December brings excitement and nostalgia. It’s a time to watch holiday movies with loved ones. Last year, watching “Home Alone” and “It’s a Wonderful Life” filled our room with laughter.
These films reminded us of the joy of being together. This year, I’ve picked 31 movies to keep our holiday spirit alive. Whether you love magical tales or thrilling adventures, there’s something for everyone.
This list has a mix of new and classic films. So, grab your popcorn and hot cocoa. Let’s enjoy the December movie challenge together!
Key Takeaways
This December movie list includes 31 must-watch films.
Genres featured range from biopics to animated classics.
Pair films like “His Three Daughters” and “Beetlejuice” for a diverse viewing experience.
Expect a mix of seasonal blockbusters and hidden gems this holiday season.
Gather your loved ones to create priceless family bonding moments.
Benefits of Watching Christmas Movies:
Watching Christmas movies has many benefits that make our holiday season better. Adding films to our Christmas bucket list turns this time into a joyful experience. It’s filled with family bonding and cherished memories. Here’s how watching Christmas movies every day for 31 days brings these benefits:
Boosts Holiday Spirit
Having a Christmas movie night lifts our mood and brings festive cheer. Classic films like “It’s a Wonderful Life” and “A Charlie Brown Christmas” spread warmth. They encourage hope and joy in viewers.
When we watch these stories, we feel more generous and full of goodwill. This is what the holiday season is all about.
Creates Family Bonding Moments
Family bonding is key during the holidays. Watching Christmas movies every day in December creates traditions. These traditions are something families look forward to every year.
Laughing and crying together over these films strengthens our bonds. It creates lasting memories that make our relationships stronger.
Eases Holiday Stress
The holiday season can be overwhelming. But watching feel-good holiday movies is a great escape. These films have a therapeutic effect, making us laugh and feel comforted.
They provide reassurance and a cozy refuge from holiday planning chaos. This makes them a must-have part of our holiday traditions.
Promotes Positive Emotions
Watching these beloved classics sparks positive emotions like gratitude and nostalgia. The comforting stories touch our feelings of love and safety. This boosts our overall well-being.
Research shows that sharing these experiences makes movie nights even more special. They become a vital part of our holiday traditions.
Builds Tradition
Watching Christmas movies together can easily become a beloved family tradition. Whether you make it a goal to watch a different film every night or follow a Christmas movie challenge, it’s a great way to create memories that will last a lifetime. Each year, you can revisit your favorite films, and it’s fun to see how your kids’ tastes change over time. As alternative, a 25 Days of Christmas Movies list can make planning this tradition even easier.
Fosters a Sense of Nostalgia
Christmas movies are full of nostalgia. Many of these films bring us back to our own childhood, when we watched them with our families. It’s the perfect way to pass down memories and create a connection between generations. The December movie list is a chance to share the films that shaped your holidays with your kids and let them experience the same magic you did when you were younger.
Encourages Giving and Kindness
Many Christmas films highlight the importance of kindness, generosity, and the joy of giving. Movies like Love Actually and The Polar Express are perfect examples of films that not only entertain but also teach valuable life lessons. Sharing these films with your kids provides an opportunity to talk about what it means to give, to be kind to others, and to help those in need during the holiday season.
Helps Set the Mood for Other Holiday Activities
Watching a Christmas movie list is the perfect way to get in the mood for other holiday activities, like decorating the house, baking cookies, or shopping for gifts. It sets a festive tone for the day and makes everything feel more special. A movie like Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer can be the perfect backdrop as you hang up your Christmas stockings, while a viewing of The Santa Clause may just be the boost you need before tackling your holiday to-do list.
Teaches Valuable Life Lessons
From the timeless messages of generosity in A Charlie Brown Christmas to the lessons in forgiveness found in Scrooged, Christmas movies are full of important life lessons. These films teach kids about love, gratitude, and the value of family, which are all essential themes to reflect on during the holiday season.
Provides Entertainment for All Ages
One of the best things about a December movie bucket list is that it provides entertainment for everyone in the family. Whether you have toddlers, teens, or adults, there’s a Christmas movie list that will appeal to everyone. The Christmas movies to watch every day of December offer a wide variety of genres—from animated films like Frosty the Snowman to the adult humor of National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation—so everyone is entertained.
31 Days of Christmas Movies List
Now that we’ve covered the benefits of watching Christmas movies, let’s dive into the festive spirit. I’ve curated a special christmas movie list. It’s packed with timeless classics and new festive flicks. Our goal is to enjoy 31 days of delightful movies, making this holiday season unforgettable. Let’s explore this exciting holiday classics collection!
1. Miracle on 34th Street
This classic film captures the magic of Christmas. It tells the story of a man who claims to be Santa Claus. It’s a staple in our Christmas movie month of December list.
