10 Holiday Films for Your Watch List

Holiday traditions are part of what make this time of year so special. In my family, we read specials stories, eat certain foods, put up our Christmas tree and decorations, and watch our favorite holiday movies. It just isn’t the holidays without them. There is a HUGE variety of holiday films out there. Our favorites run the spectrum from funny, to sweet and corny, to nostalgic and even religious.

Here is a list of some of the favorite Holiday and Christmas films in our house. I’d love it if you’d add to it in the comments below. I am always on the lookout for a new Christmas movie. (Note: This page contains affiliate links. See Disclosure Page for details).

 

• Elf (2003) – PG

This movie makes me laugh every time. I can’t say how many times I’ve seen it, but it always makes me smile. This is the story of Buddy the Elf, a human raised with elves, who leaves the North Pole to search for his  true identity. Hilarity ensues as he tries to make his way in the real world.  As Buddy says, “I like to smile. Smiling’s my favorite.”

 

 

• Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer (1964) – TV-G

Back in the olden days, before VCRs (does anyone know what they are anymore?) or DVD players, we would have to wait to watch our favorite Christmas specials. They would only come on once a year. You’d have to look in the TV Guide or for advertisements to kn now when they could come on. Of all of them, Rudolph was my favorite. This is a classic and it just wouldn’t be Christmas without the Island of Misfit Toys or Yukon Cornelius and the Abominable Snowman. Amazon sells a set that includes all the classics, including Frosty the Snowman and Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town.

 

 

 

• Home Alone (1990) – PG

Maybe I’m crazy, but this movie still makes me laugh. When I finally showed it to my kids, they laughed too. Sometimes they put it on downstairs and their laughter travels up to where I am. If you’re not a fan of physical comedy, then you might not appreciate this, but if you like a good pratfall, you need to watch it.

 

 

 

 

• National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation (1989) – PG-13

This is definitely for older kids and adults. Poor Chevy Chase dreaming of how he’s going to spend his Christmas bonus check (spoiler: he doesn’t get one), putting up with a house full of relatives, dealing with his rotten next door neighbors, and unexpected visitors. This Christmas Vacation is just one problem and disaster after another.  And it’s really funny!

 

 

• The Muppet Christmas Carol (1992) – G

This is a great version of A Christmas Carol for younger kids. It’s not as dark and scary as some of the other versions. There is lots of fun music and stars Michael Caine as Scrooge. It’s a film the whole family can all watch together.

 

 

 

 

• A Charlie Brown Christmas (1965) – TV-G

Another childhood class, A Charlie Brown Christmas was one of those we waited every year to see. Thanks to technology, you can now watch it in July if you want to. This is the story that coined the phrase “a Charlie Brown Christmas tree.” If you don’t know what that is, you should probably watch this made-for-TV movie.  There is also a beautiful soliloquy by Linus who tells of the true meaning of Christmas.

 

 

 

 

• White Christmas (1954) – Not Rated

A Christmas Musical starring Bing Crosby, Danny Kaye, and Rosemary Clooney?  Sign me up! This is the film we got Crosby’s beautiful song “White Christmas” from.  It runs 2 hours, which a bit long for a holiday movie, but it’s a classic!

 

 

• Arthur Christmas (2011) – PG

This is a newer holiday cartoon that my family loves. It’s the story of the Claus family and how the family business has changed over the years. It gives some answers as to how Santa knows so much and travels so fast.

 

 

 

• Miracle on 34th Street (1994) – PG

I know there is an older version (1947) of this starring Natalie Wood as Susan Walker, but I really prefer this version with Richard Attenborough  as Santa and Mara Wilson as Susan. It’s such a sweet story about Christmas magic and the power of believing.  The story was first told almost 70 years ago, but it still shines today.

 

 

 

• The Christmas Miracle of Jonathan Toomey (2007) – Not Rated

This made-for-TV movie is adapted from one of my favorite children’s books. It is a sad, but sweet story I never tire of reading. I recently found out about this film and am so happy I found it. Maybe it’s not as good as the book, but it’s a great story none the less.

 

 

 

I know I missed a few popular films. The truth is, I am sick of watching It’s a Wonderful Life. Sorry, Jimmy Stewart! I also didn’t include The Grinch because I can’t decide if I like the classic cartoon version or the Jim Carey version better. What are your go to holiday films? I’d love to hear about them!

 

Thanks for reading and sharing.