Nothing says "holiday spirit" like cozy pajamas, a steaming mug of hot chocolate, and a lineup of heartwarming Christmas movies. Whether you’re snuggling up solo or with loved ones, Christmas films remind us of the joy, love, and magic of the season. They may vary in setting and story, but at their core, they all radiate the undeniable glow of Christmas spirit.
So as a gift to our readers, we’ve compiled a Christmas movie advent calendar featuring films of different genres, stories, and time periods that you can enjoy this holiday season. From today until Christmas Day, here are 24 great Christmas films that you can watch as you countdown to the big day:
THE CHRISTMAS CLASSICS
1. Miracle on 34th Street (1947)
When a department store Santa Claus named Kris Kringle claims he’s the real deal, people question if he’s mentally ill or he’s telling the truth. As those around him grapple with skepticism and doubt, the film reminds us of the importance of faith, hope, and embracing the spirit of Christmas.
2. A Christmas Story (1983)
Follow young Ralphie as he dreams of getting the ultimate Christmas gift—an air rifle—and navigates the ups and downs of childhood during the holidays. Packed with relatable humor and nostalgic charm, this classic will leave you laughing and reminiscing.
3. A Charlie Brown Christmas (1965)
Join Charlie Brown, Snoopy, and the Peanuts gang as they tackle the true meaning of Christmas. This animated favorite critiques holiday commercialism and reminds us that love, friendship, and kindness are the greatest gifts of all.
4. It’s a Wonderful Life (1946)
Loosely based on Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol” novella, It’s a Wonderful Life is about George Bailey (Jimmy Stewart), a man so overwhelmed with the challenges of his life that he considers ending it on Christmas Eve. Bailey’s life feels like a series of disappointments until an angel shows him the profound impact he’s had on those around him. This moving story of redemption and gratitude is a Christmas tradition for many—and for good reason.
HILARIOUS HOLIDAYS
5. Elf (2003)
Will Ferrell stars as Buddy, a human raised by elves who journeys to New York to find his biological father. His childlike wonder and misadventures bring plenty of laughs while reminding us of the joy and togetherness that define the season.
6. How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000)
Jim Carrey brings his signature energy to this live-action adaptation of Dr. Seuss’s beloved tale. As the Grinch plots to ruin Christmas for Whoville, he learns that the holiday’s true spirit comes from love, not material things.
7. National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation (1989)
Clark Griswold is determined to pull off the perfect family Christmas, but chaos ensues at every turn. This laugh-out-loud classic celebrates the hilarity—and heart—of family holiday traditions gone wrong.
8. The Holdovers (2023)
A grumpy and cynical boarding school professor named Paul is tasked of supervising and taking care of “the holdovers” at school –students who don’t have a home to go back to for the holidays. Over this Christmas break, Paul unexpectedly bonds with a grieving cafeteria manager and a rebellious student who help him change his crabby ways.
ROMANCE IN THE AIR
9. Love Actually (2003)
This star-studded romantic comedy intertwines multiple stories of love, family, and relationships set against the backdrop of a festive London. With a mix of humor, heartache, and holiday magic, it’s a modern Christmas favorite.
10. Happiest Season (2020)
When Abby (Kristen Stewart) plans to propose to her girlfriend Harper during the holidays, she discovers Harper hasn’t come out to her family. This touching rom-com balances humor and heartfelt exploration of love, honesty, and acceptance.
11. The Holiday (2006)
Before Airbnb was a thing, there was The Holiday. Iris (Kate Winslet) and Amanda (Cameron Diaz), two women recovering from heartbreak, swap homes for Christmas—only to find unexpected romance. This cozy, feel-good film is a celebration of fresh starts and the serendipity of love.
12. Last Holiday (2006)
Georgia Byrd, faced with a terminal diagnosis, decides to live life to the fullest on a luxury European holiday. Her journey inspires both laughter and tears, making it a perfect reminder to seize the moment.
NOT-ABOUT-CHRISTMAS CHRISTMAS MOVIES
13. Little Women (2019)
This beautiful adaptation of Louisa May Alcott’s novel highlights themes of family, generosity, and resilience, with pivotal scenes set during the holiday season. It’s not a Christmas movie per se, but it embodies the warmth of the season.
14. Die Hard (1988)
This jam-packed action movie starring Bruce Willis as NYPD officer John McClane takes place in a skyscraper during his wife’s holiday party. When terrorists take the guests hostage, McClane fights off the bad guys in this thrilling non-traditional Christmas movie that people love for its iconic lines and incredible scenes.
