12 Days of Christmas Movies

As December is just around the corner, we’ve prepared a list of Christmas movies for you to enjoy as you push through finals week and start embracing the season! Starting with subtle before ramping up to the Christmas movies that come to everyone's mind, we will guide you into the holiday season. Grab your friends, partner and/or family and enjoy these Christmas classics! 


#1: Love Actually

It may not be your usual Christmas movie, but as we fade out of fall and into the Christmas season, it’s the perfect introduction. This ultimate rom-com explores the lives of many different people and families who are experiencing loss, love and hope during the month leading up to Christmas. You can watch it free on Netflix or rent it for under $4 on Amazon Prime. 



#2: Four Christmases

Vince Vaughn and Reese Witherspoon explore the challenges of navigating the holidays with their multiple family members. This rom-com shines a light on the chaos and happiness of being with family on Christmas. It is available to watch free on Max.



#3: The Holiday 

Yet ANOTHER rom-com where two women dealing with shattered love lives switch homes for a few weeks around the holidays. They navigate new places and new romances in this charming film. Watch it free on Hulu!



#4: A Christmas Story

Now, we start getting into the true Christmas classics. “A Christmas Story” is about Ralphie's quest to obtain a “Red Ryder air rifle” and realizing the importance of family. You can watch it for free on Max!



#5: The Polar Express

The Polar Express, although an animated movie, is a great family movie about the adventures of a boy who didn’t believe in the spirit of Christmas. As he travels to the North Pole, he learns the importance of friendship, courage and kindness. You can find it free on Max!



#6: Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer

“Rudolph” is a stop-motion picture from 1964. While it is a more child-friendly movie, it is a charming story about the youngest of Santa’s nine reindeer leading the sleigh. It is a true Christmas classic and one you don’t want to miss this holiday season. It’s not available on streaming services, but it can be bought on Apple TV for $8!

#7: Home Alone

This Christmas classic follows eight-year-old Kevin McCallister when he is left alone over the holidays. During his time home alone, he defends his home from burglars and learns the true meaning of Christmas. This heartfelt comedy is a constant on our Christmas movie list! Watch it free on Disney Plus.


#8: Frosty the Snowman

Similar to Rudolph, this oldie-but-goodie is a Christmas staple. The 1969 animated movie also has a second film: “Frosty Returns.” Frosty brings Christmas cheer and hope when the young children in the town put a magic hat on him that brings him to life. It can be rented on Amazon Prime for $8.

#9: The Santa Clause

Tim Allen stars in this 1994 film where he accidentally kills Santa. He and his son are then transported to the North Pole, and they find out he must take Santa’s place. This endearing movie is a trilogy that will keep you laughing and smiling during the whole thing! Watch “The Santa Clause” free on Disney Plus or for less than $4 on Amazon Prime Video.


#10: National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation

This is probably the funniest R-rated Christmas movie there is! The ridiculous Clark Griswold tries to make Christmas perfect while the extended family is in town. Whether it's the extreme Christmas lights he puts up, the trek to cut down the tree or cousin Eddie’s appearance in his RV, this comedy will have you laughing until your stomach hurts. You can watch it for free on Max. 

#11: Elf

Will Ferrell’s outstanding performance as Buddy the Elf is a true staple of the Christmas Classics. “Elf” needs no explanation — if you haven’t seen it, you need to. 


#12: How the Grinch Stole Christmas

Last but not least, Dr Seuss’ “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” is the perfect way to wrap up the 12 days of Christmas movies. The hilarious and heartfelt movie portrays Jim Carrey as the Grinch, who transforms from a spiteful, Christmas hater into a caring and joyful character. 

These 12 Christmas classics are the perfect introduction to the Christmas season. Grab some popcorn, hot chocolate and your friends and let the countdown to Christmas begin!







FeaturesMadi Rotermund