By Gail Marsh
There’s nothing better than watching a Christmas movie while inside your RV. I love to turn on our fireplace for ambiance (as well as a bit of heat) to set the mood. We pop some corn or snack on Christmas gingerbread cookies as we watch our favorite movies about Christmas. (Learn about the history of gingerbread and its connection to Christmas here.)
So many movies, so little time
There are many Christmas-themed movies from which to choose. Here are the top Christmas movies:
“A Christmas Story” (1983)
Set in 1940s Indiana, young Ralphie Parker dreams of getting a Red Ryder BB gun for Christmas. Despite warnings from everyone that he’ll “shoot his eye out,” Ralphie navigates holiday mishaps, school bullies, and a hilarious family dynamic in this nostalgic tale of Christmas dreams and traditions.
“Elf” (2003)
Buddy, a human raised by elves in the North Pole, discovers his true identity and travels to New York City to find his biological father, a grumpy businessman on Santa’s naughty list. Buddy’s childlike enthusiasm spreads holiday cheer in this heartwarming and comedic adventure.
“National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation” (1989)
Clark Griswold is determined to host the perfect Christmas for his family, but things go hilariously wrong as over-the-top decorations, unexpected relatives, and a series of disasters threaten his plans. This comedy captures the chaos and humor of the holiday season.
“Home Alone” (1990)
Eight-year-old Kevin McCallister is accidentally left behind when his family flies to Paris for Christmas. He defends his home against two bumbling burglars with ingenious traps, while learning the importance of family and the spirit of the season.
“The Polar Express” (2004)
A young boy doubting Santa’s existence embarks on a magical train ride to the North Pole. Along the way, he discovers the power of belief and the wonders of Christmas in this beautifully animated film.
“How the Grinch Stole Christmas” (1966 and 2000)
The Grinch, a grouchy outcast living atop Mount Crumpit, hatches a plan to steal Christmas from the joyful Whos in Whoville. But his icy heart begins to melt when he meets a kind-hearted girl named Cindy Lou Who.
“White Christmas” (1954)
The film follows Bob Wallace and Phil Davis, two World War II veterans turned successful entertainers, who team up with a sister act, Betty and Judy Haynes, to save a failing Vermont inn owned by their former commanding officer. Filled with dazzling musical numbers, including the iconic title song “White Christmas,” the film is a heartwarming tale of friendship, romance, and holiday cheer set against a snowy New England backdrop.
“It’s a Wonderful Life” (1946)
George Bailey, a man overwhelmed by life’s struggles, is shown by an angel what the world would be like without him. This timeless classic reminds us of the value of life, love, and community during the holiday season.
Your turn
It’s time to vote in today’s poll. Choose your favorite Christmas movie. If your favorite isn’t on the list, name it in the comments below, please!
DID YOU KNOW we have asked our readers more than 5,000 poll questions over the years? If you need an escape from family today or tomorrow, look through them and take a few polls!
RVDT2803
A Christmas Carol
Every December I try to watch EVERY version ever made! Patrick Stewart is my favorite Scrooge.
The one with Alastair Sim.
George C Scott.
Miracle on 34th Street the original one is my favorite.
Must watch every year for me!
The original Miracle on 34th Street
I like most of the movies listed but my all time favorite that I have watched every year since my age was in single digits is the old standby, A Christmas Carol. I don’t know why it wasn’t included in the list.
The Muppet Christmas Carol (Full Length Version) which includes the deleted song “When Love is Gone”
Joyous noel
Charlie Brown Christmas and Miracle on 34th Street (both original and 1994 remake).
Spirited, a modern version of The Christmas Carol. It has Will Ferrel and Ryan Reynolds and is a full blown musical. We love it so much, we don’t watch it only at Christmas time. Don’t let the “musical” part scare you away from watching it. Will and Ryan do all their own singing and dancing.
Holiday Inn with Bing Crosby and Fred Astaire
Peanuts A Charlie Brown Christmas is my favorite Christmas ‘movie’.
Like Gary, below, my vote is “A Christmas Carol”, but with George C. Scot. In my opinion, he was Ebenezer Scrooge.
A Christmas Carol with George C. Scott
That is our favorite as well. IBM Corporation paid for the production of that in 1984.
My favorite lines are from the Ghost of Christmas Present as he exposes the poor children under his robe. Goes to show that not much changes over time.
https://clip.cafe/a-christmas-carol-1984/why-do-show-this/
My favorite Christmas movie is A Christmas Carol. The older versions are the best. Merry Christmas!
All of them.
Die Hard
I’m with you Larry! Its a tradition with my Daughter and son-in-law law to watch every year.
Yep!
It is not Christmas until Hans goes out the window.
My favorite Christmas movie is “Love Actually”. Yes it is an adult PG movie
In our house we have the Christmas Trilogy. A Christmas Story, National Lampoons Christmas Vacation, and Scrooged. playing in a loop.
Die Hard, of course!
Holiday Inn is my favorite. Followed by the B&W Miracle on 34th St. Holiday Inn isn’t strictly a Christmas movie showcasing Irving Berlin’s music, but that is the primary focus. White Christmas was a color remake of Holiday Inn.
Bishop’s Wife
A Christmas Carol.
Die Hard!
In our house, we start the movie about an hour before Christmas Eve dinner, and nobody opens presents until Hans goes out the window! (No children or grandkids- yet, we may have to change the tradition someday)
I have 2 must watch Christmas stories. The Muppet Christmas Carol with Michael Caine as Scrooge. The other is a made for TV special also the Muppets. The Muppet Family Christmas includes the characters from the Muppet Show, Sesame Street and Fraggle Rock.
Ernest saves Christmas, and Charlie Brown Christmas.
I have three favorites…Last Christmas, The Holiday, and Family Stone. All great.
The 1951 version of A Christmas Carol starring Alastair Sim!
The best version of “A Christmas Carol” was the 1951 version starring Alastair Sim.
The 1970 version with Albert Finney.
The 1970 version of Scrooge with Albert Finney.
I love “Miracle on 34th Street”, but I will NEVER watch the colorized version! Thank goodness I purchased a copy in the original black and white, because you cant find it on any streaming service.
It is blasphemy to watch Classics like this and “A Christmas Carol” ( older version) in color.
I’m with you on this, brother. Merry Christmas!
Christmas Vacation & It’s A Wonderful Life….muy, muy, muy bueno!!
Die Hard, yes, it is.
My favorite is A Christmas Carol, the one with George C. Scott as Scrooge. I don’t like any of the silly comedies. I do like Love Actually.
Charlie Brown Christmas
Miracle on 34th Street – original version
Christmas in Connecticut with Barbara Stanwick is a fun little diversion.
Happy Holidays all.
Die Hard!
A Christmas Carol (the George c scott version)
A Christmas Carol with Alastair Sim followed by A Christmas Story
Scrooged with Bill Murray.
Actually I miss the “Die Hard” movies, in second place would be the Muppet movies.
Diehard
Miracle on 34th Street, with a young Natalie Wood.