The holiday season can be a stressful time of planning and preparing, but I am here to help with your yuletide adventure this year. There are so many ways to get into the Christmas spirit, and as a self-proclaimed movie connoisseur hosting holiday movie nights is one of my favorites! With this festive film list, you can skip the scroll, and go straight to the festivities. Check out my top 10 list below, and let me know which movie marathon matches your festive vibes this year!
#10. A Biltmore Christmas (2023)
This Hallmark holiday romance is a magical Christmas favorite taking place right here in Asheville. I don’t usually go for the cheesy Hallmark plot lines, but this cute little number won me over with its unique story full of holiday magic. Listen to the holiday stylings of Frank Sinatra and Nat King Cole while you set up for this cozy movie night, and decorate your space with your favorite Christmas candles, vintage figurines, and cozy flannel blankets.
Where to Watch: This adorable movie can be found on Netflix, Amazon Prime, Youtube TV, or of course, The Hallmark channel.
Movie Menu: Christmas horderves such as cranberry brie bites, bacon wrapped water chestnuts, salami rose rolls, mini spinach quiches, and deviled eggs are perfect for snacking during this fancy and festive movie night. Add some lavish sweets like cheesecake or pecan pie, and top things off with your favorite red wine or champagne to make this enchanting holiday experience complete.
Make It A Marathon: Transport yourself back in time just like the heroine of this feature film with a throwback movie marathon including holiday classics such as White Christmas (1954), Holiday Inn (1942), and Miracle on 34th Street (1947).
#9. A Christmas Story (1983)
This feature film set in the 1940’s takes you back to a simpler time and brings some childhood nostalgia to your movie night. Add some festive fun to this movie night with a round of white elephant, and share your favorite childhood Christmas stories over some hot cocoa or mulled wine.
Where to Watch: This Christmas classic is streaming on both HBO Max and Hulu.
Movie Menu: This movie calls for some Chinese take out with your favorite frosty beverages. Add some holiday fudge and your favorite Christmas cookies to complete this movie themed meal.
Make It A Marathon: Put 8-Bit Christmas (2021) and Jingle All The Way (1996) on your watchlist for this Christmas wishlist themed watchlist.
#8. Home Alone (1990)
This holiday classic is essential for every Christmas movie watch list. With hilarious holiday hijinx and a heartwarming family message, this classic comedy is a great way to start off your holiday season. Turn this movie night into a holiday party full of minute to win it games based on Kevin’s antics, or take some time for self care with a solo viewing of this holiday feature.
Where to Watch: This festive favorite is only available on Disney Plus.
Movie Menu: This movie calls for a feast fit for a kid with pizza, popcorn, and of course, ice cream sundaes! Make this movie meal something Kevin would be proud of by inviting your viewers to create their own personal pizza with all their favorite toppings.
Make It A Marathon: Home Alone 2 Lost In New York (1992) is one of the best sequels ever made. I highly recommend making this movie night a double feature to squeeze in both of Macaulay Culkin Classics!
#7. Love Hard (2021)
This Netflix film featuring a budding romance between an unlikely couple has quickly become one of my holiday favorites. Like any romcom, this festive flick should be watched with those you love. Cuddle up for this holiday romance with your favorite snuggle buddy in some matching pjs, or make it a girl’s night with holiday scented sheet masks and festive foot soaks.
Where to Watch: This cute Christmas movie is a Netflix exclusive.
Movie Menu: Make some mistletoe mimosas with champagne and cranberry juice to quench your thirst, and keep your menu classy with your favorite finger sandwiches or a festive charcuterie board.
Make It A Marathon: Looking to add some other Netflix specials to your romantic evening? I suggest Single All The Way (2021), Let It Snow (2019), and Holidate (2020) to complete your romcom watch list.
#6. A Chipmunk Christmas (1981)
This retro cartoon special is one of my childhood favorites. I love rewatching it year after year remembering the magic and meaning of Christmas. Make this retro movie night more fun with holiday hats and headbands, ugly Christmas sweaters, and crazy Christmas socks, and fuel your inner child with some cute Christmas crafts or coloring pages.
Where to Watch: This festive flick can be found on Youtube and Amazon Prime.
Movie Menu: This retro movie mash up calls for some sweet snacks. Make a holiday snack mix from melted white chocolate, popcorn, pretzels, holiday sprinkles, and festive M&Ms. Break out your favorite Christmas candies like Reese’s christmas trees or Haribo sweet and sour reindeer, and finish your sweet treat feast with homemade root beer floats.
Make It A Marathon: Keep the cartoon classics rolling with A Charlie Brown Chrsitmas (1965), How The Grinch Stole Christmas (1966), Frosty The Snowman (1969), and Mickey’s Once Upon A Christmas (1999).
