The Top 10 Christmas Movies to Watch This Holiday Season

It’s Christmastime and what is better to do after spending long hours on your feet shopping than to come home, pop some popcorn and settle in with a good movie. Christmas movies abound this time of year and I am counting down my picks of the top ten Christmas movies to watch this season. I found it particularly interesting that most movies making my list were classics and emphasize the magic of Christmas and the traditions of the holiday season.

So without further ado, here are my picks of the top ten Christmas movies:

10. Christmas with the Kranks (2004) - If you haven’t seen this movie yet you should. Tim Allen and Jamie Lee Curtis are hysterical as they plan on skipping Christmas. With their daughter out of town the Kranks don’t participate in any of their usual holiday activities including the annual "Frosty" neighborhood decorating tradition.

9. Home Alone (1990) – This fun Christmas movie featuring Macaulay Culkin makes us all wonder what we could get away with if our family left for vacation and forgot to take us.  Being home alone seems like lots of fun for young Kevin McAllister until he discovers two burglars are attempting to break into his house on Christmas Eve. The fun really starts when Kevin sets booby traps and creates more surprises to stop these would be burglars.

8. Santa Claus is Coming to Town (1970) – Have questions about Santa Claus? The Mailman has all your answers in this animated story about a baby named Kris who was left on the doorstep of the Kringle family.

7. It’s a Wonderful Life (1946) – Here’s another classic movie that remains a holiday favorite for everyone. George Bailey and his Christmas awakening is a story you wouldn’t want to miss.

6. Elf  (2003) – This Christmas comedy featuring Will Ferrell tells the story of an elf that just doesn’t fit in at the North Pole. Follow Elf as he heads out on a humorous adventure to New York to find his real human father played by James Caan.

5. The Polar Express (2004) – Need some help believing in the magic of Christmas? This movie features a doubting boy who chooses to board a train headed to the North Pole on Christmas Eve. My favorite quote from this movie “Remember, the true spirit of Christmas lies within your heart."

4. How the Grinch Stole Christmas (1966) – This story is fun for all ages as the ever-grumpy Grinch carries out his plan to steal Christmas from Whoville. “Your a mean one Mr. Grinch,” don’t laugh, before the end you will be singing too! 

3. Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer (1964) - Do you recall the most famous reindeer of all? You knew Rudolph and the misfit toys would make the list. A great holiday film to enjoy with the whole family!

2. A Christmas Story (1983) – Everyone remembers Ralphie and his quest for a Red Ryder BB gun along with his mother’s response “You’ll shoot your eye out!” This movie set in the 1940’s is a true Christmas classic.

1. Miracle on 34th  Street (1947) – This classic has weathered the years and continues to be a holiday favorite. Claiming to be Kris Kringle himself, this movie follows “Santa Clause” as he performs miracles during the holiday season and tries to convince a young girl of his true identity.

Did I miss your favorites? What movies will you be sure and catch this holiday season? List your favorite holiday movies in the comment section below.