Buzz
Image Source: HuluGone are the days when we relied on TV schedules to catch our favorite Christmas films and specials. Streaming platforms now offer an ever-growing collection of holiday classics, letting us relax with a festive drink and enjoy our preferred seasonal content at any time.
However, it’s worth noting that two beloved animated classics remain unavailable for free streaming. Currently, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer and Frosty the Snowman are still tied to CBS's scheduling. For nearly everything else, here’s a comprehensive guide to the top holiday movies and specials available on popular streaming services this season.
1. Disney+
Unsurprisingly, Disney+ offers a vast selection of holiday-themed movies and specials perfect for kids:
- Home Alone: Macaulay Culkin defends his home against hilariously inept intruders. The sequel set in New York is also available.
- Miracle on 34th Street: Explore the timeless question of Santa's existence with this beloved classic.
- Mickey's Christmas Carol: Introduce your children to Dickens' iconic story through this Disney adaptation.
- The Muppet Christmas Carol: Michael Caine stars as Scrooge in this whimsical take on the classic tale.
- Nightmare Before Christmas: A delightful blend of Halloween and Christmas for a unique festive experience.
- Prep & Landing: This clever special reveals the behind-the-scenes magic of Santa's gift delivery system.
- The Santa Clause: Watch Tim Allen transform into Santa Claus, along with its sequels, including the latest, The Santa Clauses.
- Sound of Music: While not a Christmas movie, its frequent holiday broadcasts have made it a seasonal favorite.
2. HBO Max
HBO Max excels in humorous holiday films and includes a beloved animated classic to complete its lineup.
- A Christmas Story: Follow young Ralphie's quest for his dream Christmas gift, and enjoy the 2022 sequel, A Christmas Story Christmas.
- Elf: No holiday season is complete without Will Ferrell's iconic shout of "Santa!"
- Krampus: This dark comedy introduces a dysfunctional family confronting a mythical figure who punishes those lacking Christmas spirit.
- National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation: Join the Griswolds as they navigate their hilariously disastrous holiday plans.
- The Polar Express: Embark on an animated journey to the North Pole with Tom Hanks leading the way.
3. Hulu
Hulu boasts a wide array of Hallmark-style films and has enhanced its library by adding more timeless classics this year:
- A Christmas Carol: Enjoy the 2019 miniseries, a grittier adaptation of the classic tale.
- Deck the Halls: Danny DeVito and Matthew Broderick star as feuding neighbors in this festive comedy.
- Die Hard: For those who consider it a Christmas movie, it’s available here.
- National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation: Follow Clark Griswold’s comedic misadventures as he tries to create the perfect holiday.
- The Grinch: This 2018 animated remake offers a fresh perspective on the beloved story.
- The Polar Express: Hop on board for an animated journey to the North Pole.
4. Netflix
Netflix has prioritized creating original holiday-themed shows and movies, but it also features these classic festive options:
- Klaus: This Oscar-nominated movie tells the heartwarming story of a selfish postman and a reclusive toymaker who team up to bring joy to a gloomy, remote town.
- Fireplace for Your Home: If you don’t have an electric fireplace, Netflix provides three cozy options to enjoy the ambiance of a crackling fire.
- Love Actually: A star-studded British rom-com featuring intertwined love stories that capture the magic of the season.
5. Peacock
Peacock is creating its own original content but also offers a selection of holiday specials for your enjoyment:
- 12 Days of Christmas Eve: A heartwarming story about a businessman who learns life lessons after being trapped in a time loop during the holiday season.
- How the Grinch Stole Christmas: The classic animated version featuring Boris Karloff as the iconic Grinch remains a fan favorite.
- Jack Frost: A dark and thrilling tale of a serial killer turned into a deadly snowman, ideal for those seeking a twist on holiday entertainment.
6. Amazon Prime Video
- It's a Wonderful Life: Amazon Prime offers this timeless holiday film about a man who, with angelic intervention, rediscovers his value to those around him.
- George Balanchine's The Nutcracker: The 1993 ballet masterpiece stars Macaulay Culkin as the prince.
- Home Alone: Enjoy Kevin’s clever antics as he outsmarts his foes in this beloved original.
- The Muppet Christmas Carol: This 1992 musical adaptation brings Dickens' tale to life with a puppet-filled twist.
- White Christmas: Bing Crosby’s iconic performance fuels everyone’s dreams of a snowy holiday.
7. Other Streaming Services
These beloved Christmas specials are available across various streaming platforms:
- Bad Moms: Take a break from holiday chaos with this comedy available on TNT and TBS.
- Bad Santa: Explore the darker side of the season with Billy Bob Thornton’s performance on Pluto TV.
- Charlie Brown Christmas: Apple TV exclusively streams this touching tale of Charlie Brown and his humble tree.
- A Christmas Carol: The 1984 version featuring George C. Scott can be found on Starz.
- Scrooged: Bill Murray’s modern take on A Christmas Carol is available on Paramount+.
