Christmas Movies to Watch this Holiday Season 

As the holidays roll in, there’s nothing better than settling in with some festive fun, whether you’re having dinner with friends, decorating the Christmas tree, or simply curling up with a cup of cocoa. Christmas movies are the perfect backdrop for these moments, filling the room with warmth, laughter, and holiday magic. But when it comes to choosing the perfect movie, the sheer number of options can feel overwhelming.

Don’t worry, though, this guide is here to help. We’ve curated a comprehensive list of Christmas movies, from timeless classics to animated adventures, heartwarming romances, and quirky TV specials.

No more indecision or endless scrolling; with this guide, you’ll be able to find the perfect film to match whatever holiday mood you’re in. Whether you want laughter, nostalgia, romance, or a little bit of holiday magic, your ideal Christmas movie is closer than ever before.

Christmas Movie Classics

Some holiday movies are timeless, they bring families together and create that warm, nostalgic feeling that truly defines Christmas. These following classics remain popular because they perfectly blend humor, heart, and holiday spirit. 

Home Alone 

Of course Home alone is on the list, how could it not? Following the story of a kid called Kevin, the movie deals with the chaotic trials and tribulations he faces as he is left behind and forgotten when his family heads on vacation. 

The film combines clever traps, heartfelt moments, and slapstick comedy. Its themes of family, independence, and humour resonate with all generations. Combined with the multiple sequels available, viewers can enjoy hours of holiday fun. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser at the Christmas movie marathon. 

Jingle All The Way 

This film tells the frantic story of a father trying to get the season’s must-have toy for his son in a swirl of shopping panic. With comedy, chaos, and heartwarming moments, the movie fully captures the consumer frenzy and family devotion that defines the holidays.

It’s fast-paced, silly, and endearingly festive; the perfect movie for laughs all while celebrating the Christmas spirit of giving.

The Nutcracker 

If you want holiday magic with a generous sprinkle of elegance, The Nutcracker should be your go-to. A classic ballet adapted for screen, with snowy scenes, twirling dancers, and a whimsical story that guarantees a magical festive atmosphere into your living room.

It’s a timeless holiday experience, perfect for kids and adults alike who love music, dance, magic, and fantasy.

How The Grinch Stole Christmas  

Whether animated or live-action, How the Grinch Stole Christmas is a holiday staple dealing with the ultimate holiday anti-hero. 

Dr. Seuss’ story about the Grinch’s journey from misanthropy to embracing the spirit of Christmas delivers humor, heart, and a valuable lesson about kindness, generosity, and community.

Its memorable characters and festive aesthetic make it a must-watch every holiday season.

Christmas Romcoms 

It wouldn’t be a proper Christmas movie spree if you don’t sprinkle in a whole stack of romantic comedies set during the holidays. Fateful encounters, cozy settings and heartwarming storylines; there is just something magical about romcoms when they unfold against snowy streets, festive cheers and twinkling Christmas lights.

And lucky for all the romcom lovers there are plenty of charming movies to binge watch if you need some cheesy feel-good films that keep the chilly winter blues away.  

Serendipity

Fate, one pair of gloves and a dollar bill with someone’s phone number scribbled on it. 

The movie Serendipity takes viewers on a charming exploration of romantic destiny as it follows two people who decide to “test’ their fates and observe whether or not coincidental circumstances will bring them back together. 

The movie is a heartwarming romantic comedy that delves, beautifully, into the concept of fated relationships, offering an entertaining blend of romance, magic and humour. If you ever find yourself in the mood for a movie that explores the mystical side of relationships with a thoughtful take on love and destiny, then this movie is definitely one to enjoy. 

Single All The way 

If you are looking for a Christmas movie set in modern times, then Single All The Way is a perfect pick. It has all the delicious ingredients of a cozy holiday movie: friends, family and the Jennifer Cooligde hilarious stealing the show as she attempts to direct the town’s Christmas play. It’s the ultimate festive treat. 

The story follows two lifelong friends as they slowly start to realize their feelings for one another while helping organize the holiday show. Can it get any cheesier, or heartwarmingly comforting, than a romcom about friendship turning into love amidst all the holiday cheer and festivities? I don’t think so.

It’s the perfectly warm movie that offers the exact level of comforting needed for your Christmas movie marathon. 

Holidate 

Annoyed by their families constantly pestering them over their love lives, the two main characters decide to hatch an equally beneficial scheme where they become each other’s “holidates.”

The plan is simple: pretend to be a couple for the holidays, avoid endless questioning from family members and actually enjoy the festivities.

But as expected in any good romcom, romance will always manage to sneak in, and soon enough they both find that they start catching feelings for one another. And as sparks fly, they have to figure out how to keep up the charade while managing their growing feelings at the same time. 

Another feel good holiday romance that hits all the high notes, perfectly.  

While You Were Sleeping 

Starring Sandra Bullock, this festive romcom is set during the Christmas season, following a woman who is unexpectedly forced to work on the holidays. But, thanks to the magic of fate (and romcoms), she ends up saving a man named Peter, someone she secretly has feelings for, from a train accident. Though she could not really save him from a coma.

