lex, a familiar face from her past, bringing old secrets to the surface. As Meg navigates these unexpected reunions, she discovers that this might be the year she truly embraces the spirit of Christmas.
Keeping A Christmas Promise by Jo Thomas
A somewhat unusual take on the holiday romance trope, this one takes readers to the stunning landscape of Iceland, where Freya and her friends set off to honour a late friend’s wish of seeing the Northern Lights at Christmastime. Their plans take a turn when an avalanche strands them in a remote village. As they settle in and join the locals in festive preparations, Freya begins to rediscover the meaning of Christmas—and finds herself drawn to Pétur, a rugged local who opens her eyes to a different way of life.
One December Day by Rachel Marks
This one is a poignant exploration of love and relationships, unfolding over fifteen years. The narrative centres on Laura and Luke, who first meet on December 16, 2004, at a crowded gig. Luke, a Christmas enthusiast, is the frontman of an up-and-coming band, while Laura, less enchanted by the festive season, finds herself unexpectedly drawn to him. Each chapter revisits their lives on the same date in subsequent years, capturing the evolution of their relationship through the joys and challenges they face. This unique storytelling approach offers a heartfelt look at the complexities of love, commitment, and personal growth over time.
Christmas and the Geek by VH Nicolson
I stumbled upon VH Nicolson’s books a couple of years ago when a friend lent me one on a particularly boring train ride. I’ve been devouring them ever since, and this short but sweet Christmas novella is a real treat. It’s a delightful novella that brings together the magic of the holiday season with a charming romance. The story follows Holly, a restaurant owner who has grown to dislike Christmas due to personal disappointments. When her restaurant’s computer system crashes, she meets Gabe, an IT specialist who arrives to fix the problem. Despite her initial reluctance, Holly finds herself drawn to Gabe’s warmth and enthusiasm for the festive season. As they spend time together, Holly begins to rediscover the joy of Christmas and opens her heart to unexpected love. This standalone novella is perfect for a cosy winter evening, offering a heartwarming tale of love, healing, and holiday spirit.
Halloween
Halloween offers a darker, more mysterious backdrop for romance. From costume parties to spooky encounters, this holiday is perfect for lovers meeting in disguise or facing their fears together. There’s a thrill in the unknown that Halloween brings to romance, as characters fall for the person behind the mask or find themselves drawn to someone with an air of mystery. It’s a fun, edgy twist on romance that brings out a different side to love.
Great Halloween Romance Reads
The Ex Hex by Erin Sterling
Vivienne Jones, nursing a broken heart, playfully curses her ex-boyfriend, Rhys Penhallow. Years later, Rhys returns to their hometown, and the curse manifests in chaotic ways. Together, they must undo the hex, rekindling old feelings amidst the Halloween festivities. This is a great second chance romance with a playful witchy theme.
Payback’s a Witch by Lana Harper
Emmy Harlow returns to her magical hometown for a spell-casting tournament. She teams up with two other witches to seek revenge on a common ex, leading to unexpected romantic sparks and a deeper connection to her heritage.
The Dead Romantics by Ashley Poston
Florence Day, a ghostwriter for a famous romance author, has lost her belief in love. When her new editor, Benji Andor, rejects her latest manuscript, Florence returns home for her father’s funeral, only to be haunted by Benji’s ghost, leading to an unconventional love story.
Not Your Average Hot Guy by Gwenda Bond
Callie, a young woman running her family’s escape room business, accidentally summons the son of the devil, Luke. As they team up to prevent an apocalypse, unexpected feelings develop, blending humour, adventure, and romance.
The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches by Sangu Mandanna
Mika Moon, a solitary witch, is invited to teach three young witches at a mysterious house. There, she finds a family she never expected and a romance with the house’s librarian, Jamie, all set against a backdrop of magic and secrecy.
The Pumpkin Spice Café by Laurie Gilmore
In this cosy Halloween-themed romance, Jeanie takes over a café in the small town of Dream Harbor. As Halloween approaches, she’s drawn to Logan, a handsome but grumpy local who frequents her café. Sparks fly as they navigate their attraction in the midst of pumpkins and autumn treats.
