Your restricted Christmas survival guide…
December might be looking pretty bleak right now thanks to Covid-restrictions, but nothing’s stopping us from getting into the festive spirit. From new classics to hidden gems, we’ve rounded up the best Christmas films on Netflix to help you get into the merry mood this Christmastime.
1. The Christmas Chronicles
An instant hit with Netflix users, Kurt Russell stars as Santa Claus in The Christmas Chronicles – a heartwarming film which follows young girl Kate and her brother Teddy as they hatch a plan to catch Santa on camera. Naturally, the plan goes awry, and they end up on quite the journey as Santa travels the globe to deliver all of his presents. Streaming now.
2. The Princess Switch
One of a few fantastic Christmas films starring Vanessa Hudgens (which we’ll get onto a bit later…), The Princess Switch not only features one Hudgens, but two, in a double-act comedy full of festive vibes. The film follows a normal girl from Chicago who travels to another country for a baking competition, where she meets a Duchess who looks exactly like her. Available to stream now.
3. The Holiday
The Holiday is an absolute Christmas classic, and for good reason, too. From laughs and constant “awws” to full-blown tears, this film brings all the feels. Set over the Christmas period, Amanda (Cameron Diaz) and Iris (Kate Winslet) take part in a house swap as their lives hit a slump, and they find themselves falling in love with each other’s lifestyles. Watch it now.
4. Arthur Christmas
An exceptionally underrated Christmas animation, Arthur Christmas tells the story of Santa’s clumsy son, Arthur, who discovers a little girl’s present has been missed off the sleigh in a technical error. Unable to let the mistake go, Arthur embarks on quite the journey to deliver the gift, with many a mishap along the way. Watch it now.
5. Klaus
Oscar-nominated Klaus follows the heart-warming tale of a failing postman who’s been sent on an impossible mission to work in an unaccepting, frozen town in the North – but everything changes when he discovers toymaker Klaus hiding out on the outskirts of the town. Watch it now.
6. Jingle Jangle
New to Netflix this month, Jingle Jangle has been dubbed the Christmas version of The Greatest Showman thanks to its family-friendly vibe and many a musical number. Providing all the fuzzy warm feels, the film follows toymaker Jeronicus Jangle, whose apprentice betrays him to become the richest toymaker in the world. After years taking a step back, Jangle receives new hope when his long-lost granddaughter turns up on his doorstep with a talent. Stream it now.
7. The Knight Before Christmas
The second in our mini love letter to Vanessa Hudgen’s Christmas films, The Knight Before Christmas is as cheesy and fantastic as it sounds. Providing laughs, an easy-to-follow rom-com plotline and a medieval edge, the film has it all. The Knight Before Christmas sees a medieval knight magically transported to the present day, where he meets an unlucky-in-love high school science teacher who guides him through modern life. Available to watch now.
8. A Christmas Prince
Another easy watch for rom-com lovers, A Christmas Prince tells the story of journalist Rose, who’s sent on a mission to get the scoop on the young prince of Aldovia. Things go too well, however, and Rose soon finds herself in hot water when she’s assumed the new tutor of his younger sister. Watch it now.
9. Holidate
New for 2020, Holidate stars Emma Roberts and Luke Bracey – and is perfect for those who prefer more of a naughty laugh than your typical family-friendly festive flick. Following two strangers, Sloane and Jackson, after a casual meet-cute at the mall, the pair agree to be each other’s ‘holidate’ to ensure both have a platonic date on special occasions. Streaming now.