It’s officially December in a matter of days, can you believe it? For lots of us, that means the Christmas spirit will be out in full magical force – if it hasn’t been already. My Christmas movie bingo is the only festive film bucket list you’ll need to help warm the chilly nights this season. Read on for details on each film and a free printable bingo card graphic full of Christmas movies to tick off! Blankets and selection box chocolates at the ready…

Contents

• Christmas Movie Bingo
• Feature Films
• TV Holiday Spirit
• Festive Shorts
• Christmas Movie Bingo Printable

Christmas Movie Bingo

This absolutely is a Christmas movie bingo, but I’ve sprinkled in a few TV Christmas specials and a couple of festive shorts that are great watches around this time of year. 

Just for extra fun, you know? 

I would also like to note that there are tons of festive movies out there and not all of them are included in my Christmas movie bingo. Netflix is known for cranking out Christmas movies each year. 

Honestly? I’ve got nothing against watching a deeply cheesy festive movie.

Note: there are certain films on here that I haven’t included because they aren’t – in my opinion – technically Christmas movies. I’m talking about movies like Die Hard, Gremlins and the like. 

But hey, if they’re your festive favourites, go for it. I created extra space for you to fill in with any of your favourite Christmas movies that aren’t already listed.

Here is my Christmas movie bingo graphic (which you can download at the bottom of this post and print! All recommendations are included in the PDF):

Feature Films

Arthur Christmas (2011)

A truly lovely festive watch by animation legends Aardman Studios, about the youngest son of Santa Claus racing to deliver a forgotten gift before the sun rises on Christmas Day. No child should be forgotten or missed at Christmas, as Arthur so gallantly points out. 

Why not whip up a batch of my Arthur Christmas reindeer slipper brownies to make it a really special movie night?

Where to watch it: Netflix, Sky Movies

The Santa Claus (1994)

A 90s classic! Tim Allen goes from crude businessman to the man in red – all unintentional on his part, but entirely good for him and his family. 

Does anyone else call out “Charrrllliiiieeeee!” just as little Charlie’s Mum does in the film? Just me? Cool, cool, cool.

For those who love the trilogy, don’t forget Santa Clause 2 (2002) and Santa Clause 3 (2006). Maybe not as iconic as the first one, but they still have their charms.

Where to watch it: Disney+

Love Actually (2003)

A holiday MUST in my books. So much so that I introduced a couple of loved ones from the USA to this movie whilst in Japan. They’d never seen it, and I was more than happy to open up a box of Scottish shortbread, make some tea and get cosy.

Love Actually is a multi-thread story, following a group of Londoners whose hectic lives intertwine to varying degrees. Love, friendship, travel. All the good stuff… during the Christmas period, of course.

Where to watch it: DVD, Sky Movies

Home Alone 1 & 2 (1990, 1992)

Name a kid more balls-y than Kevin McCallister. 

Accidentally left home alone at Christmastime by his family, Kevin soon realises he has to protect his home from a pair of crafty – if a little quirky – burglars.

The first two Home Alone films are sublime this time of year (the second one is set in NYC). You could whip up a lovely cheese pizza just for you using my Home Alone recipe for your festive movie night, too. 

I’ve only listed the first two films because they are the most nostalgic, but the third one is decent, too.

Where to watch it: Disney+

Elf (2003)

I mean, it’s a true fan favourite. 

After abruptly discovering that he is actually a human, Buddy the Elf travels from the North Pole to New York City to find his birth father.

If you’re a lover of macarons, check out my Elf inspired macarons – they’re easier to make than you may think!

Where to watch it: Sky Movies

White Christmas (1954)

Just pure joy. The visual and musical aspects of this film make me warm to my core.

After arriving at an inn, a famous all-singing, all-dancing duo discover that their former Army general is actually the owner of that inn and is struggling to keep it up and running. 

There’s love, laughs, heartwarming gestures and some iconic musical numbers.

Where to watch it: DVD, Sky Movies

It’s A Wonderful Life (1946)

I feel like this is one of those films that everyone knows, but perhaps haven’t seen.

The concept of It’s A Wonderful Life is a generous man reaching his limit meets his guardian angel who shows him exactly why his life is worth living.

I wonder if that was the elevator pitch. Either way, it worked. This film is a true classic.

Where to watch it: DVD, Amazon Prime

The Polar Express (2004)

A motion capture Christmas movie about truly believing in magic. Imagine suddenly being invited to travel to the North Pole by train on Christmas Eve, knowing the man in red is at the end of that journey and a special gift is up for grabs.

What kid wouldn’t jump at the chance? Heck, what adult wouldn’t?! Get me on that train. Even if it’s just for the hot chocolates and scenic ride.

Where to watch it: Sky Movies

Nativity! (2009)

A British Christmas classic.

Tough teacher, Martin Freeman, is tasked with directing the school’s Nativity play for the year. Despite his protests, he somehow finds himself making up a deep, deep lie about Hollywood coming to see their play, which unfortunately circulates thanks to his perky teaching assistant.

This film is all heart with some banging festive songs and a few unforgettable performances by the kids.

Where to watch it: Netflix, BBC iPlayer

Deck the Halls (2006)

Organisational fun butts heads with free spirit in this festive comedy. It’s a trope, sure. But, it’s an easy watch and sees dreams coming true.

Plus, Danny DeVito and Kristin Chenoweth play a married couple in it. Need I say more?

Where to watch it: Disney+

Christmas With The Kranks (2004)

Tim Allen and Jamie Lee Curtis decide not to do their annual Christmas festivities, but instead go on a cruise. Their only daughter is off being amazing abroad, so why not spend Christmas differently?

That is… until their daughter surprises them over the phone by saying she’s coming home for Christmas. The rush is on and chaos – inevitably – ensues.