2. Home Alone
This hilarious tale of a boy left behind during the holiday season has charmed audiences for years. It’s one of the most beloved movies Christmas, blending comedy with heartwarming moments.
3. Elf
Will Ferrell shines in this festive flick as Buddy, a human raised by Christmas elves. This movie always brings laughter and cheer, making it essential for our holiday classics.
4. It's a Wonderful Life
This poignant story reminds us of the importance of community and kindness. It beautifully encapsulates the essence of the season. It’s frequently included in the Christmas movie list cherished by many.
5. A Christmas Story
This nostalgic film tells the story of Ralphie and his quest for a Red Ryder BB gun, capturing the charm of childhood Christmas memories.
6. The Polar Express
This beautifully animated film captures the magic of Christmas and the spirit of adventure with a train ride to the North Pole.
7. Christmas With the Kranks
A light-hearted comedy about a couple who decides to skip Christmas and the chaos that follows. Perfect for a fun night with the family.
8. National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation
Clark Griswold’s attempts to create the perfect Christmas lead to plenty of laughs in this hilarious holiday classic.
9. The Santa Clause
Tim Allen’s portrayal of a man who unexpectedly becomes Santa Claus is funny and heartwarming. A great pick for the whole family.
10. How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000)
Jim Carrey’s hilarious performance as the Grinch brings this Dr. Seuss classic to life.
11. Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer
This classic stop-motion film is perfect for younger kids and tells the story of Rudolph’s journey to find acceptance.
12. Frosty the Snowman
A beloved animated classic that tells the story of Frosty and his adventures as he comes to life.
13. Jingle All the Way
This Christmas comedy about two dads fighting for the last toy of the season is full of laughs and holiday chaos.
14. White Christmas
A musical featuring Bing Crosby and Fred Astaire. It’s a perfect blend of holiday cheer and catchy songs.
15. The Holiday
A romantic comedy that tells the story of two women who swap homes for the holidays and find unexpected love.
16. Arthur Christmas
A charming animated film about Santa’s son, Arthur, and his quest to save Christmas.
17. Love Actually
A romantic comedy that weaves together multiple love stories during the holiday season.
18. Four Christmases
Watch as a couple tries to juggle visits to all four of their divorced parents’ homes on Christmas Day. Hilarity ensues!
19. The Muppet Christmas Carol
The Muppets put their spin on this Dickens classic with plenty of humor and heart.
20. Deck the Halls
Two neighbors try to outdo each other with Christmas decorations in this fun holiday movie.
21. Scrooged
Bill Murray stars in this modern retelling of A Christmas Carol, bringing laughs and valuable lessons in equal measure.
22. The Nightmare Before Christmas
A unique film that blends Halloween and Christmas in a wonderfully weird way.
23. A Christmas Carol (2009)
This animated version of the classic Dickens tale features Jim Carrey and is both visually stunning and emotionally moving.
24. A Charlie Brown Christmas
A short and sweet classic that reminds us of the true meaning of Christmas.
25. Klaus
A beautifully animated film that tells the origin story of Santa Claus. A must-watch for families.
26. The Snowman
A beautiful, wordless animated film about a boy’s magical adventure with a snowman.
27. Santa Claus: The Movie
A fun and whimsical tale about the origins of Santa Claus, perfect for families with younger children.
28. Babes in Toyland
A family-friendly movie about a young girl’s adventure in the magical land of Toyland.
29. The Nutcracker and the Four Realms
A magical adventure based on the famous Nutcracker story with stunning visuals.
30. Last Christmas
A romantic Christmas movie with a fun twist, featuring Emilia Clarke and Henry Golding.
31. Holiday Inn
Bing Crosby and Fred Astaire star in this classic musical that’s a holiday favorite for many.
With this Christmas movie month of December list, we are ready to settle in with family and enjoy our daily movie dose. Each film not only enhances our experience but also strengthens our bonds during this special time. Join us in this festive countdown as we cross off our December movie bucket list!
Fun Ways to Use This December Movie List
The December Movie List of 31 must-watch films is a perfect way to bring joy, laughter, and heartwarming moments into your home during the holiday season. But how can you make this movie marathon even more fun and memorable? Here are some creative and exciting ideas for using this list to create lasting holiday memories with your kids.
Create a Christmas Movies Calendar
Transform your December movie list into a Christmas movies calendar! Print out the list or make a DIY movie calendar where each day features a different movie. You can mark each movie with a fun sticker, and your kids will love checking off each movie as you go. Not only does this build excitement for the holidays, but it also adds a bit of mystery and anticipation, as they won’t know what’s coming up next!
You can also make it more interactive by asking your kids to suggest movies for the list, adding a personal touch to the calendar.
Host a Christmas Movie Night Party
Why not turn a regular movie night into an event? Invite friends and family over for a festive Christmas movie night. Choose a few films from the 31 Days of Christmas Movies list to watch together, make hot chocolate, and serve holiday-themed snacks like gingerbread cookies or popcorn drizzled with white chocolate. You can even add a cozy touch by setting up a DIY hot cocoa bar with marshmallows, whipped cream, and peppermint sticks.
