Cosy up with our Christmas 2024 Reading & Resource List

The festive season is here, and what better way to get into the Christmas spirit than by exploring the incredible range of Christmas-themed resources at the University of Dundee Library? From classic literature to cosy films and fascinating insights into holiday traditions, we’ve got something for everyone. A big thank you to our Academic Librarian, Dawn Adams, for curating this wonderful collection of festive favourites. So, grab a hot drink, pop on your favourite festive jumper, and dive into our Christmas picks!


Classic Christmas Reads

No Christmas is complete without A Christmas Carol. Whether you’re revisiting Dickens’s timeless tale of ghosts and goodwill or discovering it for the first time, we’ve got you covered with beautifully illustrated editions and insightful articles.

  • 📚 A Christmas Carol and Other Christmas Books – A collection of festive tales by Charles Dickens.
  • 📖 A Christmas Carol: In Prose – A classic edition featuring illustrations by John Leech.
  • 📝 ‘Implausible and Inappropriate’? A Defence of Dickens’s A Christmas Carol – An intriguing article on the enduring relevance of this iconic story.

Discover Christmas Traditions

Ever wondered about the origins of Christmas trees, Santa Claus, or the Christmas truce of the First World War? Explore fascinating insights into the history and myths behind the season:

  • 📘 Christmas A to Z – Your go-to guide for Christmas customs and legends.
  • 🌲 Inventing the Christmas Tree – The story of how our evergreen friend became a holiday staple.
  • 🎄 The Christmas Truce: Myth, Memory, and the First World War – A reflective look at a moment of peace amidst conflict.

Magical Christmas Reads for Children

(or you 😘)

Bring a little magic into the holidays with these enchanting titles from our collection:

  • 🎁 Harry Potter: A Hogwarts Christmas Pop-Up – A spellbinding addition to your holiday reading.
  • The Girl Who Saved Christmas by Matt Haig – A heart warming tale of hope and courage.
  • 🌟 The Christmas Pine by Julia Donaldson – A beautifully illustrated story inspired by the annual Christmas tree gift from Norway.

Festive Films

Snuggle up with a blanket and enjoy a Christmas movie marathon, courtesy of the library’s streaming services. From heart warming classics to holiday comedies, we’ve got plenty of options to keep you entertained:

  • 🎬 Love Actually, Elf, Home Alone, Die Hard – Available on BoB (Box of Broadcasts).
  • 🎥 A Christmas Past, The Bishop’s Wife – Streamed via Kanopy.

Eat, Drink & Be Merry!

Looking for culinary inspiration? Check out these festive cooking shows and magazines to perfect your Christmas feast:

  • 🍽️ Nigella’s Christmas Table – Streamed via BoB.
  • 🥧 Good Food Christmas 2024 Issue – Available via PressReader.

Sing Along to Christmas Tunes

Set the mood with some holiday music! Explore playlists and curated collections of the best Christmas songs of all time:

  • 🎶 100 Greatest Christmas Songs Ever – Stream on Spotify (subscription required).
  • 🎵 The 45 Best Christmas Songs of All Time – A mix of old favourites and new classics.

Christmas Adverts That Tug at Your Heartstrings

Enjoy the magic of iconic holiday adverts from 2024, including the much-loved John Lewis and Aldi Kevin the Carrot campaigns. They’re a perfect festive pick-me-up!


Whether you’re studying, taking a break, or simply soaking in the holiday cheer, the library has something to brighten your season. Visit our website or drop by to explore these and many more resources.

🎄 Happy Christmas from all of us at the Library! 🎄