Best Christmas Movies to Watch this Holiday Season

Grab the hot cocoa, popcorn, comfy PJs and snuggly blankets and curl up together by the TV to watch these Christmas movies that will absolutely put you in the holiday spirit!

1. How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000)



Who to watch with: The whole family
Our thoughts: This is one of our all time favorite Christmas movies. The classic story makes all of us want to gather around the Christmas tree and sing with the Whos.

2. Elf (2003)



Who to watch with: The whole family
Our thoughts: I’m singing and we love “Elf” and we’re singing!! Don’t understand that reference? Then you absolutely need to go watch this fun movie.

3. The Polar Express (2004)



Who to watch with: The whole family
Our thoughts: Without fail, this movie always bring a tear to our eyes. We guarantee the entire family will love this heartwarming movie and it will become a favorite!

4. A Christmas Story (1983)



Who to watch with: The whole family (we’d recommend kids 8 and up)
Our thoughts: TBS is on all Christmas day so we can watch this classic. The throwback to 1940s Christmas will be loved by watchers of all ages and have you think you won a major award!

5. Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer (1964)



Who to watch with: The whole family
Our thoughts: While my mom isn’t the biggest fan of this movie (she stands firm that Santa is a bigot) – it is one of my personal all time favorites. Brings me right back to my childhood and the Christmases of yesteryear.

6. National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation (1989)



Who to watch with: Most of the family (rated PG-13)
Our thoughts: Oh how this movie makes us laugh! From decorating the house, to the adventure to get the Christmas tree, to sledding, to cousin Eddie, to SQUIRL…the wonderful hilarity never ends.

7. Frosty the Snowman (1969)



Who to watch with: Let the kiddos watch and get things done!
Our thoughts: This movie guarantees you 25 minutes of keeping the kids occupied. Plus, who doesn’t love this classic story?

8. The Santa Clause (1994)



Who to watch with: The whole family
Our thoughts: A great film for the whole family, this make everyone believe in Santa! Oh, and did we mention that The Santa Clause 2 and The Santa Clause 3 are also great?!

9. Home Alone (1990)



Who to watch with: The whole family
Our thoughts: “Merry Christmas you filthy animal. And a Happy New Year too.” If this does (or doesn’t) make you smile, you need to watch Home Alone ASAP! Oh, and don’t forget Home Alone 2 – seriously great Christmas movies.

10. Love Actually (2003)



Who to watch with: Date night!
Our thoughts: Oh this British Christmas movie is bloody brilliant! This all star cast puts you in the holiday spirit by weaving in hilarious, dramatic and romantic relationships and storylines together.

11. A Charlie Brown Christmas (1965)



Who to watch with: Great for the kids!
Our thoughts: Another classic to have the kiddos watch while you get things done. Besides, who doesn’t love Charlie Brown?

12. The Holiday (2006)



Who to watch with: Date night movie
Our thoughts: Romance + comedy + drama = one wonderful Christmas movie!

13. Miracle on 34th Street (1994)



Who to watch with: The whole family
Our thoughts: The magic that is Miracle on 34th Street is heartwarming and definitely puts you in the mood for Christmas. Yes, it is a remake, but we think it is just as amazing as the original.

14. It’s a Wonderful Life (1946)



Who to watch with: The whole family
Our thoughts: This movie makes you appreciate what you have in life and highlights what is truly important at holiday time. It has become a classic and is beloved by all!

15. Die Hard (1988)



Who to watch with: Date night!
Our thoughts: “Yippy-ki-yay mother truckers!” Need we say more? Then men in your life will love you for watching this “Christmas” movie.

16. Bad Santa (2003)



Who to watch with: Adults!
Our thoughts: A Santa with a drinking problem and his evil elf sidekick robbing department stores…needless to say this is not your traditional Christmas movie.

17. Scrooged (1988)



Who to watch with: Adults!
Our thoughts: Oh, Bill Murray. This twist on the traditional Christmas Carol is hilarious and irreverent. It’s over-the-top 80’s with exaggerated characters, but it still represents the classic well.

18. A Smoky Mountain Christmas (1986)



Who to watch with: The whole family
Our thoughts: This made-for-tv movie truly deserves some special praise. Dolly Parton’s Snow White-themed story is beyond cheesy and so awful it’s great.

19. White Christmas (1954)



Who to watch with: The whole family
Our thoughts: A classic, not because of the story, but because of the way the music makes you feel. Singing, dancing, romance, magic and a little bit of army-hoo-raw – it is one fun heartwarming movie.

20. Jingle All the Way (1996)



Who to watch with: The whole family
Our thoughts: Have your kids ever wanted a CERTAIN toy for Christmas and life would be over if they didn’t get it? Well this fun movie makes light of this with Arnold Schwarzenegger fighting to get his son’s must-have Turbo Man!

21. The Muppet Christmas Carol (1992)



Who to watch with: The whole family
Our thoughts: This classic tale gets Muppet-ized in this Christmas film. Heartwarming and full of Christmas spirit, The Muppet Christmas Carol is a must-watch for the whole family this holiday season.

Think we forgot one? Share your favorite Christmas movie in the comments below!