Where to watch it: Sky Movies

Genie (2023)

A fairly new addition to my Christmas favourites, but a charming one nonetheless. Melissa McCarthy plays a wish granting genie who forms an unlikely bond with workaholic, Paapa Essiedu, whose only wish is for his family to come back to him in time for Christmas.

It’s another easy watch, so don’t overthink it.

Where to watch it: Sky Movies, Peacock

That Christmas (2024)

This is the third Richard Curtis film on this list, but it’s his newest one. A Netflix animation about a snowstorm up-ending the plans of those living in Wellington-on-Sea, as well as Santa’s.

You can’t have too much festive animated fun, in my opinion.

Plus, Bill Nighy is in this movie as well as Love Actually, which is always a good thing.

Where to watch it: Netflix

Klaus (2019)

This is an interesting one because I watched it in the spur of the moment last year. I ended up thoroughly enjoying it! The animation style is really wonderful and the story is a more rustic – and potentially more historically accurate – take on the beginnings of the Santa Claus legend.

Where to watch it: Netflix

Miracle On 34th Street

Personally, I grew up with the 1994 version so it has a certain level of meaning for me, but if the 1947 release is your favourite, go for it.

This is another one about believing in magic, which I absolutely love.

Where to watch it: both versions on Disney+

Last Christmas (2019)

I actually went to the cinema in Japan with my best friend to see this one. I sobbed SO much at the end, let me tell you. It’s an emotional one – just a warning.

Emilia Clarke plays a singer who works as an elf in a year-round Christmas shop. It’s romantic, heart-wrenching and full of iconic George Michael songs.

Where to watch it: Netflix

Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey (2020)

John Legend produced this musical bonanza of a Christmas movie. It’s magical and it’s fantastically choreographed, with an incredible cast to boot.

Think: eccentric toymaker, a magical invention and an imaginary world coming to life. 

Where to watch it: Netflix

Noelle (2019)

Anna Kendrick plays the sidelined daughter of Santa Claus who is told that her job is to guide her brother as he takes on the mantle of the man in the red suit.

When her brother suddenly disappears, it’s on Noelle to find him and bring him back to take on his role. Unless…

Where to watch it: Disney+

The Muppet Christmas Carol (1992)

A Christmas Carol but Muppet-version with Michael Caine. What more is there to say?

Where to watch it: Disney+

A Christmas Carol (2009)

Another version of this Charles Dickens classic, just a little more intense than my previous recommendation. Jim Carrey takes on the character Scrooge in this motion capture adaptation.

Where to watch it: Disney+

How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000)

One of my fondest Christmas memories is watching this with my best friend while we were training in Nagoya. We ate ramen and Fererro Rocher chocolates and painted our nails with this iconic movie playing. The best time.

Watching this film over the Christmas holidays is a MUST. 

A MUST.

Note: I also like the latest animated version: The Grinch (2018) which is on Netflix and is a little lighter.

Where to watch it: Amazon Prime (rent), Netflix

The Holiday (2006)

Kate Winslet and Cameron Diaz swap houses for Christmas; Surrey and L.A. collide in this holiday romance with Jack Black and Jude Law. 

According to Kate Winslet, this particular movie is a popular one for Mums and their daughters. Grab the blankets, the mugs of hot chocolate and the snacks. 

Where to watch it: Sky, DVD, Netflix

TV Holiday Spirit

Dash & Lily (2020)

Based on the hugely popular book by Rachel Cohn and David Levithan, this wholesome short episodic series follows Dash and Lily as they meet and communicate through a book of dares during the Christmas holidays. 

It’s NYC, it’s festive, it’s charming. It’s eight episodes.

Where to watch it: Netflix

Gavin & Stacey

British comedy at its finest. There are two Christmas specials so far: the 2008 Christmas Special and “A Special Christmas” from 2019. 

It does make more sense to watch these if you’ve already seen the whole TV show, but they are brilliant as stand alone episodes.

What’s incredibly exciting is that another Christmas special is being released on Christmas Day this year titled “The Finale”. Yeah, it’s the last episode ever. The tears are real, but we’re all desperate to know how it’ll be wrapped up, especially after the 2019 special.

Where to watch it: BBC iPlayer

Miranda (2010)

Another British fan favourite! This is the only Christmas special in the Miranda series, but what a joy it is.

Search for “The Perfect Christmas”. You’ll soon discover Miranda’s favourite parts about the Christmas season (which I wholeheartedly agree with).

Where to watch it: BBC iPlayer

The Vicar of Dibley

Dawn French as Geraldine Granger will forever be one of the best things on TV. Richard Curtis also contributed greatly to this one, as it happens. 

Find all the constant merriment and laughter in “The Christmas Lunch Incident” 1996, “Winter” 1999 and “Merry Christmas” 2006.

Where to watch it: BBC iPlayer

Festive Shorts

An Almost Christmas Story (2024)

A young owl finds herself stuck in a tree that has been chosen to sit centre stage in Rockefeller Plaza in NYC. When trying to escape, this little owl befriends a lost girl and adventure together follows.

A gorgeous animation that comes in at just over twenty minutes long. Lovely. 

Where to watch it: Disney+

Shaun the Sheep: The Flight Before Christmas (2021)

Another Aardman delight. You don’t need to have seen Shaun the Sheep to enjoy this festive short. 

It focuses on seeing what’s really important in life, with some silent jokes deserving big laughs along the way.

Where to watch it: BBC iPlayer, Netflix

Olaf’s Frozen Adventure (2017)

This one’s for the Frozen fans. It’s a lovely twenty-minute short following Olaf and trusty pal Sven on their mission to save Christmas for Anna and Elsa. 

Personally, I love a Frozen story.

Where to watch it: Disney+

Christmas Movie Bingo Printable