Go Hex Yourself by Jessica Clare
When Reggie Johnson takes a job assisting a witch, she doesn’t expect to be surrounded by spells, magic, and her attractive but irritating co-worker, Ben Magnus. As Halloween nears, sparks fly, and Reggie must decide if love is worth the risk in a world of hexes and curses.
Grave Reservations by Cherie Priest
Leda Foley, a travel agent with psychic abilities, teams up with Detective Grady Merritt to solve a case. With Halloween vibes and a quirky mix of mystery and romance, Leda’s psychic insights lead to both sparks and spooky intrigue.
Kissing the Witch by Emma Donoghue
This collection of fairy tale-inspired short stories has a touch of Halloween magic, exploring love and transformation in various magical settings. Each story reimagines classic tales with a romantic, sometimes eerie twist.
Witch Please by Ann Aguirre
Danica Waterhouse, a witch, meets Titus, a baker without magical powers. Set in a small town, this charming romance blends witchcraft, family, and Halloween magic as Danica navigates the pull between her family’s expectations and her growing love for Titus.
Valentine’s Day
The day dedicated to love and romance is ideal for stories of unspoken feelings, surprise confessions, or rekindling past flames. Valentine’s Day creates natural tension and pressure for characters to acknowledge their romantic inclinations, whether through a last-minute dash to confess their love or an unexpected gift that sparks something deeper. The high expectations of the holiday can lead to tender or intense moments, especially when characters question if they’re really ready to reveal their feelings.
Great Valentine’s Day Romance Reads
The Trouble with Valentine’s Day by Rachel Gibson
Kate Hamilton returns to her hometown after a failed relationship, seeking solace. She meets Rob Sutter, a former hockey player turned bar owner, who has his own reasons for avoiding love. As Valentine’s Day approaches, their paths intertwine, leading to unexpected sparks and the possibility of new beginnings.
A Valentine Wedding by Jane Feather
Set in Regency England, this novel follows Lady Emma Beaumont, who is determined to prevent her brother’s unsuitable marriage. She enlists the help of her former fiancé, James, the Duke of Ashbourne. As they scheme together, old feelings resurface, challenging their past decisions and leading to a romantic reunion.
The Valentine Inn by Jennifer Peel
After inheriting a charming inn, Josie Wright plans to sell it and move on. However, when her high school sweetheart, who once broke her heart, becomes interested in buying the inn, Josie is forced to confront her past and the lingering feelings that come with it.
Valentine’s Day at the Star and Sixpence by Holly Hepburn
Sisters Nessie and Sam have taken over a quaint pub in the village of Little Monkham. As Valentine’s Day approaches, the pub becomes the centre of romantic happenings, including secret admirers and rekindled romances, bringing love and surprises to the village.
My Nerdy Valentine by Vicki Lewis Thompson
Amanda Rykowsky, a bookstore owner, is tired of her predictable life. She decides to spice things up by attending a Valentine’s Day speed-dating event, where she meets nerdy but charming Will. Their connection leads to unexpected adventures and a sweet romance.
A Valentine Proposal by Viv Royce
When florist Penelope receives a large order for Valentine’s Day from a mysterious client, she becomes intrigued. The client turns out to be a handsome businessman, and their professional relationship soon blossoms into something more.
New Year’s Eve
New Year’s Eve is all about fresh starts, resolutions, and the promise of new possibilities. There’s a certain magic in a midnight kiss, particularly if it’s with someone unexpected. This holiday can be the perfect setting for a romance that’s ready to leave the past behind or take a leap into something new. Whether it’s a chance encounter or a carefully planned confession, New Year’s Eve stories often capture the thrill of wondering what the coming year might bring—and who it might bring with it.
Great New Year’s Eve Romance Reads
This Time Next Year by Sophie Cousens
Minnie Cooper and Quinn Hamilton were born in the same hospital on New Year’s Day but have never met. Their paths cross on their 30th birthday, leading to a series of encounters that reveal how intertwined their lives have been. As they get to know each other, they explore themes of fate, missed opportunities, and the possibility of love.
The Rewind by Allison Winn Scotch
College sweethearts Frankie and Ezra broke up before graduation, vowing never to speak again. A decade later, on New Year’s Eve 1999, they find themselves back on their college campus for a mutual friend’s wedding. A chance encounter leads them to revisit their past and consider a future together.
