The Ultimate Holiday Movie Guide

There’s something magical about the holidays. A time when cozy blankets, twinkling lights, and a cup of cocoa make movie nights feel extra special. Whether you’re celebrating Hanukkah, Christmas, or ringing in the New Year, there’s a movie that perfectly captures the joy, hope, and togetherness of the season.

From animated classics for the whole family to heartwarming romances and laugh-out-loud comedies, ’tis the season for holiday films that remind us why we love this time of year. But with so many streaming options and new titles releasing each season, figuring out what (and where) to watch can feel like its own winter puzzle. Don’t worry, we’ve done the searching for you.

Below, you’ll find the top picks for every celebration — from menorah lightings to midnight countdowns — and everything in between. So grab your favorite snacks, get the streaming setup ready, and let’s unwrap the best holiday movies to make your season bright.

Best Hanukkah Movies to Light Up the Season

From heartfelt to hilarious, Hanukkah movies bring warmth, family, and plenty of light to your screen. Whether you're looking for something for family movie night or a cozy grown-up watch after the candles burn low, this list has you covered — ranked from G-rated fun to adult-friendly fare.

Family-Friendly Favorites

Kick off your Hanukkah movie nights with these feel-good, all-ages classics:

• An American Tail (1986): Fievel Mousekewitz and his family journey to America in search of a better life in this touching story reflecting Jewish perseverance, hope, and faith.
• Arthur’s Perfect Christmas (2000): Arthur Read and friends prepare for Christmas, Kwanzaa, and Hanukkah in this cheerful special about celebrating diversity and kindness. Perfect for introducing kids to different holiday traditions.
• Double Holiday (2019): Two coworkers plan their company’s holiday party together — one celebrates Hanukkah, the other Christmas — and discover how much they have in common along the way.
• Mistletoe & Menorahs (2019): A lighthearted tale of cultural exchange as a woman learns about Hanukkah to impress her clients, partnering with a man eager to understand Christmas.
• Love, Lights, Hanukkah! (2020): A woman uncovering her Jewish roots finds herself embraced by a new family during Hanukkah and sparks a budding romance along the way.
• Eight Gifts of Hanukkah (2021): A charming story about a young woman who receives eight mysterious Hanukkah gifts, each one revealing clues to the identity of her secret admirer.

Lighthearted & Interfaith Comedies

Looking for something sweet, funny, and all about connection? These interfaith comedies and feel-good romances explore how love (and laughter) can bridge different holiday traditions:

• The Holiday (2006): Two women — one in Los Angeles, one in London — swap homes for the holidays and discover love in unexpected places.
• Will You Merry Me? (2008): When an interfaith couple brings their Jewish and Christian families together over the holidays, cultural clashes and heartfelt laughter follow.

For the Adults

When the kids are in bed, light another candle and settle in for these clever, grown-up Hanukkah stories filled with bold comedy, wit, and heart:

• Eight Crazy Nights (2002): Adam Sandler stars in a raunchy yet surprisingly sincere animated musical about redemption and the spirit of Hanukkah. Expect irreverent humor and offbeat holiday cheer.
• An American Pickle (2020): A century-old pickled immigrant wakes up in modern Brooklyn and reconnects with his great-grandson in this quirky and heartfelt satire about family and tradition.

New Hanukkah Movies to Watch This Year

Looking for something fresh? These newer releases add sparkle and laughter to the holiday season:

• Menorah in the Middle (2022): A pastry chef returns home to save her family’s struggling bakery just in time for Hanukkah and possibly finds love along the way.
• Hanukkah on Rye (2022): When two rival deli owners are paired by a modern-day matchmaker, a tasty Hallmark love story unfolds amidst matzo balls, latkes, and eight nights of family fun.
• Round and Round (2023): A woman trapped in a Hanukkah time loop relives the same night until she discovers what truly matters: family, faith, and taking chances.
• Oy (To the World) (2025): A joyful and chaotic look at family traditions and togetherness, wrapped in the humor and heart of the season.

Best Christmas Movies To Stream This Holiday Season

From cozy classics to moderncomedies, Christmas movies define the holiday season. Whether you crave timeless favorites, new releases, or family films that make everyone smile, there’s a Christmas special waiting to fill your screen (and your heart) this year. Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night.

