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Best Christmas Films to Cosy Up & Watch in 2025

Your ultimate list of the best Christmas films to watch this festive season, from timeless classics to brand-new 2025 releases

Woman watching a christmas film on netflix with a festive hot chocolate
Freestocks / Pexels

Woman watching a christmas film on netflix with a festive hot chocolate
Freestocks / Pexels

Whether you love classic Christmas films or can’t wait for the new 2025 releases, there’s no better time than the festive season to snuggle up, press play and settle in for some holiday magic. From timeless favourites through to streaming hits, this guide has you covered with the best Christmas films to watch this year.

Save this guide for your next winter date night!

The Best Christmas Films of All Time

Discover some of the most beloved festive favourites - the classic Christmas films that people come back to year after year.

  • It’s a Wonderful Life (1946) – A heart-warming tale of community, hope and second chances.
  • Home Alone (1990) – Mischief, laughs and one very determined little boy defending his house at Christmas.
  • Love Actually (2003) – A romantic ensemble piece that’s become a modern festive staple.
  • The Holiday (2006) – Two women swap homes and find love (and themselves) over Christmas.
  • Elf (2003) – Will Ferrell’s iconic turn as Buddy the Elf delivering laughs and holiday cheer.
  • The Muppet Christmas Carol (1992) – A charming Muppet-style take on the Dickens classic.

These films remain go-to picks because they capture the warmth, nostalgia and joy of the season - perfect if you’re looking for “good Christmas films” you’ll want to watch again and again.

New Christmas Films to Watch in 2025

Christmas movie streaming on a laptop placed next to a candle, an orange and a dish of cinnamon rolls
pexels / nadin sh

While the classics will never fade, each year brings fresh titles to enjoy. Here are some headings and examples of newer releases.

New Streaming Christmas Films 2025

Streaming services have become a huge source of festive films. In 2024 we already saw titles like Meet Me Next Christmas (Netflix) and Hot Frosty (Netflix) arrive.

For 2025, expect even more new originals across platforms - perfect if you’re seeking new Christmas films for 2025.

New Christmas Films on Netflix

Champagne Problems

  • Release date: 19th November 2025
  • Platform: Netflix
  • Plot: Just before Christmas, an executive heads to France to secure the acquisition of a Champagne brand. Of course, she falls in love with a charming guy from Paris, and wouldn't you know it...his dad owns the Champagne brand.

My Secret Santa

  • Release date: 3rd December 2025
  • Platform: Netflix
  • Plot: A mother takes a job as a Santa at a resort to help her be able to afford her daughter's ski lessons. She finds love with the resort's charming manager Matthew, and Christmas cheer ensues.

Jingle Bell Heist

  • Release date: 26th November 2025
  • Platform: Netflix
  • Plot: Two strangers accidentally fall in love as they team up to rob a famous New York department store at Christmas.

Goodbye June

  • Release date: 24th December 2025
  • Platform: Netflix (and select cinemas)
  • Plot: Four adult siblings and their father are plunged into chaos just before Christmas as their mother suffers with ill health. 

A Merry Little Ex-Mas 

  • Release date: 12th November 2025
  • Platform: Netflix
  • Plot: Two parents decide to spend one last Christmas as one big family with their kids before they divorce - however, dad's new girlfriend joins in and causes all kinds of Christmas chaos. 

New Christmas Films on Disney+

A Very Jonas Christmas Movie

  • Release date: December 2025
  • Platform: Disney+
  • Plot: The Jonas brothers bring us a Christmas comedy as they race home from London to New York to celebrate Christmas with their loved ones. Honourable mention for the tagline: 'Let it bro, let it bro, let it bro'.

New Christmas Movies on Amazon

The Man with the Bag

  • Release date: October 3rd 2025
  • Platform: Amazon Prime Video
  • Plot: Santa Claus (Arnold Schwarzenegger) learns that his magic sack has been stolen - so he teams up with a reformed thief, his daughter and a team of elves to try to save Christmas.

Oh. What. Fun

  • Release date: 3rd December 2025
  • Platform: Amazon Prime Video
  • Plot: Claire has gone missing and her ungrateful family need to find her in order to have the Christmas celebration they deserve...

