Every year when Christmas rolls around, I can’t help but feel excited to be able to watch my favorite holiday movies again. There is no better feeling than being cozy with a sweet treat, with a Christmas film playing in the background.
From classic comedies to romance or even magical adventures, there are amazing movie options to get you in the holiday spirit. Below is a list of some of my favorite Christmas movies that make up the ultimate holiday movie marathon list.
- “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation”
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Starting strong (and with my personal favorite) is “Christmas Vacation.” This movie is perfect when you’re looking for something light-hearted, as it is a mostly family-friendly movie that will have you laughing along the whole time.
Clark Griswold, played by Chevy Chase, tries to make Christmas perfect for his family; however, through the movie, the holiday spirals out of control. From the beginning, there are absolutely ridiculous scenes that are guaranteed to bring you joy.
From the cutting down of a nearly 20-foot-tall Christmas tree to the absurd amount of lights Griswold attempts to put on his house, this movie never fails to put me in a great mood.
Just when you think the movie can’t get any funnier, Cousin Eddie shows up, and the film takes another hilarious turn. Eddie truly does serve some of the most iconic lines of the movie.
Every year, my family and I watch this movie, and I look forward to it each time. I can’t watch holiday movies when they aren’t in season, but when the time rolls around, I watch this movie at least five times.
This is a must-watch during your Christmas movie marathon. It’s a classic and humorous film, making it a perfect fit for anyone.
- “Home Alone”
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Who hasn’t dreamed of having the house all alone to themselves over the holidays? Kevin McCallister turns this into a reality.
This is a movie I remember watching from the time I was a young child. Similar to Christmas Vacation, I get excited to watch it every year.
It’s a movie we have playing before the holiday season even begins, and one my family and I watch until the end of Christmas day.
“Home Alone” is packed with clever pranks, over-the-top comedy and heartwarming family moments. This movie truly has everything.
This is definitely a movie I would recommend when you’re looking for a laugh, or so you can just sit down for a few hours and zone everything else out. I still find myself getting invested in the plot even after having watched it on repeat for years.
“Home Alone” is such a classic and a perfect film to watch if you want to relax for a few hours, although in some moments it will have you on the edge of your seat.
- “Elf”
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“Elf” is such a feel-good movie. Due to Buddy’s endless optimism and “whimsy” for the human world, it is hard not to love his personality.
From his crazy love for syrup and awkward attempts at fitting in with New Yorkers, this movie truly radiates warmth and reminds me of the true meaning of the holiday season as viewers get to explore Buddy’s time in New York while navigating his relationship with his Dad.
This is yet another movie to watch when you’re in the mood for something silly, but in my opinion, it is a must-watch every year.
- “The Polar Express”
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All aboard the Polar Express! This animated classic transports viewers to the North Pole on a magical train. It presents a movie full of wonder, self-discovery and the true meaning of the holidays.
The amazing visuals and incredible story about believing in magic, even when you can’t see it, present a great message to a vast audience.
In my opinion, this movie has always had a little bit of an eerie vibe to it. I find it super mysterious, and at moments it almost seems to share a darker side of the holidays, but I think that’s what I love about it.
I get a new message out of this movie every time I watch it, and it truly always takes me back to the magic I felt around Christmas as a little kid. It’s a film that I watch when I’m feeling nostalgic, and it is perfect when you want to reflect on the magic of childhood.
- “The Holiday”
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This is a movie I’ve only just watched in the past two years; however, it has turned into one of my favorites. It’s the perfect movie to watch when you’re in the mood for a film full of love and romance.
When two women, both experiencing heartbreak, swap homes for the holidays, they come across very unexpected romances. The setting of this movie has such charm, and due to the fact that it’s a longer movie, you can really allow yourself to get entrenched in the characters.
My favorite plot line is actually between the character Iris and her older neighbor, Arthur. It’s unexpected but so sweet.
Iris comes across Arthur, lost in the street and forgetting where his house is. When she takes him back home, she steps inside the house to find that he is a successful movie creator with many rewards.
Their relationship is so heartwarming, and despite this being a romance film, their friendship really stands out to me.
This movie definitely pulls at the heartstrings, but it is a perfect escape into a cozy story.
- “How the Grinch Stole Christmas”
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Jim Carrey’s extravagant portrayal of the Grinch is iconic. The whimsical Whoville town, as well as its funny makeup effects, make this movie unforgettable.
This movie balances humor and mischief while portraying a meaningful message of compassion, community and the true spirit of Christmas. It is the perfect pick for anyone who loves a smart and snarky film.
Although this isn’t a movie I find myself watching every year, it is still a movie that makes this marathon list because it truly is very festive for the holiday season.
- “The Nightmare Before Christmas”
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To end this marathon off, I couldn’t help but mention “The Nightmare Before Christmas.” Although it is not typically considered a traditional Christmas movie due to its spooky undertones and Halloween setting, it remains a great film to watch.
This one can be viewed between Thanksgiving and Christmas, leading you into the holiday spirit. The unique aesthetic of Jack Skellington and his existential holiday crash-out make this a movie tailored to people who like offbeat stories.
This film offers more than just your traditional holiday film. I watched this movie for the first time during Thanksgiving last year, but it is definitely one I’ll be watching again this year.
It is a perfect film for people who don’t mind embracing a little darkness, a lot of creativity and the holiday spirit in one movie.
As the holiday season settles in, it serves as a reminder of the nostalgia and joy that surround the holidays. Whether you’re laughing at comedies or simply sipping a hot chocolate with your favorite people, these films are perfect for any cozy night in. Grab your blankets and a snack, and let these Christmas movies carry you into the season of spirit.