Popcorn popped, hot cocoa in hand and fireplace on, there is no better way to spend a cold winter night than curled up with a little extra holiday cheer. Whether you are busy decorating your tree, baking cookies for Santa or just looking for a nostalgic way to spend your night, turning on a classic Christmas film is always a hand – and heart, warming experience.
Standing the test of time, many of these films may seem outdated, but have continued to spread holiday spirit and immense joy over generations. So grab your fluffiest blanket, turn on those twinkling lights and dive into the magic of the Christmas season with these films!
“The Muppet Christmas Carol”
What does a classic Dickens Christmas tale need other than an anthropomorphic frog singing about the holiday season? I certainly can not think of anything better! Released in 1992, “The Muppet Christmas Carol” is about as classic as can be. The magic of Jim Henson’s puppetry is beautifully backlit against an epic tale of greed and forgiveness, with tunes that will be stuck in your head long after Christmas has passed- even if the ghost of Christmas yet to come pays a visit!
Sophomore Emily Lamoureux gushes about the film, “I am a big fan of the muppets, so I’m always a fan of when they reinvent classic stories with the muppets.” Emily explains.
“How the Grinch Stole Christmas”
No one likes a grinch, unless of course you are speaking of the 2000 Holiday classic “How The Grinch Stole Christmas”. Based on the infamous Dr. Seuss’ character, the story of Whoville never gets old. With catchy tunes such as “Christmas, Why Can’t I Find You?”, “You’re A Mean One Mr. Grinch” and “Fah Who Doraze” this film is sure to fill you to the brim with holiday spirit, and of course roast beast!
“A Year Without A Santa Claus”
One of my personal favorites on the list, “A Year Without a Santa Claus” was released in 1974. This film follows the story of Santa as he comes down with a nasty cold and starts to consider how children no longer believe. The audience follows Jingle and Jangle, two clumsy elves as they search for proof that the world still believes in Santa Claus. Not only is the claymation stop motion style a holiday classic, but brothers Heat Miser and Snow Miser burn – or freeze, their catchy tunes in the audience’s minds for the entire holiday season! If you adopt a puppy from the pound, you might just want to double check it’s not one of Santa’s reindeer!
“A Christmas Story”
I’ll be honest, this is a 1983 classic that I have never seen. I know, don’t hate me, but it has just never crossed my radar. I do know that this film is a barrel of laughs though, as it is a classic work written by Jean Shepherd. But be careful, if you get too close to the television, or steal any popcorn from fellow watchers, “you just might shoot your eye out!” or worse!
“Elf”
If you don’t like Elf, “you are a cotton headed ninny muggins” in my book. I mean, who would think that there is no singing in the North Pole? Well, I guess the Macy’s Santa that smells like beef and cheese, but that is besides the point. This magical tale follows Buddy the Elf as he leaves Santa’s workshop for the “Big Apple” in search of his true family. A film full of laughs, cringe worthy moments and spaghetti with maple syrup, Christmas is not Christmas without a watch of this 2003 classic!
“A Charlie Brown Christmas”
You’re at your family’s holiday party, music’s playing and everyone’s dancing! What better move to pull out other than “The Charlie Brown”? Released in 1965, this twenty-five minute short follows the peanut gang as they find the Christmas spirit! While their tree may be a bit small, to put it nicely, nothing says Christmas like Snoopy, Woodstock and Charlie Brown of course!
“Miracle On 34th Street”
No Christmas time movie can be more of a classic than Miracle on 34th street! Following the story of a man by the name of Kris Kringle and his journey to show the world that he is truly Santa Claus, this film has truly stood the test of time!
Junior Christian Sehlmeyer describes how the film is one of his favorites, “Despite being from 1947, I think it holds up very well. The ending is one of the most heartwarming in any Christmas movie.” Sehlmeyer explains.
“Prancer”
Another one of my all time favorite Christmas movies, this 1989 film follows the magical story of a young girl who comes across one of Santa’s nine reindeer. Jessica, the young girl, then embarks on a journey to get Prancer back home before it is too late. I couldn’t recommend this movie enough!
“Love Actually”
With this film, it is true that love is all around, especially during the holiday season! Released in 2003, the film follows nine interwoven stories across the holiday season, showcasing the true meaning of connection during the holidays.
Sophomore Anna Minino describes the film as one of her favorites, “Who doesn’t love a good rom com during the holiday season?” Minino states.
While I could go on forever about amazing Christmas and Holiday films- some honorable mentions being the “Home Alone” franchise, “Frosty The Snowman”, “The Polar Express” “White Christmas” and possibly “Die-Hard” (Don’t get mad at me, some people call it a Christmas film), no matter what enchanting tale you pick for your cozy Christmas night in, you are sure to get into the holiday spirit! Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!
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