Christmas Films at the Cinema 2025

Each winter there are theatrical releases you’ll want to catch on the big screen. Keep an eye on cinema listings for 2025 festive films - and here are a few we've spotted!

A Figgly Christmas

  • Release date: 20th November 2025
  • Platform: Cinemas
  • Plot: Santa Claus crashes in the land of the Woodgies, so Figgly has to help him to save Christmas!

Dog Patrol

  • Release date: 20th September 2025
  • Platform: Cinemas
  • Plot: Samuel and his dog Athena must go head to head with a cunning mob boss to save Christmas

Hallmark & Cable Christmas Films 2025

Channels like Hallmark Channel continue to roll out dozens of original holiday films every season. Their 2025 “Countdown to Christmas” guide already lists upcoming titles - see below for the full checklist!

Hallmark Christmas movie checklist 2025

Best Christmas Films on Netflix

If you’re looking for reliable streaming picks, here are some to queue:

  • Falling for Christmas (2022) – A light romantic comedy with Lindsay Lohan.
  • The Christmas Chronicles (2018) – Santa, adventure and kids having fun.
  • Klaus (2019) – A beautifully animated origin-story of Santa.
  • The Noel Diary (2022) – A more grown-up, emotionally-driven romance.

These choices cover varied moods, from whimsical to heartfelt, and are ideal for a Christmas films on Netflix night.

Classic & Old Christmas Films You’ll Love

A christmas film playing on a tv placed above a fire, next to a christmas tree
pexels / yuraforrat

Looking for old Christmas films or deeper cuts? Here are some gems:

  • White Christmas (1954) – Bing Crosby, Irving Berlin songs and festive glamour.
  • A Christmas Carol (1984) – A faithful adaptation of Dickens’ classic.
  • A Christmas Carol (2009) – A modern, animated interpretation of the same tale.
  • Miracle on 34th Street (1947 / 1994) – That sense of belief and wonder at Christmas.

These films are rich with nostalgia and perfect for evenings when you’re in the mood for a timeless festive experience.

Funny Christmas Films to Watch

Sometimes you just want to laugh. Here are fun, light-hearted picks:

  • National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation – Chaos, family antics and holiday mayhem.
  • The Grinch (either version) – Classic Dr. Seuss mischief meets Christmas.
  • Office Christmas Party – Adult-humour, parties and festive mayhem.
  • Four Christmases – Visiting all four families makes for a wildly hilarious holiday.

If you’re thinking of funny Christmas films or want to lighten the mood, these are excellent.

Family & Kids Christmas Films

Kids watching a christmas film on a projector

Festive films the whole family can enjoy? Absolutely. Here are selections perfect for kids and grown-ups alike:

  • Arthur Christmas – A charming animated tale of Santa’s family business.
  • The Polar Express – Magical, journey-filled winter wonder.
  • Frozen – While not strictly “Christmas”, it’s often grouped as a winter classic.
  • The Santa Clause –  Festive, fun and kid-friendly.

Use these when you’re looking for kids Christmas films or a wholesome family movie night.

Christmas Horror & Action Films

For something a little different, here are festive films with a twist:

  • Krampus – The dark side of Christmas mischief.
  • Black Christmas (2006) – Cult horror that uses yuletide settings to eerie effect.
  • Violent Night (2022) – Santa gone rogue meets action mayhem.

If you’re in the mood for something off-beat or an alternative festive film night, these work.

And the perennial debate: Die Hard – is it a Christmas film? Many argue yes given its December setting and holiday motif. We agree with many. Die Hard is a Christmas film.

Whether you’re gathering with family, snuggling up as a couple or enjoying a solo festive evening, make it special with a Christmas movie marathon. Mix in classics, new releases and maybe one surprise genre (hello horror!). Grab hot chocolate, blankets, dim the lights and let the Christmas spirit (and the screen) shine.

Streaming services, cinema listings and TV guides all have fresh titles to enjoy - so pick your line-up, press play and settle into the festive spirit. Discover Christmas wedding films here.