The most wonderful time of the year is here, bringing twinkling lights, cosy evenings and the perfect excuse for a festive movie marathon! From brand-new releases and heartwarming family adventures to nostalgic classics, romantic comedies and a few wonderfully unconventional Christmas tales, we’ve gathered some of our favourite films to enjoy this season. Expect enchanting worlds, snowy landscapes, unforgettable characters and plenty of festive surprises. So prepare the hot chocolate, bring out your favourite Christmas treats and get ready for a little cinematic magic!
Meet Lumo, the festive Lapland reindeer bringing a touch of Arctic magic to kids everywhere. Lumo is a small reindeer with a big ambition: to guide Santa’s sleigh! Known for his signature glowing spirit and boundless curiosity, he is a hit with YouTube fans and, from this season, Lumo and his friends are joining the Netflix family too. Aimed at an audience of under 5, Lumo the Lapland Reindeer series is made of short 13 minute episodes set within the magical, imagined world of Father Christmas. Lumo the Lapland Reindeer YouTube channel.
Ebenezer (2026)
Charles Dickens’ legendary Christmas tale returns to the big screen, and this time things are taking a rather darker turn. Johnny Depp steps into the shoes of Ebenezer Scrooge, the notoriously cold-hearted miser whose Christmas Eve becomes a terrifying journey through his past, present and future. Directed by Ti West, this gothic reimagining of A Christmas Carol brings together an impressive cast including Ian McKellen, Daisy Ridley, Rupert Grint and Sam Claflin. With its haunting Victorian atmosphere, mysterious spirits and a chilling supernatural twist, Ebenezer promises a fascinating new interpretation of the timeless story of redemption, compassion and second chances. In UK cinemas this Christmas.
Goodbye June (2025)
Christmas isn’t always about picture-perfect celebrations, and sometimes the most meaningful family moments arrive when we least expect them. In Kate Winslet’s moving directorial debut, four adult siblings reunite around their seriously ill mother, June, played by the extraordinary Helen Mirren. As they confront old disagreements, complicated relationships and the prospect of saying goodbye. Featuring a remarkable British-led ensemble including Toni Collette, Andrea Riseborough, Johnny Flynn and Timothy Spall, Goodbye June blends sharp humour, emotional honesty and tender moments in a deeply human story about love, forgiveness and the ties that bind families together. A poignant festive choice for those looking for something thoughtful and beautifully bittersweet. Watch on Netflix!
The Holdovers (2023)
A Christmas holiday spent at a nearly deserted boarding school doesn’t sound particularly exciting, especially when your only company is a notoriously grumpy teacher! Set in 1970s New England, The Holdovers follows an unlikely trio: a strict classics teacher, a rebellious student and a grieving school cook, who find themselves spending the festive break together. As their awkward arrangement unfolds, unexpected friendships begin to form, revealing a wonderfully touching story about loneliness, compassion and finding connection in the most unusual circumstances. Featuring outstanding performances from Paul Giamatti, Da’Vine Joy Randolph and Dominic Sessa, this beautifully nostalgic comedy-drama offers a refreshingly different take on the Christmas film.
Man vs Baby (2025)
Rowan Atkinson returns as the wonderfully accident-prone Trevor Bingley, and his latest challenge might just be his most unpredictable yet! Following the hilarious chaos of Man vs Bee, Trevor finds himself unexpectedly looking after a baby while trying to manage a new job and a series of increasingly ridiculous situations. With Atkinson’s unmistakable physical comedy, spectacular mishaps and plenty of festive mayhem, this four-part Netflix comedy series promises an entertaining escape into a world where even the simplest task can turn into a complete disaster. A wonderfully silly choice for a light-hearted Christmas evening!
Champagne Problems (2025)
A Christmas getaway to the beautiful French countryside, a prestigious champagne house and a rather unexpected romance? That’s a festive combination worth celebrating! When ambitious American executive Sydney travels to France to negotiate the purchase of a celebrated family business, her carefully organised plans take an unexpected turn after a chance encounter with a charming stranger. With picturesque vineyards, elegant festive celebrations and a generous helping of romantic complications, Champagne Problems offers a sparkling seasonal escape for anyone who enjoys a cosy Christmas romance.
