There’s something magical about getting cozy with your loved ones with a cup a hot cocoa and bowl of popcorn to watch your favorite holiday films. From sharing your childhood favorites to teaching heartfelt life lessons, here are 10 movies to watch during the holidays:
A Christmas Story (1983)
This quintessential holiday film has become a rite of passage of the season and perfect for gathering the family for some festive nostalgia. This beloved movie follows the wintry exploits of young Ralphie Parker who spends his time dreaming of his ideal Christmas gift, dodging a bully, and dealing with his quirky family as he tries to make it to Christmas day with his hopes intact.
Elf (2003)
This feel good film has become modern Christmas movie perfection, and is ideal for all ages. It’s hard not to fall in love with comedian Will Ferrell’s portrayal of ‘Buddy the Elf,’ a human raised in the North Pole by Santa and his elves in search of his birth father in New York City. From classic holiday clichés to Ferrell’s adorable wit and take on holiday spirit, Elf is everything you need this winter.
Planes, Trains and Automobiles (1987)
This holiday comedy follows two men who share a three-day journey of misadventures as they try to get home in time for Thanksgiving. Comedians Steve Martin and John Candy star in this holiday laugh-out-loud classic as unlikely travel partners stuck together as they journey home. When Martin’s uptight businessman attitude collides with Candy’s buffoon-like nature it becomes a hilarious whirlwind voyage with a handful of heartfelt moments that are perfect for the holiday season.
Home Alone (1990)
Considered a holiday movie staple, follow Kevin McCallister’s (Macaulay Culkin) Christmas adventure when he becomes the forgotten kid from a big family vacation who deters two burglars trying to break into his home. He sets an endlessly satisfying string of booby traps for them to encounter. This holiday classic will quickly become a family favorite.
How the Grinch Stole Christmas (1966)
This animated holiday short follows the grumpy hermit, The Grinch, as he plans to steal Christmas from the Whos of Whoville, but the heist ends in a way he doesn’t expect. This heartwarming journey from Grinch to grateful is filled with delightful songs and quirky characters that are sure to bring your family together this holiday season.
The Polar Express (2004)
Adapted from the Chris Van Allsburg children’s book, this animated film is charming as much as it is visually spellbinding. Follow the journey of a young boy as he embarks on a magical journey to the North Pole aboard the Polar Express where he learns about friendship, bravery and the spirit of Christmas.
It’s a Wonderful Life (1946)
Considered one of the most loved films in America, cozy up to this holiday classic! George Bailey, portrayed by actor Jimmy Stewart, plays a broken businessman who’s spent his life helping others. When he feels hopelessly lost and wishes he was never born, a guardian angel is sent to him to show George all the lives he’s touched and how different things would have been if he had never existed.
Jingle All the Way (1996)
This quirky holiday journey stars actor Arnold Schwarzenegger as Howard, a father on a mission to retrieve the only toy on his son’s Christmas list, which also happens to be the biggest toy of the season. From waiting in long store lines, to attempting to win a radio contest, Howard will do anything to get his son the toy that he hopes will help save their relationship.
National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation (1989)
The third installment to the National Lampoon’s Vacation film series, and considered a modern Christmas classic, National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation is a hilarious addition to your festive movie watching. Clark Griswold, played by comedian Chevy Chase, plans for a big family Christmas, however just like any Griswold endeavor, things start to take a turn, especially when his can-do holiday attitude comes in contact with his in-laws that arrive in town for the holidays.
Love Actually (2003)
This British ensemble rom-com has become a beloved holiday film. With a series of intertwining love stories from young love to finding new love, you’ll fall for each storyline. It’ll make you laugh, it might even make you cry a little, but it’s still the perfect feel-good film for the season. Follow each characters journey to joy and self-realization as they navigate the holidays, and giggle at the classic holiday scenes.
Did you know most of our resorts have DVD players and flat screen TVs? Bring your favorite holiday film from our list and get cozy with your loved ones at SoCal resorts Carlsbad SeaPointe Resort, Carlsbad Inn Beach Resort, Grand Pacific Palisades Resort, or Southern California Beach Club for the perfect holiday getaway. Book online or call a Vacation Specialist at (877) 477-7368
