What are the best movies to enjoy with family and friends at Christmas and why?
Ah, Christmas! The most magical time of the year, filled with twinkling lights, joyous carols, and the warm embrace of loved ones. But why wait until December to start the festivities?
As the summer sun shines bright, it's the perfect time to begin planning for the holiday season. It's never too early for early Christmas planning, hence get a head start on creating fun and festive activities to enjoy with family and friends!
One of the most cherished traditions is gathering together to watch classic Christmas movies. Starting your Christmas movie watchlist now can ensure you have plenty of time to enjoy all your favorites.
Here’s a curated list of 30 of the best Christmas movies to add to your holiday watchlist. It includes brief descriptions, the moral of each story, and recommendations on who to watch them with.
Planning ahead during the summer means you’ll be ready to relax and enjoy these heartwarming films when the holiday season arrives. So grab your popcorn, make yourself a summer-inspired hot cocoa, and start adding these classics to your Christmas movie lineup!
1. Home Alone (1990)
About:Â A young boy, Kevin, is accidentally left behind when his family goes on vacation. He must defend his home from two bumbling burglars. Moral:Â Courage and ingenuity can overcome any obstacle. Who to Watch With:Â Perfect for family movie night with kids.
2. It's a Wonderful Life (1946)
About:Â George Bailey, feeling hopeless, is shown by an angel what life would be like if he never existed. Moral:Â Every life has value and impacts others in profound ways. Who to Watch With:Â Best with family and close friends.
3. Elf (2003)
About:Â Buddy, a human raised by elves, travels to New York to find his real father. Moral:Â Embrace your uniqueness and spread joy and kindness. Who to Watch With:Â Great for a fun family evening with kids.
4. A Christmas Story (1983)
About:Â Young Ralphie dreams of getting a Red Ryder BB gun for Christmas. Moral:Â Appreciate the simple joys and humor in everyday life. Who to Watch With:Â Perfect for family gatherings.
5. The Polar Express (2004)
About:Â A young boy embarks on a magical train ride to the North Pole. Moral:Â Believe in the magic of Christmas and the power of faith. Who to Watch With:Â Ideal for watching with children.
6. National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation (1989)
About:Â Clark Griswold's plans for a perfect family Christmas go awry. Moral:Â The importance of family togetherness, despite chaos. Who to Watch With:Â Great for a hilarious night with friends.
7. Miracle on 34th Street (1947)
About:Â A man claiming to be Santa Claus is put on trial to prove his identity. Moral:Â Faith, kindness, and belief in the impossible. Who to Watch With:Â Best with family, young and old.
8. The Santa Clause (1994)
About:Â An ordinary man accidentally becomes Santa Claus. Moral:Â Embracing unexpected responsibilities with joy. Who to Watch With:Â Family movie night, especially with kids.
9. Love Actually (2003)
About:Â Multiple intertwined stories explore love during the Christmas season. Moral:Â Love manifests in many forms and connections. Who to Watch With:Â Friends or a romantic partner.
10. How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000)
About:Â The Grinch tries to steal Christmas from Whoville but learns the true meaning of the holiday. Moral: Christmas is about community and love, not materialism. Who to Watch With: Family with kids.
11. Die Hard (1988)
About:Â John McClane battles terrorists during a Christmas party. Moral:Â Heroism and resilience in the face of danger. Who to Watch With:Â Friends who enjoy action films.
12. Scrooged (1988)
About:Â A modern retelling of "A Christmas Carol" with a cynical TV executive. Moral: Redemption and the power of kindness. Who to Watch With:Â Friends or family with older kids.
13. White Christmas (1954)
About:Â Performers team up to save a failing inn with a Christmas show. Moral:Â The spirit of giving and camaraderie. Who to Watch With:Â Family, particularly those who enjoy classic films.
14. A Charlie Brown Christmas (1965)
About:Â Charlie Brown seeks the true meaning of Christmas. Moral:Â Christmas is about joy, peace, and simplicity. Who to Watch With:Â Family with children.
15. Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer (1964)
About:Â Rudolph, a reindeer with a glowing nose, helps Santa on Christmas Eve. Moral:Â Embrace and celebrate differences. Who to Watch With:Â Perfect for young children.
16. The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)
About:Â Jack Skellington, from Halloween Town, tries to take over Christmas. Moral:Â Stay true to who you are and appreciate your unique strengths. Who to Watch With: Family with older kids or friends.
17. Arthur Christmas (2011)
About: Santa’s clumsy son, Arthur, goes on a mission to deliver a forgotten gift. Moral: Every child deserves to feel special and loved. Who to Watch With: Family with kids.
