Christmas Movies to Binge on Disney Plus this Holiday Season

By Tina Charles

Is there a better way to celebrate the holiday season than cozying up in front of your TV for a marathon Christmas movie binge? We think not. Disney+ is here to help with its roster of iconic animated and live-action classics for kids and grown-ups alike–festive blockbusters, sweet rom-coms, exclusive originals, hilarious and heartwarming comedies, a Hanukkah-themed gem, and much more. And with a list this long, there’s plenty to keep the whole family entertained straight through the holidays. Before we say more, SPOILER ALERT.

Christmas Movie Classics

“Miracle on 34th Street” (1947)

An elderly man named Kris Kringle has to defend himself in court when no adult believes he’s really Santa. “Miracle on 34th Street” is pretty much required viewing every December.

“Babes in Toyland” (1961)

Based on an early 1900s operetta, Mary is about to wed Tom when he’s kidnapped by two goons who work for the evil Barnaby. This musical fantasy includes Tom and Mary facing an odd character known as The Toymaker.

“Mickey’s Christmas Carol” (1983)

The iconic story of classic crankster Ebenezer Scrooge, but with a Mickey Mouse twist.

“The Muppet Christmas Carol” (1992)

The iconic story of classic crankster Ebenezer Scrooge, but with a Muppets twist.

Christmas Comedies

“Home Alone” (1990)

Kevin McCallister’s family accidentally leaves for their Christmas vacation without him. Thankfully, he handles himself when two con men (Joe Pesci and Daniel Stern) try to rob his house. The comedy that catapulted Macaulay Culkin into superstar status, and first of four Home Alone movies. 

“Home Alone 2: Lost in New York” (1992)

Kevin ends up on a plane to New York City while his family’s on the way to Florida. Of course, he faces the bumbling thieves from the first movie. Imagine that.

“Home Alone 3” (1997)

No more Culkin or McCallister family. Instead, Alex D. Lind plays the kid left behind. There’s a whole new crew of bad guys, too.

“The Santa Clause” (1994)

Thanks to a loophole that exists in the North Pole, divorced dad Scott (Tim Allen) is forced to take Santa’s place before next Christmas.

“The Santa Clause 2” (2002)

Scott’s faced with losing his Santa status if he doesn’t find a Mrs. Claus before Christmas Eve.

“The Santa Clause 3: The Escape Clause” (2006)

Scott faces his in-laws and a potential coup when Martin Short’s Jack Frost schemes to take over the North Pole.

“I’ll Be Home for Christmas” (1998)

“Home Improvement” actor Jonathan Taylor Thomas stars as a college kid rushing to get home for Christmas vacation. Too bad a perfect storm of obstacles get in his way.

“Good Luck Charlie, It’s Christmas” (2011)

Based on the Disney Channel series, the Duncan family is separated while en route to Palm Springs for Christmas.

“‘Twas the Night” (2001)

Con Man Nick (Bryan Cranston) and his 14-year-old nephew (Josh Zuckerman) take over for Santa after the big guy becomes indisposed.

New to Disney+ Holiday Movies and Specials 

“Godmothered”  (2020)

A family-friendly Christmas movie about Eleanor (Jillian Bell),  a young godmother-in-training who wants to prove the world still needs fairy godmothers. Enter Isla Fisher’s Mackenzie.

“The Nutcracker and the Four Realms” (2018)

A retelling of the short story “The Nutcracker and the Mouse King.” Clara and Phillip go on a quest to a magical land to find a key that can restore harmony to their land.

“Lego Star Wars Holiday Special” (2020)

A 45-minute special following Rey and BB8 on an adventure that takes place after the events of “The Rise of Skywalker.” The animated holiday adventure incorporates elements from the original 1978 holiday special.

“On Pointe” (2020)

A six-part documentary debuting on Dec. 18 that captures a season in the School of American Ballet. The younger students rehearse and perform the holiday classic “George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker.”

Photo from Disney

“High School Musical: The Musical: The Holiday Special” (2020)

The cast of the Disney+ series checks in with a holiday music special where they perform for their favorite Christmas, Hanukkah, and New Year’s songs.

Holiday Movies for Kids

“Noelle” (2019)

Anna Kendrick stars as Kris Kringle’s daughter, Noelle. After her dad dies, her brother is named the next Santa Claus. Can she take it upon herself to save Christmas?  

