December 16, 2024 by Allison Richard (‘26)
We are knee-deep in the holiday season and by now, most people are beginning to enjoy the tradition of watching classic holiday movies to get into the festive spirit. There are so many heartwarming and entertaining films to choose from, but I have a few personal favorites that I look forward to watching every year. Each of these movies holds a special place in my heart for various reasons, whether it’s the nostalgia they bring, their loveable characters, or the laughter and love they provide. Without further ado, here are my top 11 (couldn’t leave any out!) favorite Christmas movies and why I love them so much!
The first movie on my list is Home Alone. This classic film never fails to make me laugh with its hilarious slapstick humor and heartwarming message about the importance of family. The story of young Kevin McCallister defending his home from burglars while his family is away on vacation is both entertaining and touching. Starring Macaulay Culkin as Kevin McCallister, the watcher is taken on a fun holiday journey as Kevin outsmarts burglars in this festive comedy.
Next up is The Holiday, a romantic comedy that follows two women who swap homes for the holidays and unexpectedly find love. I adore this movie for its charming characters, beautiful scenery, and feel-good vibes. It’s the perfect film to cozy up with on a cold winter night.
While this isn’t really a holiday movie, Little Women is a movie I still love watching during the holidays due to its pleasantness and cozy feeling. It’s a timeless classic that I always enjoy watching during the holiday season. I love the strong female characters and the beautiful period setting of this film. This story follows the March sisters and their journey through love, loss, and sisterhood is both touching and inspiring, and is always a feel-good movie in my books.
A Christmas Story is a must-watch for me every year, as I never tire of the adventures of young yet determined Ralphie and his quest for a Red Ryder BB gun. This nostalgic and humorous holiday classic perfectly captures the essence of childhood dreams and holiday traditions.
The Grinch is another essential to mention. Based on the Dr. Seuss book “How the Grinch Stole Christmas!” published in 1957, the first movie of this tale came out in 1966, beginning what would become a holiday staple in many households for decades. Remade into a live action starring Jim Carrey, in the 2000 version, and later remade again into a animation in 2018. It’s a comical yet loving story of how the grumpy and very-much-green Grinch watches the happy Whos of Whoville joyously celebrate Christmas and plans to steal the town’s decorations and things with the help of his small dog Max. Common themes of gratitude, family and community are also shown in this story in a way that makes this holiday season really feel like the season of giving.
Next on my list is Charlie Brown Christmas– a sweet and simple story that just feels like an essential for the holidays. Released in 1965, the lovable Peanuts characters and their search for the true meaning of Christmas always reminds me of the importance of friendship and spreading holiday cheer.
Mickey’s Christmas Carol holds a special place in my heart for its sentimentality and charming animation. Seeing classic Disney characters star in this reenactment of the tale of Ebenezer Scrooge. It has always been a delight to watch with family and younger siblings, and the message of redemption and generosity is clear in this retelling of the Christmas classic.
A 2003 icon of a movie, Elf was a hit from its debut. Starring Will Ferrel as Buddy the Elf, this Christmas comedy follows Buddy, a human raised as an oversized elf, and his travels from the North Pole to New York City as he meets his biological father, Walter Hobbs. However, meeting his father isn’t the extent of his adventures in the real world. Throughout the film he goes on to meet many other people and experiences the life of a human and societal norms for the first time. This movie is filled with christmas spirit, friendship and family that will, without a doubt leave you grateful and smiling.
Although Frosty the Snowman is a 1969 film most of us have outgrown, I can’t help but give it a spot on this list. I adore it for its catchy songs and lovable snowman character. Watching Frosty come to life and spread joy to everyone he meets is a loving reminder of the magic of Christmas.
Another film in this realm of timeless animations, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer is a beloved Christmas classic from 1939 that I never get tired of watching. The story of Rudolph overcoming adversity and embracing his differences has an ageless message of acceptance and self-confidence. Plus adorable characters and catchy songs are hard to resist, especially while it is a classic our generation will never forget.
Christmas Vacation is a hilarious and relatable film released in 1989 that always leaves me feeling good after watching it with my family. The Griswold family’s mishaps (led by the iconic Clark Griswold played by Chevy Chase) and their misadventures during the holidays never fail to entertain, making this movie a must-watch for some festive laughter. The Griswold family’s Christmas plans go hilariously awry in this comedy classic, but the entertainment is something everyone should experience this holiday season.
In conclusion, each of these Christmas movies holds a special place in my heart and I look forward to watching these films every holiday season. They never fail to lift my spirits and bring joy to my heart. Christmas just wouldn’t be the same without these beloved movies to share with family and friends.