18. Gremlins (1984)
About:Â Cute creatures turn into destructive monsters on Christmas Eve. Moral:Â Responsibility and the consequences of breaking rules. Who to Watch With:Â Friends who enjoy horror-comedy.
19. Christmas with the Kranks (2004)
About:Â A couple tries to skip Christmas but ends up rediscovering its importance. Moral: Community and the joy of holiday traditions. Who to Watch With:Â Family or friends for a light-hearted watch.
20. Bad Santa (2003)
About:Â A conman posing as Santa learns the true spirit of Christmas. Moral:Â Redemption and unexpected kindness. Who to Watch With:Â Friends for a dark comedy night.
21. The Muppet Christmas Carol (1992)
About:Â The Muppets' take on Charles Dickens' classic tale. Moral:Â Transformation and the spirit of giving. Who to Watch With:Â Family with kids, especially Muppet fans.
22. Frosty the Snowman (1969)
About:Â A magical snowman comes to life and adventures with children. Moral:Â The magic of friendship and belief. Who to Watch With:Â Young children.
23. Jingle All the Way (1996)
About:Â A father frantically searches for a popular toy on Christmas Eve. Moral:Â The importance of family over materialism. Who to Watch With:Â Family, especially with young kids.
24. The Holiday (2006)
About:Â Two women swap homes for Christmas, finding love and friendship. Moral:Â New beginnings and the healing power of change. Who to Watch With:Â Friends or a romantic partner.
25. Klaus (2019)
About:Â A postman and a reclusive toymaker bring joy to a town. Moral:Â Kindness and generosity can change lives. Who to Watch With:Â Family with kids.
26. The Christmas Chronicles (2018)
About:Â Siblings team up with Santa to save Christmas. Moral:Â Belief in the magic of Christmas and family unity. Who to Watch With:Â Family movie night with kids.
27. The Year Without a Santa Claus (1974)
About:Â Santa considers skipping Christmas but is convinced otherwise. Moral:Â The importance of tradition and holiday spirit. Who to Watch With:Â Family, especially with young children.
28. The Best Man Holiday (2013)
About:Â College friends reunite over Christmas, rekindling old rivalries and romances. Moral: Friendship, forgiveness, and the passage of time. Who to Watch With: Friends or a partner.
29. While You Were Sleeping (1995)
About: A lonely transit worker saves her crush and is mistaken for his fiancée. Moral: Unexpected love and the importance of family. Who to Watch With: Friends or a romantic partner.
30. Four Christmases (2008)
About:Â A couple must visit all four of their divorced parents' homes on Christmas. Moral:Â The complexities and humor of family dynamics. Who to Watch With:Â Friends or family with older kids.
By incorporating these classic and contemporary Christmas films into your holiday plans, you can create cherished memories and traditions that last a lifetime. Whether you're snuggling up with family for a heartwarming tale or laughing with friends over a festive comedy, there's something on this list for everyone. Start planning now, and you'll be ready to enjoy a joyous and stress-free Christmas season filled with love, laughter, and cinematic magic. Happy viewing!
PS:
To help you stay organized and ensure a stress-free holiday, consider getting our comprehensive Christmas Planner. This planner is more than just a tool—it's your holiday companion. It includes detailed schedules, budgeting tips, and festive activity ideas, making Christmas preparation a breeze.
Dedicate a section in the Christmas Planner for scheduling your Christmas movie nights. Use the planner to write down notes about weekly movie nights leading up to Christmas, ensuring you have ample time to enjoy all your favorite holiday classics. You can also use the planner to:
Create a Movie Watchlist:Â Jot down best Christmas movies, complete with brief descriptions, so you have a curated list ready to go.
Schedule Viewing Parties:Â Plan specific dates for family movie nights or gatherings with friends, and send out invites early to ensure everyone can join in the fun.
Organize Movie Snacks and Themes:Â Pair each movie night with themed snacks and decorations. For example, serve hot chocolate and cookies for "The Polar Express" or gingerbread men for "A Christmas Story."
Track Movie-Watching Progress: Keep a checklist of the movies you've watched and the ones you still need to see, ensuring you don’t miss any of your favorites.
Budget for Movie Nights:Â Allocate a budget for renting or buying movies, purchasing snacks, and creating a cozy viewing atmosphere.
By planning your Christmas movie nights in advance with our Christmas Planner, you can create a series of unforgettable, cozy evenings filled with joy and laughter. Start planning now and make this holiday season the most memorable one yet!
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