There is nothing like a fun, cheesy Christmas movie to get me in the holiday spirit. Whether it’s a film focused on the treasure of family at Christmastime or the shenanigans of a holiday romance, Christmas movies are always enjoyable. Listed below are some of my favorite holiday films–both old classics and new picks–to watch this season. Enjoy!
“Home Alone”
For many people including myself, the phrases “Christmastime” and “Home Alone” are synonymous with each other. The original “Home Alone” (1990) starring Macaulay Culkin as Kevin McCallister is a classic. When eight-year-old Kevin is accidentally left at home as his family rushes off for Christmas vacation, two dimwitted burglars seize the opportunity to break into the seemingly unprotected house. Kevin, in turn, gives them a warm welcome to his home–which he has rigged with all manner of booby traps. The film features hilarious slapstick comedy and highlights the importance of family. It is definitely a must-see.
“A Christmas Prince” trilogy
When I think of a typical Christmas romantic comedy–cheesy but charming–I think of movies like “A Christmas Prince” (2017). What is exciting about this film is that it comes with three times the cheesiness and charm because it is a trilogy! In the first movie, news reporter Amber goes undercover at the Aldovian royal family’s castle to get the inside scoop on the playboy prince who is destined to become king. Instead, she ends up finding love, and the adventures of her new-found royal love continue with the sequels “A Christmas Prince: The Royal Wedding” (2018) and “A Christmas Prince: The Royal Baby” (2019).
“This Christmas”
Watching “This Christmas” (2007) is a fantastic way to usher in the holiday season in a way that will let you experience all the feels of Christmastime. The movie features many notable stars, including Idris Elba and Chris Brown. The plot is a heartwarming story of a family returning to their childhood home for a Christmas together after years of being apart. This film is filled with laughs, drama, and intimate, heart-felt moments. Fun fact: I actually started my Christmas season movie marathon this year with “This Christmas” and it was a great choice; 9/10 highly recommended.
“The Princess Switch”
“The Princess Switch” (2018) contains all the elements of a classic cheesy, feel-good Christmas movie. One week before Christmas, an ordinary baker switches places with a duchess who wants to experience life as a normal girl. While the two are switched, the baker falls in love with the duchess’s fiance and the duchess falls in love with the baker’s best friend. This film is a fun, lighthearted, and cozy viewing experience.
“The Santa Clause”
“The Santa Clause” (1994) is a movie I used to watch every year at Christmastime with my family. We would cuddle up in warm blankets, gather whatever snacks and warm drinks we needed, and enjoy the family classic. The film features Scott Calvin (portrayed by Tim Allen), an ordinary man who accidentally kills Santa Clause on Christmas Eve. Soon after, Scott and his son Charlie are transported to the North Pole where they are informed that Scott must take Santa’s place before the next Christmas. The movie unfolds with Scott and Charlie trying to convince people that he actually is Santa, which is both frustrating and hilarious.
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