24 Days of Nostalgic Christmas Movies
Christmas movies are a tradition that brings warmth, nostalgia, and all the feels right into our living rooms. Here’s a list of 24 holiday classics, both old and new, for each day of December leading up to Christmas. Think of it as a cinematic advent calendar that gets cosier with each passing day.
Day 1: While You Were Sleeping (1995)
Kick off the holiday season with this holiday-set rom-com. A lonely woman (Sandra Bullock) pretends to be engaged to a man in a coma, only to fall for his brother. Heartwarming, funny, and full of holiday magic, it’s a great mix of romance and family connection.
Day 2: The Polar Express (2004)
This animated adventure captures the magical journey of a boy who boards the Polar Express to visit the North Pole. Full of wonder, The Polar Express explores themes of faith, friendship, and belief in the magic of Christmas.
Day 3: Home Alone (1990)
What would Christmas be without Home Alone? Kevin McCallister, accidentally left behind by his family, defends his home from bumbling burglars with clever traps and sheer determination. A hilarious, heartwarming reminder of the importance of family (and the surprising power of one very resourceful kid).
Day 4: The Holiday (2006)
This romantic comedy follows two women who swap homes for the holidays. Amanda goes to a quaint English village, while Iris finds herself in sunny Los Angeles. Their adventures lead them to unexpected love and friendships, making it a perfect winter escape with all the cosy vibes.
Sleepless in Seattle (1993)
Day 5: Four Christmases (2008)
When a couple’s travel plans fall through, they end up visiting all four of their divorced parents in a single day. Four Christmases is a humorous and slightly chaotic reminder of family dynamics and the holiday spirit.s.
Day 6: Sleepless in Seattle (1993)
In this romantic holiday classic, widower Sam Baldwin (Tom Hanks) shares his heartbreak on a radio show, capturing the attention of women across the country, including journalist Annie Reed (Meg Ryan). Though they’ve never met, Annie feels an instant connection and sets off on a whimsical journey to find him. Set against a backdrop of twinkling city lights and festive winter scenes, Sleepless in Seattle is a cosy, feel-good story about fate, love, and the magic of taking a chance on your heart during the holiday season.
Day 7: The Most Wonderful Time of the Year (2008)
In this feel-good story, a single mom’s Christmas is transformed when her uncle invites a charming stranger to join them for the holiday. Romance blossoms in unexpected ways, bringing warmth, laughter, and a bit of Christmas magic to her home. The Most Wonderful Time of the Year is a sweet holiday treat about love finding you when you least expect it.
Day 8: Miracle on 34th Street (1994)
In this beloved remake of the classic tale, a sceptical little girl named Susan, played by Mara Wilson, isn’t sure she believes in Santa Claus—until she meets Kris Kringle, an elderly man hired to play Santa at a New York City department store. Kris claims to be the real Santa, sparking a magical journey that challenges everyone’s belief in the spirit of Christmas.
Day 9: National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation (1989)
When Clark Griswold promises his family the perfect Christmas, chaos inevitably ensues. From over-the-top decorations to unexpected guests, Christmas Vacation is a hilarious take on the holiday stress we all know too well.
Day 10: The Santa Clause (1994)
In this feel-good comedy, Scott Calvin accidentally becomes Santa Claus and has to adapt to his new life at the North Pole. Full of magical moments and funny missteps, The Santa Clause is a reminder of the surprises and joys of the holiday season.
Eloise at Christmastime (2003)
Day 11: Unaccompanied Minors (2006)
This holiday comedy follows a group of kids stranded in an airport on Christmas Eve, causing chaos as they try to reunite with their families. Full of laughs and holiday shenanigans, Unaccompanied Minors is a fun, lighthearted film for the whole family.
Day 12: Eloise at Christmastime (2003)
Set in the luxurious Plaza Hotel, this cosy holiday film follows the adventures of Eloise, a mischievous and lovable six-year-old girl. She discovers that a young couple is falling out of love and sets out to help them rekindle their romance before Christmas. With its nostalgic, storybook charm and Eloise’s big heart, this film is a delightful blend of holiday cheer and innocent matchmaking.
