
Let’s talk Santa romance books, friends. Because honestly, who doesn’t need a little Santa magic around the holidays? Whether you’re into the idea of Santa himself finding a little romance, or you love a good lookalike (think: grumpy small-town Santa stand-in who secretly has a heart of gold), this list has you covered. And let me tell you, we’ve got it all: real Santa, faux Santas, and even the ones who are just Santa-adjacent but still bring that holiday cheer. Grab some cocoa, cozy up, and let’s dive into these 15 Santa romances that will make your holidays extra merry (and a little steamy).
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16 Santa Romance Books to Get You in the Holiday Spirit
Before we get to the books, let’s talk about what Santa romance books—sometimes called Santa erotica or ‘Santarotica’—are all about. This genre really gained traction after 2020, though the idea of a sexy Santa has been around for quite a while, both in romance and pop culture. If you haven’t heard of this subgenre before, here are some questions you may be wondering…
The basics about Santa romance books
What makes a great Santa romance book?
A great Santa romance book blends holiday magic with heartfelt emotion and a bit of festive charm. Whether it’s Santa himself, a lookalike, or even Santa’s extended family, the best stories add humor, warmth, and that touch of Christmas magic that leaves you feeling cozy and happy. And some of them just bring some spice!
Why are Santa romances so popular?
Santa Claus romances are popular during the holidays because they evoke nostalgia, cheer, and a sense of magic but in a fun, new way. The idea of Santa finding love is whimsical, combining the festive joy of the season with a romance that brings you right to the heart of the holidays and makes readers feel all the warm fuzzies.
Are there different types of Santa romance books?
Absolutely! Some books feature the real Santa himself finding love, while others showcase lookalikes, alien Santas or even his family members and elves. These different takes keep the stories fresh and appeal to different moods, whether you’re looking for something sweet, funny, or even a bit steamy.
Santa Romance Books Where It’s Actually Santa
Ready for some stories where the big guy himself (or gal) finds love? These books bring Santa front and center—whether he’s navigating love, working on his relationship, or saving Christmas (and his own heart) along the way. Get ready for some holiday magic with the one and only Santa Claus.
The Naughty List by Ellie Mae MacGregor
Kate wasn’t expecting a silver fox Santa to show up on Christmas Eve, but Nikolai’s charm and those big hands are hard to resist. With a little magic and a lot of steam, Kate’s about to find out if she’s been naughty or nice. Fun, light-hearted, and perfect for a quick holiday escape.
The Merriest Misters by Timothy Janovsky
Married life isn’t quite the fairy tale Quinn and Patrick imagined, and a knocked-out Santa Claus only complicates things. Forced to take on Santa duties and run the North Pole, this one-year deal might just save their marriage—or end in a holiday disaster. Expect some humor, heart, and second-chance romance vibes.
Her Night with Santa by Adriana Herrera
Farnaz was all set for a night of solo fun at Santa’s beach villa, but she didn’t expect Kristina Kringle to walk in and join the festivities. What starts as a one-night fling turns into something more, with Santa herself finding the best gift yet. Think: unexpected holiday hookup, mutual attraction, and some serious heat.
Santa Claus is Going to Town on Me by M.L. Eliza
Holly always hated Christmas—until she found Santa himself in her living room. Turns out, Santa’s not just magical, he’s also exactly what she needs to shake off her holiday blues. This story has a steamy twist, a bit of mystery, and a whole lot of Christmas cheer, perfect for anyone who loves a good holiday enemies-to-lovers vibe.
Dear Monster Claus by Maeve Black
Xo is tired of helping others find their happily ever after—this year, she wants her own. Enter a grumpy Santa who needs help finding his Christmas spirit again. Together, they’re about to rediscover love and magic, with a bit of steam and a lot of holiday sweetness. Candy canes and HEAs guaranteed.
The Heart of Winter by Zoey Castile
When a runaway winter prince, heir to the Mark of St. Nick, and a woman on the brink of a big life decision get snowed in together, sparks fly. Alexander wants to escape his royal duties, and Lia just wants to feel alive again. Their steamy nights together might just lead to something deeper—if Alexander can face his past. Expect a mix of fairy-tale vibes, royalty romance, and plenty of heat.

Read author (and character) Dear Santa letters!
We asked some of your favorite authors to write their wishes to Santa in a letter, and some of their characters jumped in on the fun too.
Santa Romance Books Where He Looks or Dresses Like Santa
Sometimes, it’s not the real Santa, but a lookalike who brings all the magic. These books have characters who take on the role—whether it’s for a holiday event or just because they embody the jolly, red-suited vibe. Get ready for some feel-good, heartwarming stories with Santa stand-ins finding love.
