Every December brings an avalanche of holiday viewing options, from brand-new releases to familiar titles that reappear like clockwork. Over the years, I’ve found that the films worth returning to aren’t always the newest or the loudest. They’re the ones that hold up, invite repeat viewing, and still manage to bring people together. This annual list isn’t about completeness. It’s about choosing a handful of holiday films that continue to matter, and why they’re worth watching again this season
Some of the tried & true collections include:
- The Wizard of Oz
- It’s a Wonderful Life
- Miracle on 34th Street
- The Sound of Music
- National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation
These films strike the right balance of warmth, humor, music, and hope. They don’t rely on trends or gimmicks. They simply work.
Holiday Viewing Beyond the Obvious
Of course, the holiday season offers far more than the standard classics. Films like Elf, A Christmas Story, and the many versions of A Christmas Carol are always in rotation.
If you’re willing to search a bit, there are some wonderful alternatives worth finding online. The Nutcracker, starring Mikhail Baryshnikov, remains one of the most satisfying filmed ballet versions available.
One recent addition includes an intriguing film entitled Carol for Another Christmas, (Written by Rod Serling!), that’s been shown on Turner Classic Movies featuring Sterling Hayden. These are not traditional holiday movies, but they capture the spirit of reflection and moral reckoning that fits the season.
One standout with a strong Christmas atmosphere is Meet Me in St. Louis, notable for Judy Garland’s classic performance of “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas.” It may not be all about Christmas -but its emotional center is unmistakable.
For those looking for a faith-based option, The Nativity Story still holds up well. It tells the story of the Holy Family with sincerity and restraint, making it a good choice for family viewing.
Are All Christmas Movies Really Christmas Movies?
There’s been renewed debate over whether Die Hard qualifies as a Christmas movie. Personally, it doesn’t come to mind when I’m making holiday recommendations. Still, the discussion raises an interesting point.
Some films don’t feature Christmas front and center, yet they explore themes of love, redemption, and renewal that feel right at home in December.
Some recommendations to try:
- The Shop Around the Corner and its musical remake In the Good Old Summertime
- The Lion in Winter, a medieval Christmas gathering filled with humor
- Three Godfathers, a western with spiritual undertones
These films may not fit a strict definition, but they capture the emotional core of the season.
Turner Classic Movies and December Favorites
December on Turner Classic Movies is always worth paying attention to. This year features a strong lineup of Cary Grant films, some of which haven’t been shown in a while.
Grant’s persona as the polished, sophisticated man of the world is on full display, especially in later comedies where his timing shines. Films like Operation Petticoat and That Touch of Mink remain comic gold.
Myrna Loy & William Powell’s stellar sleuthing series is also worth mentioning. Particularly Myna Loy as Nora Charles in The Thin Man series stands out as a model of comic wit and chemistry combined.
What to Watch, Stream, or Record This Season
There’s no shortage of holiday content. Lists of 50 or even 100 films are everywhere, but few people really want to sort through all that.
The Hallmark Channel delivers exactly what it promises: familiar formulas and predictable comfort. You can sample a few and quickly decide which ones are worth keeping.
Turner Classic has offered a wide range of classic films along with some additions to the routine list of holiday movies we often see.
- Jane Austen just celebrated her 250th birthday this December! Try streaming Emma or Emma has a definite Christmas feel to it. And Persuasion is one of the lesser-known gems from the Austen vault.
- Dick Van Dyke just celebrated his 100th Birthday! For the holiday season, the original Mary Poppins film cannot be beat. And one of his early performances in Bye Bye Birdie cemented his stardom with American audiences. Check them out on TCM this December!
Holiday films have a way of slowing us down, even when the season feels rushed. The best ones don’t just fill time. They remind us why stories matter in the first place. Whether it’s a familiar classic, a film you haven’t revisited in years, or something discovered late at night on TCM, these movies create shared moments that linger long after the credits roll. In a season crowded with noise and novelty, returning to films that still resonate can be its own quiet tradition.