The Best Christmas Movies to Stream Now (From Classics, New Releases and More!)

Mar. 15, 2025

Da’Vine Joy Randolph in ‘The Holdovers,’ 2023; Will Ferrell in ‘Elf,’ 2003; Peter Billingsley in ‘A Christmas Story,’ 1983.Photo:Seacia Pavao/FOCUS FEATURES; Alan Markfield/New Line Prods/Kobal/Shutterstock; MGM/Courtesy Everett

Seacia Pavao/FOCUS FEATURES; Alan Markfield/New Line Prods/Kobal/Shutterstock; MGM/Courtesy Everett

‘Tis the season to binge-watch your favoriteChristmas films.

With the holidays approaching and the weather getting colder, it’s the perfect time to snuggle up on the couch with a good movie.

While there are plenty ofnew Christmas movieshittingHallmark,Lifetimeand more this season, there are a lot of holiday classics streaming as well, such asA Christmas Story(1983),The Santa Clause(1994) andElf(2003).

If you’re looking for a light-hearted romance, Netflix is full oforiginal filmsstarring your favorite stars. However, if you want to go the comedic route,Max,Amazon Prime VideoandDisney+have a plethora of options as well.

Keep reading for the best Christmas movies to stream online right now.

Here are all the best Christmas movies to watch on Netflix

Our Little Secret

Jon Rudnitsky, Lindsay Lohan, Katie Baker and Ian Harding in ‘Our Little Secret,’ 2024.Chuck Zlotnick/Netflix

Chuck Zlotnick/Netflix

Exes Avery (Lindsay Lohan) and Logan (Ian Harding) haven’t seen each other since the breakup — until the holiday season forces a reunion. Their current partners are siblings, but Avery decides to keep her history with Logan hush-hush to stay in her potential future mother-in-law’s (Kristin Chenoweth) good graces.

WatchOur Little Secreton Netflix

The Merry Gentlemen

Chad Michael Murray and Hector David Jr. in ‘The Merry Gentlemen,’ 2024.Katrina Marcinowski/Netflix

Katrina Marcinowski/Netflix

With her parent’s small-town bar struggling to stay afloat, former big-city dancer Ashley (Britt Robertson) swoops in with a big holiday cash-grab: a sexy all-male dance revue. Now she has until Christmas to recruit hunky locals — includingChad Michael Murray— and drum up enough dollar bills to save The Rhythm Room.

WatchThe Merry Gentlemenon Netflix

A Biltmore Christmas

Bethany Joy Lenz in ‘A Biltmore Christmas,’ 2023.Hallmark Media

Hallmark Media

Screenwriter Lucy Hargrove (Bethany Joy Lenz) has the high honor of penning the remake of the holiday classic,His Merry Wife. Seeking inspiration, Lucy visits the iconic film site of the Biltmore House and accidentally knocks over an hourglass that transports her to the movie’s 1947 set. There, she grows close to its charming leading man (Kristoffer Polaha), but her unexpected arrival disrupts the production and now she must fix the mess she made before she can return to the present.

WatchA Biltmore Christmason Netflix through Dec. 31

A Merry Scottish Christmas

Lacey Chabert and Scott Wolf in ‘A Merry Scottish Christmas,’ 2023.Hallmark Channel

Hallmark Channel

For the holidays, estranged siblings Lindsay (Lacey Chabert) and Brad Morgan (Scott Wolf) are called to their mother’s (Fiona Bell) homeland of Scotland, where she reveals shocking news: Sheis the heir to Glencrave Castle. With their uncle’s recent passing, the decision falls to Lindsay and Brad — who also share a birthright to the estate — to determine whether they will keep the castle or let it go.

WatchA Merry Scottish Christmason Netflix through Dec. 31

Christmas on Cherry Lane

From left to right: Catherine Bell, Veronica Long, Matthias Falvai and James Denton in ‘Christmas on Cherry Lane,’ 2024.Hallmark

Hallmark

This Is Usfans will feel right at home withChristmas on Cherry Lane, a timeline-spanning story that follows three couples navigating life-changing moments during the holiday season — all under one roof at 7 Cherry Lane. Featuring an on-screen reunion ofGood Witchcostars Catherine Bell andJames Denton, the film also starsJonathan Bennett,Vincent Rodriguez IIIand Erin Cahill, among others.