Let It Snow (2019)
A snowstorm, a small town and a Christmas Eve full of unexpected surprises. Based on the bestselling young adult novel by John Green, Maureen Johnson and Lauren Myracle, Let It Snow follows a group of teenagers whose lives become intertwined when a sudden snowstorm transforms their ordinary holiday plans into a series of romantic encounters, amusing mishaps and unexpected friendships. With its charming ensemble cast, cosy winter atmosphere and a delightful mix of humour, romance and teenage drama, this heartwarming Netflix film captures the excitement of young love, the importance of friendship and the little surprises that make the festive season so special.
A boy called Christmas (2021)
Have you ever wondered how the legend of Father Christmas began? Based on Matt Haig’s much-loved novel, A Boy Called Christmas follows young Nikolas as he sets off on an extraordinary journey into the snowy wilderness of the Far North in search of his missing father. Along the way, he encounters mischievous elves, talking animals and a world where the impossible suddenly feels within reach. Featuring an impressive cast including Maggie Smith, Jim Broadbent and Sally Hawkins, this beautifully imaginative adventure celebrates kindness, courage and the extraordinary power of hope.
Angela`s Christmas (2017 & 2020)
A little kindness can make Christmas truly extraordinary. Set in early 20th-century Ireland, these two charming animated short films follow Angela, a curious and compassionate young girl whose innocent adventures reveal the true spirit of the festive season. From an unexpected encounter at a Christmas Eve church service to a heartfelt wish to reunite her family, Angela’s stories are filled with gentle humour, touching moments and the simple joys of childhood. Inspired by the work of acclaimed Irish author Frank McCourt, these delightful films are a lovely choice for younger viewers and families looking for something wonderfully heartwarming.
Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey (2020)
Welcome to a world of extraordinary inventions, spectacular colours and toys that seem to have a life of their own! In the bustling workshop of Jeronicus Jangle, a once-brilliant toymaker has lost his creative spark following a heartbreaking betrayal. But when his clever and adventurous granddaughter Journey arrives, she might just have the imagination and determination to bring his world back to life. With magnificent costumes, energetic musical numbers and an impressive cast led by Forest Whitaker, Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey is a dazzling festive celebration of creativity, family and believing in your dreams.
The Christmas Chronicles (2018 & 2020)
Imagine catching Father Christmas on camera, only to accidentally cause his sleigh to crash! That’s exactly what happens to siblings Kate and Teddy Pierce when their Christmas Eve adventure takes a rather unexpected turn. With the fate of Christmas hanging in the balance, the pair must help a wonderfully charismatic Santa Claus, played by Kurt Russell, save the celebrations before morning. Packed with mischievous elves, hilarious encounters and thrilling festive escapades, these two films offer a lively and entertaining twist on the traditional Christmas story. And with Goldie Hawn joining the fun as Mrs Claus, there’s even more magic waiting at the North Pole!
Klaus (2019)
In a remote, snow-covered village where neighbours can barely stand one another, an unlikely friendship is about to change everything. When Jesper, a rather spoiled young postman, is sent to the isolated town of Smeerensburg, he meets Klaus, a mysterious carpenter with an extraordinary collection of handmade toys. Together, they spark a wonderful chain of kindness that slowly transforms the entire community. With its breathtaking animation, witty storytelling and deeply touching message about generosity, Klaus offers a beautifully original interpretation of the Father Christmas legend.
Last Christmas (2019)
London at Christmas has never looked quite so charming. Emilia Clarke stars as Kate, a young woman working in a year-round Christmas shop whose life seems to be a never-ending series of unfortunate decisions. But when she meets the mysterious and endlessly optimistic Tom, played by Henry Golding, her outlook begins to change in ways she could never have imagined. Set against the capital’s sparkling Christmas lights and featuring the unforgettable music of George Michael and Wham!, Last Christmas is a romantic comedy filled with humour, heartfelt moments and a few unexpected surprises. A lovely choice for anyone who enjoys seeing London dressed in its festive finest.
