As the holiday season starts rolling in, many people begin completing their annual holiday traditions. Several of these traditions include decorating the house, baking Christmas cookies, and watching Christmas movies. These Christmas movies, in particular, can bring about lots of laughter and joy during this jolly holiday season. 

10. Home Alone (1990)

This 1990 film is one of the most famous holiday movies of all time. Directed by Chris Columbus and written by John Hughes, this movie stars Macaulay Culkin as 8 year old Kevin McCallister. The night before the family’s trip to Paris, Kevin is forced to sleep in the attic after engaging in a fight with his siblings. As a result, he wishes that his family never existed. After the McCallisters accidentally leave for their trip without him, Kevin assumes that his family has completely disappeared. However, he also becomes tasked with stopping two criminals from stealing goods from his house. This is a fantastic movie for those who want a good laugh. The humorous nature that Culkin brings to the table combined with the hilarious pranks on the dumb criminals are loved by audiences of all ages. However, the movie could get a tad boring up until the pranks scene; otherwise, it would have been much higher on the list. Nevertheless, the importance of family is still especially clear at the end of the film, which reminds viewers of this essential holiday aspect. This PG rated movie can be found on Disney plus or on FX at 5:30 p.m. (eastern) and 10:30 p.m. (eastern) on December 12th.

9. Home Alone 2: Lost in New York (1992)

Kevin McCallister is back yet again in this 1992 sequel. Although he finally makes it to the airport, Kevin mistakes another man for his dad and gets on the wrong flight. Instead of going to Florida with his family, Kevin is stuck all alone in New York City. Fortunately, he has his dad’s wallet with an abundance of cash and credit cards. With this money, Kevin decides to stay at the renowned Plaza Hotel and even plays a few pranks on the hotel employees when they question his unusual stay. Meanwhile, Harry and Marv, the two criminals from the first movie, have just broken out of prison and attempt to steal money from a popular toy store. As a result, Kevin tries to stop them once more in this thrilling and hilarious movie. Although sequels are typically not nearly as good as the original, this movie deserves to be listed above the original. It does not get boring near the middle and is consistently keeping viewers on their toes to see what happens next. Audiences can see Kevin’s adventures in New York on Disney plus or on FX at 8 p.m. (eastern) and 1 a.m. (eastern) on December 12th.

8. Elf (2003)

This 2003 film is another major movie watched during this holiday season. Will Ferrell plays Buddy, a human raised by Santa’s elves. After discovering that his dad isn’t actually his biological father, Buddy ventures on a quest to find his real father, Walter Hobbs, and travels to New York City in his full elf uniform. After a DNA test proves their biological relationship, Hobbs reluctantly attempts to form a relationship with his newfound son. As a result, Buddy learns the ways of human life while also causing considerable chaos. This PG rated film is fantastic for audiences of all ages, and it also combines immature and mature humor. It’s definitely a great watch as the entire family will be laughing even 5 minutes into the movie. Audiences can view Buddy’s chaotic life on HBO Max, Hulu, or on Starz at 9:50 a.m. (eastern) on December 9th.

7. The Santa Clause (1994)

When Scott Calvin accidentally causes Santa to fall off of his roof, he is magically transported to the North Pole where an elf tells him that he must become the new Santa before next Christmas. While Scott assumes that he was just dreaming, he begins gaining the prominent characteristics of Santa: a massive weight gain and the growth of a bushy, white beard. The only issue is keeping this huge secret from his already broken family. This PG rated film puts a new spin on the typical Santa most viewers know. The well known Tim Allen also stars in this Disney movie and brings an abundance of comedy to the table. Although the movie is directed towards younger audiences, it does still provide lots of entertainment and holiday spirit to older ages as well. Families can view this hilarious movie on Disney plus or on FX at 6 p.m. (eastern) on December 4th.

6. Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000)

Based on Dr. Seuss’ famous children’s tale, Jim Carrey stars as the green Grinch, a lonely creature who attempts to ruin Christmas for all of the jolly residents in the town of Whoville. He enlists the help of his dog, Max, to steal their Christmas presents and decorations. However, when little Cindy Lou Who befriends the Grinch, he starts to reconsider his hatred towards Christmas. This 2000 film is rated PG and will warm your heart with its whimsical nature. Moreover, it shows that Christmas means more than material items like presents and decorations but rather the cheery spirit inside everyone. Viewers can look for the movie on FX at 5:30 p.m. (eastern) on December 11th and at 3 p.m. (eastern) on December 12th.

5. The Polar Express (2004)

Tom Hanks voices numerous characters in this magical holiday movie. A young boy who doubts the magic of Christmas and Santa is invited to embark on a mystical train ride on its way to the North Pole. Throughout his journey, the boy discovers himself and the power of those who believe in the true spirit of Christmas. This incredible movie will lightly tug on your heart strings while leaving a warm, fuzzy feeling inside. The PG rated movie can be seen on Hulu, HBO Max, and on AMC at 8 p.m. (eastern) on December 9th.

4. It’s a Wonderful Life (1947)

When George Bailey becomes overwhelmed with life’s expectations, he feels tied down from his true dreams of traveling the world and building skyscrapers. As a result, he readies himself to commit suicide, an angel named Clarence decides to show him what town life would have been like without him and all of his great deeds. This Christmas movie is absolutely inspiring and was even nominated for five oscars. Audiences of all ages can watch it on Hulu and on NBC at 8 p.m. (eastern) on December 4th.

3. A Christmas Carol (2009)

During the Victorian era in London, there was a man named Ebenezer Scrooge, who is voiced by Jim Carrey. Scrooge absolutely despises Christmas until three ghosts visit and take him on a journey of his past, present, and future. They reveal his wasted opportunities and his terrible fate if he does not change his ways. Will Scrooge ever put his bitterness aside and embrace Christmas? Find out by watching the movie on Disney plus or on Disney Channel at 8 p.m. (eastern) on December 11th.

2. A Christmas Story (1983)

This loved holiday movie follows a young boy named Ralphie Parker as he attempts to convince practically everyone he knows, including Santa, to get him a Red Ryder BB gun. As Christmas rolls around the corner, will Ralphie be able to convince people that he is mature enough for a gun while also thwarting school bullies at the same time? This film is absolutely hilarious while still giving a sense of childhood nostalgia during this holiday season. Families can watch this American classic on Hulu, HBO Max, and on TBS at 6 p.m. (eastern) and 8 p.m. (eastern) on December 4th.

1. The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)

When Jack Skellington becomes bored of the typical routine of being king of Halloweentown, he accidentally stumbles upon the merry spirits of Christmastown. As he spends time there, he falls in love with the holiday; so much so that he attempts to kidnap Santa in order to take his place. Does his plan work? Find out in this timeless movie. The music and cinematography is completely breathtaking, and the magic behind Tim Burton’s imagination can clearly be seen and felt throughout the film. Viewers can watch this phenomenal movie on Disney plus.