*This post was updated December 17, 2019
This post may contain affiliate links. If you purchase through my link, I get a small commission at no cost to you. Read my disclosure policy to learn more.

In my opinion, one of the best things about the Christmas season is the wonderful movies and TV specials! I love a good, cheesy, touches-your-heart Christmas movie, but I also love the ridiculously funny ones and the classic children’s short films! I’ve compiled lists of my top 10 favorite Christmas and my top 10 favorite Christmas specials because there was no way I was getting all these down to just one list of 10. And there are even some honorable mentions that I just couldn’t leave off this post. So enjoy!

Related: The 5 Best (Non-Scary) Halloween Movies
Related: My Top 10 Favorite Scary Movies

Christmas Movies:

TEN|| A Christmas Story.

Classic. As much as I hate the stupid things Ralphie does, I can’t imagine going a Christmas without watching it!

NINE || Home Alone.

All 4 of these movies are great! They are fun and innocent. Even though I’ve seen them a million times and know what will happen, I am always on the edge of my seat.

EIGHT || The Muppet Christmas Carol.

I love “A Christmas Carol” any way, but the Muppets do such a good job. It’s funny and enjoyable for the whole family!

SEVEN || Jack Frost (1998).

I don’t think this one is as well known as some of the others on this list, but for some reason, I love it! It’s less of a kids movie than some of the others because it has a deep close-to-home theme going on, but there is still a bit of Christmas magic!

SIX || The Santa Clause.

The story is so unique and you just fall in love with it! This is one of those that I saw as a child and was happy to believe that’s really what happened and that Tim Allen is now Santa Claus.

FIVE || Miracle on 34th Street.

This movie gives me chills every time! This is another one of those feel good movies that proves Santa and Christmas are magical.

FOUR || It’s a Wonderful Life.

Oh what life lessons we could learn from this movie! Your life is important! You have touched so many people in the short time you’ve been on this earth! Don’t ever forget that!

THREE || How the Grinch Stole Christmas (Jim Carrey 2000).

When this movie first came out, I was skeptical of them ruining a story I grew up with. I love the story of the Grinch. I always have. But they didn’t ruin it! They made it better! And the Jim Carrey movie is now a must-watch every Christmas!

TWO || The Polar Express.

Isn’t this movie just the best? Again, there’s a child who is not sure he believes (like Miracle on 34th Street). This makes me so sad but the movie is wonderful!

ONE || Elf.

And of course this is my number one! Can someone tell me why this movie is so great! I am usually not a huge fan of Will Ferrell, but for some reason I love him in this movie! Or maybe it’s all Zooey Deschanel’s fault. Whatever the reason, this is my favorite Christmas movie ever!

Christmas Specials:

EIGHT || Jack Frost (1979).

One of the classic cartoons from the 70s that helps bring Christmas to life.

SEVEN || Santa Claus is Coming to Town.

Another classic cartoon that tells the story of the song we all know and love.

SIX || The Little Drummer Boy.

Another classic cartoon but this one talks about the story of Christmas instead of the fairy tales of Santa and his elves and reindeer.

FIVE || Claymation Christmas Celebration.

My Nana recorded this from TV on a VHS a long time ago and for many years we cousins all watched it every time we’d visit her at Christmas. I still know the songs and can picture the little clay figures!

FOUR || A Charlie Brown Christmas.

I could probably quote the whole thing (and imitate the dancing) but it still makes the list and I still watch it every Christmas.

THREE || Frosty the Snowman.

Such a classic! I’ve always loved this short about a beloved snow man who COMES TO LIFE!

TWO || Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer (1964).

Another classic short you can’t go a Christmas without seeing!

ONE || How the Grinch Stole Christmas (animated 1966).

And last but not least, my all time favorite is The Grinch! Based on a beloved Dr. Seuss book, how could you go wrong! And I tear up every time the Grinch’s heart grows, I kid you not!

Honorable Mentions:

FIVE || Christmas Vacation (National Lampoon’s).

I used to hate this movie. I don’t do well with movies in which everything seems to go wrong. Especially if that involves gross stuff. But Pearson likes it so much that we’ve watched it the last couple years and it’s growing on me. I just close my eyes and ears during the gross parts.

FOUR || Deck the Halls.

I had never seen this movie until last year at my in-laws’ house. How had I gone so long without seeing a Christmas movie staring Kristen Chenoweth? I don’t know!

THREE || The Nightmare before Christmas.

Such a classic! It combines Christmas with my favorite holiday: Halloween!

TWO || Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer: The Movie (1998).

Nothing beats the original Rudolph short from 1964, but this comes close.

ONE || Jingle All The Way.

Pearson introduced me to this one a few years ago as well. I think I saw it once before that, but it was just whatever for me. But Pearson loves it and I’ve come to like it too!

What are your favorite Christmas movies? Did yours make my lists?
Thanks for reading!