WatchChristmas on Cherry Laneon Netflix through Dec. 31

A Paris Christmas Waltz

Jen Lilley and Matthew Morrison in ‘A Paris Christmas Waltz,’ 2023.Great American Media

Great American Media

Glee’sMatthew Morrisonstars in this 2023 rom-com as a pro dancer who takes a chance on an amateur (Jen Lilley) as his partner for a Paris dance competition — and along the way, they find themselves twirling straight into each other’s hearts.

WatchA Paris Christmas Waltzon Netflix

Falling for Christmas

Lindsay Lohan in ‘Falling for Christmas,’ 2022.Scott Everett White/Netflix

A huge present from 2022 wasthe big-screen return of Y2K movie iconLindsay Lohan, portraying the role of Sierra — anheiress with amnesia following a skiing accident. In this festive flick, Sierra glides through the slopes of romance under the hospitality of a brooding lodge owner (Chord Overstreet) and his charming daughter (Olivia Perez).

WatchFalling for Christmason Netflix

Love Hard

Nina Dobrev and Jimmy O. Yang in ‘Love Hard,’ 2021.Photo via Netflix

Photo via Netflix

WatchLove Hardon Netflix

The Holiday Calendar

Katherine Graham and Quincy Brown in ‘The Holiday Calendar,’ 2018.netflix

WatchThe Holiday Calendaron Netflix

Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey

Forest Whitaker and Madalen Mills in ‘Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey,’ 2020.Netflix

Netflix

WatchJingle Jangle: A Christmas Journeyon Netflix

The Princess Switch

Vanessa Hudgens in ‘The Princess Switch: Romancing the Star,’ 2021.Mark Mainz/Netflix

Netflix has produced a handful of Christmas franchises over the years, butThe Princess Switchseries of movies starringVanessa Hudgensis certainly a fan favorite. Start with the first installment from 2018, where an American competitive baker (Hudgens) switches places with the Princess of Belgravia (also Hudgens), and immediately follow up with its two sequels — which see theHigh School Musicalstarin three separate roles.

WatchThe Princess Switchon Netflix

The Christmas Chronicles

Goldie Hawn and Kurt Russell in ‘The Christmas Chronicles: Part Two,’ 2020.JOSEPH LEDERER/NETFLIX

WatchThe Christmas Chronicleson Netflix

The Knight Before Christmas

Josh Whitehouse and Vanessa Hudgens in ‘The Knight Before Christmas,’ 2019.Netflix/Brooke Palmer

Netflix/Brooke Palmer

Vanessa Hudgens really is the queen of Netflix Christmas movies. In this 2019 fantasy rom-com, a high school science teacher named Brooke (Hudgens) tries to help Sir Cole (Josh Whitehouse) — a handsome medieval knight who magically gets transported to the present day — how to survive the modern world and return back home. But as they grow closer, Sir Cole questions whether he’s outgrown his life in the 1300s.

WatchThe Knight Before Christmason Netflix

Let It Snow

Isabella Merced and Shameik Moore in ‘Let It Snow,’ 2019.Steve Wilkie/Netflix

Based on the young adult novel of the same name, the 2019 film follows a group of Midwestern teens who come together during a snowstorm on Christmas Eve, intertwining their friendships and love lives.Let It Snowfeatures a large ensemble, including Isabela Merced, Shameik Moore, Odeya Rush,Kiernan Shipkaand more.

WatchLet It Snowon Netflix

A Christmas Prince

Ben Lamb and Rose McIver in ‘A Christmas Prince,’ 2017.netflix

If you’re looking for a fairy-tale Christmas movie, look no further than Netflix’sA Christmas Princefranchise, starting with the eponymous 2017 film. In this enchanting tale, American journalist Amber (Rose McIver) masquerades as young Princess Emily’s (Honor Kneafsey) new tutor to gather more intel on Prince Richard of Aldovia (Ben Lamb). The success of the original spawned two sequels chronicling Amber and Richard’s regal yet charmingly cheesy love story.