“The Ultimate Christmas Present” (2000)

Two 13-year-old kids use Santa’s discarded weather machine to try and create an actual snow day in Los Angeles. Unfortunately, they might ruin Christmas.

“Life Size 2: A Christmas Eve” (2018)

Tyra Banks returns as Eve, a doll that magically comes to life. She’s back to help her old friend get her life back on track.

“One Magic Christmas” (1985)

During the holidays a mom isn’t feeling the Christmas spirit. An angel decides to save her from her bah-humbug ways.

“The Christmas Star” (1986)

A con man looking like Santa escapes prison in order to recover some hidden loot. His new identity works too well when two kids mistake him for the real Jolly St. Nick. 

“Richie Rich’s Christmas Wish” (1998)

Son to wealthy parents, Richie Rich’s wish is magically granted, instantly turning his life upside down.

“Full-Court Miracle” (2003)

A young Jewish basketball team is in a slump. When they turn to a former college basketball star for help, the coach changes their perspective and maybe even their luck. This is based on a true story.

Animated Christmas Movies

“Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas” (1993)

While this hybrid Halloween/Christmas classic is more monster than mistletoe, we’re betting people watch Jack Skellington’s antics this time every year. 

“Beauty and the Beast: The Enchanted Christmas” (1997)

Belle and a moody Beast try to celebrate the holidays in this sequel to the animated blockbuster from 1991.

“Santa Paws 2: The Santa Pups” (2012)

It’s Christmas and four of Santa’s pet puppies are making a good case for being on the naughty list.

“Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmas” (1999) and “Mickey’s Twice Upon a Christmas” (2004)

A series of shorts featuring characters like Goofy, Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Huey, Dewey, Louie, and Pluto.

“Winnie the Pooh: A Very Merry Pooh Year” (2002)

Pooh and his friends celebrate Christmas and the New Year.

“Pluto’s Christmas Tree” (1952)

The tree that Mickey and Pluto chop down happens to be the tree chipmunk brothers Chip ‘n Dale live in.

Christmas Rom-Coms and Dramas 

“While You Were Sleeping” (1995)

When Lucy (Sandra Bullock) the lonely transit toll collector works on Christmas Day, her life changes. Saving her longtime crush may get her a new family…with a twist, of course.

“The Mistle-Tones” (2012)

It’s a musical rom-com when Holly (Tia Mowry) misses out on auditioning for a prized spot with the Snow Belles singing group. She doesn’t let it get her down. It’s time to start her own act.

“Snowglobe” (2007)

Only in holiday movies can a character find herself transported to a town called Snow Globe. Angela (Christina Milian) finds this winter wonderland isn’t as wonderful as it seems. 

“12 Dates of Christmas” (2011)

On Christmas Eve, Kate (Amy Smart) messes up a crucial blind date with Miles (Mark-Paul Gosselaar) in order to win her ex-boyfriend back. No worries. She has 12 chances to get Christmas Eve and that date right.

“Three Days” (2001)

A husband (Reed Diamond) realizes too late how much he’s taken his wife (Kristin Davis) for granted. When she dies in an accident, an angel grants him three more days with his childhood sweetheart. Will he make things right?

The “Frozen” Franchise

“Frozen” (2013)

This animated blockbuster has everything: royal sisters Elsa, who has power over ice and snow, and Anna. There’s also a reindeer sidekick, shady prince, a comedic snowman, handsome love interest, and the Oscar-winning song “Let it Go.”

“Lego Disney Frozen Northern Lights” (2016)

The royal sisters are on a search for the aurora borealis. For some reason, it’s nowhere to be found.

“Olaf’s Frozen Adventure” (2017)

Olaf and Sven team up to save Christmas for Anna and Elsa.

“Frozen II” (2019)

Elsa and Anna are back in this hit sequel to “Frozen.”

“Once Upon a Snowman” (2020)

Olaf’s snowman origin story is told.

If you’re a fan of holiday movies, Disney+ gives you plenty of reasons to curl up on the couch safe from cold temperatures and icy conditions. Just sit back, relax, and let the epic Christmas movie marathon begin. And when the holiday season comes to a close, here’s a list of even more shows, movies, and documentaries you can catch on Disney+.

*Movies available on Disney+ are subject to change. Be sure to check the Disney+ website for terms, conditions, pricing, and availability.