The holiday season is a time of joy, reflection, and family. With the cold weather and long nights, it’s the perfect time to curl up with a good movie. Whether you’re in the mood for a classic or a modern favorite, there’s something for everyone. Here are 50 of the best holiday movies to watch in December.
1. Home Alone (1990)
When 8-year-old Kevin McCallister is accidentally left home alone by his family on Christmas Eve, he must defend the family home from two bumbling burglars. This classic holiday comedy is sure to bring some much-needed cheer.
2. Elf (2003)
Buddy the Elf was raised among Santa’s elves at the North Pole, but as he grows up he realizes he doesn’t quite fit in. After traveling to New York City in search of his real father, Buddy learns the true meaning of Christmas.
3. It’s a Wonderful Life (1946)
When down-on-his-luck George Bailey contemplates suicide on Christmas Eve, an angel is sent to show him the impact he has had on the lives of those around him. A timeless classic.
4. The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)
Jack Skellington, the Pumpkin King of Halloween Town, discovers Christmas Town and decides to bring its joy to his own holiday. This charming stop-motion film is a must-watch for any holiday movie fan.
5. The Santa Clause (1994)
When Scott Calvin accidentally kills Santa Claus on Christmas Eve, he is magically transformed into the new Santa Claus. With his newfound responsibility, he must learn to be the new St. Nick before Christmas morning.
6. How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000)
The Grinch attempts to ruin Christmas for the citizens of Whoville, only to learn the true meaning of the holiday. This live-action adaptation of Dr. Seuss’s classic is sure to bring a smile to your face.
7. The Polar Express (2004)
When a young boy loses faith in the spirit of Christmas, he boards a magical train bound for the North Pole. Along the way, he learns the importance of believing in the magic of the holiday season.
8. Love Actually (2003)
This romantic comedy follows the lives of nine intertwined couples in the weeks leading up to Christmas. A heartwarming and humorous look at love and family during the holiday season.
9. A Christmas Story (1983)
Ralphie Parker wants nothing more than a Red Ryder BB gun for Christmas, but his parents seem determined to prevent it from happening. An iconic holiday classic that is sure to bring some laughs.
10. Miracle on 34th Street (1947)
When a department store Santa claims he is the real Santa Claus, he must prove it in court. A timeless holiday classic about believing in the impossible.
11. The Holiday (2006)
Two women exchange homes for the holidays in an attempt to escape their troubles. Along the way, they find love and learn to appreciate life.
12. Arthur Christmas (2011)
When Santa’s clumsy son Arthur accidentally delivers a present to the wrong house on Christmas Eve, he embarks on a mission to make things right. An adorable holiday adventure.
13. National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation (1989)
When the Griswold family decides to spend the holidays at home, they are quickly overwhelmed with the chaos of the season. A hilarious holiday romp that is sure to bring some laughs.
14. A Charlie Brown Christmas (1965)
In this beloved holiday classic, Charlie Brown searches for the true meaning of Christmas with the help of his friends. A wonderful holiday treat for viewers of all ages.
15. The Muppet Christmas Carol (1992)
The Muppets take on the classic Dickens tale of Ebenezer Scrooge and his journey towards redemption. Filled with music, laughter, and plenty of holiday cheer.
16. White Christmas (1954)
Bing Crosby and Danny Kaye star in this beloved musical about two friends who team up to put on a holiday show for a struggling Vermont inn. Filled with classic songs and plenty of holiday cheer.
17. A Christmas Carol (2009)
Jim Carrey stars in this modern adaptation of the classic Dickens tale. An entertaining and visually stunning take on the timeless holiday story.
18. Prancer (1989)
When a young boy discovers an injured reindeer in the woods, he must convince his family and the townspeople of its magical powers. A heartwarming holiday tale.
19. The Shop Around the Corner (1940)
Two co-workers at a Budapest shop are unaware that they are falling in love through their anonymous pen pal letters. A charming holiday romance.
20. The Family Stone (2005)
When an uptight businesswoman brings her boyfriend home for the holidays, she finds herself struggling to fit in with her eccentric family. A heartwarming holiday comedy.
21. The Holiday Calendar (2018)
When a struggling photographer inherits an antique advent calendar with the power to predict the future, she discovers the true meaning of Christmas. A charming holiday romance.
22. Four Christmases (2008)
When two successful siblings are forced to visit all four of their divorced parents on Christmas Day, they quickly discover the chaos of the holiday season. A hilarious holiday comedy.
23. The Bishop’s Wife (1947)
When an angel is sent to help a struggling bishop, he learns the true meaning of Christmas and the importance of family. A heartwarming holiday classic.
24. The Snowman (1982)
This animated short follows the story of a young boy who builds a snowman that comes to life and takes him on a magical journey. A truly enchanting holiday film.
