Get ready to embrace the festive season with a carefully curated list of movies that will fill each day of December with joy, laughter, and holiday spirit. From beloved classics to modern favorites, this lineup promises to make your countdown to Christmas truly magical. Let’s dive into our daily movie picks!
December 1 – Elf (2003)
Embrace the Festive Spirit with Buddy the Elf
Begin your December with the heartwarming and hilarious tale of Buddy, a human raised by elves at the North Pole. Played by Will Ferrell, Buddy travels to New York City to find his biological father, spreading Christmas cheer and hilarity along the way. This modern classic is a perfect start to your holiday movie marathon, reminding us all of the importance of family and festive fun.
December 2 – Home Alone (1990)
Kevin’s Hilarious Holiday Hijinks
A holiday favorite for all ages, Home Alone tells the story of young Kevin McCallister, who is accidentally left behind when his family goes on vacation for Christmas. Alone at home, Kevin must protect his house from two bumbling burglars with a series of clever and comical traps. This film blends humor and heart, making it a must-watch every December.
December 3 – The Santa Clause (1994)
Unexpectedly Becoming Santa
In this magical comedy, Tim Allen stars as Scott Calvin, a man who accidentally causes Santa Claus to fall from his roof on Christmas Eve. When Scott dons Santa’s suit, he unwittingly takes on the role of the new Santa Claus. This delightful movie explores Scott’s transformation and acceptance of his new responsibilities, delivering a heartwarming message about believing in the magic of Christmas.
December 4 – National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation (1989)
The Griswolds’ Hilarious Holiday
Join the Griswold family in this uproarious holiday classic as they attempt to celebrate a perfect Christmas. Clark Griswold, played by Chevy Chase, goes to extreme lengths to ensure his family has a memorable holiday, but everything that can go wrong does. With its slapstick humor and unforgettable moments, this film is a guaranteed laugh-out-loud experience.
December 5 – Love Actually (2003)
Interwoven Tales of Love
Set in London, Love Actually weaves together multiple stories of love, loss, and friendship during the holiday season. Featuring an ensemble cast including Hugh Grant, Emma Thompson, and Keira Knightley, this romantic comedy captures the essence of Christmas through its heartwarming and sometimes bittersweet tales. It’s a film that reminds us love is all around.
December 6 – How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000)
A Heartwarming Whoville Tale
Jim Carrey stars as the Grinch in this live-action adaptation of Dr. Seuss’s beloved book. The Grinch hatches a plan to steal Christmas from the cheerful residents of Whoville, only to discover the true meaning of the holiday. With its whimsical visuals and Carrey’s energetic performance, this film is a festive treat for the whole family.
December 7 – The Polar Express (2004)
A Magical Train Ride to the North Pole
Hop aboard The Polar Express, a visually stunning animated film that follows a young boy’s journey to the North Pole on Christmas Eve. With Tom Hanks voicing multiple characters, this enchanting story explores themes of belief, friendship, and the spirit of Christmas. It’s a captivating adventure that will warm your heart.
December 8 – Miracle on 34th Street (1947)
Believing in the Unseen
This classic holiday film tells the story of Kris Kringle, a department store Santa who claims to be the real Santa Claus. As his mental health is questioned, a young lawyer and a little girl must prove his authenticity in court. Miracle on 34th Street is a timeless tale of faith, love, and the magic of Christmas.
December 9 – The Holiday (2006)
A Romantic Christmas Swap
In this charming romantic comedy, two women, played by Cameron Diaz and Kate Winslet, swap homes for the holidays to escape their respective relationship woes. As they settle into their new environments, they each find unexpected romance and a renewed sense of hope. The Holiday is a heartwarming story of love and new beginnings.
December 10 – A Charlie Brown Christmas (1965)
Charlie Brown’s Quest for Christmas Meaning
Join Charlie Brown and the Peanuts gang in this beloved animated special. As Charlie Brown searches for the true meaning of Christmas amidst the commercialism of the season, he finds it through the help of his friends and a scraggly little Christmas tree. This timeless classic captures the essence of the holiday spirit.
December 11 – Arthur Christmas (2011)
A Modern Santa’s Mission
Arthur Christmas reveals the incredible, high-tech operation behind Santa’s Christmas Eve deliveries. When one child’s gift is accidentally left behind, Santa’s clumsy but good-hearted son, Arthur, embarks on a mission to deliver the present before Christmas morning. This animated film is a heartwarming and humorous adventure for all ages.
December 12 – The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)
A Spooky Christmas Crossover
Directed by Tim Burton, this stop-motion animated film tells the story of Jack Skellington, the Pumpkin King of Halloween Town, who discovers Christmas Town and becomes enamored with its festive spirit. Jack’s attempt to bring Christmas to Halloween Town results in a series of unexpected and entertaining events. This unique film is perfect for fans of both Halloween and Christmas.