Midnight Kiss by Robyn Carr, Jean Brashear, and Victoria Dahl
This anthology features three novellas centred around New Year’s Eve. Each story explores themes of love, second chances, and new beginnings, set against the backdrop of the holiday’s festivities. I’ll be honest I picked this up because I adore Robyn Carr’s Virgin River series, but all three stories were great!
New Year, New Boo? by Alexandria House
This novella follows a woman who, after a series of disappointing New Year’s Eves, decides to take a chance on love. As the clock strikes midnight, she finds herself in an unexpected romantic situation that could change her life.
Summer Holidays
When summer arrives, so does the chance for adventure, relaxation, and maybe a bit of romance under the sun. Summer holidays (or vacations if you’re of the American/Canadian persuasion) are perfect for sun-soaked flings that might end when the holiday does—or perhaps turn into something more. The themes of freedom, exploration, and meeting new people often feature in these romances, as characters break from their usual routines and find themselves drawn to someone in a beautiful, carefree setting.
Great Summer Holiday Romance Reads
The Summer I Turned Pretty by Jenny Han
Every summer, Belly Conklin spends her holidays at Cousins Beach with her family and the Fisher brothers. This particular summer, she finds herself caught in a love triangle, navigating the complexities of first love and friendship.
One Italian Summer by Rebecca Serle
After the death of her mother, Katy embarks on a solo trip to the Amalfi Coast, a place they had planned to visit together. In Italy, she encounters a younger version of her mother and embarks on a journey of self-discovery and unexpected romance.
The Unhoneymooners by Christina Lauren
Olive Torres and her nemesis, Ethan, are the only ones not affected by food poisoning at her sister’s wedding. They agree to take the non-refundable honeymoon trip to Hawaii together, pretending to be newlyweds, leading to unexpected feelings amidst the tropical paradise.
Summer at the Little Beach Street Bakery by Jenny Colgan
Polly Waterford is settling into her new life in the Cornish seaside town of Mount Polbearne. As summer approaches, she faces challenges in her bakery business and her relationship, all set against the backdrop of a picturesque coastal community.
The Summer Job by Lizzy Dent
Birdy Finch impulsively takes her best friend’s place as a sommelier at a Scottish hotel. Despite knowing little about wine, she navigates the challenges of her new role and finds herself drawn to a charming chef, leading to a summer of deception and unexpected romance.
How the Holiday Romance Trope Adds Depth to Character Development
The holiday romance trope offers more than festive charm; it brings unique opportunities for character growth. Each holiday setting naturally creates moments of introspection, emotional tension, and revelation. For instance, Thanksgiving reunions allow characters to reconnect with family, stirring up memories and unresolved issues that add complexity to the romance. Halloween lets characters step outside their comfort zones, with costumes and spooky settings revealing hidden sides and sparking unexpected connections. Meanwhile, New Year’s Eve offers the perfect backdrop for fresh starts, as characters make resolutions or embrace new possibilities.
Holiday traditions play a central role in these romances, revealing traits that deepen the connection between characters. Whether it’s baking Christmas cookies, planning a surprise Valentine’s date, or making New Year’s resolutions, these activities help characters bond, bringing out playful, vulnerable, or even competitive sides. Conflicts and surprises that arise from these interactions add layers to the romance, making it feel both relatable and dynamic.
By blending the magic of the season with personal transformation, the holiday romance trope allows characters to confront past fears, embrace joy, and open themselves to love in ways they might otherwise resist. It’s this mix of personal growth and romance that makes holiday stories so powerful—and why they resonate with readers season after season.
The Universal Appeal of the Holiday Romance Trope
The holiday romance trope brings something special for every reader. From cosy Christmas classics to the thrilling mysteries of Halloween romances and the heartfelt intensity of Valentine’s Day, these stories capture the magic of the season while exploring love in all its forms. Each holiday offers a fresh perspective and unique energy, making these romances endlessly versatile and captivating.
Whether it’s the warmth of family gatherings, the suspense of masquerades, or the hope of a New Year’s kiss, holiday romances invite us to believe in love’s power to surprise and transform. Which holiday romance trope would you love to read or see more of?
