Grab the popcorn and get ready for a festive Christmas movie viewing party. In today’s post, I’ve got 9 must-watch Christmas movies for you to add to your list. To be honest, I don’t watch a lot of films but there are some Christmas movies that I watch year after year.

A family movie night is a great low-cost entertainment idea. Check out 5 ways to be both festive and frugal for other ways to be festive without breaking the bank.

Given a choice, I will always pick a comedy over a drama or horror movie so it’s not surprising that most of the films on my list are comedies. The list includes some animated films, and at least one old-time classic.

Is the popcorn ready yet? Let’s get started.

My must-watch Christmas movies

Christmas Vacation

This is, without a doubt, my all-time favourite Christmas movie. For my family, it’s more of a tradition than a movie. We’ve been making a point of watching the “good old-fashioned Griswold family Christmas” together ever since my daughters were little.

Chevy Chase is a master of physical comedy. In this movie, he’s joined by a stellar cast. When I watch The Big Bang Theory, I can’t help but picture a young Johnny Galecki as Rusty. Julia Louis-Dreyfus is hilarious as snooty neighbour Margot. And, who can forget Randy Quaid as cousin Eddie?

There are so many classic lines and moments in this film. My family has pretty much memorized the whole script. We can’t drive past an R-V park without someone in the car saying “That there’s an AAAR-VEEE Clark” in their best cousin Eddie voice.

I can’t wait until Laura comes home from college so we can plan our 2020 viewing.

Polar Express

Tom Hanks, my all-time favourite actor, voiced multiple roles in this animated feature about a group of children who take a magical train ride to the North Pole on Christmas Eve.

It’s a heart-warming tale about friendship believing in the magic of Christmas. And, it has a pretty awesome soundtrack if you enjoy Christmas music!

Four Christmases

Reese Witherspoon and Vince Vaughn star in this film about a couple who are forced to visit all four of their divorced parents’ homes on Christmas Day after their planned trip to Fiji was cancelled because of bad weather.

Along the way, they learn a lot about each other and their relationship.

If you’ve ever had to endure Christmas with annoying extended family members or tried to juggle multiple Christmas gatherings on the same day, you’ll love this light and funny tale.

Home Alone

It’s hard to make a list of Christmas movies without thinking about the adventures of 8-year old Kevin McCallister, played by Macaulay Culkin. After being accidentally left home alone over the holidays when his family jetted off to Paris, Kevin is forced to defend his home against two bumbling burglars, played by Joe Pesci and Daniel Stern.

A young Catherine O’Hara (Moira Rose of Schitt’s Creek fame) plays Kevin’s mother in this movie which is one of the highest-grossing comedy films of all time.

Charlie Brown Christmas

At some point, I think we can all relate to poor Charlie Brown, who’s feeling a little out of sorts while everyone around him happily prepares for Christmas.

This animated classic is a must-watch for me every Christmas. It’s a great tale of perseverance. And, who among us hasn’t had a “Charlie Brown Christmas Tree” at some point in our lives?

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Planes, Trains and Automobiles

Although it actually takes place at American Thanksgiving, it’s close enough to make my Christmas list. Two of my favourite funny men unite in this crazy film about travelling home for the holidays.

Steve Martin and the late great John Candy star as polar opposites Neal Page and Del Griffith. After a chance meeting, the movie follows their misadventures as they travel from New York City to Chicago over a three-day period. If you travel regularly, you will be able to relate to their travels.  

The Santa Clause

Filmed in Oakville, Ontario, using reindeer from the Toronto Zoo, this is another film about believing in Santa.

After the real Santa Claus falls off his roof on Christmas Eve and dies, Scott Calvin – played by Tim Allen – puts on the red suit and finishes his journey. When he gets to the North Pole, the elves inform him that by putting on the red suit, he is bound by “The Santa Clause” and is obligated to fulfill all of Santa’s duties.

The movie follows Scott’s life over the next year as he transforms into jolly old Santa.

It’s a Wonderful Life

I had to include at least one old-time classic film on the list. There are a lot to choose from but It’s a Wonderful Life is one that I always enjoy because it’s a story of hope and gratitude, something we can all use a little more of this time of year.  

While contemplating suicide on Christmas Eve, George Bailey – played by James Stewart – thinks the world would be better off if he’d never been born. He’s visited by bumbling 2^nd Class angel Clarence who’s been tasked with saving George in order to earn his angel wings.  

Clarence shows George a world with no George Bailey. I’m sure you can imagine how the story ends.

Shrek the Halls

When my girls were small, we loved the Shrek movies. It’s not surprising, then, that the Shrek Christmas special is on our must-watch list every year.

This short, animated special tells the story of Shrek and Fiona’s first Christmas with their triplets. Shrek sets out to plan the perfect Christmas for his family. Of course, Donkey and friends drop by to ruin his plans. Along the way, Shrek learns the true meaning of Christmas.

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There’s my list of must-watch Christmas movies. If you haven’t seen some of them, check them out and let me know what you think.

What’s on your must-watch Christmas movie list? Tell us below.