TAG24's ultimate Christmas movie list: Here's what our writers picked

Gather around the fireplace as the TAG24 team shares their favorite holiday flicks!

Clockwise from top l: Hugh Grant in Love Actually, Peter Billingsley in A Christmas story, Will Ferrell in Elf, and a scene from Santa Claus is Comin' to Town.
Clockwise from top l: Hugh Grant in Love Actually, Peter Billingsley in A Christmas story, Will Ferrell in Elf, and a scene from Santa Claus is Comin' to Town.  © Collage: IMAGO/Ronald Grant & Everett Collection & United Archives & Cinema Publishers Collection 

We love Christmas movies just as much as everyone else does. From the classics, to the modern staples, it's just not that time of year without some good old festive entertainment.

But there are certain films that have a special place in each of our hearts.

From endearing rom-coms to oldies that can be watched every year - the team at TAG24 has come together to share their favorite X-mas movies and specials.

Kim Kardashian shows off North West's camera skills with shimmering snaps
Kim Kardashian Kim Kardashian shows off North West's camera skills with shimmering snaps

Snuggle with some good ole fashion yule tide and check out TAG24's ultimate Christmas movie list.

Danny Coposescu – The Snowman (1982)

The Snowman is a 1982 animated television film that is based on Raymond Briggs' 1978 picture book of the same name.
The Snowman is a 1982 animated television film that is based on Raymond Briggs' 1978 picture book of the same name.  © IMAGO/Allstar

If you ever hear The Snowman referred to as a "symphonic poem"– admittedly enough to provoke a pretty massive eye-roll – don’t let the pretentiousness put you off.

This absolute gem of an animation is one of the most spell-binding, emotional, and memorable viewings you’ll ever have.

The sheer amount of Christmas magic packed into just 28 minutes of running time makes it, in my humble opinion, pound-for-bound the best holiday offering out there. That’s no exaggeration.

Kris Jenner spills the tea on Kylie Jenner and Timothée Chalamet romance!
Kylie Jenner Kris Jenner spills the tea on Kylie Jenner and Timothée Chalamet romance!

This is a British public television production that somehow managed to snap up an Oscar nomination, and even people who haven’t seen it might be familiar with its goosebump-inducing central song – Walking in the Air.

If you don’t mind being reduced to a blubbering mess, like I still am no matter how many times I see it, give it a search on YouTube and settle in for a short film like no other."

Taylor Kamnetz – Elf (2003)

Elf, starring Will Ferrell, follows an orphaned baby who is adopted by an elf that works in Santa Claus's shop, but is unaware of his true parentage.
Elf, starring Will Ferrell, follows an orphaned baby who is adopted by an elf that works in Santa Claus's shop, but is unaware of his true parentage.  © imago/Cinema Publishers Collection

There really shouldn’t even be a debate about what the greatest Christmas movie of all time is, because it’s without a doubt Elf starring Will Ferrell.

Buddy the elf’s "ignorance is bliss" childlike state really carries the film from start to finish.

Not to mention, it’s far from your prototypical Christmas movie that’s engrossed in a sappy love story with a hint of "Christmas magic" in the air.

From Buddy’s time bonding with his newfound best friend in the mailroom of his dad’s office building to calling Santa a "cotton-headed ninny muggins," this movie is made of little moments to get a light-hearted chuckle or two out of this holiday season.

Lena Grotticelli – Love Actually (2003)

Love Actually is a 2003 Christmas-themed romantic comedy that features an ensemble cast.
Love Actually is a 2003 Christmas-themed romantic comedy that features an ensemble cast.  © IMAGO/Ronald Grant

My favorite Christmas movie is Love Actually.

I watch it every Christmas – and shamelessly, sometimes during the year.

The Hugh Grant storyline is my favorite of them all, but they all twist together seamlessly.

I laugh out loud every time Grant's body guard begins to join him in singing carols at the pushy request of three persuasive kids.

Also, Emma Thompson's performance in the film is award-worthy and heartbreaking. The film's ending in a local elementary school is just the perfect tie-up to it all.

Love Actually: To me, you are perfect.

Tanesha Bridenback – Santa Claus is Comin' to Town (1970)

The 1970 stop motion TV special Santa Claus is Comin' to Town features the origins of Kris Kringle aka Santa Claus.
The 1970 stop motion TV special Santa Claus is Comin' to Town features the origins of Kris Kringle aka Santa Claus.  © imago/Everett Collection

My favorite Christmas movie is Santa Claus is Comin' to Town.

It's my favorite movie because it's so old-fashioned and, in a world that's so fast-paced, it was one of the films I would sit down and enjoy with my family.

This was one of the film's where we would all just gather round to watch and it would feel like a regular, wholesome Christmas –like nothing in the world was wrong.

It also has really uplifting messages, so it really embodies the idea of what Christmas spirit is.

William Phelps – The Holiday (2006)

The Holiday, which stars Jack Black, Kate Winslet, Cameron Diaz, and Jude Law, is a romantic comedy where four adults try to navigate love during the holidays.
The Holiday, which stars Jack Black, Kate Winslet, Cameron Diaz, and Jude Law, is a romantic comedy where four adults try to navigate love during the holidays.  © Imago/United Archives

The Holiday is my very favorite Christmas movie.

It does it all, the soundtrack is gorgeous, and the casting gets me every time.

The love stories are goofy, cute, and well-acted. Speaking of acting, Kate Winslet, Cameron Diaz, Jack Black, and Jude Law crush it with vulnerability, humor, and passion blended perfectly.

This movie is a cozy choice for your holiday viewing pleasure.

Kaitlyn Kennedy – It's a Wonderful Life (1946)

It's a Wonderful Life, which is loosely based on the Christmas novel, A Christmas Carol, has been considered to be one of the greatest films of all time.
It's a Wonderful Life, which is loosely based on the Christmas novel, A Christmas Carol, has been considered to be one of the greatest films of all time.  © imago/United Archives International

My favorite holiday movie is It's a Wonderful Life.

It's the first old black-and-white movie I ever saw, and they have held a special magic for me since.

Like George Bailey, I was always the kind of person who wanted to go everywhere and see everything. George's struggle to find joy and meaning in life despite not being on the path he envisioned for himself hits particularly close to home as we face another holiday dominated by the Covid-19 pandemic.

It's also a great example of everyday people coming together to defeat powerful business interests!

Elyse Johnson – A Christmas Story (1983)

A Christmas Story follows the misadventures of Ralphie Parker who longs to own a popular BB gun while navigating bullies, family issues, and Christmas turmoil.
A Christmas Story follows the misadventures of Ralphie Parker who longs to own a popular BB gun while navigating bullies, family issues, and Christmas turmoil.  © imago/Everett Collection

Last, but certainly not least, my favorite Christmas movie is A Christmas Story.

Every year, my parents, my sister, and I would binge-watch this movie all day long while eating Christmas dinner.

It's a tradition I hope to keep alive with my own family in the future.

Also, much like the main character Ralphie and his chaotic family, we also have had our fair share of hilarious mishaps during the holidays.

But the message behind the movie is something that still stays with me in my adult years.

The holidays just aren't the same unless you get to spend them with those closest to you.

From our TAG24 family to yours, we wish everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

Cover photo: Collage: IMAGO/Ronald Grant & Everett Collection & United Archives & Cinema Publishers Collection 

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