The Holdovers (2023)

15 | Comedy/Drama | 2hrs 17mins

The Holdovers follows a curmudgeonly instructor at a prep school who is forced to remain on campus during Christmas break to babysit a handful of students with nowhere to go.

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"I love this bittersweet festive tale of three emotionally co-dependent misfits thrown together at Christmas. Set in the 70s and directed by Alexander Payne, it reminds us of the importance and worth of every person and that education, comfort and inspiration can come from the most unlikely people, even curmudgeonly humbugs at Christmas." - Brian

Last Christmas (2019)

12 | Romantic/Comedy | 1hr 42mins

Kate is a young woman subscribed to bad decisions. Working as an elf in a year-round Christmas store is not good for the wannabe singer. However, she meets Tom there and her life takes a new turn that seems too good to be true.

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"This is a delightful story about Kate, elf, sceptic, poor decision maker and aspiring singer. She meets a kind-hearted guy with a mysterious past who sees the good in everything and who opens Kate's eyes to a less cynical view of the world. I love the backdrop of festive modern day London, the nostalgic music of George Michael and especially the heartfelt twist at the end...' - Laura

Muppets Christmas Carol (1992)

U | Family/Musical | 1hr 25mins

The Muppets' rendition of Charles Dickens' classic tale puts a unique twist on that fateful Christmas Eve, when Scrooge is visited by the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Future. Together with kind, humble Bob Cratchit (Kermit the Frog) and his family, the Spirits open Scrooge's eyes - and his heart - to the true meaning of Christmas.

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"My family and I watch The Muppet Christmas Carol every year on Christmas Eve. It's a tradition that's endured since I was a child. I'm always blown away by how earnest Michael Caine is in this role; he treats the muppets as fellow actors and plays Scrooge with 100% sincerity, which I respect so much. It's just a perfect film." - Beau

Jingle All The Way (1996)

PG | Comedy | 1hr 30mins

Businessman Howard Langston, is hard at work taking orders from customers to whom he just can't say no, including his son, Jamie, who asked for the hottest action figure of the season - Turbo Man! But Howard is facing one BIG problem. It's Christmas Eve and Turbo Man has been sold out since Thanksgiving! Howard's trek to find Turbo Man turns into an odyssey wilder than he could have ever imagined.

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"We used to watch this film every Christmas Eve as a family all snuggled up on the sofa. It reminds me how special time with family is and that's why it's my recommendation this year!" - Emily

Elf (2003)

PG | Comedy | 1hr 30mins

Buddy (Will Ferrell) was accidentally transported to the North Pole as a toddler and raised to adulthood among Santa's elves. Unable to shake the feeling that he doesn't fit in, the adult Buddy travels to New York, in full elf uniform, in search of his real father. 

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This film isn't currently available on streaming services. Try picking up a copy at your local charity shop.

"I love Elf because it is so joyful and silly! It has become a family Christmas staple that we watch every year to usher in the Christmas spirit." - Zara

The Holiday (2006)

12 | Romantic Comedy | 2hrs 10mins

Two women, one from America and one from Britain, swap homes at Christmas time after bad breakups with their boyfriends. Each woman finds romance with a local man but realises that the imminent return home may end the relationships.

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"The Holiday has everything - broken hearts, new romance, fun,  humour, snow, cosy cottages, blazing sunshine and a happy ending. What's not to like?'"- Lesley

Rare Exports (2010)

15 | Horror | 1hr 22mins

Do you believe in Santa Claus? On the eve of Christmas a young boy sets out to discover the truth behind several strange goings on in his small isolated village. Why have all the reindeer been slaughtered? Who took all the hairdryers and radiators? And where have all the children gone? 

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"I love a dark winter's tale or spooky story around the Solstice. This humorous twist on the jolly Christmas Santa legend is watched in our house every year, with the lights off, the fire roaring and a hot drink to combat the effect of the cold landscape in the film." - Jess

The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)

9+ | Animation | 1hr 19min