WatchA Christmas Princeon Netflix

Single All the Way

Michael Urie and Jennifer Coolidge in ‘Single All the Way,’ 2021.Philippe Bosse/Netflix

WatchSingle All the Wayon Netflix

Here are all the best Christmas movies to watch on Disney+

Home Alone

Macaulay Culkin and Joe Pesci in ‘Home Alone,’ 1990.20th Century Fox/Kobal/Shutterstock

WatchHome Aloneon Disney+

Home Alone 2: Lost in New York

Macaulay Culkin, Joe Pesci and Daniel Stern in ‘Home Alone 2: Lost in New York’.20th Century Fox Film Corp.

When Kevin McCallister gets on the wrong flight, he finds himself alone again for the holidays — only this time he’s in the Big Apple while his family is in Florida. There, he has another encounter with the Sticky Bandits (formerly known as the Wet Bandits), who have escaped prison and are ready for round two with the mischievous kid.

WatchHome Alone 2: Lost in New Yorkon Disney+

The Santa Clause

Eric Lloyd and Tim Allen in ‘The Santa Clause,’ 1994.Walt Disney Pictures/Getty

Busy salesman Scott Calvin (Tim Allen) gets his whole world turned upside down when he accidentally causes Santa Claus to tumble off his roof and disappear on one fateful Christmas Eve. Scott then puts on the Big Man’s red suit and turns into Father Christmas, taking his young son (Eric Lloyd) to deliver the rest of the presents.

WatchThe Santa Clauseon Disney+

The Santa Clause 2

From left to right: Spencer Breslin, David Krumholtz and Tim Allen in ‘The Santa Clause 2,’ 2002.Joseph Lederer/Walt Disney

In the 2002 sequel toThe Santa Clause, Scott Calvin learns that there is another clause in “The Santa Clause” that he originally missed: He must find a Mrs. Claus before the next Christmas Eve or forfeit being Santa forever. To charm his future partner — who he finds in his son’s principal (Elizabeth Mitchell) — he goes through a “de-Santafication” process that transforms him to resemble his former self.

WatchThe Santa Clause 2on Disney+

The Santa Clause 3: The Escape Clause

Martin Short and Tim Allen in ‘The Santa Clause 3: The Escape Clause,’ 2006.Joseph Lederer/Walt Disney

As Scott Calvin struggles to find a balance between his duties as Santa and making his family happy, he learns the hard way what life would have been like if he had never become Santa at all, all thanks to the scheming Jack Frost (Martin Short) — who has plans to take over the North Pole. (And if you’re still wanting more of Scott after the final film installment, turn to the Disney+ sequel series,The Santa Clauses.)

WatchThe Santa Clause 3: The Escape Clauseon Disney+

Miracle on 34th Street

Edmund Gwenn, Natalie Wood and Maureen O’Hara in ‘Miracle on 34th Street,’ 1947.20th Century Fox

In this timeless 1947 classic, N.Y.C. gets some special Christmas magic when the Macy’s department store Santa (Edmund Gwenn) insists he’s the real deal. As Kris Kringle garners more attention from locals, a legal battle unfolds, questioning both his sanity and authenticity. Fortunately, he finds an ally in a young girl (Natalie Wood), her mother (Maureen O’Hara) and a lawyer (John Payne).

WatchMiracle on 34th Streeton Disney+

Richard Attenborough and Mara Wilson in ‘Miracle on 34th Street,’ 1994.Michael Weinstein/20th Century Fox

The Nutcracker and the Four Realms

From left to right: Richard E Grant, Keira Knightley, Eugenio Derbez and Mackenzie Foy in ‘The Nutcracker and the Four Realms,’ 2018.WALT DISNEY STUDIOS

WatchThe Nutcracker and the Four Realmson Disney+

Noelle

Anna Kendrick in ‘Noelle,’ 2019.Walt Disney Pictures

Anna Kendrickstars as the titular cheerful daughter of Kris Kringle (Jay Brazeau), who is tasked with getting her brother (Bill Hader) up to speed on the job of Santa Claus. However, it quickly becomes apparent that he is not up for the challenge when he vanishes without a trace, which leads Noelle to leave the North Pole to find her brother and save Christmas.

