Nine Essential Christmas Movie Classics

Happy Holiday Binge-watching!

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It’s Christmastime in Southlake. Carolers are singing, Southlake Town Square is sporting beautiful lights and wreaths and locals are unpacking their trees and decorating them with ornaments. But there are plenty of nights ahead before St. Nick clocks on Officer Brad Uptmore’s radar. If you’re looking for a fun way to pass the time with your family, friends or neighbors, here are nine Christmas movie classics to enjoy before the big day. 

SCROOGE (1951)

Alastair Sim shines in this 1951 British adaptation of Charles Dickens’ timeless story. While countless actors have taken on the Ebeneezer Scrooge mantle throughout the years, Sim possesses a sour bitterness that feels especially sinister every time he spits out “bah humbug.” This makes his eventual redemption all the more fulfilling when he’s cheering and jumping with joy, intoxicated with Christmas spirit. 

Noah Langley’s captivating screenplay also expands on Dickens’ material, adding backstory and context to how Scrooge became the grumpy old man that he is. Whether you’re a fan of the Muppets or animated Christmas Carols, “Scrooge” is an essential Christmas classic that you owe yourself to experience.

A CHRISTMAS STORY (1983)

We all know somebody a little bit like the spectacled Ralphie Parker (Peter Billingsley) — maybe you were even as mischievous and misbehaving as he was during your own childhood. In 1983’s “A Christmas Story,” Billingsley is innocent and endearing in Ralphie’s pursuit of a Red Ryder BB gun, which every adult warns will shoot his eye out. He’s reminiscent of Dennis the Menace’s silly Sunday comic antics. 

But what makes this movie so memorable is its hilarious vignettes, one of which includes one of Ralphie’s friends sticking his tongue on a flagpole. Quirky, lighthearted and endlessly charming, “A Christmas Story” is fun for the whole family.

THE SANTA CLAUSE (1994)

We’ve all felt like Santa Claus at one point or another. Whether we have graying hair, declining eyesight or Christmas milk-and-cookies weight we can never seem to shed (sorry, New Year’s resolutions), we all embody some element of Santa’s physique. Perhaps that’s what makes Tim Allen’s transformation into the jolly old soul so enjoyable, because we know we’ll look the same by the time we’re 60. 

Tim Allen is hilarious as this toy man-turned-Kris Kringle, but his adorable chemistry with Eric Lloyd as his on-screen son Calvin is what makes the movie wholesome. Sweet, sentimental and wildly entertaining, “The Santa Clause” is one Christmas fantasy that’s sure to satisfy you and your dad — especially if he’s Santa. 

WHITE CHRISTMAS (1954)

Irving Berlin’s iconic Christmas tune may have debuted in 1942’s “Holiday Inn,” but “White Christmas” shines thanks to its leading stars Bing Crosby and Danny Kaye, who play two Broadway entertainers after the hearts of two singing sisters. Kaye’s hotshot charisma blends nicely with Crosby’s laid back, polished attitude, and their duets are heavenly. 

While “White Christmas” is the most recognizable holiday tune, the film’s other singles including, “Count Your Blessings Instead of Sheep,” have a vintage aesthetic that feels like they're coming straight from a record player. Every Christmas is a White Christmas every time you pop this classic into your DVD.

NATIONAL LAMPOON’S CHRISTMAS VACATION (1989)

If you’re looking for a sillier Christmas ride that is equal parts wild, zany and a tad bit raunchy, “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation” has it all. Chevy Chase stars as Clark Griswold in this wacky Christmas comedy where the Griswold family comes together for the holidays, only for it to go horribly wrong. 

Burnt turkey dinners, lightning-fast steel saucers, exploding Christmas lights and Christmas kidnappings are only a few funny obstacles in this preposterous and over-the-top holiday special. It might not be the most grounded Christmas classic out there, but it is definitely one of the funniest.

ELF (2003)

It may have only released 16 years ago, but “Elf” has cemented its legacy as a Christmas classic regardless of its young age — and rightfully so. Will Ferrell is whimsical and outgoing as Buddy, a human who grew up in the North Pole believing he was one of Santa’s elves. He’s so convincing in portraying Buddy’s childlike joy and enthusiasm that he feels like an actual elf stuck in a man’s body.

The sets and the costumes in the North Pole feel especially authentic, just like Santa’s Village in Southlake Town Square. It’s easy to fall in love with Buddy all over again every time you watch this movie. 

HOME ALONE (1990)

Whatever you do, don’t leave Kevin McCallister home alone for the holidays. Otherwise, he’ll outsmart two clumsy burglars trying to break into his home through a flurry of traps and gizmos more confusing than the construction on Southlake Boulevard. Macaulay Culkin does a great job portraying this rascally and rambunctious little 8-year-old that spawned from Supernanny’s nightmares. 

John Hughes’ trademark slapstick humor is prevalent throughout the film, and he pulls at our funny bone more effectively than Kevin orchestrates his schemes. Whether it’s your first viewing or your 50th, “Home Alone” is the Christmas classic that will keep you laughing over and over again.

MIRACLE ON 34TH STREET (1947)

It’s every child’s dream to meet the real-life Santa Claus. Yet in George Seaton’s 1947 film “Miracle on 34th Street,” that’s exactly what happens to Susan Walker (Natalie Wood) when she meets Kris Kringle (Edmund Gwenn) on 34th Street in New York. Edmund Gwenn steals the show in his Academy Award-winning portrayal of Kris Kringle, as he feels more jolly and carefree than even the big man himself does in Santa’s Village (sorry St. Nick!). 

But what really sells the movie is his chemistry with the bright-eyed and cheerful Natalie Wood, who actually believed Gwenn was Santa Claus while filming. As Kris Kringle says to Susan’s mom in “Miracle On 34th Street,” Christmas isn’t just a day — it’s a frame of mind.

IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE (1946)

“It’s A Wonderful Life” is one of the best Christmas movies ever released, partially because it’s more about life itself than it is about Christmas. James Stewart shines in arguably his greatest performance of all time in this film, and that’s saying something for the guy who starred in “Vertigo,” “Rear Window” and “Mr. Smith Goes To Washington.” Writer-director Frank Capra also takes us on a transformative journey that could potentially change your outlook on life, much like it does to George Bailey himself. 

Surprisingly, this movie underperformed during its initial theatrical run in 1946, only receiving its much-deserved love and affection when it went into the public domain in the 1980s. “It’s A Wonderful Life” isn’t just a great Christmas movie — it’s one of the greatest movies of all time, period. No wonder Clarence was so happy to get his wings.

So what are you waiting for? Grab the hot chocolate and snuggle up on the couch — there’s plenty of movies to get through before Santa stops by.