The Christmas season is almost upon us and we all know what that means… It’s time for Christmas movies! Most people have a favorite Christmas movie to watch during the holidays. This is my take on some of the best Christmas movies to watch for the holidays.

10. Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer

This classic story seems to have been around forever. Inspired by the song in 1949 it’s about one Santa‘s reindeer who has an unusual glowing red nose. The other reindeer laughed at him for his nose and wouldn’t include him in any of their games. One Christmas Eve, there was a very heavy fog in which the other reindeer weren’t able to see, but Rudolph’s nose helped to guide the way. This movie is great to watch with your family and sing along to.

9. The Polar Express

This is a popular one. On Christmas Eve, a magical train headed north shows up in front of a young boy’s house. The conductor tells him they are going to the north pole. The boy is skeptical at first, but eventually decides to board the train and he goes on adventure learning about friendship, bravery, and the Christmas spirit along the way. This is a good movie for people that like to sing along with the songs.

8. How the Grinch Stole Christmas

Again, a classic. A grumpy hermit who lives on top of a mountain called the Grinch makes a plan to steal Christmas from the spirited Whos of Whoville. The Grinch aims to end Christmas, but finds himself unsuccessful and realizes that there is a deeper meaning to Christmas than the decorations, food, and presents. By the end of the movie he has as much Christmas spirit as the Whos and celebrates with them. Perfect for people of all ages.

7. A Christmas Carol

There have been countless renditions of this classic Christmas story. Each one is mainly about a greedy businessman named Ebenezer Scrooge who strongly believes that Christmas is a waste of time. This particular Christmas Eve, however, he is visited by three spirits of Christmas; past, present, and future. They inspire him to fix his errored ways and become a much better person in the end. There’s nothing like a classic Christmas story with a corny lesson.

6. The Santa Clause

When Scott Calvin accidentally makes Santa Claus fall off his roof, he is unaware that he is now obligated to take his place. He finds himself transforming into the jolly man we all know and love. He and his son spend the year preparing for next Christmas when Scott will take his official place as Santa. This movie hilariously teaches about the Christmas spirit and how family is a big part of Christmas.

5. A Christmas Story

A Christmas Story is one of the most iconic Christmas movies out there. I think most people can agree that the “oh fudge” scene will forever be a part of the Christmas season. The movie is about a kid named Ralphie, who just wants one thing for Christmas. A Red Ryder Range 200 Shot BB gun. He spends most of the movie trying to convince his parents, his teacher, and Santa that it is the perfect Christmas gift. It seems as though he gets himself into all kinds of trouble with bullies, his little brother, and bad words at every turn. Funny and lighthearted, this is a great movie to add to your watchlist for Christmas.

4. Elf

One of the most popular Christmas movies in the world, Elf is centered on Buddy, a human who was adopted by Santa’s elves and grew up thinking that he was an elf himself. He goes on a mission to New York to find his biological father and he experiences things he has never experienced before. With a lovable main character like Buddy, this movie is hard not to like. A must-watch for people of all ages.

3. National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation

A great movie for comedy lovers, National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation revolves around Clark Griswold and his family during the Christmas season. Clark wants to spend Christmas with the whole family. Including the in-laws. Which, considering their family dynamic, may not have been the best idea. He keeps trying to get things ready, but everything seems to be going wrong. With a weird cousin, a confused great aunt and a rogue squirrel, this movie is the perfect recipe for chaos. Definitely a great movie to watch during the holidays for some laughs.

2. A Charlie Brown Christmas

Another icon amongst Christmas movies. Charlie Brown tries looking for a deeper meaning than the commercialism of plastic trees, pretty lights, and presents to Christmas. Although it’s short, this movie is easily a tradition among many families when it comes to Christmas.

1. Home Alone

My personal all-time favorite Christmas movie is Home Alone. It’s about a 7-year-old boy named Kevin whose family went on vacation to Florida for the holidays and forgot him at home. At first, Kevin is very happy about this and takes advantage of having no one to boss him around for a change, but eventually has to face two men that plan to rob his house. He sets up traps to protect his house from the men and on Christmas Day, his family comes back to get him. This movie is both hilarious and family friendly and serves as a great movie to watch over the holidays.

Now you have a list of 10 great Christmas movies for the holiday season. Whether you celebrate or not, these movies can bring you some joy this year and many years after. Enjoy these movies and enjoy your holiday!