With the holiday season in full swing, it’s time to get cozy watching nostalgic holiday movies that bring us joy. Each year, you can expect the perennial favorites to play on repeat on channels like Freeform and TCM. Whether you prefer the comfort of a classic holiday movie like Rudolph, or look for new holiday movies on Netflix, holiday movies are built on traditions old and new. Like a warm cup of cocoa, these movies spark nostalgia and kindle warmth in our hearts during the cold days of winter. Whether you’ve seen the movies on The Lancer Ledger staff’s list of top picks or are looking for a new recommendation, we hope you get into the spirit of the season by watching some of these iconic movies. From comedies, to love stories, to fun cartoons, our top 10 holiday movies highlight a blend of timeless classics and modern favorites that continue to define the season for families everywhere. According to most Lancers, Home Alone and Elf are unbeatable films, delivering a mix of fun and charm, while The Grinch and The Polar Express bring beloved stories to life with heart and imagination. Check out our complete list of holiday classics and enjoy the magic of the season. 

Home Alone:

Eight-year-old Kevin McCallister is accidentally left home alone for Christmas and must defend his house from two bumbling burglars using clever traps. Home Alone is an extremely fun movie to watch and always gives a good laugh. This movie is easy to enjoy at all ages. From Kevin’s clever traps, to the robbers’ funny reactions and blunders, the relatable message about family and growing up in Home Alone keeps it in our hearts as a holiday favorite.

Chace: “In my opinion, I love when he uses his parents’ toiletries and screams after applying the wrong stuff on his face.” 

Roland: “My favorite part is when his mom finds out he isn’t with them and she screams “KEVIN!”

Ava: “I enjoy this movie because it is very chaotic, and never fails to make anyone laugh a little.”

Amelia: “I personally love this movie because it always gives a nostalgic feeling and is always so entertaining.” 

Elf: 

Buddy, a human raised by elves at the North Pole, travels to New York City to find his real father and spread Christmas cheer in his own hilarious way. Elf is a holiday favorite, with humor, emotion, adventure, and Christmas spirit throughout the entire film. The movie can seem ‘cheesy’ to some as it features an adult in an elf costume, but it really shows that when it comes to holiday cheer and Christmas spirit, there is absolutely no age limit. 

Chace: “I love when he screams ‘SANTA!’ because Buddy loves Santa and this made everyone laugh hysterically.”

Roland: “My favorite part is when he goes on his adventure to New York.”

Ava: “This movie always keeps me in the holiday spirit, and I love the part where Buddy makes the candy spaghetti and puts paper snowflakes all over the apartment.” 

Amelia: “This is a very funny movie and different from others; it always gives me a good laugh.” 

Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas (Jim Carrey version):  

The Grinch, a grumpy creature who hates Christmas, plans to steal it from the Whos of Whoville, but instead, he learns the true meaning of the holiday. This film creates a message to people that even characters who seem like the worst, have something good deep down inside of them. The Grinch starts off as a closed- off, cold character, but with some help, he was able to reach and discover the true meaning of Christmas. 

Chace: “I like this movie because towards the end, the Grinch finally understands what Christmas is really about.”

Roland: “My favorite part is when Cindy Lou Who got scared by the Grinch in the mail room.”

Ava: “This is definitely one of my favorites, and my favorite part is at the end when the Grinch finally comes to his senses.” 

Amelia: “This movie is always fun to watch. Jim Carrey’s version is definitely the best one.” 

Polar Express:

A young boy takes a magical train ride to the North Pole on Christmas Eve, learning about friendship, courage, and the spirit of Christmas. This movie captures the magic and wonder of believing in something bigger than yourself. The music, winter atmosphere and the cool animation makes it feel like a Christmas adventure. Polar Express teaches a nice, sweet message about bravery, friendship, and keeping your sense of wonder, which is meaningful for both kids and adults. 

Chace: “This movie was so creative in many ways. I could watch it hundreds of times if I was able to.”

Ava: “This film is a classic and it’s pretty creative and unique.” 

Amelia: “This movie is extremely nostalgic and I will always watch it each year.” 

Mrs. Fucilli: “I love the soundtrack in this movie. It is peaceful and gives me cozy vibes. The hot chocolate scene is my favorite!” 

National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation: 

Clark Griswold tries to create the perfect family Christmas, but everything goes hilariously wrong in this chaotic holiday comedy. This film is a perfect example of finding joy and humor in chaos and needing people to stick together in the bad and the good. Laughs are guaranteed during this movie, and it shows how there is always something positive to look for in the midst of a disaster and family drama. 

Chace: “This movie was so funny watching the cat destroy the Christmas tree or even Clark dreaming funny stuff.”

Roland: “The movie was really good when Cousin Eddy got caught by the cops.”

Amelia: “This is such a Christmas classic. It’s so funny and I watch it every year” 

Mrs. Fucilli: “I could watch this movie on repeat. It is the soundtrack of my Christmas season.” 

