Top 10 Holiday Movies to Watch this Holiday Season

Ali Adams and Catherine Villante '20, Staff Writers

The Holidays are here! The Holiday season is best spent with friends and family, so what better way to celebrate than by watching some classic Christmas movies? Below is a list of our top 10 favorite Christmas movies for you to watch this holiday season with your loved ones! Enjoy and Merry Christmas!

Courtesy of cinematerial.com
  1. Elf  

Elf lands the number one spot on this list and is a must-watch Christmas movie this holiday season. Elf chronicles the life of Buddy (Will Ferrell) who mistakenly gets transported to the North Pole and to Santa’s workshop as a baby. Buddy, raised by elves, finally discovers the truth that he is not one himself and cannot seem to fight the feeling that he does not fit in; as a result, Buddy sets out to find his father in New York City. What Buddy does not realize is that, not only will he have to find his father in this huge city, but he will also have to work hard at building a relationship with him. Elf is a movie full of both Christmas cheer and spirited comedy; it is without a doubt the best movie to watch with your family around Christmas time!   

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  1. Love Actually

Deemed as the “ultimate romantic comedy,” Love Actually will have you in tears this Christmas – in a good way. This movie follows nine intertwined stories that show us how love is the one emotion that connects us all. Among these stories is one about Mark, who finds himself in love with his best friend’s wife, David, the British Prime Minister, who falls for a young and beautiful staff member, and Sarah, who discovers she might actually have a chance with her dream man, but must find a way to take care of her mentally ill brother while also taking a chance at finding her own happiness. Watch Love Actually this Christmas and it will fill your holiday’s with both love and laughter!

Courtesy of Amazon
  1. Miracle on 34th street

Whether it’s the original Miracle on 34th Street (1947), or the remake (1994), both encapture the true meaning of Christmas and what it really means to believe. When Kris Kringle (the real Santa) fills the role as Santa Claus at Macy’s annual Thanksgiving Day parade, he wins the hearts of New York City children and begins working as the Santa at the Macy’s store. Doris Walker works as the organizer of the parade and is also mother to a witty and intelligent little girl named Susan. Doris, convinced that Christmas is full of silly fairy tales, has led her daughter Susan to believe that Santa Claus simply does not exist. However, when Susan visits Kris (Santa) at Macy’s, she sees his undeniable compassion and connection for the children, and can’t help but believe it is really him. The movie unravels as citizens question if Kris Kringle is insane, or really Santa. We see the joys of this heartwarming movie and it is perfect to watch this Holiday season as it not only takes place in the festive New York City, but uplifts the importance of believing in something, despite what anyone else thinks.

Courtesy of Amazon
  1. Home Alone

Home Alone is a classic Christmas movie that is truly a favorite among many. The film follows an 8-year-old boy named Kevin who is mistakenly left by his family who leaves without him for their trip, leaving him home alone! After having some fun by himself, Kevin discovers two burglars and makes it his mission to protect his house pulling all sorts of entertaining schemes and traps to fool the burglars.  If you haven’t seen Home Alone yet, make sure you watch it this season!

Courtesy of IMDB
  1. The Polar Express

Based on the book by Chris Van Allenburg, The Polar Express will surely get you in the Christmas spirit with its adventurous plot, beautiful animation, unforgettable characters, and heartwarming messages that all work together to reveal that the true meaning of Christmas and how it withholds more than just opening presents. The film follows a boy’s journey to the North Pole on the Polar Express train in which he navigates the truth behind believing, meets new friends, and has a ton of fun along the way! If you love the magic of Christmas, this Christmas movie is a must watch for you!

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  1. A Christmas Story

This Christmas classic is based on the hilarious comedy written by Jean Shepherd. A Christmas Story is about a young boy, Ralphie Parker, whose Christmas wish is not a particularly common one amongst most 9-year-old children. Ralphie longs so deeply for a “Red Ryder air rifle” – but has trouble convincing his parents, teachers, and even Santa himself to get him one. Other than wishing for this gift, Ralphie spends most of his time trying to avoid a bully and frequently fights with his cranky father. Watch a Christmas Story in order to find out whether or not Ralphie’s hopes remain the same by Christmas day.

Courtesy of Amazon
  1. The Santa Clause

The Santa Clause’s humorous storyline, wintry landscape, and stunning portrayal of Santa’s workshop will surely get you in the Christmas spirit. Divorced man Scott has custody of his son over the holidays. After Scott unintentionally kills Santa, he and his son magically travel to Santa’s workshop in the North Pole. It is here where Scott learns that he must take on the role of Santa before the time of Christmas. Skeptical at first, Scott learns the reality of this situation once he begins to gain weight and grow a white beard – looking more and more like Santa. Discover whether or not Scott is successful in maintaining peace and establishing order among his many elves by the time Christmas arrives.

Courtesy of tvguide.com
  1. Eloise at Christmastime

This lighthearted Christmas edition of the beloved Eloise series follows a humorous and fun storyline about Eloise during Christmas time at the Plaza in New York City. The adorable Eloise finds herself getting into all sorts of shenanigans in preparation for the hotel owner daughter’s wedding. It captures the excitement of the holidays in New York City through the eyes of the cheerful and entertaining characters of not only Eloise but, also, her Nanny and other staff at the Plaza.

Courtesy of Amazon
  1. A Charlie Brown Christmas

This 1965 classic follows the main character, Charlie Brown, as he directs his school’s Christmas pageant. In hopes of uniting his friends to understand what Christmas is about, Charlie finds himself struggling to put on the play and getting everyone to cooperate. A Charlie Brown Christmas is an adorable movie that which embodies the important message of looking beyond the materialism of the holidays and finding the true meaning of Christmas.

Courtesy of Best Buy
  1. Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer is a classic story we all grew up hearing about during Christmas time. This movie follows Rudolph, a reindeer, who appears as an outcast in his society because of his bright red nose. Humiliated and ashamed about his appearance, Rudolph decides to run away and finds himself making friends with another outcast: Herney, one of Santa’s elves that would much rather become a dentist. The two overcome many obstacles together and eventually learn to love and embrace who they are as misfits. Santa does the same and realizes that Rudolph’s bright nose is the only thing that will be able to guide him through the intense fog on this particular Christmas Eve. Rudolph becomes a legend amongst the other reindeers after setting the record as the youngest reindeer in history to guide Santa’s sleigh. Full of Christmas spirit and positive life lessons, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer is a must-watch for this Christmas holiday.