Non-Christmas Christmas Movies to Watch This Winter

By A & P

One of the highlights of the winter are all the fun and festive films that define the holiday season. From iconic films like Elf to Home Alone, Christmas brings about some beloved films. However, there are a few movies that albeit aren’t definitively “Christmas movies” that still incite those same jolly and cozy vibes.

1. Little Women (2019)

   1. Perhaps one of my favorite movies of all time, Greta Gerwig’s Little Women is the perfect non-Christmas Christmas movie. There are a few scenes set in the holiday season, but the film’s non-linear storyline captures moments over the course of years to follow the March sisters’ journey from adolescence to adulthood. I definitely recommend watching it at home with your family, cozied up in fuzzy blankets with popcorn. It’s my family tradition to give Little Women a rewatch every Christmas eve!

2. Die Hard (1988)

   1. Die Hard is probably one of the most iconic non-Christmas Christmas movies of all time, and if your dad hasn’t forced you to watch it yet, you should give it a try this year. The story kicks off during a holiday office party and quickly turns into one of the best action films of all time, keeping you on the edge of your seat from start to finish. It’s filled with sharp humor, iconic one-liners, and Bruce Willis delivering one of the most memorable hero performances ever. I saw it last year on Christmas Eve, and I’d give anything to watch it for the first time again.

3. Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (2002)

   1. Although nowhere near the best book-to-film adaptations, the Harry Potter franchise will always hold a special place in my heart. The second movie, to be specific, is an adorable choice for a holiday movie night. And beyond the festive moments, the movie is packed with mystery, adventure, and just the right amount of nostalgia for. It’ll have you wishing for a Weasley sweater on Christmas morning!

4. The Holdovers (2023)

   1. One of my favorite things about The Holdovers is the fact that it doesn’t entirely center around Christmas and instead just set during the season. So while having the familiar elements of Christmas festivities and vibe, it doesn’t follow the same structure as most. Rather, it focuses on the growing relationship between a teacher and a student as they traverse through the Christmas weekend together. Despite first watching it over the summer, it’s definitely a film that I look forward to watching this Christmas!

5. The Shining (1980)

   1. As someone who loves horror movies, I admittedly find myself drawn to Stanley Kubrick’s The Shining during the holiday season. Albeit having nothing to do with the holidays and certainly lacking a festive spirit, the snowy and cold environment of the film seems to always remind me of Christmas. A grim alternative, it somehow still instills that reminiscent, cozy feeling of most. An iconic film to be watched year round, it’s especially enjoyable when snuggled under a warm blanket and sipping on a hot cup of cocoa.