25. The Nutcracker and the Four Realms (2018)
When a young girl is transported to a magical realm on Christmas Eve, she must save the realm from an evil mouse king. A breathtaking holiday adventure.
26. The Christmas Chronicles (2018)
When two siblings accidentally crash Santa’s sleigh, they must help him deliver presents before Christmas morning. A charming holiday comedy.
27. Christmas with the Kranks (2004)
When the Kranks decide to skip Christmas, they quickly find themselves struggling to fit in with their Christmas-obsessed neighbors. A hilarious holiday comedy.
28. Home Alone 2: Lost in New York (1992)
When Kevin McCallister is separated from his family on their way to Florida, he must defend himself against the same two bumbling burglars from the first film. A worthy sequel to the classic holiday comedy.
29. The Santa Clause 2 (2002)
When Santa discovers that his son is on the naughty list, he must marry before Christmas Eve or risk losing his powers. A charming holiday comedy.
30. The Grinch (2018)
In this modern adaptation of Dr. Seuss’s classic, the Grinch attempts to ruin Christmas for the citizens of Whoville. A heartwarming holiday tale.
31. Frosty the Snowman (1969)
When a magical hat brings Frosty the Snowman to life, he must outrun the greedy magician who created him. A classic holiday adventure the whole family can enjoy.
32. Christmas with the Kranks (2004)
When the Kranks decide to skip Christmas, they quickly find themselves struggling to fit in with their Christmas-obsessed neighbors. A hilarious holiday comedy.
33. A Christmas Tale (2008)
When a family gathers together for Christmas, old tensions resurface and secrets are revealed. A touching holiday drama.
34. The Holiday (2006)
Two women exchange homes for the holidays in an attempt to escape their troubles. Along the way, they find love and learn to appreciate life.
35. The Muppet Christmas Carol (1992)
The Muppets take on the classic Dickens tale of Ebenezer Scrooge and his journey towards redemption. Filled with music, laughter, and plenty of holiday cheer.
36. Christmas Vacation (1989)
When the Griswold family decides to spend the holidays at home, they are quickly overwhelmed with the chaos of the season. A hilarious holiday romp that is sure to bring some laughs.
37. Bad Santa (2003)
Two con artists pose as Santa and an elf in order to rob department stores on Christmas Eve. A darkly humorous holiday comedy.
38. Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000)
The Grinch attempts to ruin Christmas for the citizens of Whoville, only to learn the true meaning of the holiday. This live-action adaptation of Dr. Seuss’s classic is sure to bring a smile to your face.
39. The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)
Jack Skellington, the Pumpkin King of Halloween Town, discovers Christmas Town and decides to bring its joy to his own holiday. This charming stop-motion film is a must-watch for any holiday movie fan.
40. A Very Brady Christmas (1988)
When the Brady family gathers for the holidays, old family tensions resurface and the family is forced to confront their issues. A heartwarming holiday comedy.
41. The Santa Clause 3: The Escape Clause (2006)
When Santa’s in-laws attempt to take over the North Pole, he must enlist the help of Jack Frost to save Christmas. A fun and festive holiday adventure.
42. A Christmas Carol (1984)
This animated adaptation of the classic Dickens tale follows Ebenezer Scrooge’s journey towards redemption. A timeless holiday classic.
43. Christmas in Connecticut (1945)
When a famous food writer is forced to host a Christmas dinner for a war hero, she must scramble to find a husband and a home in time for the big day. A charming holiday comedy.
44. The Polar Express (2004)
When a young boy loses faith in the spirit of Christmas, he boards a magical train bound for the North Pole. Along the way, he learns the importance of believing in the magic of the holiday season.
45. A Christmas Story (1983)
Ralphie Parker wants nothing more than a Red Ryder BB gun for Christmas, but his parents seem determined to prevent it from happening. An iconic holiday classic that is sure to bring some laughs.
46. A Very Murray Christmas (2015)
Bill Murray stars in this holiday special as he attempts to save Christmas and bring joy to New York City. A charming and humorous holiday treat.
47. Jack Frost (1998)
When Jack Frost is killed in a car accident, he is magically transformed into a snowman and must find a way to reconnect with his family before Christmas morning. A heartwarming and humorous holiday tale.
48. Joyeux Noël (2005)
This award-winning foreign film follows the story of three soldiers from France, Germany, and Scotland who form a bond during a brief ceasefire on Christmas Eve during World War I. A touching holiday drama.
49. The Man Who Invented Christmas (2017)
Based on the true story of Charles Dickens’ creation of “A Christmas Carol”, this charming holiday tale follows Dickens on a journey to rediscover the joy of the season.
50. Babes in Toyland (1934)
When two children are transported to the magical world of Toyland, they must defeat an evil villain before Christmas Day. A classic holiday musical.