WatchNoelleon Disney+

I’ll Be Home for Christmas

Jessica Biel and Jonathan Taylor Thomas in ‘I’ll Be Home for Christmas,’ 1998.Alan Markfield/Walt Disney/Kobal/Shutterstock

WatchI’ll Be Home for Christmason Disney+

The Nightmare Before Christmas

Jack Skellington and a child in ‘The Nightmare Before Christmas,’ 1993.Buena Vista Pictures/Courtesy Everett Collection

Doubling as botha Halloween and Christmas film, theTim Burton-produced spooky talefollows Jack Skellington (Chris Sarandonfor his speaking voice andDanny Elfmanfor his singing voice) — the King of Halloween Town — as he stumbles upon Christmas Town and becomes obsessed with the idea of the cheery holiday. The movie alsofeatures voice performancesfrom Catherine O’Hara, William Hickey, Glenn Shadix,Paul Reubensand Ken Page.

WatchThe Nightmare Before Christmason Disney+

Here are all the best Christmas movies to watch on Max

Elf

Daniel Tay, James Caan and Will Ferrell in ‘Elf,’ 2003.New Line/courtesy Everett Collection

WatchElfon Max

National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation

The cast of ‘National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation,’ 1989.Warner Bros/Kobal/Shutterstock

Warner Bros/Kobal/Shutterstock

WatchNational Lampoon’s Christmas Vacationon Max

Four Christmases

Vince Vaughn, Reese Witherspoon and Sissy Spacek in ‘Four Christmases,’ 2008.New Line Cinema/Everett

When their vacation plans crumble, unmarried couple Brad (Vince Vaughn) and Kate (Reese Witherspoon) find themselves visiting all four of their divorced parents’ homes on Christmas Day. However, spending time with their chaotic families allows them to reflect on the state of their own relationship. The 2008 comedy is a Christmas movie staple, which also features appearances fromRobert Duvall,Mary Steenburgen,Tim McGraw,Kristin ChenowethandSissy Spacek, among others.

WatchFour Christmaseson Max

A Christmas Story

Ian Petrella, Peter Billingsley, Scott Schwartz and R.D. Robb in ‘A Christmas Story,’ 1983.MGM/Shutterstock

Based on Jean Shepherd’s 1966 bookIn God We Trust: All Others Pay Cash, this 1983 holiday classic set in 1940s Indiana follows a young boy named Ralphie Parker (Peter Billingsley) whose only Christmas wish is to receive a Red Ryder BB gun, despite the constant disapproval of every adult around him.A Christmas Storyunfolds through adult Ralphie’s narrated memories, recounting everything fromtriple-dog darestomouth soap punishments.

WatchA Christmas Storyon Max

A Christmas Story Christmas

From left to right: Julianna Layne, Peter Billingsley, Erinn Hayes, Julie Hagerty and River Drosche in ‘A Christmas Story Christmas,’ 2022.Yana Blajeva/HBO Max/Courtesy Everett Collection

In the 2022 sequel to the 1983 original,Peter Billingsley reprises his iconic role as Ralphie Parkeras he tries to recreate the Christmas magic he once experienced as a child for his own family. Joining the festive reunion,Ian Petrella, Scott Schwartz, R. D. Robb andZack Wardalso make a return to their beloved characters.

WatchA Christmas Story Christmason Max

The Polar Express

Grab your hot chocolate and hop aboard the Polar Express! In this 2004 animated adventure-fantasy, a group of young kids takes a ride on the eponymous magical train that transports them to the North Pole on Christmas Eve, despite some hurdles along the way. ThoughTom Hanksvoices seven characters in the film, plenty of other actors lend their voices, includingDaryl Sabara, Nona Gaye,Peter Scolari,Eddie Deezenand more.

