A new survey by charity Libraries Connected has revealed librarians’ favourite Christmas-themed stories. A panel of more than 60 library workers from across the country selected their favourite festive novel, short story or picture book, curating a "festive 40" of top Christmas reads – and it’s an eclectic list ranging from James Joyce to Jenny Colgan.

Perhaps unsurprisingly, Charles Dickens’s A Christmas Carol was the top choice for many librarians, with one describing it as "the most Christmassy story ever written". Another firm favourite with the panel was Terry Pratchett’s novel Hogfather, praised for its "funny, clever writing and a great storyline".

Susan Cooper’s atmospheric fantasy The Dark is Rising also drew multiple nominations. "It really sets the tone for the Christmas season," said one panel member. "Creepy and spooky with the short dark days and long cold nights, but with the ultimate comfort of home and family waiting."

Other classics include C.S. Lewis’s Chronicles of Narnia, John Masefield’s The Box of Delights and Louisa May Alcott’s Little Women, whose famous opening line is: "‘Christmas wouldn't be Christmas without any presents,’ grumbled Jo, lying on the rug."

Recommendations for younger children include Raymond Briggs’s festive favourite Father Christmas, first published in 1973, alongside more recent picture books such as Tom Fletcher’s The Christmasaurus, praised for its inclusive characters and magical storytelling.

Other nominations range from ghost stories (Susan Hill’s The Man In The Picture) to murder mysteries (Murder on the Christmas Express by Alexandra Benedict) and contemporary romance. Bestselling romantic comedy writer Jenny Colgan has two titles on the list: Christmas at the Little Beach Street Bakery and The Secret Christmas Library.

Other authors represented include Carol Ann Duffy, John Grisham, Sebastian Faulks, Helen Dunmore and Ellis Peters.

Libraries Connected chief executive Isobel Hunter MBE said:

"This list shows the incredible variety of stories and genres that capture the spirit of the festive season. Whether you’re looking for comfort and nostalgia, escapism or a strong moral message, your local library has the perfect Christmas read. At this time of year, most libraries will have a display of festive reads so why not pop in to pick up a Christmas classic or one of the lesser-known titles from the list?"

The Libraries Connected Festive 40

• The Jolly Christmas Postman - Janet & Allan Ahlberg
• Little Women - Louisa May Alcott
• The Little Match Girl - Hans Christian Andersen
• The Bear & The Nightingale - Katherine Arden
• Murder on the Christmas Express - Alexandra Benedict
• Father Christmas - Raymond Briggs
• Christmas at the Little Beach Street Bakery - Jenny Colgan
• The Secret Christmas Library - Jenny Colgan
• The Dark is Rising - Susan Cooper
• A Christmas Carol - Charles Dickens
• Mrs Scrooge - Carol Ann Duffy
• The Man in the Picture - Susan Hill
• The Greatcoat - Helen Dunmore
• A Week in December - Sebastian Faulks
• The Christmasaurus - Tom Fletcher and Shane Devries
• Skipping Christmas - John Grisham
• Bad Santas: Disquieting Winter Folk Tales for Grown-Ups - Paul Hawkins
• Miss Smilla's Feeling for Snow - Peter Høeg
• The Snow Child - Eowyn Ivey
• The Dead - James Joyce
• The Christmas Wish - Lindsey Kelk
• Christmas at Glitter Peak Lodge - Kjersti Herland Johnsen (translated by Olivia Lasky)
• Chronicles of Narnia - C. S. Lewis
• One Christmas Eve - Shari Low
• The Box of Delights - John Masefield
• Winter's Child - Angela McAllister and Grahame Baker-Smith
• Murder at Holly House - Denzil Meyrick
• The Stupidest Angel - Christopher Moore
• Eileen - Ottessa Moshfegh
• An English Christmas - John Julius Norwich
• Spinning Silver - Naomi Novik
• The Virgin in the Ice - Ellis Peters
• Winter Solstice - Rosamunde Pilcher
• Hogfather - Terry Pratchett
• How My Neighbour Stole Christmas - Meghan Quinn
• One Day in December - Josie Silver
• 20 Elves at Bedtime - Mark Sperring and Tim Budgen
• Split Tooth - Tanya Tagaq
• When a Child is Born - Jodi Taylor
• Finding Love at the Christmas Market - Jo Thomas