A Christmas Story:

A Christmas Story is about a boy named Ralphie who desperately wants a Red Ryder BB gun for Christmas and tries everything to convince the adults around him. The movie follows his funny misadventures leading up to Christmas Day. This is a holiday classic, teaching kids the importance of knowing right from wrong and having responsibility. The main character, Ralphie, wishes for a Red Ryder BB gun, but the adults in his life insist that he’d “shoot his eye out.” Throughout the film, viewers get a good laugh, watch lots of chaos, and get a feel for a good holiday classic with some unforgettable moments. 

Chace: “This is an oldie but a goodie that I loved to watch with my parents since the movie was around when they were growing up.”

Mrs. Fucilli: “This was always one of my favorite holiday movies with iconic images like the infamous leg lamp, Ralphie’s nightmarish bunny outfit, and of course the moment Flick was triple-dog dared to lick a frozen pole on the playground. It’s fun watching my kids enjoy this movie now as a new generation experiences it for the first time!”

The Santa Clause:

When Scott Calvin accidentally causes Santa to fall from his roof, he must take over the role and learns the challenges of becoming the new Santa Claus. This movie delivers the lesson of responsibility, adapting to change, and finding Christmas spirit deep down at any age. There is a mix of humor and heartfelt belief throughout the film as it reminds us that it is never too late to renew your holiday spirit. 

Chace: “This movie is interesting because Scott has to fill in big shoes to make children around the world happy and believe in Santa.”

Roland: “The movie was really good when he lost his Santa abilities and he went on the whole adventure to get it back in The Santa Clause 3.

Amelia: “This is my favorite Christmas movie! It is so fun watching his journey to become Santa again.” 

The Christmas Chronicles: 

In this holiday favorite, siblings team up with Santa Claus on a wild adventure to save Christmas after a plan to catch him on camera goes wrong. This movie has adventure, emotion, and humor involved and really shows how teamwork can get you further than you expect. The two main characters, Teddy and Kate, caused Santa to crash his sleigh, and ultimately end up “saving Christmas.” Through the film, they learn the importance of family, teamwork, belief, and holiday spirit. 

Chace: “My favorite part of the movie was when Santa Claus made jail a Christmas show”

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer:

 Rudolph, a reindeer with a glowing red nose, overcomes bullying and leads Santa’s sleigh through a foggy Christmas Eve. This movie teaches a lesson about kindness and having the ability to accept each others’ differences. Even though Rudolph was a bit different than the other reindeer, what started as a flaw, ended up becoming his greatest strength. 

Chace: “I watched this movie during Christmas break whenever I was about to head to sleep because in my opinion, it’s relaxing.”

Amelia: “This is a classic movie and it’s so good for children and will always be great.”

Mrs. Fucilli: “This movie still gives me the feels after all these years. I love watching Rudolph, Hermey, and Yukon Cornelius team up to save the day. The ‘misfits’ prove their worth and show us all that anyone can be a hero!”

Daddy’s Home 2

Daddy’s Home 2 is a comedy about stepdad Brad and biological dad Dusty trying to co-parent during a chaotic Christmas when their own very different fathers come to visit. The movie focuses on family clashes, holiday stress, and over-the-top humor as everyone struggles to get along.

Chace: “This movie I watched with my parents and we got all sorts of laughs out because both sides of the fictional families have completely different personalities and it can probably go down as a comedy movie too.”

Roland: “The movie was really funny when they were at the improv show.”

Mrs. Fucilli: “I love everything about this movie. The dynamic duo of Mark Wahlberg and Will Ferrell as co-dads teaming up to make Christmas magic is perfection, but then when you add Mel Gibson’s character as the macho grandpa, ‘El Padre’ to the mix, it takes comedy to a whole other level. The interplay between the characters is hilarious and I love the idyllic setting of the winter cabin where the blended family spends the holidays. The part when they leave a character in the woods surrounded by wolves after chopping down their ‘Christmas tree’ makes me laugh every time.” 

Bonus Movie: The Nightmare Before Christmas

Jack Skellington, the Pumpkin King of Halloween Town, discovers Christmas and tries to take it over, causing spooky, yet heartwarming chaos. This film starts off with the main character Jack, The Pumpkin King of Halloween Town being whole-heartedly committed to Halloween, but after getting tired of the constant routine, he takes over Christmas. Through chaos following this, he learned to appreciate who he is and stays committed to Halloween since that is who HE really is deep down. 

Chace: “This was to me more Halloween than Christmas, but I like that it ties into Christmas and combines two holidays.”

Amelia: “While this may not be directly a Christmas movie, I love it and I love how I can watch it during two holidays.”

Mrs. Fucilli: “I tend to watch this movie more during Halloween and the transitional time between Halloween and Christmas, but I love the soundtrack and the characters and how Jack learns to embrace his true identity with the help of Sally in the end.”