Family-Friendly Christmas Classics

Start your holiday binge with these all-ages favorites perfect for hot cocoa, candy canes, twinkling lights, and shared laughter:

• ​​Miracle on 34th Street (1947): A department store Santa claiming to be the real Kris Kringle inspires belief in a skeptical young girl and reminds everyone that Christmas spirit begins with faith and imagination.
• Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer (1964): This beloved stop-motion classic follows Rudolph as he journeys from misfit to hero, proving the importance of acceptance, friendship, and shining bright in your own way.
• Home Alone (1990): Eight-year-old Kevin McCallister is accidentally left behind when his family jets off for Christmas vacation, leading to hilarious traps and heartwarming lessons about family.
• The Muppet Christmas Carol (1992): Dickens’ classic gets a heartwarming, whimsical twist as the Muppets join Michael Caine’s Ebenezer Scrooge for a festive lesson on kindness and joy.
• Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000): Jim Carrey stars as the Grinch, a Christmas curmudgeon whose heart grows three sizes thanks to the holiday spirit (and a little help from Cindy Lou Who).
• The Polar Express (2004): A magical train ride to the North Pole takes one boy on an unforgettable journey of belief, friendship, and Christmas wonder.
• Klaus (2019): This beautifully animated tale follows a young postman and a reclusive toymaker who bring hope and kindness to a bleak northern town.

Romantic Christmas Favorites

These holiday romances bring cheer, charm, and a few snowy kisses along the way — perfect for cozy nights in:

• Love Actually (2003): Set in London at Christmastime, this beloved film intertwines multiple stories of love, loss, and laughter, reminding us what the Christmas season is all about.
• The Christmas Chronicles (2018): Two siblings team up with Santa (played by Kurt Russell) for a wild night of sleigh crashes, spirit lessons, and pure fun.
• Last Christmas (2019): A down-on-her-luck store clerk begins to see her life in a new light after meeting a mysterious stranger. Witty, moving, and filled with George Michael tunes.
• Holiday in the Wild (2019): After a surprise divorce, a woman finds healing and holiday spirit on a trip to Africa, where she helps care for baby elephants.

Comedies To Keep You Laughing

For anyone who believes a good laugh is the best holiday tradition, these festive comedies deliver full seasons of cheer:

• Scrooged (1988): Bill Murray stars as a cynical TV executive visited by three spirits who give him a crash course in Christmas spirit with sarcastic 1980s flair.
• National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation (1989): The Griswolds attempt to host the perfect family Christmas, but chaos ensues. Iconic slapstick fun that captures the humor of holiday mishaps.
• Jingle All the Way (1996): Arnold Schwarzenegger stars as a frantic dad hunting for the season’s hottest toy. Over-the-top hilarity ensues as he fights crowds (and fate) to make his son’s Christmas wish come true.
• Elf (2003): Buddy, a human raised by elves, travels to New York City to find his father and spreads Christmas spirit wherever he goes — pure holiday joy.
• Christmas with the Kranks (2004): When the Kranks decide to skip Christmas for a tropical escape, the neighbors (and fate) have other plans. A playful reminder that holiday joy sometimes finds you.

Edgy Comedies & Modern Favorites

If you like your Christmas movies with a splash of mischief (or a little spiked eggnog), these choices walk the line between naughty and nice:

• Die Hard (1988): An off-duty NYPD officer attending a Los Angeles office Christmas party finds himself fighting off terrorists in a high-rise building on Christmas Eve. Packed with action, humor, and unforgettable one-liners, it’s the ultimate unconventional holiday classic.
• Bad Santa (2003): A conman poses as a mall Santa to rob department stores until he meets a kid who might just change him. Raunchy, sharp, and surprisingly touching.
• The Night Before (2015): Three lifelong friends reunite for one last wild Christmas Eve adventure in New York City. Packed with outrageous humor, nostalgia, and an unexpected dose of heart.
• Office Christmas Party (2016): When management threatens to shut down their branch, employees throw an epic holiday party to save their jobs… and everything quickly spirals into chaos.
• A Bad Moms Christmas (2017): The “bad moms” face a new level of holiday chaos when their own mothers drop in for Christmas. Over-the-top laughs and plenty of adult relatability included.
• Happiest Season (2020): A woman meets her girlfriend’s family at Christmas only to discover her partner hasn’t come out yet. Heartwarming, real, and refreshingly modern.

