25 Must-See Christmas Movies to Spark Your Holiday Magic

Get cozy and prepare for a holiday movie marathon with 25 Must See Christmas Movies to brighten your festive season! From heartwarming classics to laugh-out-loud comedies, this list will keep your spirits high and warm your heart like a cup of hot cocoa on a snowy day. And while movie preferences can be as unique as Christmas ornaments, let’s embrace the season’s spirit—peace, love, and zero movie debates. Don’t worry if your favourite flick didn’t make the main list; there are some honourable mentions waiting at the end, plus I’m all ears for your holiday picks. Let the Christmas cheer (and movie watching) begin!

25 Must See Christmas Movies

December 1: “Dr. Seuss’ How The Grinch Stole Christmas” (2000)

• Starring: Jim Carrey, Taylor Momsen
• Plot: Dive into the whimsical world of Whoville, where the Grinch plots to ruin Christmas for the town’s jubilant citizens. Will his heart grow three sizes in time?
• Why It’s Special: A tale of redemption and the true spirit of Christmas, this classic reminds us that the holiday is about more than just presents.

December 2: “Santa Clause 1, 2, and 3” (1994, 2002, 2006)

• Starring: Tim Allen, Elizabeth Mitchell (in sequels)
• Plot: Ever wondered what it takes to become Santa Claus? Dive into a trilogy that explores the challenges, from dealing with the naughty list to facing off against Jack Frost.
• Why It’s Special: A heartwarming series that delves into the magic, challenges, and responsibilities of being Santa Claus.

December 3: “Home Alone” (1990)

• Starring: Macaulay Culkin, Joe Pesci, Daniel Stern
• Plot: Young Kevin McCallister finds himself accidentally left behind when his family goes on vacation. Now, he must defend his home from two bumbling burglars using ingenious traps.
• Why It’s Special: A hilarious and heartwarming tale of resilience, wit, and the importance of family during the holidays.

December 4: “Miracle on 34th Street” (1947)

• Starring: Maureen O’Hara, John Payne, Edmund Gwenn
• Plot: When a man claiming to be the real Santa Claus emerges in New York City, it leads to a court case to determine his authenticity and rekindles the holiday spirit in skeptics.
• Why It’s Special: A timeless story that challenges cynicism and restores belief in the magic of Christmas.

December 5: “A Christmas Story” (1983)

• Starring: Peter Billingsley, Melinda Dillon, Darren McGavin
• Plot: Young Ralphie Parker has one wish for Christmas—a Red Ryder BB gun. Follow his humorous holiday adventures and misadventures as he hopes for his dream gift.
• Why It’s Special: A nostalgic trip down memory lane, reminding us of the innocence, excitement, and occasional pitfalls of childhood Christmases.

December 6: “National Lampoon Christmas Vacation” (1989)

• Starring: Chevy Chase, Beverly D’Angelo, Randy Quaid
• Plot: The Griswold family’s plans for a big family Christmas turn into a big disaster, from tangled lights to an unexpected RV guest.
• Why It’s Special: A hilarious take on the chaos and joy of family gatherings during the holidays. Holy sh*t! Where’s the Tylenol?!

December 7: “White Christmas” (1954)

• Starring: Bing Crosby, Danny Kaye, Rosemary Clooney
• Plot: Two entertainers team up with a sister act to save a failing Vermont inn with a grand musical performance.
• Why It’s Special: A musical delight filled with iconic songs, dance numbers, and the magic of a white Christmas.

December 8: “Frosty the Snowman” (1969)

• Plot: A magical hat brings a snowman to life, leading to a heartwarming adventure as children try to get Frosty to the North Pole before he melts.
• Why It’s Special: A charming tale of friendship, magic, and the fleeting beauty of winter.

December 9: “A Christmas Carol” (1951)

• Starring: Alistair Sim, Kathleen Harrison, Mervyn Johns
• Plot: Ebenezer Scrooge, a miserly old man, is visited by three spirits on Christmas Eve, showing him the errors of his ways and the joy of embracing the holiday spirit.
• Why It’s Special: A timeless Dickens classic that delves into redemption, reflection, and the transformative power of kindness. Alistair sims is and always will be the best Scrooge ever.

Day 10: “Elf” (2003)
Starring: Will Ferrell, Zooey Deschanel
Plot: Buddy, a human raised by elves at the North Pole, travels to New York City in search of his real father.
Why It’s Special: A heartwarming tale of identity and family, “Elf” combines humour and holiday spirit in a way that’s perfect for all ages. Buddy the elf can come to my house for dinner anytime. I’ll have the candy, cane canes, candy corn, and maple syrup ready.

December 11: “Christmas with the Kranks” (2004)

• Starring: Tim Allen, Jamie Lee Curtis
• Plot: When the Kranks decide to skip Christmas in favor of a cruise, their plans are turned upside down as they rush to create a festive celebration at the last minute.
• Why It’s Special: A comedic look at the pressures of holiday traditions and the lengths we go to for the spirit of the season.

December 12: “Arthur Christmas” (2011)

• Starring: James McAvoy, Hugh Laurie (voices)
• Plot: Dive into the high-tech operations of Santa’s workshop and follow Arthur, Santa’s well-meaning but clumsy son, as he embarks on a mission to deliver a forgotten present.
• Why It’s Special: A modern twist on the magic of Christmas, showcasing the blend of tradition and technology.

