As we enter the holiday season filled with spending time with family and friends, baking holiday treats, and giving plenty of gifts, there is no better way to get into the spirit of the season than watching festive movies and shows. With there being so many out there, it is hard to tell which ones are really worth your time, so here is a list of my top 5 Christmas movies and series that are full of Christmas joy and cheer.

1.”Elf” (2003)

If you are interested in a light-hearted comedy to get in the mood of the Christmas season “Elf” is the perfect movie to start with. It features Buddy (Will Ferrell), a regular-sized human, who was raised in the North Pole as an elf. After spending his whole life in a world where he didn’t quite fit in, Buddy leaves the north pole for the first time and heads to New York City in search of his father. Buddy experiences what it is like to live and work in the real world, all while spreading Christmas cheer. While Buddy is meeting new people and learning the in and outs of New York City, you are bound to laugh and get into the Christmas spirit.

Available on streaming services Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, and Starz.

https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/elf

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

Nostalgic movies are a great way to remind you of the excitement the Christmas season holds. “Good Luck Charlie, It’s Christmas!” is a Disney channel original movie featuring the family of the television series, that many love, “Good Luck Charlie”. Teddy (Bridgit Mendler) and her mother, Amy (Leigh-Allyn Baker), get separated from the rest of the family on their way to vacation for the holiday. The movie follows the two as they do their best to travel to Florida in time to celebrate with the rest of their family. Through the obstacles, the family does a great job of making you feel nostalgic and festive at the same time. The light-hearted, comedic movie is a perfect way to start the holiday season.

Available on streaming services Hulu and Disney+.                                                https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1828976/mediaviewer/rm3456314880

3. “The Grinch” (2018)

“The Grinch” is probably one of the most famous Christmas stories out there. There are a few versions of the story in film, but the 2018 animated version is the perfect way to start off the Christmas season.  The Grinch (Benedict Cumberbatch) lives a rather lonely life in a cave high on a mountain with his dog, Max. The Grinch has no interest in the Christmas holiday, but he, unfortunately, lives on the outside of a Christmas-loving town called Whoville. When the town is trying its hardest to have the liveliest Christmas yet, the Grinch decides it is time to take things into his own hands. While the Grinch attempts to steal Christmas, the Who’s Christmas cheer and joy are perfect to get in the spirit of the holiday.

Available on streaming services Hulu and Amazon Prime Video. 

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt2709692/mediaindex

4. “Home Alone”  (1990)

A great way to get into the Christmas mindset is by watching some classic movies. If you have never seen “Home Alone”, it is the perfect start to your Christmas festivities. The movie starts with Kevin (Macaulay Culkin), the youngest in a family of 11, accidentally getting left at home when the rest of his family is headed for their trip to Paris. Despite Kevin’s excitement to finally have peace and quiet, he is met by two con-men attempting to raid and rob his family’s house. Alone, Kevin is left to protect his home through the holiday season. The movie is full of laughs, nostalgia, and Christmas spirit.

Available on streaming services Disney+ and Amazon Prime Video.

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0099785/

5. “Nailed It! Holiday!” (2018 – 2019)

One way people get into the holiday season is by baking and eating Christmas treats. The Netflix series “Nailed It!” highlights amateur bakers who struggle in the kitchen to compete for a prize of $10,000. In each episode, different bakers test their abilities in assembling and recreating massive holiday-themed desserts. With two rounds of the competition, the bakers endure all types of obstacles, costing them time to work on their creations. The fast-paced competition keeps you entertained and excited throughout each episode. Whether you are hungry or just looking for some holiday amusement, “Nailed it! Holiday!” is the perfect place to start.

Available on streaming service Netflix.

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt8760264

As the Christmas season approaches, there is no better way to relax than watching a Christmas movie or show with friends and family. When it comes to getting into the spirit of the season, there are a few key cinematic pieces that you cannot miss. This list showed five of the most festive and cheerful ones to help get you into the spirit and relax this holiday season.