The Definitive List of Must-Watch Christmas Episodes on TV
Ranking the Best Christmas Episodes from Your Favorite TV Shows
As the holiday season approaches, there's nothing quite like the warmth and charm of Christmas episodes from our favorite TV shows. On this list we've meticulously curated a festive lineup that spans genres and decades, ensuring you experience the true essence of the season through the lens of television. From classic sitcoms to gripping dramas, these episodes promise to bring joy and laughter into your holiday festivities. Notably, this list will exclusively feature live-action shows, omitting animated series to offer a unique focus on the live performances and heartfelt moments that have left an indelible mark on our holiday memories. So, grab your favorite festive snack, settle in, and join us as we countdown the essential Christmas episodes that deserve a special place in your annual holiday tradition.
The Office (S2.E10 “Christmas Party”)
Stream: Prime Video
"The Office" Season 2, Episode 10, titled "Christmas Party," is a standout Christmas episode that encapsulates the series' blend of humor and heart. In this episode, the Dunder Mifflin office engages in a "Secret Santa" gift exchange, and the story unfolds as characters navigate the challenges of finding the perfect present. The episode is a brilliant mix of comedic moments, heartfelt gestures, and unexpected twists. What makes it a great Christmas episode is it’s ability to capture the spirit of gift-giving, office camaraderie, and the unpredictable dynamics between the characters. The "Yankee Swap" game adds a layer of humor and surprises, making it a memorable and rewatchable holiday installment that perfectly balances the show's signature awkward humor with genuine moments of connection and warmth.
It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia (S6.E13 “A Very Sunny Christmas”)
Stream: Amazon Prime
"It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia" Season 6, Episode 13, titled "A Very Sunny Christmas," is a hilariously irreverent take on the holiday season. The episode explores the Gang's dysfunctional relationships with their families through a series of outrageous flashbacks, revealing the bizarre Christmas traditions and dysfunctional dynamics that shaped each member. From misguided attempts at gift-giving to absurd childhood traumas, the episode provides a darkly comedic and satirical perspective on the holidays. What makes it a standout Christmas episode is its fearless approach to subverting traditional festive tropes, infusing the typical warmth of holiday specials with the show's signature brand of dark humor. As a fan favorite and my personal choice for the best Christmas special, "A Very Sunny Christmas" stands out for it’s audacious, unconventional, and side-splittingly funny portrayal of the holiday season, making it a must-watch for those who appreciate a bit of twisted humor during the festivities.
Frasier (S6.E10 “Merry Christmas, Mrs. Moskowitz”)
Stream: Amazon Prime
In "Frasier" Season 6, Episode 10, titled "Merry Christmas, Mrs. Moskowitz," the Crane brothers find themselves entangled in a series of comedic misunderstandings during the holiday season. The episode revolves around Frasier's attempt to appease his Jewish girlfriend's mother, Mrs. Moskowitz, by pretending to be Jewish to ensure her approval. As the elaborate ruse unfolds, the sitcom masterfully combines humor with moments of genuine warmth and cultural exploration. What makes it a great Christmas episode is its ability to address the complexities of interfaith relationships, blending festive cheer with a heartfelt exploration of tolerance and understanding. The episode's witty dialogue, clever plot twists, and the stellar performances of the cast contribute to its enduring appeal as a classic holiday installment within the "Frasier" series.
Community (S2.E11 “Abed's Uncontrollable Christmas”)
Stream: Amazon Video
"Community" Season 2, Episode 11, titled "Abed's Uncontrollable Christmas," is a brilliantly inventive and emotionally resonant Christmas episode. The story unfolds in a unique stop-motion animated format, as the study group, led by the pop culture-savvy Abed, experiences a Christmas adventure in a world transformed into animated claymation. Abed's perspective sees his friends as animated characters, each representing Christmas tropes and clichés. The episode not only pays homage to classic holiday specials but also delves into deeper themes of coping with reality and the importance of friendship during the festive season. It’s inventive storytelling, creative animation, and heartfelt exploration of Abed's character make it a standout Christmas episode within the "Community" series. The episode's blend of humor, meta-commentary, and emotional depth has solidified it’s reputation as one of the most memorable and beloved holiday episodes in television history.
Black Mirror (S2.E4 “White Christmas”)
Stream: Amazon Prime
"Black Mirror" Season 2, Episode 4, titled "White Christmas," weaves together three interconnected stories set in a dystopian future, exploring the dark and thought-provoking consequences of technological advancements. The episode primarily follows two men stationed in a remote outpost, sharing their unsettling stories. As they grapple with isolation and the implications of their past actions, the narrative takes unexpected turns that challenge perceptions of reality and morality. While "White Christmas" isn't a traditional feel-good Christmas episode, its exploration of the human condition, ethical dilemmas, and the impact of technology on society adds a layer of complexity that sets it apart. The episode's ability to merge the eerie with the poignant, coupled with its haunting storytelling, makes it a standout and compelling addition to the "Black Mirror" anthology, offering a unique take on the holiday season that lingers in viewers' minds.
