I love Christmas and everything that comes with it. The music, decorating, time with family, gift shopping, Nativity plays, Christmas movies, and more. Here in Alaska, hibernation mode is in full swing during Christmas, and that means movie nights happen quite often. Below, you can find a list of the best Christmas movies to cozy up to during this wonderful season.
The Reason for the Season and Heartwarming Favorites
The Star
If you only get the chance to watch one Christmas movie this season, watch The Star. It’s an entertaining, fun, and captivating movie about the birth of Jesus and the events leading up to it as told by animals. I know the animal part may sound a little silly, but trust me, it’s a must-watch movie that’ll remind you of the reason for Christmas. You can even purchase it on Prime Video.
The Little Drummer Boy
If you’ve heard the Christmas song of The Little Drummer Boy, movie is about just that. This Christmas classic can often be found in box sets with some of the other more “retro” movies like Jack Frost listed below.
Annabelle’s Wish
Another animated Christmas movie with talking animals. Apparently that’s my favorite category, but this movie is really too cute. This story of a Christmas wish that brings a ton of joy to a little boy may just make you cry. Might as well order the Puffs up now!
Christmas Comedy
National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation
I had to start out the comedy section with my family’s favorite, Christmas Vacation. We have watched this every year since I can remember. It’s a relatable movie for many families, with lots of family chaos, decoration disasters, a house in shambles, and crazy family times that make for good memories. If you’re looking for a good laugh this season, Christmas Vacation is sure to give you more than one.
Four Christmases
While trying to avoid family dysfunction over the holidays, a couple steps right in to four very chaotic Christmases that put their relationship with each other and their families to the test. Much like Christmas Vacation, the relatable and over-the-top parts of this movie are what make it funny, and it will leave you with many good laughs.
Elf
Honestly, I really didn’t think I’d like this movie. I thought it would be more silly than actually funny, so I didn’t start watching it until a few years ago. It really is a silly movie, but it won me over because it is funny and feel-good, too. It has sort of a Rudolph vibe, with a “misfit” trying to find his place, and is a cute story about helping others and sharing in the joy of giving.
Christmas with the Kranks
A couple of modern day Scrooges try to skip Christmas, only to have it backfire in the most hilarious way and find themselves back in the midst of their full-blown holiday traditions.
Christmas Classics
Jack Frost
Jack Frost is a short and adorable movie about the love story of Jack Frost. This classic is a cute, wintery tale that I watch every year.
Rudolph the Red Nosed-Reindeer
You can’t help but sing the little Christmas jingle when you read the title to this adorable movie. With Yukon Cornelius and Misfit Toys on his side, there’s no telling what adventures Rudolph will have. It’s a cute, must-watch movie.
White Christmas
I’m not a fan of musicals, so I never really thought I’d be a fan of White Christmas. Boy, was I wrong. White Christmas is much more than a musical. It’s a story of friends helping friends, spreading the Christmas spirit, and singing some tunes while doing it. Plus, it’s set in my favorite decade to watch, and the costumes are fantastic.
The Year Without a Santa Claus
Why would Santa quit his jolly job? Find out in this popular Christmas classic where you’ll also meet the Heat and Snow Misers!
Tip: If you’d like to get many of these Rankin/Bass classics together, check out this set of eighteen Christmas movies. Also, Prime Video has many Christmas movies as well. Check them out here!
Now that you’ve got your movie list down, it’s time to grab some hot coco, popcorn, and a cozy blanket to settle in for the night! Looking for more great Christmas traditions? Check out my list here! Merry Christmas, folks!