15. Carol (2015)
Set during a dreamy 1950s Christmas season, this Todd Haynes romantic drama about a burgeoning romance between Cate Blanchett and Rooney Mara may not be primarily about Christmas, but its wintry setting and themes of connection and loneliness during the holidays hit deep.
SPOOKY SEASON
16. The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)
Is it a Halloween movie or a Christmas movie? Why can’t it be both? This stop-motion musical is about Jack Skellington, the “Pumpkin King” of Halloween Town and how he’s grown tired of Halloween. When he stumbles upon Christmas Town and all its joyous and bright elements, he kidnaps Santa Claus and attempts to make Christmas his own. Along the way, he learns about tradition, acceptance, and belonging in the ultimate Halloween-Christmas cross-over.
17. Gremlins (1984)
What starts as an adorable Christmas gift quickly turns into chaos when gremlins overrun a small town. This dark comedy is equal parts hilarious and horrifying, with a sly critique of holiday consumerism and American’s fear of immigration.
18. Anna and the Apocalypse (2017)
Follow Anna, a high school student navigating festive cheer turned chaos, as she and her friends battle the undead right before the holidays. Packed with catchy tunes, dark humor, and heartfelt moments, this genre-bending film masterfully fuses holiday traditions with thrilling zombie gore, creating a holiday movie like no other.
19. Rare Exports: A Christmas Tale (2010)
Drawing from traditional Scandinavian beliefs and myths, this Finnish film reimagines the true nature of Santa Claus, making him darker and more sinister. When a group of hunters unearth a malevolent figure that might just be the real Santa, a town in Finnish Lapland is thrown into chaos, and it is up to a young boy and his father to save the day.
FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY
20. The Nativity Story (2006)
For Christians, the true spirit of Christmas lies in the birth of Jesus Christ. This biblical drama about Mary and Joseph’s journey as they bring Jesus into the world is directed by Catherine Hardwicke (of the Twilight movies!) and stars Oscar Isaac and Keisha Castle-Hughes as Jesus’ parents.
21. Klaus (2019)
This beautifully animated film reimagines the origin of Santa Claus with a heartwarming twist. Jesper, a spoiled and entitled postal academy student, is exiled to a remote, gloomy island as punishment for his poor performance. While there, he meets Klaus, a mysterious and reclusive toymaker. Their unlikely friendship transforms the island’s feuding residents, spreading kindness and generosity in unexpected ways.
22. The Santa Clause (1994)
In this festive family favorite, Scott Calvin’s Christmas takes an unexpected turn when he accidentally causes Santa Claus to fall from his roof on Christmas Eve. To his shock, Scott is magically transformed into the new Santa, complete with the iconic beard and belly. As he reluctantly takes on the role, Scott embarks on a journey of self-discovery, learning to believe in the magic of Christmas and the joy of spreading holiday cheer. With humor and heart, The Santa Clause captures the true spirit of the season.
23. Puso ng Pasko (1998)
Starring Jolina Magdangal as a Christmas ball named Merry that magically comes to life (yes, you read that right), this whimsical drama tells the story of a struggling Filipino family who believe they are cursed. When Merry grants each family member a wish, their lives start to improve—but not without unexpected consequences. Along the way, they learn valuable lessons, grow closer as a family, and rediscover the true meaning of Christmas. Equal parts quirky and heartwarming, Puso ng Pasko is a uniquely Filipino holiday classic.
24. Home Alone (1990)
When 8-year-old Kevin McCallister is accidentally left behind while his family jets off for Christmas vacation, he finds himself in a hilariously chaotic situation. Alone in a big house, Kevin must outwit two bumbling burglars with an arsenal of clever (and often painful) booby traps. Featuring Macaulay Culkin’s unforgettable performance, this festive slapstick comedy combines laugh-out-loud moments with heartwarming themes of family, love, and the joy of being together for the holidays. Home Alone is a holiday staple that never gets old!
What’s your go-to Christmas movie? Whether you’re into classics, comedies, or unconventional picks, we hope this list helps you celebrate the season with cheer and cinematic joy. Happy holidays—and happy watching!
BONUS! – Since it’s the season of giving, here are ten more Christmas movies/specials you can add to your watch list to maximize your movie-watching this holiday season.
1. A Christmas Carol (2009)
2. Bad Santa (2003)
3. Violent Night (2022)
4. Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey (2020)
5. The Princess Switch (2018)
6. The Polar Express (2004)
7. The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special (2022)
8. Scrooged (1988)
9. 9 Mornings (2002)
10. White Christmas (1954)