Presumably, the same questions that come up when debating what makes a movie a Christmas movie also apply to Christmas comics. Does it need to take place at Christmas time? Does it need themes of togetherness, selflessness, and forgiveness? Does it require one workaholic magically falling in love with a kindhearted artist from their hometown in a made-for-TV Hallmark movie? While we may never be able to draw strict parameters around what constitutes the Christmas genre (if it even is a genre), most can agree that if a book or movie gives you Christmas vibes, it qualifies as Christmas. Or at least, Christmasy enough. But not all Christmas vibes are the same. If you need a break from the typical Christmas fare, we’ve gone off the beaten path to find some comics that will still fill you with holiday spirit, albeit in a less conventional way. The best part is that if you have a library card, you can read these without having to wait for Santa.

For more great comics, make sure to check out the offerings of your local Library branch as well as the hoopla app.

Four Gathered on Christmas Eve

Sabrina the Teenage Witch: Holiday Special One-Shot

Batman: Noel

Donald Duck: Christmas on Bear Mountain

Klaus

Stuff of Nightmares: No Holiday for Murder

A Christmas Bestiary

The Lobo Paramilitary Christmas Special

Hellboy: A Christmas Underground

DC Holiday Nightmares