I always watch the same Christmas movies every year- Do you? I’ll usually throw in a few new flicks for fun, but I have to watch my tried-and-true ones. Here are my all-time favorites, and I’ve linked where to watch them!
Meet Me in St. Louis (1944)
Every year, we start the holiday season with this one over Thanksgiving weekend. It stars Judy Garland and is surprisingly funny. It’s also the movie in which the song “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” originated.
It’s a Wonderful Life (1946)
And this is the holiday movie that we watch last, typically on Christmas Eve. This classic starring Jimmy Stewart and Donna Reed is a timeless tale of appreciating what you have. It makes me feel all the feels, every time.
Holiday Inn (1942)
This movie, while quite dated (we fast forward through parts of it), is a fun musical starring Bing Crosby, Fred Astaire, and Marjorie Reynolds, about an inn that’s only open on holidays. The song “White Christmas” was composed for this film and still feels magical to hear.
White Christmas (1954)
Bing Crosby, Danny Kaye, Rosemary Clooney (George Clooney’s aunt), and Vera-Ellen are the perfect foursome in this fun film in which they all travel to Vermont hoping for snow- but it’s unseasonably warm during their stay. I love watching this one at night in my pajamas on one of the days leading up to Christmas.
Elf (2003)
We all know and love this movie, right?! I feel like I could quote every line. This is just silly and lighthearted fun. It reminds me to treat every day like Christmas.
Christmas Vacation (1989)
Christmas Vacation is, to me, the funniest Christmas movie. I invariably will laugh when Uncle Louis says, “THE BLESSING.” If you just need some feel-good silliness, watch this.
Love Actually (2003)
This is forever my favorite holiday rom-com. I love following (most) of the story lines, and the end gives me all those good warm feelings that you want this time of year.
The Holiday (2006)
Although less popular than Love Actually, I think The Holiday is wonderful, too! It follows Kate Winslet and Cameron Diaz’s journeys as they swap homes for the holiday and find love. It’s a charming watch.
The Family Stone (2005)
This one is a bit more serious but also has some very enjoyable comedic moments. It’s got a fantastic cast. We start the movie watching Sarah Jessica Parker try to fit in with her boyfriend’s family in snowy New England and get entertaining twists and turns along the way.
Home Alone (1990)
I feel like this is another one we probably all know and love. I don’t watch this one every December, but it’s great fun when I do.
A Charlie Brown Christmas (1965)
This is a must-watch for me every year. I feel Christmasy as soon as it starts and I watch the Peanuts gang ice skating in the snow.
Christmas in Connecticut (1945)
Barbara Stanwyck stars as a famous food writer who writes a column detailing her idyllic life on a farm, but it’s all a sham. When a war hero comes to stay with her, she has to hastily arrange a fake home and life. It’s a funny one!
The Nutcracker with Mikhail Baryshnikov (1977)
In my opinion, this is the best version of The Nutcracker. If you love the story, watch this one.
The Snowman (1982)
I remember first seeing this short wordless film on TV when I was little and being instantly captivated by it. The animation and music feel dreamy and magical.
There are other holiday movies that I watch from year to year, but these are my favorites. What are your top Christmas movies?