December 13: “Polar Express” (2004)

• Starring: Tom Hanks (voice and motion capture)
• Plot: A young boy embarks on a magical train journey to the North Pole, discovering friendship, bravery, and the spirit of Christmas along the way.
• Why It’s Special: A visually stunning and heartwarming tale about belief and the wonders of the holiday season.

December 14: “One Magic Christmas” (1985)

• Starring: Mary Steenburgen, Gary Basaraba
• Plot: A guardian angel helps a cynical woman rediscover the magic of Christmas and the importance of family.
• Why It’s Special: A touching story of redemption, hope, and the miracles of the holiday season.

December 15: “Love Actually” (2003)

• Starring: Hugh Grant, Liam Neeson, Colin Firth, and many more
• Plot: Dive into multiple intertwined stories exploring the complexities of love and relationships during the festive season in London.
• Why It’s Special: A heartwarming and sometimes bittersweet look at love in its many forms, set against the backdrop of Christmas.

December 16: “Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer” (1964)

• Plot: Rudolph, a reindeer with a glowing red nose, embarks on an adventure, meeting misfit friends and ultimately saving Christmas.
• Why It’s Special: A timeless tale of acceptance, bravery, and shining bright despite our differences.

December 17: “Nightmare Before Christmas” (1993)

• Starring: Chris Sarandon, Catherine O’Hara (voices)
• Plot: Jack Skellington, the Pumpkin King of Halloween Town, stumbles upon Christmas Town and tries to bring Christmas to his home, with unexpected results.
• Why It’s Special: A unique blend of Halloween and Christmas, this film explores the meaning and emotions behind each holiday.

December 18: “Charlie Brown Christmas” (1965)

• Plot: Charlie Brown seeks the true meaning of Christmas amidst the commercialism and materialism of the season.
• Why It’s Special: A poignant reminder of the true spirit of Christmas, with beloved Peanuts characters.

December 19: “Nestor the Long Eared Donkey” (1977)

• Plot: Nestor, a donkey with oversized ears, faces ridicule but ultimately plays a crucial role in the first Christmas.
• Why It’s Special: A heartwarming tale of perseverance, acceptance, and destiny.

December 20: “Spirited” (2023)

• Starring: Ryan Reynolds, Will Ferrell, Octavia Spencer
• Plot: A modern musical rendition of “A Christmas Carol,” where a selfish man encounters three spirits who help him rediscover the joy of Christmas.
• Why It’s Special: A fresh take on a classic tale, blending humor, music, and holiday magic. Also, Ryan Reynolds. Need I say more?

December 21: “Fred Claus”

• Starring: Vince Vaughn, Paul Giamatti
• Plot: Fred Claus, Santa’s bitter older brother, is forced to move to the North Pole and help Santa prepare for Christmas after causing trouble.
• Why It’s Special: A comedic take on family dynamics and sibling rivalry set against the backdrop of the North Pole’s festive preparations.

December 22: “Little Drummer Boy”

• Plot: A young drummer boy, after a series of unfortunate events, finds himself accompanying the Magi to Bethlehem.
• Why It’s Special: A touching tale of redemption and the true meaning of gift-giving during the birth of Jesus.

December 23: “Four Christmases”

• Starring: Reese Witherspoon, Vince Vaughn
• Plot: A couple struggles to visit all four of their divorced parents on Christmas Day, leading to hilarious and heartwarming moments.
• Why It’s Special: A comedic look at the challenges of family dynamics during the holidays, emphasizing the importance of love and understanding.

December 24: “Scrooged”

• Starring: Bill Murray, Karen Allen
• Plot: A selfish TV executive is haunted by three spirits bearing lessons on Christmas Eve, offering a modern twist on Dickens’ classic tale.
• Why It’s Special: A darkly comedic yet heartwarming adaptation that reminds us of the true spirit of Christmas.

December 25: “It’s a Wonderful Life”

• Starring: James Stewart, Donna Reed
• Plot: George Bailey, on the brink of despair, is shown by an angel what life would have been like if he had never existed.
• Why It’s Special: A timeless classic that celebrates the value of life, community, and the impact one person can have on the lives of others.

You made it! Merry Christmas! Hopefully, you’ve had a peaceful hour or two of holiday entertainment every day for the last 25 days. Now it’s time to crawl out from under that blanket and go make the rest of your holidays merry and bright.

Honourable Mentions:

1. “Die Hard” – An action-packed tale set during a Christmas party, challenging traditional holiday movie conventions.
2. “The Ref” – A burglar finds himself acting as a referee between a bickering couple during a Christmas Eve robbery.
3. “The Holiday” – Two women swap homes for the holidays and find unexpected romance. Jack Black is beyond charming in this one.
4. “Love the Coopers” – A family’s annual Christmas Eve gathering leads to chaos, laughter, and heartwarming moments.
5. “Family Stone” – A man brings his uptight girlfriend home for Christmas, leading to comedic and touching interactions with his free-spirited family.
6. “Office Christmas Party” – Employees throw an epic Christmas party to impress a potential client and save their jobs.
7. “The Santa Clauses” – A series that delves into the magic, challenges, and responsibilities of being Santa Claus.
8. “Noelle” – Basically a woman saves Christmas Day, and that’s pretty much the reality. My only question is why did it take so long to make this one?