There’s no better way to get into the holiday spirit than with a festive flick playing on the TV, plus a crackling fireplace, a plate of Christmas cookies, and a mug of hot chocolate on the docket. While you could revisit a number of classic Christmas movies, if you’re a fan of ’80s features, like Ree Drummond, or if you’re simply hoping to infuse your household with an air of holiday nostalgia, there’s no shortage of merry-and-bright-motion pictures from that decade to choose from. And each of them features iconic moments that transcend generations: Ralphie’s Red Ryder BB Gun from A Christmas Story, Clark Griswold’s outrageous Christmas decorations in National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation, and John McClane’s unforgettable one-liners in Die Hard. (Yes, we’re proudly on Team “Die Hard is a Christmas movie!”)
These ’80s Christmas movies not only capture the spirit of the season, but they also showcase the unique blend of humor, heart, and nostalgia that defined this impactful era. Whether it’s a modern twist on a timeless classic like Scrooged or a heartfelt journey of friendship and follies like Planes, Trains and Automobiles, each movie on this list brings its own charm that reminds us of the joy and warmth of Christmas. Not to mention, every one of them delivers so many memorable quotes that we still cherish today. So, as you gather your friends and family this holiday season, let these timeless ’80s Christmas movies take center stage.
Christmas Mountain: The Story of a Cowboy Angel
Credit: AMAZON
Switch things up this holiday season by watching a Western-themed ’80s Christmas movie with a beautiful message. In this heartfelt drama, the ghost of an old cowboy, who needs to inspire a good deed on Earth to earn his angel wings, and a prisoner, who wants to be set free, work together to help protect a widow and her children from a Christmas blizzard.
Mickey’s Christmas Carol
Credit: IMDB
This Disney film is a kid-friendly adaptation of A Christmas Carol that’s perfect for festive family movie nights. You and your kids will spot Mickey, Jiminy Cricket, Donald Duck, and the rest of the gang taking on the beloved roles, each of which makes this motion picture a true classic.
Prancer
Credit: IMDB
Sam Elliott and Jessica Riggs star in this feel-good ’80s Christmas movie about a young girl who finds an injured reindeer that she believes is the real Prancer. To save Santa’s sleigh-riding operations, she tries to nurse him back to health before Christmas Eve.
A Christmas Carol
Credit: Amazon
If Ebenezer Scrooge can get into the holiday spirit, anyone can! Starring George C. Scott, this ’80s adaptation of A Christmas Carol brings the heartwarming tale of redemption to life, complete with iconic ghostly visits that will have you believing in the magic of the season.
Silent Night, Deadly Night
Credit: AMAZON
Santa…is that you? If you’re looking for an ’80s Christmas movie with a scary spin, give this horror film a watch. It reimagines Santa as a grisly murderer who spreads holiday fear, not cheer. Just be sure to put the kids to bed before streaming it!
Steel Magnolias
Credit: Amazon
It may not be a Christmas movie in the traditional sense, but who could forget the charming Christmas festival scene and Shelby’s holiday pregnancy announcement? Steel Magnolias truly is a movie for all seasons!
Trading Places
Credit: Amazon
Giving gifts is a fun holiday tradition, but the meaning of Christmas is so much more than what money can buy. This hilarious tale of a wealthy executive (Dan Aykroyd) and a wily street hustler (Eddie Murphy) switching lifestyles during the holidays is the best reminder of this. With plenty of laughs and lessons, Trading Places is an unexpected holiday charmer that’s sure to delight.
A Christmas Without Snow
Credit: Tubi
Follow the journey of a single mother navigating life in a new town while trying to create a magical Christmas for her daughter. It may not be on everyone’s radar, but this made-for-TV movie is a heartwarming gem with a delightful mix of laughter, love, and holiday magic.
A Christmas Story
Credit: IMDB
A Christmas Story is the ultimate holiday throwback that’ll have you dreaming of Red Ryder BB guns and tongue-tastic snow antics. Who’s ready for a little Christmas magic and a whole lot of belly laughs?
The Christmas Gift
Credit: Tubi
A small, snowy town in Colorado is every Christmas lover’s dream. That’s exactly why this architect is willing to do just about anything to save the town from a real estate makeover.