Santa Monica Baby by Kelly Reynolds
Nellie’s perfectly planned LA life takes a turn when she’s knocked off her feet—literally—by Austin, her hot Santa lookalike neighbor. He’s a cat-loving, camera-toting introvert who’s hesitant about love, but fate has other ideas for them. Think: holiday baking, Ferris wheel make-outs, and a dash of festive chaos with a steamy twist. This one’s for anyone who loves a sweet, naughty Santa lookalike romance.
Tune in and listen to our chat with Kelly Reynolds about her Holidays in LA series and her spicy holiday novella recommendations.
Santa, Baby by Eliza McLane
Nick’s dream of playing Santa takes a surprising twist when he realizes it’s a Christmas porn set—and his co-star is Holly, his best friend’s sister. Snowed in and ready to film, the sparks between them fly. What starts as a one-night on-camera fling turns into something more when secrets are shared and attraction deepens. Expect: best friend’s sibling, snowed-in, and some very adult Christmas fun.
Only Santas in the Building by Alexis Daria
Evie is exhausted, her Christmas tree is bare, and her upstairs neighbor is too hot to ignore. When the building’s Santa-themed party and a bit of mistletoe come into play, Evie gets the chance to make her holiday fantasy a reality. Expect a steamy, festive fling with plenty of holiday cheer and a dash of neighborly romance. Perfect for a cozy winter night read.
The One Night Stand Before Christmas by Jana Aston
Noel didn’t expect Santa to leave his suit on her bedroom floor, but after their steamy one-night stand, she’s ready to give it back—dry cleaning not included. Set in the naughty-but-nice town of Reindeer Falls, this quick holiday novella is packed with humor, festive fun, and a lot of heat. Think: sassy heroine, some Santa roleplay, and a merry-ever-after.
The Fake Santa Apology Tour by Julie Olivia
After a breakup with a mall Santa, a small-town escape seems perfect—until Ivy runs into Nicholas, the man she never wanted to see again. He’s now a hot, silver-fox bartender who looks a lot like Santa. With only five days till Christmas, the tension between them is undeniable, and the holiday magic might just bring them back together. Expect: forced proximity, opposites attract, cozy small-town vibes, and a dash of spice.
Santa Romance Books That Are Santa Adjacent
Here, we’re talking about the extended Santa crew. Whether it’s Santa’s son, grandkids, or even the elves, these books bring that North Pole magic without Santa himself in the spotlight. Get ready for romance that’s a bit off the sleigh path, but still full of holiday cheer.
Sunday’s Child by Grace Draven
Claire is facing a lonely Christmas with her autistic son until she meets Andor, a mysterious co-worker who feels oddly familiar. Andor, exiled for centuries, remembers Claire as Sunday’s Child from his past. Now, as their worlds collide again, they must navigate old secrets and the possibility of new love. Think: holiday magic mixed with Norse mythology, second chances, and a heartwarming short story.
Elfemies to Lovers Jennifer Chipman
Ivy, head elf at Santa’s Christmasland, is shocked to learn she’s actually from the North Pole—and that Teddy, the new exec she’s been butting heads with, is Santa’s son. When Teddy invites her home for Christmas, sparks fly and secrets are revealed. Expect: elf discovery, enemies to lovers, holiday magic, and an irresistible North Pole romance.
Claiming Mrs. Claus by R.M. Virtues
Mrs. Claus is used to spending Christmas Eve alone—until this year. After growing close to elves Lannax and Idris, she’s in for a surprise when they decide to make their feelings known. What starts as a Christmas gift turns into something deeper, as the elves aim to claim her heart. Expect: love triangle vibes, poly romance, and a bold new take on Mrs. Claus’s story.
The Nightmare Before Kissmas by Sara Raasch
Prince Coal of Christmas wants out of his family’s PR-heavy holiday, and a chance encounter with Hex, the Prince of Halloween, might be his escape. When a fake competition for the Easter Princess’s hand turns into a passionate romance between two holiday royals, things get messy—in the best way. Expect: forbidden romance, fake competition, holiday royalty, and plenty of quirky festive fun.
Santa’s Wayward Elf by Paige Tyler
Sosie, a North Pole elf who doesn’t quite fit in, ends up stranded in New York City on Christmas Eve. Luckily, detective Derek Clayton is there to help—and sparks fly. But with secrets piling up, Derek starts to suspect Sosie is involved in something shady. It’s a race against time to reveal the truth before she’s dragged back to the North Pole. Expect: fish-out-of-water antics, steamy romance, mistaken identity, and a charming elf finding love.
There you have it—16 Santa romance books to bring some extra holiday cheer into your life. Whether you’re into magical Santas, Santa erotica (or Santarotica?), hunky stand-ins, or something in-between, I hope this list sparks a little joy this season. If you end up reading any of these, come back and tell me which one stole your heart (or just made you blush a bit).
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