10 Must-See Christmas Classics

Christmas is on its way, and what better way to get into the holiday spirit than to watch a few of your favourite tinsel-time flicks? Check out these Christmas classics and enjoy nights of holiday cheer.

A Christmas Story (1983)

This holiday comedy classic is just that- a classic. It is family-friendly fun and lots of laughs that will make your nostalgic for your past holidays. Although, if you really pay attention to the movie, it is a very cynical take on the holidays. It is really about learning that you can’t always get what you want, and that if you do get it, it may not be what you thought it would be. That’s a great lesson for kids and adults alike, and something many people (no matter their age) can relate to.

Elf (2003)

It’s hilarious and has some great jokes for kids and adults. It is the modern-Christmas classic that many people turn to to get in the true spirit of Christmas. After all, it does talk about why believing in Santa (or at least the magic of Christmas) is so important. 

A Christmas Carol (1938)

This film version of Charles Dickens’ classic tale is one of the best ways to teach the whole family about the meaning of Christmas and why it is important to love thy neighbor and give back to the less fortunate. Alastair Sim will forever be Scrooge in my mind. A True classic.

National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation (1989)

If you are stressing out about visiting relatives, just think of the Griswolds and realize it could be worse! This comedy classic is a fun way to have everyone laughing about the craziness of the season.

It’s a Wonderful Life (1946)

A new beginning, a guardian angel, Christmas magic… it is the quintessential holiday move and for good reason.

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer (1964)

It may be done in stop-motion classic, but it is a tradition that has aired every year since its release on CBS, which makes it the longest-running Christmas-themed special. That’s worth a watch this year, right?

Love, Actually (2003)

It’s a Rom-Com that brings love and Christmas together for the modern age. Grab your spouse or your girlfriends, some hot cider (or eggnog) and enjoy one for the adults.

A Charlie Brown Christmas (1965)

The first prime-time TV special featuring the “Peanuts” gang spurred other holiday classics, but this is still the one everyone rushes to see. Linus’s speech is one for the history books!

How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000)

The cartoon is great for kids, but this one is great for the whole family- and it still stands as the second-highest grossing Christmas film of all time. Dr. Seuss went a little dark for this, but it hi-lights some great Christmas lessons and is just plain fun.

Home Alone (1990)

Yes, it has been that long and for every 90’s kid, this one needs no explanation.