WatchThe Polar Expresson Max

Here are all the best Christmas movies to watch on Hulu

Jingle All the Way

Sinbad and Arnold Schwarzenegger in ‘Jingle All the Waym’ 1996.20th Century Fox/Kobal/Shutterstock

20th Century Fox/Kobal/Shutterstock

Busy dad Howard Langston (Arnold Schwarzenegger) spends Christmas Eve on a frantic quest to get his hands on a sold-out-everywhere Turbo-Man action figure for his son (Jake Lloyd). However, this simple mission turns into a competitive race with another determined dad (Sinbad) who’s after the same coveted toy.

WatchJingle All the Wayon Hulu

Happiest Season

Dan Levy, Kristen Stewart and Mackenzie Davis in ‘Happiest Season,’ 2020.Lacey Terrell/Hulu/Courtesy Everett

Lacey Terrell/Hulu/Courtesy Everett

Hulu’s first LGBTQ holiday rom-com, the 2020 film revolves around a young woman (Mackenzie Davis) who hides her relationship with her girlfriend (Kristen Stewart) during a festive family gathering, where unresolved tensions linger.Happiest Seasonoffers a stellar ensemble, includingAubrey Plaza,Alison Brie, Mary Holland,Dan Levy, Mary Steenburgen andVictor Garber.

WatchHappiest Seasonon Hulu

Holiday in Santa Fe

Emeraude Toubia (left) and Mario Lopez (right) in ‘Holiday in Santa Fe,’ 2021.Lifetime

WatchHoliday in Santa Feon Hulu

The Family Stone

Rachel McAdams, Diane Keaton and Sarah Jessica Parker in ‘The Family Stone,’ 2005.20th Century Fox/Kobal/Shutterstock

In this 2005 household dramedy, uptight businesswoman Meredith Morton (Sarah Jessica Parker) experiences the discomfort of being the odd one out when she joins her boyfriend’s (Dermot Mulroney) free-spirited, ultra-liberal family — the Stones — for the holidays.The Family Stoneoffers an ensemble of A-listers, includingDiane Keaton, Craig T. Nelson,Luke Wilson,Claire Danes,Rachel McAdamsandElizabeth Reaser.

WatchThe Family Stoneon Hulu

Deck the Halls

Matthew Broderick, Kristin Davis, Kristin Chenoweth and Danny DeVito in ‘Deck the Halls,’ 2006.Doane Gregory/Regency Ent/Kobal/Shutterstock

Doane Gregory/Regency Ent/Kobal/Shutterstock

‘Tis the season for neighborly rivalry! Steve Finch (Matthew Broderick) and his family, renowned as Cloverdale’s Christmas experts, face stiff competition from Buddy Hall (Danny DeVito), whose house shines so brightly it’s visible from space — threatening the Finch’s well-established holiday reputation. Packed with silly hijinks, this 2004 comedy also stars Kristin Chenoweth andKristin Davis.

WatchDeck the Hallson Hulu

The Mistle-Tones

Tia Mowry in ‘The Mistle-Tones,’ 2012.Fred Hayes Disney General Entertainment Content/Getty

Fred Hayes Disney General Entertainment Content/Getty

WatchThe Mistle-Toneson Hulu

Holiday in Handcuffs

Melissa Joan Hart and Mario Lopez in ‘Holiday in Handcuffs,’ 2007.Alan Markfield/ABC Family

Alan Markfield/ABC Family

WatchHoliday in Handcuffson Hulu

Here are all the best Christmas movies to watch on Amazon Prime Video

The Holdovers

Dominic Sessa and Paul Giamatti in ‘The Holdovers,’ 2023.Courtesy of FOCUS FEATURES

Courtesy of FOCUS FEATURES

Paul Hunham (Paul Giamatti), a high-handed teacher at the all-boys Barton Academy, ends up stuck looking after a group of students stranded on campus over Christmas break. With the school empty and lessons on pause, Paul unexpectedly strikes up a friendship with a mischievous pupil (Dominic Sessa) and the school’s head cook (Da’Vine Joy Randolph).

WatchThe Holdoverson Amazon Prime Video

The Holiday

Cameron Diaz in ‘The Holiday,’ 2006.Alamy

Alamy

The 2006Nancy Meyersfilm starsKate WinsletandCameron Diazas two women who decide the best way to get over heartbreak is to swap homes — one in the U.K. and one in Hollywood — over the holidays. What follows is a charming rom-com as they each spark new romances with local gents (Jack BlackandJude Law).

