With the festive season just around the corner, there's no better way to get into the Christmas spirit than curling up on the couch with a mug of hot chocolate (or mulled wine!) and a heart-warming holiday film.
Whether you're a fan of classic Christmas tales or modern-day festive comedies, we have 25 must-watch movies of the season, guaranteed to get you into the festive spirit!
So, grab your cosiest blanket, dim the lights, and let's dive into a world of twinkling lights, jolly tunes, and endless cheer.
25 Christmas films to watch in December 2024
1. Nativity! (2009)
BBC iPlayer, Stream now
It's Christmas chaos at its best when a well-meaning teacher tries to put together a school Christmas play. Nativity! is here to bring aaaall the festive fun and mayhem we remember from our own school days.
2. The Snowman (1982)
Available now on Channel 4
It's a beautifully animated classic that's guaranteed to tug at your heartstrings. The Snowman tells the magical story of a boy and his snowman, who comes to life on Christmas Eve.
3. Wallace and Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl (2024)
Stream on BBC iPlayer on Christmas Day
Get ready for a cracking new adventure with everyone's favourite inventor and his trusty dog! Wallace and Gromit are on a mission to solve a recent crime wave.
4. The Snowman and the Snowdog
Stream now on Channel 4
This charming animated sequel to Raymond Briggs' classic The Snowman sees a young man create a snowman similar to a photograph he found in his house. With a bit of snow left over he creates a dog and together the trio fly away to meet Father Christmas!
5. Home Alone 2: Lost in New York (1992)
Stream now on ITVX
Kevin’s back and this time, he’s taking on the Big Apple! In Home Alone 2, our favourite mischievous kid faces off against the same bumbling burglars, only this time, the stakes are higher, and the traps are even crazier.
6. Terry Pratchett's The Abominable Snow Baby (2021)
Available now on Channel 4
A snowy fairy tale from the brilliant mind of Terry Pratchett. Follow the quirky adventure of a town on the hunt for an abominable snow baby in this delightful and magical Christmas special.
7. Last Christmas (2019)
Watch now on BBC iPlayer
Emilia Clarke stars in this modern-day Christmas rom com about a woman who’s lost her way, only to find herself and love when she least expects it. Full of festive charm, with a twist that will leave you thinking about it long after the credits roll.
8. Father Christmas
Stream on Channel 4
This classic animation is perfectttt for all the family! Father Christmas poses the big question, what does he do with himself on the other 364 days of the year!
9. Shaun the Sheep: The Flight Before Christmas (2021)
Stream now on BBC iPlayer
This festive special sees Shaun the Sheep getting into some holiday mischief when he accidentally causes chaos at the Farmer’s Christmas preparations. Follow Shaun as he embarks on an unexpected adventure to bring Farmer Ben back home juuust in time for Christmas!
10. Christmas In the Highlands (2019)
Stream on STV Player
Get whisked away to a wintery Scotland in this festive romance! New York perfume expert Blair is on a mission to track down a rare Scottish scent, but her plans hit a snag when she meets Alistair.
11. Ice Age: A Mammoth Christmas
Stream now on ITVX
The pack returns for this Christmas adventure! Sid gets in Santa's bad books when he accidently destroys Manny's special Christmas rock! Sid decides to travel to the North Pole to make things right but, it doesn't quite go as planned!
12. Four Christmases and a Wedding (2017)
Watch now on U
Get ready for a festive fling! Chloe has landed her dream gig planning the town’s Christmas Festival. But while her career is merry and bright, her love life is anything but. Enter Evan, who sweeps her off her feet on the festival's opening night.
13. Christmas In Love (2018)
Channel 4, stream now
In a cute little town, two people find themselves falling in love during the most wonderful time of the year. Christmas in Love is a sweet rom-com full of holiday magic and second chances!
14. Boyfriends of Christmas Past (2021)
Available on My5
Bah humbug to holiday dating! Marketing exec Lauren is laser-focused on her career, but when ghosts of boyfriend's past (literally!) crash her Christmas, they bring her face-to-face with the love she’s been avoiding all along.
15. Daddy’s Home 2 (2017)
Stream now on Channel 4
The holiday season gets even more chaotic in this hilarious sequel! Brad (Will Ferrell) and Dusty (Mark Wahlberg) are trying to co-parent their kids in peace, but when their dads (played by John Lithgow and Mel Gibson) arrive for Christmas, things spiral into full-on festive mayhem!
16. The Grinch (2018)
Stream on ITV from the 23rd December
Is there anything better than the ultimate Christmas grump finding redemption? The Grinch takes us on a magical ride to Whoville, where he learns the true meaning of Christmas.
17. Too Close for Christmas (2020)
Stream now on Channel 4
Looking for a bit more romance this Christmas? Well this is just the film! Hayley (Jessica Lowndes) decides to spend Christmas with her sister's in-laws but has a huge shock when she sees Paul (Chad Michael Murray) the man responsible for her last break-up! However, after a few drinks and getting to know each-other, she begins to see him in a new light!
18. A Cinderella Story: Christmas Wish (2019)
Stream now on ITVX
When the clock strikes midnight, will this holiday romance turn into a fairy-tale? A Cinderella Story: Christmas Wish brings a modern twist to the classic tale.
19. A Christmas Carol (2018)
Stream now on BBC iPlayer
Prepare for a festive classic that packs an emotional punch! Based on Charles Dickens' timeless tale, this adaptation brings the iconic story of Ebenezer Scrooge to life with a powerful message of redemption.
20. How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000)
Stream on ITVX from the 22nd December
Now if you haven't had enough of the Grinch (and lets face it, of course not) then why not watch the Jim Carey classic, coming to your screens just in time for Christmas! Young Cindy Lou Who (Taylor Momsen) from Whoville sets out on a mission to befriend the Grinch and help him find his love of Christmas!
21. Scrooged (1988)
Stream now on Channel 4
Bill Murray is at his comedic best in this modern twist on A Christmas Carol, where he plays a cynical TV exec visited by three ghosts on Christmas Eve.
22. Home Alone 3 (1998)
ITV2, Sunday 22nd December 3:40pm
In the third movie of the Home Alone franchise, a new young hero, Alex, takes on a group of international criminals. Expect plenty of slapstick comedy, mischief, and holiday hijinks.
23. The Holiday (2006)
Watch on Channel 5, Sunday 22nd December at 6:20pm
This classic feel-good rom-com sees two women from two different countries swap homes for the holidays to get away from their ex's. However, their lives turn around when they both find love when they least expected it! It's wholesome and full of love so definitely one for your watch list!
24. It's A Wonderful Life (1946)
ITV1, Tuesday 24th December 2:45pm
A Christmas classic that doesn’t need much introduction, It’s A Wonderful Life is as much about perspective as it is about the holidays. As George Bailey reflects on his life, this heart-warming story reminds us all of the impact we have on the people around us.
25. It's A Very Muppet Christmas Movie (2002)
ITV2, Friday 20th December at 4:05pm
The Muppets are back in this fun, offbeat Christmas movie that offers a mix of the familiar holiday spirit and their signature humour. With all your favourite Muppets Kermit, Miss Piggy and Fozzie joining in on the festive antics.
Gotta admit, it's beginning to look a lot like Christmassss, isn't it?! But don't worry, even if you do want a change of pace, we've always got even more film recommendations! Check out all this week's free films to watch on TV to plan all your movie matinees!