Then, due to a series of comedic twists, Peter’s family assumes she is his fiancée, adding layers of confusion and humor. To make things even more complicated, she starts falling for Peter’s brother, who has been suspicious of her from the start. Full of heart, humor, and classic holiday charm, this movie is a perfect addition to your Christmas watch list. 

Grim and Introspective Christmas Movies

If you are feeling less holiday cheer and more holiday introspection, you are not alone. Sometimes we need some holiday movies that are slightly more serious. After all, the winter time is all cold and harsh and sometimes we want to see the snow represent the sadness rather that the holiday cheer 

Sometimes the holidays are not all about jolly and cheer, they can be about reflection, loneliness and even heartbreak. Especially for a season with an emphasized sense of togetherness, sorrow and longing will still manage to sneak their way in. Snowy nights can symbolize isolation just as much as they do with joy. And sometimes we need movies that allow us to explore the introspective side of the holiday season.  

The Holdovers 

The holdovers tells the story of a bunch of students who, for one reason or the other, could not return home for the holidays, hence the title. Forced to remain at school, they have to navigate spending the holidays with the teacher they don’t particularly like, or to be more exact, the teacher they particularly hate. 

At first, you might think it will explore themes of authority, but the movie is actually a beautifully filmed meditation on loneliness, grief and fractured families. Watching the main characters cope with the haunting loneliness that surrounds them is oddly comforting, validating the shared feelings of isolation many feel during the holidays. 

It’s also worth noting that the film is beautifully shot, featuring charming, picturesque scenes of snow-covered streets, cozy houses, and sparkling cityscapes. Beyond its captivating narrative, the movie is a visual delight, offering viewers a feast for the eyes as well as the heart.

Carol 

Heavy, weighty and complex. Carol is far from your typical holiday movie, painting winter as both bitter and breathtaking. 

Set in the freezing winter months, the movie follows the characters as they navigate societal pressure, judgment and heartbreak, urging viewers to witness the characters quietly wrestling with confusion and loss.

The holiday setting, sparkling lights and falling snow serve as a staggering backdrop for the complexity of the movie, placing harsh emphasis on the contrast between the season of cheer and the internal struggles the characters are facing. 

Less Than Zero 

This movie turns the holiday setting into a magnifying glass for tension and drama. Less Than Zero deals with a college fresher returning home for the holidays only to be faced with strained family dynamics and friends lost to addiction.

Snow covered streets and the glistening holiday lights do not mask the emotional devastation the character is enduring on screen. It’s intense, thought-provoking, and perfect for anyone who wants a more serious holiday film that doesn’t shy away from the harsher realities of life.

Animated Christmas Movies

Animated Christmas movies have a special kind of magic. They blend nostalgia, imagination, and heartfelt messages into stories that feel pretty much timeless.

Whether they follow a journey to the North Pole, reimagine classic holiday legends, or simply bring beloved characters into festive adventures, animated films often capture the spirit of Christmas in a way that feels very cozy and very enchanting.

Here are some of the most heartwarming, visually stunning, and emotionally rich animated holiday movies to put you in the perfect festive mood.

The Polar Express

The Polar Express is a magical Christmas journey brought to life through stunning animation and heartfelt storytelling.

Following a young boy who boards a mysterious train to the North Pole, the movie explores themes of belief, wonder, and rediscovering the magic of Christmas. The visuals are immersive, from snowy landscapes to the dazzling North Pole, making it a cozy and enchanting watch for all ages.

It’s a film that truly captures the feeling of stepping into a living Christmas storybook.

Rise of the Guardians

While not a traditional Christmas movie, Rise of the Guardians delivers strong holiday vibes thanks to the presence of Santa, Jack Frost, and other mythical guardians of childhood. 

The film blends action, emotion, and beautiful animation as the Guardians unite to defend the magic of childhood. With its wintery aesthetic, sparkling snow scenes, and powerful themes of belief, courage, and identity, it’s a perfect animated pick for the season, even if it’s not explicitly about Christmas.

The Nightmare Before Christmas

Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas is a timeless blend of spooky charm and holiday warmth. Centered around Jack Skellington, the Pumpkin King who becomes fascinated with Christmas, the movie uniquely merges Halloween and Christmas themes.

With its unforgettable songs, gothic visuals, and heartfelt message about identity and belonging, it’s perfect for those who love something a little quirky and offbeat in their holiday lineup.

Klaus

Klaus is one of the most beautiful and emotionally resonant animated Christmas films of recent years. It tells the story of a spoiled postman and a reclusive toymaker whose unlikely friendship transforms a bleak town into a place filled with kindness.

Nonetheless, one of the most remarkable aspects of Klaus is its groundbreaking animation style. Rather than relying solely on 3D animation, the film uses a 2D approach enhanced with modern lighting and texturing technology that has the look of 3D animation. 

The animators incorporated volumetric lighting, something typically reserved for 3D films, to give characters and environments a sense of depth, weight, and realism while still maintaining the softness and charm of traditional 2D animation.