New Christmas Movies To Add To Your Watchlist

If you’ve already seen all the classics and are looking for something fresh, take a pick from one of these 2025 Christmas movies that are sure to bring plenty of sparkle, fun, and festive surprises:

• Jingle Bell Heist (2025): When a beloved holiday display goes missing, a small-town reporter teams up with a local police officer to crack the case, only to uncover something even more surprising: a little Christmas romance.
• My Secret Santa (2025): When anonymous gifts start showing up on her doorstep, a young woman sets out to uncover her mysterious Secret Santa. Along the way, she rediscovers the spirit of giving and maybe finds love, too.
• A Merry Little Ex-Mas (2025): Forced to spend Christmas with her ex (and their families) after a travel snafu, one woman navigates awkward dinners, old feelings, and unexpected holiday magic in this fun, fast‑paced rom‑com.
• Oh. What. Fun. (2025): Chaos and comedy collide when three generations gather for a family Christmas that goes hilariously off the rails. Big laughs, sharp wit, and relatable family moments make this a new holiday must‑watch.

Best New Year’s Eve Movies to Ring In the Fun

When the countdown begins and the champagne starts flowing, a great New Year’s Eve movie is the perfect way to wrap up the season. Whether you’re in the mood for romance, reflection, or pure celebration, these films capture everything we love about saying goodbye to one year and hello to the next.

Feel-Good Animated Fun for All Ages

If you’re celebrating with family (or just want some lighthearted cheer), these animated favorites bring cozy comfort and nostalgic holiday warmth:

• Winnie the Pooh: A Very Merry Pooh Year (2002): Pooh and his friends reflect on favorite memories and make heartfelt New Year’s resolutions in this gentle, feel-good story perfect for a cozy night in with kids.
• Snoopy Presents: For Auld Lang Syne (2021): After Christmas doesn’t go as planned, Snoopy and the Peanuts gang throw the ultimate New Year’s Eve party — a wholesome, joyful celebration of friendship and optimism for the year ahead.

Romantic Favorites to Start the Year with Love

These heartfelt stories pair perfectly with glittering lights and midnight kisses:

• When Harry Met Sally (1989): Two longtime friends navigate the ups and downs of love, fate, and friendship, culminating in one of the most iconic New Year’s rom-com movies of all time.
• Bridget Jones’s Diary (2001): Bridget starts each year determined to improve her life — career, health, and love included. A witty, relatable, and endlessly charming watch for anyone setting new resolutions.
• About a Boy (2002): A cynical bachelor’s carefree life is turned upside down after befriending a young boy and his eccentric mother — a witty, heartfelt story about connection, compassion, and new beginnings.
• New Year’s Eve (2011): Set across New York City on December 31st, this star-studded film weaves together multiple love stories, fresh starts, and second chances before the clock strikes midnight.
• About Time (2013): A young man discovers he can travel through time and sets out to make every moment, especially those around New Year’s, truly count—a touching reminder to cherish life’s everyday magic.
• Champagne Problems (2025): A big-city event planner’s New Year’s Eve engagement goes sideways, leading her home for the holidays and straight into the arms of a childhood friend. It’s bubbly, heartfelt, and full of second chances.

Classic Comedies & Timeless Twists

Sometimes New Year’s Eve calls for laughter, reinvention, and a reminder that life has a funny way of surprising us:

• Trading Places (1983): A wealthy investor and a street hustler have their lives swapped as part of a bet by two scheming brokers, which leads to chaos, hilarity, and an unforgettable New Year’s Eve showdown. Smart, funny, and a true ’80s classic.
• Strange Days (1995): Set in the final hours of 1999, this intense, futuristic thriller explores crime, technology, and redemption against the backdrop of a world on the brink of a new millennium — a darker, thought-provoking New Year’s choice.

Make Every Movie Night Better with SmartMove

Ready to start your own holiday movie marathon? SmartMove’s Holiday Movie Guide is here to help you find the best titles and streaming platforms this season so you can spend less time scrolling and more time enjoying the show.

And when it comes to uninterrupted binge watching, SmartMove makes it easy to find Internet providers and bundles that fit your household’s entertainment needs. From fast speeds for high-definition streaming to budget-friendly packages for the whole family, SmartMove connects you with reliable options in your area.

So before you hit play on your next holiday favorite, make sure your connection is ready for the magic. Explore the Holiday Movie Guide and find the best Internet deals and bundles for your streaming setup this season.