To make it even more fun, have a Christmas costume dress-up theme or ask everyone to wear their favorite holiday pajamas! This creates a cozy, festive atmosphere for both kids and adults to enjoy.
Set a Theme for Each Week
If you’re looking to make this December movie bucket list a little more structured, set a different theme for each week. For example:
Week 1: Classic Christmas Movies – Start with timeless favorites like Miracle on 34th Street and It’s a Wonderful Life.
Week 2: Family Fun – Movies like Home Alone, Elf, and The Polar Express will keep everyone entertained.
Week 3: Animated Holiday Adventures – Watch movies like Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, Frosty the Snowman, and Klaus.
Week 4: Christmas Comedies – Enjoy laughs with movies like National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation and Four Christmases.
This way, you have a little something for everyone throughout the month, and it keeps the excitement going!
Create a Movie-Themed Christmas Bucket List
Take the idea of a Christmas bucket list to the next level! Create a December movie bucket list where you and your kids can earn rewards by watching specific movies. For example, after watching The Santa Clause, you could reward the kids with a special treat, like a Christmas craft to make or a Christmas-themed game to play.
This can also be an interactive way to reinforce good behavior during the holidays. If your kids have done their chores or completed a special holiday task (like helping decorate the tree), they get to pick a movie from the December movie list to watch together.
Make a Movie Bingo Game
Add an interactive twist to your movie nights by making a Christmas movie bingo card based on the December movie list. Create cards that feature common holiday movie tropes, such as “Santa makes a surprise appearance,” “Someone says ‘Merry Christmas,’” or “A snowstorm traps people inside.” As you watch each movie, your kids can mark off each trope they see. The first person to fill out their bingo card wins a prize, like a small holiday-themed gift or extra Christmas cookies.
This is a great way to engage everyone while watching and make it even more fun!
Have a Christmas Movie Marathon
If you’re looking to spend an entire day cozied up with the family, turn your Christmas movie list for December into a full-on marathon! Pick a weekend or a holiday break and start the day early with a breakfast party, then watch movies from your Christmas movie month of December list back-to-back. You can even schedule breaks for some outdoor fun, like building a snowman or going on a holiday lights tour.
Don’t forget the popcorn, cozy blankets, and festive pajamas! This is a great way to enjoy long stretches of holiday bonding time, and it’s the perfect excuse to stay indoors and enjoy quality time with your loved ones.
Add a Holiday Movie Review Journal
For a fun family activity, keep a Christmas checklist or movie journal where everyone can write or draw their thoughts after watching each film. For example, after watching Love Actually, everyone can write what their favorite scene was or how the movie made them feel. You can even include sections for “favorite quotes” or “favorite characters.”
This adds a creative and reflective element to your December movie list and allows kids to express their opinions, while also making it a keepsake you can look back on in future years.
Watch Movies Based on Holiday Traditions
Another fun way to enjoy your Christmas movies list is by choosing films that reflect different holiday traditions or experiences. For example:
Watch The Nutcracker and the Four Realms and then plan to make your own nutcracker ornaments or bake some holiday cookies.
After The Polar Express, go on a train ride if there’s one nearby, or plan a “train day” with the kids where you can play with toy trains and drink hot cocoa.
This ties the movies to real-life experiences and creates a deeper connection between the stories and your own family traditions.
Make a Christmas Movie Marathon Calendar
Another variation of the 31 Christmas movies challenge is creating a movie marathon that’s spread out over the month, but with a twist! For example, you could choose different movie genres for each week or day (e.g., family films, comedies, Christmas classics) or turn it into a themed week, such as “Animated Christmas Week” featuring Frosty the Snowman, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, and Klaus.
Set up a countdown on your calendar so the kids can eagerly anticipate each day’s movie.
Create a Holiday Movie-Themed Advent Calendar
Instead of the usual chocolate-filled advent calendar, create a DIY movie advent calendar for the month of December. Write each movie on a small piece of paper or card and place it in an envelope or box for each day of December. Each day, your family can open the envelope and discover which movie you’ll be watching that evening. This is a great way to keep the excitement and anticipation building throughout the entire month.
Conclusion
As we wrap up our December movie list, I hope you’re excited to explore festive flicks. This christmas movie challenge captures our hearts and brings us together. There’s a wide range of holiday entertainment to discover.
Each film we’ve talked about is a chance to make memories and spread joy. Whether you love classic tales or new Hallmark and Lifetime movies, they all bring us closer. Cinema is more than watching; it’s about sharing moments with loved ones.
So, get everyone together and enjoy your favorite holiday movies. Let the holiday spirit shine bright. May your December be filled with laughter, love, and great movies that make your holiday season special.