My 14 Must-Watch Christmas Movies for the Holiday Season

Happy Almost Thanksgiving, dear readers! Since I doubt most people are actually working today, I decided to join in solidarity and share my 14 must-watch Christmas movies for the holiday season because, as of the day after tomorrow, it’s officially Christmastime, and I. AM. READY. Truth be told, I fully support celebrating Christmas as soon as the “Ber” months start, but I try to contain my excitement since most people don’t share the same feelings.

However, it’s finally time for us tinsel-lovin’, carol-singin’ Christmas addicts TO SHINE. So whether you need to unwind after work or want a low-effort activity to enjoy while processing food coma, these (mostly) wholesome flicks are great to enjoy with your furry bestie, a snuggly blanket, and a cup of cocoa. And in case you’re wondering, only half of these are made by Disney but the rest should still be on-brand for us Disney fanatics. I also stuck to full-length movies and left out shorter specials like A Charlie Brown Christmas, even though Snoopy eating a stack of femurs is symbolic of the season.

1. Miracle on 34th Street (1947)

I’m putting this one at the top of this list because it’s actually my Thanksgiving tradition movie. Once the real Macy’s Parade is over, I’ll usually turn this on and have it play in the background while I cook. Even though I loved Mara Wilson as a kid, the 1994 version of this movie is so slow-paced that it puts me to sleep, so the 1947 version is the only one I watch. Sorry, Mara!

2. 12 Dates of Christmas

This made-for-TV romcom is about a 30-something gal who relives the same day repeatedly while learning to navigate meaningful relationships and yes, it’s appropriate for the whole fam. It’s a must-watch for me every year, and Zack Morris (a.k.a. Mark-Paul Gosselaar) plays her love interest!

3. Christmas Pen Pals

This is another made-for-TV romcom, but it’s from Lifetime, so it has the corny Hallmark feel down to the business-woman-who’s-too-busy-for-love-until-she-visits-her-small-hometown storyline. It may not have the most original plot as far as Christmas movies go, but something about it makes me stream it every year. Maybe it’s because I love cute coffee shops or maybe it’s because I want Sarah Drew’s hair and often try to emulate it … either way, if you need an easy watch, it’s a good one!

4. A Muppet Family Christmas

Everyone likes to talk about how much they adore The Muppet Christmas Carol, and while it is an absolute delight, my real favorite Muppet holiday special is a Muppet Family Christmas! The entire gang gets snowed in at Fozzie Bear’s mom’s house, and they’re joined by their Sesame Street friends and the Fraggle Rock gang! It’s basically just one big cozy pajama party, and it melts my icy millennial heart every time.

5. The Holiday

I can’t write a comfort movie list and not include at least one film by Nancy Meyers. Like most of her movies, this one’s a timeless classic full of the dreamiest home decor. Not only do I enjoy watching the two prominent couples fall in love throughout the movie, but I can also appreciate how the movie highlights the art of film in general.

6. The Sound of Music

I can’t explain it, but The Sound of Music is definitely a Christmas movie, and Julie Andrews is basically the word “enchantment” personified, and that’s a very Christmas-esque thing, right? TSOM is the best thing to watch around 11 am on Christmas morning when we’re still in our pajamas, and it’s considered acceptable to just rot on the couch for the day with a few slice and bake cookies.

7. Peter Pan the Musical (1954)

This is another “it’s a Christmas movie in my mind” kind of thing because there’s just something so wholesome and comforting about it. I know that there are certain aspects in the musical that didn’t age well but I’ve come to accept that we can’t always control what was created in the past so instead of focusing on the Tiger Lily cringe-fest sequences, I choose to focus my attention on other things like Mary Martin’s amazing rendition of “Never Never Land.”

8. The Santa Clause

This one’s probably on most peoples’ favorites list, but I particularly like the movie’s attention to detail when it comes to explaining the origin of Santa and his crew at the North Pole. Unpopular Opinion: I’m not a fan of sequel movies but I do enjoy the Disney+ series, The Santa Clauses. If you grew up with the original film, do yourself a favor and watch the show. Sometimes revivals are made for kids today, but this one is for adults who watched it as kids!

9. Lifesize 2

Another unpopular opinion: Lifesize 2 is better than the first one. Don’t get me wrong, I loved the first one, too, but the sequel knows its audience and leans into making fun of itself. I’m always a fan of intentionally cheesed-up content.

10. Jingle All the Way

Sinbad makes this movie for me (whatever happened to him anyway). Although watching Arnold S. run relentlessly around Minneapolis gives me anxiety at times, this is a classic millennial Christmas movie that never disappoints.

11. A Disney Christmas Gift

A Disney Christmas Gift is technically a bunch of Disney winter-themed cartoons wrapped into a VHS special, but they feature snippets of Disneyland at Christmastime, and it just brings me so much joy. It’s the perfect thing to watch if you’re missing the Disney parks this time of year.

12. It’s a Wonderful Life

Every “I wish I had never been born” storyline you see repeated in sitcoms is based on “It’s a Wonderful Life,” so if you find those interesting, you’ll fully enjoy this movie, too. Scratch that; if you haven’t seen “It’s a Wonderful Life,” let this be your sign to watch ASAP because what are you even doing with your life??

13. Rudolph the Rednosed Reindeer

Santa’s a bit of an asshat in this one (seriously, though, why did they make him so mean??), but the soundtrack featuring Burl Ives is *Chef’s Kiss* and puts me in the holiday spirit every time. I love the Rankin Bass Christmas specials and play them every chance I get during December, but Rudolph is number one.

14. Home Alone

This one obviously doesn’t need an explanation, and I’ve seen it more times than any adult should care to admit. It has everything an ideal Christmas movie needs: a beautifully weird green and red decorated home, robbers who are really bad at what they do, the Grinch, cheese pizza, and some of the prettiest Christmas much I’ve ever heard. I don’t know anyone who hasn’t seen Home Alone, and if you don’t like it, that just hurts my feelings and we can’t be friends.

Well, that sums up all of them. I almost added Harry Potter to this list, but that’s a Halloween series in my heart. Plus, I’m just tired of typing now, and I need to start prepping my sweet potato pie for tomorrow. What are some of your must-watch Christmas movies? Enjoy your Thanksgiving, and make good choices!

xoxo,

Lily