With the festive season just around the corner, there's no better way to get into the Christmas spirit than curling up on the couch with a mug of hot chocolate (or mulled wine!) and a heart-warming holiday film.
Whether you're a fan of classic Christmas tales or modern-day festive comedies, we have 15 must-watch movies of the season, guaranteed to get you into the festive spirit!
So, grab your cosiest blanket, dim the lights, and let's dive into a world of twinkling lights, jolly tunes, and endless cheer.
15 Christmas films to watch in December 2025
1. Love Actually (2003)
‘Tis the season for one of the best Christmas moviesss Freely-lalala lalalala!
You can’t have a top 25 Christmas movies list without everyone’s fave! Love Actually tells the story of eight couples from all walks of life and of all ages who encounter loveeeee in many different ways, all in the lead up to a wonderful white Christmas.
Now this movie is FULL of stars so this is just a few: Hugh Grant, Emma Thompson, Colin Firth, Keira Knightley, Bill Nighy, Liam Neeson and Alan Rickman.
2. Home Alone (1990)
Available now on Channel 4
How could we have a Christmas movie list without Home Alone! This classic family comedy sees young Kevin (Macauley Culkin) accidentally left behind by his parents when they go to France for Christmas. At first Kevin loves his freedom; but when thieves break into his home he takes his house defending veryyyyy seriously!
3. Nativity! (2009)
Stream now on BBC iPlayer
It's Christmas chaos at its best when a well-meaning teacher tries to put together a school Christmas play. Nativity! is here to bring aaaall the festive fun and mayhem we remember from our own school days.
4. The Holiday (2006)
Stream on BBC iPlayer
This classic feel-good rom-com sees two women from two different countries swap homes for the holidays to get away from their ex's. However, their lives turn around when they both find love when they least expected it! Wholesome and full of loveeeee it’s a festive watch that will definitely lift your spirits!
5. Miracle on 34th Street (1994)
When a department store Santa claims to be the real deal, it’s up to a little girl to figure out if she truly believes. Miracle on 34th Street is the must-watch heart-warming classic, perfect for those who want to feel all the Christmas feels.
6. The Snowman (1982)
Available now on Channel 4
It's a beautifully animated classic that's guaranteed to tug at your heartstrings. The Snowman tells the magical story of a boy and his snowman, who comes to life on Christmas Eve.
7. How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000)
Now if you haven't had enough of the Grinch (and lets face it, of course not) then why not watch the Jim Carey classic, coming to your screens just in time for Christmas! Young Cindy Lou Who (Taylor Momsen) from Whoville sets out on a mission to befriend the Grinch and help him find his love of Christmas!
8. Home Alone 2: Lost in New York (1992)
Stream now on Channel 4
Kevin’s back and this time, he’s taking on the Big Apple! In Home Alone 2, our favourite mischievous kid faces off against the same bumbling burglars, only this time, the stakes are higher, and the traps are even crazier.
9. Shaun the Sheep: The Flight Before Christmas (2021)
Stream now on BBC iPlayer
This festive special sees Shaun the Sheep getting into some holiday mischief when he accidentally causes chaos at the Farmer’s Christmas preparations. Follow Shaun as he embarks on an unexpected adventure to bring Farmer Ben back home juuust in time for Christmas!
10. Father Christmas
Stream on Channel 4
This classic animation is perfectttt for all the family! Father Christmas poses the big question, what does he do with himself on the other 364 days of the year!
11. The Grinch (2018)
Stream on ITVX
Is there anything better than the ultimate Christmas grump finding redemption? The Grinch takes us on a magical ride to Whoville, where he learns the true meaning of Christmas.
12. Last Christmas (2019)
Watch now on BBC iPlayer
Emilia Clarke stars in this modern-day Christmas rom com about a woman who’s lost her way, only to find herself and love when she least expects it. Full of festive charm, with a twist that will leave you thinking about it long after the credits roll.
13. Die Hard (1988)
Stream on Channel 4 from Friday 5th December
Is Die Hard a Christmas movie? Wellll that’s up for debate, but one thing’s for sure, it’s a holiday thrill ride you won’t forget. Bruce Willis stars as NYPD cop John McClane, who’s determined to save a group of hostages taken by terrorists during a Christmas party. (There's the Christmas connection!)
14. Boxing Day (2021)
If you enjoyed Love Actually then this should go straighhht onto your binge-list! Boxing Day is funny, festive and super romantic. British author Melvin (Aml Ameen) brings his American fiancée home to London for Christmas to meet his veryyy eccentric Caribbean-British family, but as his past life begins to catch up to him, is he ready to face it all?
15. Home Alone 3 (1998)
Stream now on Channel 4
In the third movie of the Home Alone franchise, a new young hero, Alex, takes on a group of international criminals. Expect plenty of slapstick comedy, mischief, and holiday hijinks.
Gotta admit, it's beginning to look a lot like Christmassss, isn't it?! But don't worry, even if you do want a change of pace, we've always got even more film recommendations! Check out all this week's free films to watch on TV to plan all your movie matinees!
