Get in the spirit of the holiday season with the Christmas books on Gilmore Girls. Since 2020, I’ve led a Rory Gilmore Reading Challenge to read the list of 500+ books on Gilmore Girls, and I host a Gilmore Girls rewatch podcast, so I’ve got you covered as a superfan myself!
You can pair them with the Christmas episodes of Gilmore Girls for added festivity. These seasonal vibes are what the show is about, after all! The Gilmore Girls book recommendations below will make you as well-read as Rory herself this holiday season.
Christmas Books Referenced on Gilmore Girls
|
Book |
Episode(s) |
Reference |
|
Season 6, Episode 10 |
Liz reads. | |
|
A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens |
Season 3, Episode 7 |
Taylor says Tiny Tim. |
|
Holidays on Ice by David Sedaris |
Unknown |
Unknown |
|
How the Grinch Stole Christmas by Dr. Seuss |
Season 1, Episode 13 Season 1, Episode 15 Season 3, Episode 9 Season 5, Episode 22 |
Lorelai says Grinch. Chris says Whoville. Rory and Lorelai say Grinch. Lorelai says Whoville. |
|
The Little Match Girl by the Brothers Grimm |
Rory says the title. | |
|
Little Women by Louisa May Alcott |
Unknown |
Unknown |
Note:
The unknown book references were listed on the original Gilmore Girls reading list that was posted on Buzzfeed in 2014. However, after numerous rewatches, I have not identified their source. That said, they still feel very fitting to the characters and the show.
My Reviews of the Gilmore Girls Christmas Books
The Best of Martha Stewart Living Holidays
Description: The Best of Martha Stewart Living Holidays has elevated magazine vibes and takes the reader on a lifestyle journey from Thanksgiving to Christmas with Martha’s signature attention to detail in recipes, decor, gifts, and more.
Why Gilmore Girls Fans Should Read It: It reminded me of a time, before social media, when lifestyle inspiration felt so highly curated and crafted—without all the toxicity, ads, and noise of our current tech-driven world– just like the Inns on Gilmore Girls! It’s as well-executed as Sookie’s Bracebridge Dinner–even though the ice wasn’t true to the time period. Here is my video review:
A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens
Description: A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens is the most popular Christmas story of all time. First published in 1843, this timeless novella follows the curmudgeon Ebenezer Scrooge’s spiritual redemption after encountering three spirits: the Ghosts of Christmases Past, Present, and Yet to Come.
Why Gilmore Girls Fans Should Read It: Yes, I know you know the plot from its many adaptations and retellings, but it’s very much worth reading the original text. It’s really beautifully written and relatively brief. Rory wouldn’t rely on unoriginals, so neither should you!
Holidays on Ice by David Sedaris
Description: Holidays on Ice is a festive collection of tales featuring the irreverent style of humor that is the trademark of Sedaris, including the diaries of a Macy’s elf (my favorite), being a child locked out in a snowstorm, the nonsensical Christmas traditions around the world, and more!
Why Gilmore Girls Fans Should Read It: Sedaris has such a way with humor, and his holiday collection takes us back to the funniest moments in his Christmases past, like Lorelai would recall at Friday night dinner. They’re stories I fondly recall each holiday since I first read them.
How the Grinch Stole Christmas by Dr. Seuss
Description: How the Grinch Stole Christmas tells the story of the Grinch, a grump who tries to stop Christmas by stealing the Whos’ presents, food, and decorations. Despite his efforts, he learns that Christmas is about community and joy, not things.
Why Gilmore Girls Fans Should Read It: This children’s classic is all about spreading Christmas cheer in a small town like Stars Hollow, even if you’re the grumpiest curmudgeon of all. (I’m looking at you, Luke and Taylor.) Dr. Seuss’s whimsical writing and illustrations are as quirky and charming as Gilmore Girls.
The Little Match Girl by the Brothers Grimm
Description: The Little Match Girl is the tear-jerking story of Adriana, who holds the hope of a better life. When her dreams are shattered, she has only a flute, a box of matches, and her faith in God.
Why Gilmore Girls Fans Should Read It: On Gilmore Girls, Rory said that standing outside Luke’s feels like this book. This very dark story is a good example of when the show isn’t the most politically correct. Hey, at least you’ll understand the reference!
Little Women by Louisa May Alcott
Description: Little Women follows the four March sisters as they come of age, facing love, loss, ambition, and the struggles of family life during the Civil War, including at Christmastime. The story centers on their personal growth and the enduring bond that holds them together through their hardships.
Why Gilmore Girls Fans Should Read It: It offers us so many magical moments of a good old-fashioned American holiday season, just like Stars Hollow and the Inns. The young women also share creativity with the Gilmore Girls: Rory (writing), Sookie (baking), Lane (music), Paris (crafts), and Lorelai (dressmaking).
More of the Best Christmas Books
If you want to indulge in more holiday reading, check out the best Christmas books I’ve read–out of 100+! Most of the books from this list are included.
