Plan the ultimate Christmas movie night with these festive movie night ideas! From cozy setups and holiday snacks to must-watch films, create a magical evening full of holiday cheer!
Ah, Christmas… time for cozying up with loved ones, stuffing your face with holiday treats, and most importantly, binge-watching Christmas movies.
Whether you are hosting a family movie marathon or having a solo Christmas movie night with only your favorite snacks and questionable movie choices, this guide is your go-to for Christmas movie night ideas make sure you get into the holiday spirit!
You can put a little snack box together!
Confession time: I used to roll my eyes at Hallmark Christmas movies. Then Greg, the self-proclaimed Hallmark movie super fan in my life, made me sit down and watch The Nine Lives of Christmas .
Now I’m hooked. Sure, they’re a little predictable, but there’s something about those snow-covered small towns and “coincidental” holiday meet-ups and interrupted kisses that just works. (Thanks, Greg… I think.)
But my current favorite Hallmark movie is Three Wise Men and a Baby.
Setting the Scene: How to Create the Perfect Atmosphere
Before you press play and settle in with your blanket and snacks, you need to set the stage. After all, you’re not just watching any old movie—you’re crafting the ultimate Christmas movie night experience. Here are some movie night ideas to make your movie-watching setup feel like a Hallmark movie, minus the over-the-top romance and snowy small towns.
1. Choose a Cozy Spot
Find a spot where you can snuggle up with your loved ones. By loved ones, I mean people or pet(s).
Whether it’s on the couch with enough blankets to make you feel like you’re in a winter igloo or a cozy corner by the fire, comfort is key. Pull out your Christmas socks.
Just don’t get too comfortable… nobody likes having to pause the movie to wake you up and then rewind the last 15 minutes because you’ve fallen into an awkward holiday nap situation. (That’s me.)
2. Dim the Lights (or Use Christmas Lights)
The best way to set the scene for any Christmas movie night is the glow of twinkling lights around the room. If you have an army of fairy lights, now is the time to use them! Dimming the lights makes everything feel magical and festive. Your living room will look like something off of a Pinterest board.
Just remember: twinkle lights are charming unless you’re tripping over the extension cords.
3. Prepare a Hot Cocoa Bar
Nothing says “holiday cheer” like a hot cup of cocoa… and maybe a few marshmallows for good measure.
By the way, have you seen the crazy marshmallows they have now? Check these out!
Or drop one of these peeps into your hot cocoa!
Set up a cocoa station with all the fixings… whipped cream, sprinkles, candy canes, and maybe even some adult options like Baileys if you’re feeling extra festive, or a little spiked eggnog.
Movie Selection: The Heart of Your Christmas Movie Night
Now that your space is cozy, it’s time for the movies. Let’s be honest: picking the right film is the hardest part of the whole evening.
Do you go classic?
Do you take a risk with something new?
Or do you just hit play on Home Alone and pretend you’re watching a brand-new movie?
Here are some tried-and-true options to make your Christmas movie night perfect so you don’t get lost down the rabbit hole of endless scrolling… I mean, who has time for that when there are cookies to eat?
1. Classic Christmas Movies
There’s no need to reinvent the wheel here. A Christmas Story, It’s a Wonderful Life, and A Christmas Carol are all essential viewing. These classics never get old, and let’s be real, they never fail to make us feel nostalgic and a bit teary-eyed.
2. Family-Friendly Favorites
If you’re watching with the little ones, opt for movies like Elf, The Grinch Who Stole Christmas, or Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. These films are holiday essentials, and they come with all the feels (cue the classic Grinch smile).
Just make sure you have on waterproof mascara when Rudolph learns he’s special.
3. Hallmark and Netflix Christmas Movies
Ah, Hallmark and Netflix, the home of wholesome romance and the most predictable plots you could ever ask for.
But let’s be honest, we all secretly love them.
Whether it’s The Christmas Chronicles (hello, Kurt Russell as Santa) or A Christmas Prince (because who doesn’t want to fall in love with a royal at Christmastime?), these films are great options during your Christmas movie night.
Bonus points if you’re watching while wrapped in a blanket, eating a cookie, and judging the characters’ life choices.
What are your MUST WATCH Christmas movies?
4. Unique or Non-Traditional Christmas Movies
Not every Christmas movie needs to be sugary sweet. If you’re in the mood for something a little different, why not throw in Die Hard, Gremlins, or The Nightmare Before Christmas?
These non-traditional holiday movies are perfect for when you need a break from the Christmas cheer and want to watch a film that’s a bit offbeat.
Who said Christmas movies can’t include explosions and mischievous little creatures?
Fun Christmas Movie Night Ideas for Added Holiday Cheer
Okay, we’ve set the scene, and picked the movies, now let’s add a little extra fun to the night with these creative movie night ideas.
1. Christmas Movie Bingo
Turn your Christmas movie night into a competitive event with a Christmas movie bingo game! They actually have these or you can make your own bingo cards with holiday movie clichés like “snow falling,” “Santa makes a surprise appearance,” or “someone says ‘Merry Christmas!’”
Every time one of these moments happens, mark it off. Whoever gets a bingo first gets to choose the next movie.
2. Christmas Movie-Themed Snacks
For goodness sake, don’t forget the popcorn!!!
We make ours in a popcorn maker we got as a Christmas gift from our grandkids a couple of years ago—and let me tell you, it’s been put to very good use!
Popcorn is great and all, but why not jazz it up?
Try some Christmas-themed snacks like gingerbread cookies shaped like snowmen, or peppermint bark… that’s practically a holiday requirement. You can even make festive popcorn with red and green sprinkles.
3. Pajama Dress Code
Yes, please!
Make your Christmas movie night even more festive by enforcing a pajama dress code. Whether it’s matching family jammies or the softest flannel you own, wearing cozy clothes is part of the fun.
Just don’t be surprised if you end up wearing pajamas well into the afternoon the next day…hey, it’s the holidays! You might want to pick up some comfy Christmas pajamas.
4. Holiday-Themed Crafts During the Movie
For the crafty folks out there, who can’t just sit and watch 20 movies in a row, why not do some holiday-themed crafting while you watch?
You can make ornaments, gift tags, or even DIY ugly Christmas sweaters during the movie. It’s like multitasking but with way more glitter and glue.
Here are some fun Christmas crafts:
- Dollar Tree Snowman
- Snowman Ornament Craft with Video Tutorial
- Christmas Jewelry | Christmas Tree Pendant
- Christmas Angel Noodle Crafts [Video]
- How to Make An Angel Tree Topper Out of Recycled Materials
- Beachy Starfish Coastal Christmas Ornaments
Wrapping Up: A Perfect Ending to Your Christmas Movie Night
As your Christmas movie night winds down, don’t forget to wind up with a festive treat like sugar cookies or a cup of eggnog (spiked or not).
Take a moment to reflect on the best movie moments of the night and the ridiculous things your family members said while trying to get into the holiday spirit. The best part is that it’s not just about the films…it’s about the memories and laughter you create together.
By following these tips and adding your own flair, you can create the ultimate Christmas movie night that will leave everyone laughing, reminiscing, and just a little bit full from all the snacks. So grab your favorite blanket, press play, and use some of these movie night ideas to make yours one for the books!
Happy Holidays to All!
Remember: Life’s too short not to shimmer, so grab your glue gun and your glitter!™
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