WatchThe Holidayon Amazon Prime Video

Love Actually

WatchLove Actuallyon Amazon Prime Video

White Christmas

The cast of ‘White Christmas,’ 1954.everett

WatchWhite Christmason Amazon Prime Video

Surviving Christmas

Ben Affleck and Christina Applegate in ‘Surviving Christmas,’ 2004.Suzanne Tenner/Dreamworks/Kobal/Shutterstock

Suzanne Tenner/Dreamworks/Kobal/Shutterstock

Not wanting to spend the holidays alone, a wealthy millionaire (Ben Affleck) pays for the current occupants of his childhood home to spend Christmas with him. However, grappling with their own issues, the rented family soon finds out that they got more than they bargained for. This 2004 comedy also starsChristina Applegate,James Gandolfini, Catherine O’Hara, Josh Zuckerman and more.

WatchSurviving Christmason Amazon Prime Video

Scrooged

David Johanson and Bill Murray in ‘Scrooged,’ 1988.FilmPublicityArchive/United Archives/Getty

FilmPublicityArchive/United Archives/Getty

WatchScroogedon Amazon Prime Video

Mariah Carey’s All I Want for Christmas Is You

Young Mariah in ‘Mariah Carey’s All I Want for Christmas Is You,’ 2017.Amazon Prime Video

WatchMariah Carey’s All I Want for Christmas Is Youon Amazon Prime Video

It’s a Wonderful Life

Jimmy Stewart in ‘It’s a Wonderful Life,’ 1946.Hulton Archive/Getty

WatchIt’s a Wonderful Lifeon Amazon Prime Video

Christmas with the Kranks

Jamie Lee Curtis and Tim Allen in ‘Christmas with the Kranks,’ 2004.Starz

The Krank family always goes all out for Christmas. However, when Luther (Tim Allen) and Nora’s (Jamie Lee Curtis) daughter, Julie (Julie Gonzalo), reveals she won’t return home for the holidays, they decide to forgo all of their holiday traditions and skip town for a cruise — much to the dismay of their neighbors. However, when Julie suddenly changes her mind, the parents have to plan a last-minute blowout to save the day.

WatchChristmas with the Krankson Amazon Prime Video

The Best Man Holiday

Morris Chestnut, Taye Diggs, Harold Perrineau and Terrence Howard in ‘The Best Man Holiday,’ 2013.Universal/Blackmaled Prods/Sean Daniel Company/Kobal/Shutterstock

Fifteen years after the events in Malcolm D. Lee’sThe Best Man(1999), a clique ofcollege friends comes together over the holidays, unveiling unresolved tensions and rekindling old romances. Many actors reprise their roles in this 2013 dramedy, includingMorris Chestnut,Taye Diggs,Regina Hall,Terrence Howard,Sanaa Lathan,Nia Long, Harold Perrineau, Monica Calhoun and Melissa De Sousa.

WatchThe Best Man Holidayon Amazon Prime Video

Here are all the best Christmas movies to watch on Peacock

How the Grinch Stole Christmas!

The Grinch in ‘How the Grinch Stole Christmas,’ 1966.Alamy

WatchHow the Grinch Stole Christmas!on Peacock

Better Watch Out

Levi Miller and Olivia DeJonge in ‘Better Watch Out,’ 2016.Storm Vision/Kobal/Shutterstock

Storm Vision/Kobal/Shutterstock

WatchBetter Watch Outon Peacock

My Santa

Matthew Lawrence and Jim O’Heir in ‘My Santa’, 2013.MarVista Entertainment

MarVista Entertainment

In this 2013 romance, a single mother (Samaire Armstrong) — who has lost her Christmas spirit after her former husband left her six years prior — falls for a man (Matthew Lawrence) playing Santa at a mall, only to find out that he’s actually the son of Kris Kringle himself. After she discovers that he’s looking for the future Mrs. Claus, she has to see if she can restore her faith in the holiday and be up to the task.

WatchMy Santaon Peacock

source: people.com