Every Christmas season, it’s become a tradition in our house to try and watch a Christmas movie every night in December. Between work, sports, holiday concerts, family get-togethers, and everything else in between, this goal is admittedly a bit unrealistic. But we do our best to squeeze in a few of our favorite holiday classics, like Christmas with the Kranks, The Grinch, and White Christmas.
While we’ve never quite hit the 25-movie mark, we always strive to meet this goal—and this year, we’re hoping to get a little closer! To help you get into the holiday spirit, here’s a list of 25 Christmas movies we plan to watch this season. We’d love for you to join us and enjoy these timeless films with your loved ones.
So, grab a mug of hot cocoa, turn on the Christmas lights, snuggle up on the couch, and get ready for a holiday movie marathon! 🎄✨
1. White Christmas
A classic musical featuring Bing Crosby and Danny Kaye. It’s hard to imagine a Christmas season without this heartwarming favorite.
2. It’s a Wonderful Life
A beautiful, timeless film about the impact one life can have on the world.
3. Miracle on 34th Street
A charming tale that asks: Is Santa real? (Spoiler: He is, but we won’t spoil the magic!)
4. A Charlie Brown Christmas
The classic Peanuts special that reminds us what Christmas is really about.
5. A Christmas Story
The hilariously nostalgic tale of Ralphie and his quest for the perfect Red Ryder BB gun.
6. Elf
Will Ferrell as Buddy the Elf is pure holiday gold. It’s goofy, sweet, and full of cheer.
7. The Nightmare Before Christmas
A visually stunning stop-motion film that blends Halloween and Christmas in a way only Tim Burton can.
8. Home Alone
Kevin McCallister’s hilarious hijinks as he defends his home from burglars is a holiday tradition for many families.
9. National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation
Clark Griswold’s chaotic holiday preparations have us laughing every time.
10. A Christmas Carol
Whether you prefer the classic version or a modern retelling, the story of Scrooge’s redemption never gets old.
11. The Grinch
From the animated classic to the live-action version with Jim Carrey, The Grinch is a must-watch.
12. The Muppet Christmas Carol
This version of A Christmas Carol combines the Muppets’ charm with the timeless story, making it a fun and family-friendly choice.
13. Jingle All the Way
Arnold Schwarzenegger’s quest for the season’s hottest toy leads to plenty of laughs in this action-packed holiday comedy.
14. The Santa Clause
Tim Allen stars in this hilarious and heartwarming story about an ordinary man who accidentally becomes Santa Claus.
15. Love Actually
This romantic holiday ensemble film weaves together multiple stories of love, loss, and joy during Christmas time.
16. Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer
A stop-motion classic that tells the story of Rudolph’s journey to find acceptance and save Christmas.
17. Santa Claus Is Coming to Town
This animated special features the origins of Santa and how he came to be the jolly gift-bringer we know today.
18. The Year Without a Santa Claus
A fun animated classic featuring the iconic characters of Heat Miser and Snow Miser.
19. Frosty the Snowman
The story of the jolly snowman who comes to life with a magical hat is always a holiday favorite.
20. Christmas with the Kranks
This hilarious film follows a couple who decide to skip Christmas… and the chaos that ensues when they change their minds.
21. Klaus
A beautiful animated film that offers a fresh take on the origins of Santa Claus, with stunning animation and heartwarming moments.
22. Arthur Christmas
A clever, animated movie that shows what really happens behind the scenes at the North Pole.
23. Mickey’s Christmas Carol
A delightful retelling of A Christmas Carol with Mickey Mouse and friends as the cast.
24. The Christmas Chronicles
Kurt Russell is a charismatic Santa Claus in this fun, modern holiday adventure.
25. Ernest Saves Christmas
Ernest P. Worrell is at it again in this goofy, endearing holiday comedy.
Bonus Pick: Prep & Landing
This charming Disney short is a newer addition to our holiday watch list. We discovered it a couple of years ago for our 3-year-old, and not only did he fall in love with it, but we did too! It’s a fresh and fun take on Santa’s helpers, with lots of laughs and holiday magic. If you have Disney+, we highly recommend giving it a watch!
Whether you’re watching these films for the first time or the hundredth, there’s something about Christmas movies that makes the season feel extra special. We hope this list helps you and your family create some wonderful holiday memories.
Happy watching! 🎅🎥