Seinfeld (S9.E10 “The Strike”)
Stream: Netflix
"Seinfeld" Season 9, Episode 10, titled "The Strike," cleverly intertwines Christmas festivities with the show's signature humor. The episode introduces the concept of "Festivus," a quirky and anti-commercial holiday invented by George Costanza's father, Frank. As George reluctantly participates in Festivus celebrations, the episode humorously explores the eccentric rituals associated with the invented holiday, including the "Airing of Grievances" and the "Feats of Strength." Meanwhile, Jerry dates a woman with a penchant for exchanging gifts and Elaine deals with a co-worker who celebrates the December holiday season with a different tradition. What makes "The Strike" a great Christmas episode is it’s ability to infuse the holiday season with Seinfeld's irreverent and observational comedy, creating an iconic episode that has since become synonymous with alternative holiday celebrations. The episode's comedic writing, memorable characters, and witty exploration of non-traditional holiday customs contribute to its enduring popularity as a classic Seinfeld installment.
Doctor Who (S9.E13 “The Husbands of River Song”)
Stream: Amazon Video
"Doctor Who" Season 9, Episode 13, titled "The Husbands of River Song," is a festive and heartwarming Christmas special that reunites the Doctor with River Song, a character deeply connected to his time-traveling adventures. The Doctor, played by Peter Capaldi, goes undercover on a luxurious starliner, only to discover that River Song, portrayed by Alex Kingston, is aboard and unaware of his true identity. The episode is a delightful mix of humor, adventure, and emotional depth, showcasing the unique dynamic between the Doctor and River Song. The narrative explores the complexities of their relationship, bringing closure to certain story arcs and providing a fitting tribute to the enduring connection between the characters. What makes it a great Christmas episode is its ability to blend the sci-fi elements of "Doctor Who" with the spirit of the holiday season, offering fans a satisfying and emotionally resonant adventure as they celebrate Christmas in the TARDIS.
Mad Men (S5.E10 “Christmas Waltz”)
Stream: Amazon Video
In "Mad Men" Season 5, Episode 10, titled "Christmas Waltz," the characters at the Sterling Cooper Draper Pryce advertising agency grapple with personal and professional challenges against the backdrop of the holiday season. The episode follows the agency as they face financial struggles and navigate the pressures of the advertising industry during the Christmas season. Notably, the episode introduces viewers to the character Michael Ginsberg, adding a layer of intrigue to the ensemble. What makes "Christmas Waltz" a great Christmas episode is it’s ability to use the holiday setting to amplify the characters' internal conflicts and the external challenges facing the agency. The juxtaposition of festive cheer and the characters' complex lives adds depth to the storytelling, making it a standout episode within the series that captures the essence of the Mad Men era during the holidays.
Ted Lasso (S2.E4 “Carol of the Bells”)
Stream: Apple TV
"Ted Lasso" Season 2, Episode 4, titled "Carol of the Bells," is a heartwarming and character-driven Christmas episode. The story centers around the various characters facing personal challenges during the holiday season, with a focus on Ted's efforts to maintain team morale despite the struggles. The episode explores themes of kindness, forgiveness, and the importance of human connections, bringing a festive spirit to the football (soccer) field. The humor, emotional depth, and the series' trademark optimism make "Carol of the Bells" a standout Christmas episode, emphasizing the show's ability to balance feel-good moments with genuine character development. The episode encapsulates the essence of "Ted Lasso" by using the holiday backdrop to reinforce the show's positive and uplifting message, making it a great addition to the Christmas episode lineup.
Friends (S7.E10 “The One With the Holiday Armadillo”)
Stream: Apple TV
"Friends" Season 7, Episode 10, titled "The One With the Holiday Armadillo," unfolds in a classic comedic fashion as Ross Geller attempts to teach his son Ben about Hanukkah after realizing he won't be with him for Christmas. However, the lack of Hanukkah-related costumes leads Ross to improvise, resulting in the creation of the Holiday Armadillo. Meanwhile, Chandler and Monica search for a Christmas tree, and Joey struggles to find the perfect holiday gift. This episode is beloved for its hilarious moments, especially Ross's inventive and somewhat absurd Holiday Armadillo costume, which has become an iconic image in the show's history. "The One With the Holiday Armadillo" is a great Christmas episode because it successfully combines humor, festive spirit, and a touch of holiday chaos while also incorporating the theme of celebrating diverse traditions. It remains a fan favorite for its ability to bring laughter and warmth during the holiday season.