Day 13: Klaus (2019)
This beautifully animated story follows a reluctant postman who helps bring joy to a gloomy town with the help of a toymaker named Klaus. It’s a heartfelt, visually stunning take on the origins of Santa Claus that feels both fresh and timeless.
Day 14: Christmas with the Kranks (2004)
When their daughter decides to come home for Christmas, Luther and Nora Krank scramble to throw together a holiday celebration in record time. Christmas with the Kranks is full of laughs and festive mishaps, capturing the joy of family reunions and holiday chaos.
The Family Stone (2005)
Day 15: The Family Stone (2005)
Uptight Meredith meets her boyfriend’s sprawling, quirky family over Christmas and finds herself clashing with them at every turn. With hilarious and heartfelt moments, this movie captures the messiness of blending families and the beauty of letting love in, even when it feels a bit chaotic.
Day 16: Bridget Jones's Diary (2001)
Bridget Jones's Diary kicks off during the holiday season, as Bridget attends a Christmas party wearing a tacky sweater and feeling the weight of her single status. Determined to take control of her life, she starts a diary to document her resolutions and romantic misadventures. Between her flirtation with her charming but unreliable boss and her encounters with the seemingly stiff but kind-hearted Mark Darcy, Bridget’s year is filled with hilarious and heartwarming moments..
Day 17: Serendipity (2001)
When two strangers meet by chance in New York during the holiday season, they leave it to fate to decide if they’re meant to be together. Years later, they’re still haunted by that magical encounter. Serendipity is a whimsical, romantic tale of destiny and holiday hope.
Day 18: Meet Me in St. Louis (1944)
While not entirely a Christmas movie, this classic has unforgettable holiday scenes, including Judy Garland’s iconic “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas.” It’s a nostalgic look at family life that feels especially cosy around the holidays. (This is the movie Susannah watches in a scene from The Family Stone).
Day 19: Borrowed Hearts (1997)
In this heartfelt TV movie, a business tycoon hires a single mom and her daughter to pose as his family for a crucial deal. As they pretend to be a family for the holidays, real connections start to form, making it a warm, uplifting story about love and belonging.
Day 20: Elf (2003)
A modern classic that follows Buddy, a human raised by elves in the North Pole. Played by Will Ferrell, Buddy travels to New York to find his real father, spreading holiday cheer—and a lot of chaos—along the way. It's a sweet, laugh-out-loud story of innocence, family, and the infectious spirit of Christmas.
Christmas in Boston (2005)
Day 21: Christmas in Boston (2005)
Two childhood pen pals, Gina and Seth, finally meet for the first time after years of writing letters. But a case of mistaken identity leads to some funny and sweet moments as they navigate the truth and their feelings. Set against a holiday backdrop, this lighthearted film is all about the magic of long-distance connections coming to life.
Day 22: Little Women (1994)
Set during and after the Civil War, the story follows the March sisters as they grow up, facing the highs and lows of life, love, and loss. With beautiful New England winter scenes and themes of family, resilience, and kindness, Little Women is a heartwarming film that captures the cosy, nostalgic essence of the holidays.
Day 23: Love Actually (2003)
This intertwining romantic comedy follows various Londoners as they navigate love and relationships during the holiday season. Each storyline is packed with laughter, heartbreak, and hope, making Love Actually a heartwarming Christmas staple.
Day 24: The Snowman (1982)
To end your countdown, this wordless animated short tells the magical story of a boy whose snowman comes to life on Christmas Eve. Accompanied by stunning music, The Snowman is a beautiful, dreamlike film that will captivate viewers of all ages.
Final Thoughts
I hope you enjoyed this cosy list of nostalgic Christmas movies, and feel inspired to curl up by the fire, grab a warm drink, and enjoy each day of this festive film countdown. Happy holidays and happy watching!
