Buzz
While many indulge in watching cheesy Hallmark Channel holiday films in December, have you considered diving into a podcast entirely dedicated to critiquing these movies? With an abundance of seasonal content across TV networks and streaming platforms, podcasts also join the festive frenzy. Here, I’ve curated the absolute best holiday podcasts for your listening pleasure.
Discover podcasts delving into the quirky and obscure histories of Christmas, critiques of beloved holiday films and TV specials, and even an audio drama about a university where thousands of Santas battle to claim the title of the year’s true Santa. These shows are perfect for getting into the holiday mood, and one even features the Grinch as the host!
Complete Joy
The 2015 mini-series The Complete Woman introduced Marabel May, a self-help author from the 1960s who offered toxic advice on thriving as a woman in that era. Played by Amanda Lund, Marabel embodies internalized misogyny and dissatisfaction with her societal role. Her spin-off series, Complete Joy, set in 1965, portrays a transformed Marabel after undergoing electroshock therapy and heavy tranquilizer use. Now, she dedicates herself to guiding women through the holiday season, from hosting flawless parties to selecting ideal gifts, all while indulging in excessive cocktails.
Deck the Halls with Matrimony!
Deck the Halls (with Matrimony!) is an auditory Christmas play that dives into the chaos of Regal Bride, a wedding business. Emma and Jackie, best friends, are navigating the hectic holiday wedding season when a mysterious and attractive newcomer arrives. The script is sharp and quick-witted, complemented by stellar production, sound design, and acting. The endearing characters will melt your heart, making this podcast utterly delightful.
’Tis the Grinch Holiday Show
Despite the Grinch's busy holiday schedule, he’s found time to host a podcast, ’Tis the Grinch Holiday Show, where he vents about Christmas and mocks his guests for enjoying it. His humor is sharp, sarcastic, and oddly charming—some might even call him charismatic. Surprisingly, he’s more pleasant than expected. With Cindy Lou Who, his court-mandated child producer (apparently, Whoville ignores child labor laws), he quizzes guests like Olympic gymnast Shawn Johnson East about their least favorite foot ailments and nearly tears up when Bob Odenkirk invites him to Thanksgiving dinner.
Build-a-Prince
If you’re already indulging in sugary holiday content, make sure to add Build-a-Prince to your playlist. This podcast follows Princess Adelaide, who learns she must marry by Christmas to claim the throne. She secretly crafts the ideal prince from Hayden, a charming commoner from America. As love blossoms, not everyone supports Adelaide’s rise to queen. It’s essentially a Hallmark movie for your ears.
Christmas Past
Ever wondered about the origins of nutcrackers, Christmas tree decorations, or figgy pudding? True Christmas enthusiasts should understand the roots of these quirky traditions. Christmas Past is a concise podcast that delves into the history behind holiday staples like "The Twelve Days of Christmas," elves, and Pfeffernusse (those snowball-like spiced cookies). It’s a quick yet comprehensive guide to all things Christmas.
It’s a Wonderful Lie
You know those annual holiday newsletters from people you haven’t spoken to in years? They’re often overly cheerful, awkward, and oddly entertaining. Sometimes, they even reveal more than intended if you read between the lines. It’s a Wonderful Lie uncovers the chaotic tales behind these letters, as Greg Hess, Holly Laurent, and Ashley Flowers hilariously dissect real Christmas letters from strangers, making you feel like you know them personally.
The First Mrs. Claus
Featuring Michelle Visage, Lewis Black, RuPaul, Kristin Chenoweth, Cecil Baldwin, Josh Peck, and others, The First Mrs. Claus is a musical comedy that reimagines the Santa Claus tale. Narrated by Hot Coco, the true mastermind behind Christmas, the story reveals how her boyfriend Ari betrayed her, claimed the holiday for himself as Santa Claus, and replaced her with a more idealized wife. This is Coco’s journey to reclaim what’s rightfully hers—a festive, campy delight.
Advent Calendar House
December is synonymous with Christmas TV specials, and if you’re nostalgic for the classics from the '80s and '90s, Advent Calendar House is perfect for you. Mike Westfall dedicates episodes to holiday-themed shows like Alvin and The Chipmunks, Punky Brewster, Mister Rogers, The Smurfs, The Nanny, and more, bringing back the magic of those timeless specials.
Santa University
Jamie Loftus, the creative force behind acclaimed podcasts like My Year in Mensa, Ghost Church, Aaack Cast, and The Lolita Podcast, also updates her long-running screenplay Santa University annually. The story revolves around a university where 40,000 Santas battle to become the one true St. Nick. Each year, her talented friends, including Behind-the Bastards’ Robert Evans and other comedians, perform a cold read of the latest chapter. Since 2017, this tradition has continued, and it shows no signs of stopping. Look for it on The Daily Zeitgeist feed during the holiday season.
Weird Christmas Podcast
While Christmas is often associated with warmth and goodwill, there’s also a darker side to the season. On Weird Christmas, host Craig Kringle explores the eerie aspects of the holiday, from elf folklore and murder ballads to Krampus. The podcast delves into the occult history of Christmas and the unexpectedly macabre ways people celebrate it worldwide.
Behind The Christmas Hits with Drew Savage
On Behind the Christmas Hits, seasoned radio host Drew Savage delivers concise episodes (under five minutes) uncovering the stories behind beloved (or loathed) Christmas songs. From “The Christmas Song” to Taylor Swift’s “Christmas Tree Song,” you’ll discover fascinating tidbits perfect for sharing at holiday gatherings while enduring endless loops of “I’ll Be Home for Christmas.”
Deck the Hallmark Podcast
For some, made-for-TV Christmas movies are irresistible, no matter how cheesy or poorly made they are—sometimes, the worse, the better. If you’re part of this group, you’ll find yourself binge-listening to Deck the Hallmark Podcast even faster than watching Hallmark classics like Catch Me If You Claus, Haul Out the Holiday, Holiday Hotline, and other so-called "favorites."
