Is your holiday spirit in need of a boost? Give it a lift with one of these must watch Christmas movies!
Whether the weather has you down or a chronic illness is to blame, there’s no better time to curl up in bed or on the sofa to watch a festive holiday film or classic show.
Here are my top 25 favorite Christmas movies and shows and where you can find them to watch too!
Disclaimer: This blog post contains affiliate links. I may earn a small commission to fund my coffee drinking habit if you use these links to make a purchase. You will not be charged extra, and you’ll keep me supplied in caffeine. It’s a win for everyone, really.
One: National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation
This dysfunctional family Christmas movie is #1 in my house! It is my go-to holiday movie when I need a laugh.
Two: A Christmas Story
“You’ll shoot your eye out!” Poor Ralphie! All he wants for Christmas is a Red Rider BB gun and goes to great lengths to prove why he should get one. This holiday movie will take you on a trip through memory lane of gifts you wanted and holiday mishaps.
Three: How The Grinch Stole Christmas (Classic/Original)
I hear Cindy Lou Who and the rest of Whoville singing every time I think of this beloved classic.
Four: How The Grinch Stole Christmas Movie
I like to follow the classic with this full-length movie starring Jim Carrey.
Five: Home Alone
Ever wish you could make your family disappear? Kevin got his wish and learned the importance of family in this fun family flick!
Six: Home Alone 2
I am not usually a fan of sequels, but I actually like this one just as much as the original! This time Kevin is stranded in New York City!
Seven: It’s a Wonderful Life
This Christmas classic always reminds me to never give up no matter how hard life gets.
Eight: The Nightmare Before Christmas
The Haunted Mansion at Disneyland theme park California is transformed into the Nightmare Before Christmas from September through the first week of January. I ride the attraction and watch the movie as much as I can during this season!
Purchase from Walmart 25th Anniversary DVD or Blue-ray plus digital copy
Nine: The Santa Clause 1, 2, & 3
As I have said before, I am not typically a fan of sequels, but I love all three of The Santa Clause movies! Tim Allen is hilarious and leaves you filled with the Christmas spirit.
Ten: Scrooged
The truth may sometimes be painful, but this twist on the classic Christmas Carol isn’t! Cast includes Bill Murray, John Forsythe, Robert Goulet, Lee Majors, John Glover, Karen Allen, Bobcat Goldthwait, Carol Kane.
Eleven: The Muppet Christmas Carol
The original version may be frightening for young children, but the Muppet’s version is fun for all!
Twelve: A Christmas Carol
And because sometimes, nothing beats the classic tale!
Thirteen: Miracle on 34th Street
Those of us with one or more chronic illnesses know what it is like to be doubted. This classic Christmas tale reminds me that we should never allow the doubts of others to make us doubt ourselves.
Fourteen: Elf
You think you love Christmas, but do you love it as much as Buddy the elf?!
Fifteen: White Christmas
Bing Crosby and Danny Kaye light up the holiday season with song and dance!
Sixteen: Christmas with the Kranks
Have you ever tried to skip Christmas? This movie reminds me that not everything will turn out how I plan and it’s never too late to create a little Christmas at home. Jamie Lee Curtis and Tim Allen leave me in stitches every time I watch.
Seventeen: Frosty the Snowman
This childhood favorite will always be on my holiday must watch list.
Eighteen: Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer
Rudolph is another classic that to this day reminds me that everyone is special in their own way.
Nineteen: Santa Claus is Coming to Town

Another childhood favorite that I have shared with my kids and hope to share with future grandchildren too!
Get it from Walmart
Twenty: A Charlie Brown Christmas
It isn’t Christmas without watching Linus share the Christmas story.
Shop for it at Walmart
Twenty-One: The Polar Express
Each year I look forward to going on this fantasy filled adventure.
Buy from Walmart
Twenty-Two: The Year Without Santa Claus
Another childhood favorite that is a must watch!
Order from Walmart
Twenty-Three: Snowglobe

In this lighthearted holiday flick, Christina Milian is transported into the winter wonderland that is located inside her snowglobe!
Buy from Walmart
Twenty-Four: The Little Drummer Boy
Come thy told me Pa rum pum pum-pum
A newborn King to see Pa rum pum pum-pum
Our finest gifts we bring Pa rum pum pum-pum
It isn’t Christmas without watching The Little Drummer Boy
Purchase from Amazon DVD
Twenty-Five: Die Hard
While not necessarily a Christmas movie, this action packed Bruce Willis film is one of my holiday favorites!
Order from Walmart
Which are your favorites?
Do you have any others to add to the list?
Admittedly I’m a bit of a Grinch myself so I’m not a huge fan of Christmas films, BUT there are a few here I love and would like to watch again on the run up to Christmas in the hopes of warming this cold heart of mine, like Home Alone (you can’t not watch that at some point) and The Nightmare Before Christmas (love it!). Great list, lots of variety!
Caz xx
thank you for this list Cynthia. I actually found a movie I have NOT watched yet! I don’t know about you, but being CI, I watch A LOT of movies. Thanks again!
Glad to help you find a new one! Oh yes! Lots and lots!
🙂 thank you!