December 13 – Jingle All the Way (1996)
A Father’s Christmas Eve Quest
Arnold Schwarzenegger stars as a father on a frantic quest to find the season’s hottest toy, Turbo Man, on Christmas Eve. Faced with sold-out stores and a rival father (played by Sinbad), he encounters a series of comedic obstacles. Jingle All the Way is a fun and relatable holiday comedy that highlights the lengths parents will go to for their kids.
December 14 – White Christmas (1954)
A Musical Holiday Classic
Bing Crosby and Danny Kaye star in this musical film about two war buddies who team up to save a failing Vermont inn by putting on a spectacular Christmas show. Filled with classic Irving Berlin songs, including the titular “White Christmas,” this film is a festive treat that celebrates friendship, love, and the joy of the holiday season.
December 15 – The Muppet Christmas Carol (1992)
A Muppet Twist on a Dickens Classic
In this delightful adaptation of Charles Dickens’s A Christmas Carol, the Muppets bring humor and heart to the classic story of Ebenezer Scrooge, played by Michael Caine. With memorable songs and beloved characters like Kermit the Frog as Bob Cratchit, this film is a perfect blend of holiday cheer and timeless storytelling.
December 16 – Scrooged (1988)
A Modern Take on A Christmas Carol
Bill Murray stars as Frank Cross, a cynical and selfish TV executive who undergoes a comedic and supernatural journey on Christmas Eve. Visited by three eccentric ghosts, Frank learns valuable lessons about kindness and generosity. Scrooged is a darkly humorous and modern twist on Dickens’s classic tale.
December 17 – It’s a Wonderful Life (1946)
A Timeless Christmas Story
This quintessential Christmas film follows George Bailey, a man who, feeling overwhelmed by life’s challenges, considers ending it all on Christmas Eve. With the help of an angel named Clarence, George sees how his life has positively impacted those around him. It’s a Wonderful Life is an uplifting story about the importance of community and the difference one person can make.
December 18 – Frosty the Snowman (1969)
A Snowman’s Magical Adventure
This animated holiday special tells the story of Frosty, a snowman brought to life by a magical hat. When temperatures rise, Frosty and his friends must journey to the North Pole to keep him from melting. With its catchy theme song and heartwarming message, Frosty the Snowman is a delightful tale for the whole family.
December 19 – Klaus (2019)
An Origin Story of Santa Claus
In this beautifully animated film, a postman named Jesper is sent to a remote town where he befriends a reclusive toymaker named Klaus. Together, they bring joy and kindness to the town, creating the legend of Santa Claus. Klaus is a visually stunning and heartwarming story that reimagines the origins of Christmas traditions.
December 20 – Gremlins (1984)
A Mischievous Christmas Tale
This darkly comedic horror film follows Billy, who receives an unusual pet called a Mogwai for Christmas. When certain rules are broken, the Mogwai spawns mischievous and destructive gremlins that wreak havoc on the town. Gremlins is a unique blend of holiday cheer and spooky fun, perfect for those who enjoy a twist on traditional Christmas movies.
December 21 – Christmas with the Kranks (2004)
A Holiday Escape Plan Gone Awry
Based on John Grisham’s novel Skipping Christmas, this comedy stars Tim Allen and Jamie Lee Curtis as a couple planning to skip Christmas in favor of a tropical vacation. However, their plans are thwarted when their daughter announces a last-minute visit home for the holidays. Christmas with the Kranks is a humorous look at the pressures and joys of the holiday season.
December 22 – Bad Santa (2003)
A Darkly Humorous Holiday
Billy Bob Thornton stars as Willie, a conman who poses as a mall Santa to rob stores on Christmas Eve. With his foul-mouthed sidekick and a troubled young boy, Willie embarks on a path to redemption. Bad Santa is a darkly comedic film that offers a different, more irreverent take on the holiday season.
December 23 – The Christmas Chronicles (2018)
A Sibling Adventure with Santa
Kurt Russell stars as a rock ‘n’ roll Santa Claus in this family-friendly adventure. When two siblings accidentally crash Santa’s sleigh, they must team up with him to save Christmas. The Christmas Chronicles is a fun, action-packed film that brings a fresh and exciting twist to the traditional Santa story.
December 24 – Die Hard (1988)
An Action-Packed Christmas Eve
While not a traditional holiday movie, Die Hard has become a beloved Christmas Eve watch for many. Bruce Willis stars as John McClane, a cop who must save hostages from terrorists during a Christmas party at Nakatomi Plaza. This action-packed thriller adds an adrenaline rush to your holiday celebrations.
December 25 – A Christmas Story (1983)
A Nostalgic Christmas Finale
Finish your December movie marathon with this beloved classic that follows young Ralphie Parker’s quest to receive a Red Ryder BB gun for Christmas. Set in the 1940s, A Christmas Story is filled with humorous and nostalgic moments that capture the magic and chaos of childhood Christmases. It’s the perfect film to watch as you celebrate the big day.
Enjoy this festive journey through December with these heartwarming, hilarious, and sometimes thrilling films that capture the spirit of the season. Merry Christmas and happy watching!