This hybrid method allows Klaus to feel nostalgic and modern at the same time, creating a visual warmth that matches the story’s emotional depth. The result is an animated world that stands out from typical CGI-heavy holiday movies with its richly lit scenes, expressive characters, and a handcrafted feel that makes every frame look like a moving illustration.

The techniques used combined with the story weaves humor, heart, and warmth with a fresh take on the origins of Santa Claus. 

Winnie the Pooh: A Very Merry Pooh Year

This gentle, sweet, and nostalgic Christmas film brings the charm of the Hundred Acre Wood into the holiday season.

Pooh and his friends navigate holiday chaos, friendship dilemmas, and the joy of celebrating together.

It’s filled with feel-good lessons, cozy winter scenes, and the timeless innocence that brings out the comfort in Winnie the Pooh’s stories, which is especially needed during the holidays.

Barbie in A Christmas Carol

This animated adaptation of the Charles Dickens classic brings Barbie’s charm and festive sparkle in a stunning blend to showcase the traditional story.

The film introduces children to the classic tale through music, colorful visuals, and a softer storytelling approach while still highlighting themes of generosity, forgiveness, and the spirit of Christmas. It’s perfect for younger audiences or anyone who grew up loving the Barbie movie universe.

A Christmas Carol (2009)

This visually striking adaptation features motion-capture animation and stars Jim Carrey in multiple roles. It stays true to the darker, more atmospheric tone of Dickens’ original story while delivering breathtaking visuals and emotional depth.

With haunting yet beautiful winter scenes, dramatic sequences, and a powerful message about redemption, it’s a great choice for those who want a more mature and cinematic animated Christmas experience.

The Not-So-Christmas Christmas movies 

This section is a miscellaneous mixture of movies that are not technically Christmas movies or 

set during christmas but still give off that feeling of holiday magic that Christmas movies offer.

Whether it’s due to the winter aesthetics, snowy settings, cozy moments or the occasional mention of Christmas, these movies still count as Christmas movies in our books.  

Frozen 

Not a christmas movie, per say, but Frozen does have plenty of Hallmarks of a winter classic. Hear me out: 

Winter? Check. Lots of snow visuals? Check. The power of love, friendship, and sisterhood saving the day? Check. There is even a talking snowman character that bursts into song at some point. Not just that, one of the characters even has a reindeer for a pet. 

It should count as a Christmas movie if you ask me. 

Harry Potter  

There is just something about the Harry Potter movies that evoke a Christmas feel without being about Christmas. The winter scenes, glowing fireplaces and cozy Hogwarts atmosphere create a comforting, festive vibes. 

For holiday viewing, you can binge watch the whole series or pick and choose.

If you already watched Harry Potter before and you just want one of the movies to watch during your Christmas movie spree, I would recommend picking between the first or the third movie. 

The third movie particularly, Harry Potter and The Prisoner of Azkaban, remains the ultimate pick as the best directed Harry Potter movie. With the charming winter scenes and the snowy Hogsmeade sequences, this movie makes a great addition to your Christmas watch list. 

TV Show specials

If you’re in the mood for something festive but don’t want to commit to a full movie, or maybe you’ve already worked your way through your holiday watchlist, Christmas TV specials are the perfect alternative.

Most long-running shows, especially sitcoms, animated shows and family series, have at least one holiday episode that captures the warmth, chaos, and comedy of the season. They’re short, easy to enjoy, and offer the perfect burst of Christmas cheer without requiring a full two-hour runtime. 

You can simply pick your favorite series and jump straight to the holiday episodes.

No matter how you decide to celebrate this season, Christmas movies have their way of bringing joy, laughter, and a touch of magic into our lives. So, whether you want to revisit old favorites, discover hidden gems, or enjoy a holiday TV special, each option will offer you its own unique charm and festive spirit. That’s the beauty of Christmas movies, they create moments of warmth, nostalgia, and connection that linger long after the credits roll.

With this guide in hand, you can now confidently pick the perfect movie for any holiday mood, setting, or tradition. So bring over your hot cocoa, press play and let the holiday magic take over. Truly, there’s nothing like a great Christmas movie to make this sparkling season shine.

Extra Footage: 

What are the best classic Christmas movies to watch?
Some timeless favorites include Home Alone, The Santa Clause, Jingle All the Way, The Nutcracker, and How the Grinch Stole Christmas. These films combine humor, family moments, and holiday magic for viewers of all ages.

Are there Christmas movies suitable for kids?
Yes! Animated films like The Polar Express, Klaus, Rise of the Guardians, Barbie in A Christmas Carol, and Winnie the Pooh: A Very Merry Pooh Year are perfect for children and families.

Can I watch Christmas episodes from my favorite TV shows?
Absolutely. Many popular series have holiday specials, including Phineas and Ferb, Hannah Montana, Brooklyn Nine-Nine, The Office, New Girl, and Abbott Elementary. These episodes capture the festive spirit in a short, enjoyable format.

What if I want a more introspective holiday movie?
For a more reflective or emotional tone, films like The Holdovers, Carol, and Less Than Zero explore themes of loneliness, family, and personal challenges during the holidays.