6 Christmas Movies You Have to Watch

It’s the most wonderful time of the year! Is there a better way to enjoy it than to watch holiday movies? We’ve compiled a list of the top 6 classic Christmas movies you have to see this season! From old-school favorites to modern adaptations, these pieces of art are sure to bring joy and cheer to this magical season. So grab your hot cocoa and get ready to settle in for an evening of holiday cheer!

Table of contents

• The ultimate Christmas movies list – what should you watch this season?
• The takeaway

The ultimate Christmas movies list – what should you watch this season?

What are the best Christmas movies you should watch this year? Be sure to check out:

It’s a Wonderful Life (1946)

Directed by Frank Capra, It’s a Wonderful Life stars James Stewart as George Bailey, a man who has given up his dreams to help others. On Christmas Eve, George is visited by his guardian angel, Clarence, who helps him to realize the importance of his life. With its classic Christmas setting – Bedford Falls, New York – it’s the perfect movie to get you into the holiday spirit.

White Christmas (1954)

White Christmas is the perfect combination of music, romance, and Christmas spirit, filmed at Fairbanks Center for Motion Picture Study in Beverly Hills. Directed by Michael Curtiz, this movie stars Bing Crosby, Danny Kaye, Rosemary Clooney, and Vera-Ellen. It follows the story of a song-and-dance duo, Bob Wallace and Phil Davis, who team up with two sisters, Betty and Judy Haynes, to save a failing Vermont inn.

Thanks to a heartwarming story, White Christmas deserves to win the title of the best classic Christmas movie that will make you want to cozy up by the fire and enjoy the season. 

Home Alone (1990)

Is there anyone who hasn’t watched Home Alone and its sequels? The movie is directed by Chris Columbus and stars Macaulay Culkin as Kevin McCallister, a young boy who is accidentally left behind when his family goes on vacation.

With the help of his wits and a booby-trap-filled house, Kevin must protect his home from two bumbling burglars. Home Alone is a hilarious story filmed in the north of Chicago, at 671 Lincoln Ave, Winnetka. It’ll surely have you laughing and cheering.

Elf (2003)

When Buddy, a human raised as an elf, discovers his true identity, he embarks on a journey to New York City to find his real family. Directed by Jon Favreau, Elf stars Will Ferrell as Buddy, the lovable elf who brings joy to all who meet him. With its memorable songs, hilarious scenes, and heartwarming moments, Elf filmed in Vancouver and New York City, is one of the most popular Christmas movies. 

The Grinch (2018)

Directed by Yarrow Cheney and Scott Mosier, The Grinch stars Benedict Cumberbatch as the voice of the Grinch, an infamous creature who hates Christmas and plans to ruin it for the people of Whoville. With its modern 3D animation and classic story, The Grinch filmed in Universal Studios in California is sure to make you feel Christmasy and bring a smile to your face.

The Holiday (2006)

When talking about the Christmas movies you have to watch, it’s impossible not to mention The Holiday, filmed in picturesque Godalming and Shere (the UK) as well as Los Angeles (the USA).

This heartwarming romantic comedy directed by Nancy Meyers stars well-known Hollywood stars such as Cameron Diaz, Kate Winslet, Jude Law, and Jack Black.

The movie is about two women who, in an effort to escape the holiday season, switch homes for Christmas. As you can guess, they aren’t alone. With its charming setting and compelling story, The Holiday is the perfect movie to watch this December.

The takeaway

Hopefully, our Christmas movies list will bring a smile to your face and get you into the holiday spirit. With our social mapping app, you can explore the shooting locations and experience the magic and festive atmosphere to the fullest!

Want to get even cozier? Check out the 8 Christmas markets in Europe you have to visit!