A Christmas Prince (2017-2019)
A royal palace, a charming prince and a journalist who unexpectedly finds herself living a real-life fairy tale. When ambitious American reporter Amber travels to the fictional kingdom of Aldovia to investigate the mysterious Prince Richard, her assignment soon takes a rather romantic turn. As royal secrets unfold and unexpected feelings blossom, Amber discovers that life behind palace walls is far more complicated than she imagined. With snowy castles, lavish celebrations and plenty of romantic misunderstandings, these two movies deliver a delightfully indulgent dose of festive romance.
Christmas Inheritance (2017)
A wealthy heiress, a picturesque snowy town and a Christmas challenge that could change everything. Before Ellen Langford can inherit her father’s successful business, she must travel to the charming town of Snow Falls to deliver a special Christmas letter, with only a modest amount of money to get her through the journey. Far from her glamorous lifestyle, Ellen begins to discover the importance of generosity, genuine friendships and finding happiness in life’s simplest pleasures. Filled with cosy winter scenery, romantic moments and a little festive soul-searching, Christmas Inheritance is a charming seasonal escape.
Arthur Christmas (2011)
Ever wondered how Father Christmas manages to deliver billions of presents in just one night? In this wonderfully inventive animated adventure from Aardman Animations, Santa’s operation is a spectacularly high-tech affair, complete with an enormous flying sleigh and an army of highly trained elves. But when one little girl’s present is accidentally left behind, it’s up to Santa’s well-meaning but rather clumsy son Arthur to save the day. Bursting with British humour, colourful characters and heartwarming moments, Arthur Christmas is a brilliant festive adventure that reminds us why every child deserves a little Christmas magic.
The Muppet Christmas Carol (1992 & 2002)
Charles Dickens’ timeless Christmas classic gets a wonderfully entertaining makeover courtesy of Kermit, Miss Piggy and the rest of the beloved Muppet gang! Michael Caine delivers a memorable performance as Ebenezer Scrooge, the miserly businessman whose Christmas Eve takes a supernatural turn when three mysterious spirits arrive to teach him a lesson about generosity and compassion. With catchy musical numbers, hilarious Muppet antics and a surprisingly faithful interpretation of the original story, The Muppet Christmas Carol is a delightful festive favourite that combines laughter, nostalgia and plenty of heart.
Home Alone (1990) & Home Alone 2: Lost in New York (1992)
Christmas chaos has never been quite so entertaining! When eight-year-old Kevin McCallister is accidentally left behind as his family heads off on holiday, he finds himself enjoying the freedom of an empty house, until two rather hopeless burglars decide to pay a visit. Armed with a wonderfully inventive collection of homemade traps, Kevin turns his family home into an obstacle course of hilarious disasters. And when the adventure continues in New York, the festive mayhem reaches a whole new level! With its unforgettable comedy, nostalgic charm and spectacular Christmas settings, the Home Alone films remain irresistible holiday favourites.
The Holiday (2006)
Two women, two beautiful homes and one rather unexpected Christmas adventure! When Iris, a journalist living in a picturesque English cottage, and Amanda, a successful film trailer editor from Los Angeles, decide to swap homes for the holidays, neither expects their festive escape to change their lives quite so dramatically. Starring Kate Winslet, Cameron Diaz, Jude Law and Jack Black, The Holiday takes us from the snowy English countryside to sunny California in a charming romantic comedy filled with humour, friendship and second chances. With its cosy interiors, beautiful scenery and irresistible festive atmosphere, it’s a lovely choice for a relaxing winter evening.
From magical adventures and hilarious family comedies to touching dramas and romantic festive escapes, this year’s selection offers something for every mood and every generation. Some films will leave you laughing, others might bring a tear to your eye, but all capture a little of the warmth, wonder and excitement that make the Christmas season so special. So gather your loved ones, prepare a steaming mug of hot chocolate and settle in for a wonderful season of festive cinema!
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