#5. Noelle (2019)
This Disney Plus Original is cute, quirky, and an absolute must for every girlie this holiday season! Both powerful and hilarious, this festive favorite leaves you with a strong sense of sisterhood. Flaunt your sense of fashion with your best north pole inspired ensemble for this festive flick, and add some holiday flair to your viewing space with Christmas theme pillows, blankets, and stuffed animals.
Where to Watch: Find this girl power movie only on Disney Plus.
Movie Menu: This movie is best served with a festive waffle bar including red berries, gumdrops, chocolate chips, and whip cream. Make some milkshakes from peppermint or snow cream flavored ice creams, and top of your treat list with a variety of holiday chocolates such as Hershey’s Santas or Ghirardelli snowmen.
Make It A Marathon: Add some other uplifting magical movies to your Disney movie night. Some of my holiday favorites include Godmothered (2020), The Nutcracker and The Four Realms (2018), and of course, Frozen (2013)
#4. How The Grinch Stole Christmas (2000)
There are a few versions of this Dr. Suess classic, but Jim Carry’s performance as The Grinch makes this one truly stand out. Hilarious and heartwarming, this movie is sure to be a favorite for viewers of all ages. Spice up this festive film with some healthy competition. Host a gingerbread who-house decorating contest, a wacky who-hair styling contest, or a Christmas cookie contest to name your own holiday cheermeister.
Where to Watch: Rent this Christmas classic on Amazon Prime, Youtube TV or Apple TV this holiday season.
Movie Menu: Snacks for this movie night should include Hershey’s grinch kisses, ready to bake Pillsbury Christmas cookies, festive popcorn balls, and candy canes. Finish off this whoville feast with green grinchy punch made from Sprite, pineapple juice, and lime sherbert, or add some green jello shots for an adult twist on the festive fun.
Make It A Marathon: Check out some other holiday villains by adding Bad Santa (2003), Dear Santa (2024), Spirited (2022), or The Naughty Nine (2023) to this movie marathon extravaganza.
#3. A Christmas Carol (2009)
This animated masterpiece is by far my favorite rendition of Charles Dickens’s classic novel. Get into the spirit of this special story by giving back to your community. Volunteer at a local charity or put together gift baskets for the less fortunate before your movie viewing. You can also give back to your own family by sharing the things you love and appreciate about your viewing partners.
Where to Watch: This feature film is available to stream on Disney Plus.
Movie Menu: Make an English Christmas feast for this movie night including mincemeat tarts, roasted potatoes, and bread pudding. You can also serve eggnog with or without alcohol to complete this holiday movie meal.
Make It A Marathon: Learn more about the author of this beloved story with The Man Who Invented Christmas (2017), or stick with the classics adding Little Women (2019) and It’s A Wonderful Life (1946) to your watch list.
#2. The Santa Clause (1994)
This 90’s classic is perfect for any holiday crowd with a heart melting story and everyone’s favorite festive character perfectly portrayed by Tim Allen. Make this movie night a family affair with matching pajamas, and celebrate Santa with all your Claus themed decorations and accessories. If you have younger viewers, include a time to write your letters to Santa or visit a Santa Claus in your area to complete the festivities.
Where to Watch: This holiday classic is available only on Disney Plus.
Movie Menu: A perfect pairing for this festive film includes cookies and cocoa. You can also add popcorn for that classic movie theater vibe, and throw in a pizza for a full movie meal.
Make It A Marathon: Check out the sequels to this holiday masterpiece, or put on some other heartwarming holiday films like Prancer (1989) and One Magic Christmas (1985).
#1. Elf (2003)
This holiday classic is my absolute favorite featuring Will Ferrell in one of his most iconic roles. Decorate for this movie night with handmade paper snowflakes and other homemade decorations. You can also turn this movie marathon into a party with some Christmas karaoke, or have a festive dance party to work off your sugary snacks.
Where to Watch: This festive film can be found on Hulu, HBO Max, and Amazon Prime.
Movie Menu: This fun flick pairs best with everything sweet including candy, candy canes, candy corn, soda, and edible cookie dough. If you’re looking for a more filling option for your movie feast, try waffles or pancakes with extra syrup. Add some more of your favorite breakfast dishes such as bacon, eggs, hash browns, and fruit salad to complete the meal, or stick to a true elven diet of sugar. It’s up to you!
Make It A Marathon: My favorite add on for this holiday movie night is the 1960’s classic Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer (1964). These festive films are similarly styled to make the perfect holiday movie pair. You can also add Santa Claus Is Comin’ to Town (1970) and The Year Without A Santa Claus (1974) to this merry movie list.
Don’t see your favorite holiday film on my list? Drop the title in the comment section. Maybe it will make its way onto the list next year. Enjoy your season’s streaming and pass on this festive guide to those you love for a happy Christmas to all, and to all a good movie night!
Leave a Reply