1. A Christmas Story

Since 1983, A Christmas Story has become a movie for all generations. The movie starts around 5pm on Christmas Eve and runs continuously until 5pm on Christmas Day, and this 24-hour long marathon is not something to miss. The line “you’ll shoot your eye out kid” and Ralphie’s pink footie pajamas will forever be iconic.

2. Elf

With Will Ferrell being the main character of this heart-warming Christmas movie, Elf is for people of all ages. Set in the winter-wonderland that is New York City, this Christmas comedy is a must-watch for the holidays. Although some of the other characters are not as bright as Buddy the elf, this movie is truly a Christmas classic for our generation.

3. The Polar Express

Tom Hanks does it again with this soon-to-be Christmas classic. In the middle of the night on Christmas Eve, a boy gets a once in a lifetime opportunity with a few other kids that changes they way they look at life. Remember that seeing isn’t always believing, and this movie will most definitely bring you back to your childhood.

4. Home Alone

 Being forgotten or left all alone in your house over the holidays would probably be the worst thing in the world. For Kevin McCallister, played by Macaulay Culkin, this was not ideal at first, but he soon made light of having a house all to himself. Using clever tactics to fight off his “enemies,” the youngest McCallister child finds joy in staying home by himself for the holidays.

5. The Santa Clause Movies

 When the least-likely person–Tim Allen’s character Scott Calvin–to become Santa Clause puts his suit on during Christmas eve, he somehow becomes dragged into becoming the big, jolly man in the red suit with the beard. His son gets overly excited that his dad is now a resident at the North Pole, and some problems occur inside and out of the year-round winter wonderland.

6. Love Actually 

Although it doesn’t sound like a Christmas movie from the title, Love Actually is a heart-warming, holiday rom-com with love spreading everywhere. With plot twists around every corner and unexpected connections throughout the film, this movie will definitely get you in the holiday spirit.

7. National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation

 With the classic scene where Chevy Chase’s attempt to string the Griswold’s house with a countless number of lights and they all don’t work is probably the most anti-climactic scene in cinematic history. More unfortunate events that happen after this one make for a not-so normal Christmas for this family and the in-laws.

8. Charlie Brown Christmas 

Honestly, A Charlie Brown Christmas is iconic and timeless. With Charles Schulz being from Minnesota, this Christmas cartoon classic is not one to miss this year or any year for that matter

9. How the Grinch Stole Christmas

People can forever debate over which version, cartoon or live-action, of the How The Grinch Stole Christmas is better, but both are essential Christmas viewing. The Christmas movie by Dr. Seuss taught life-lessons from a young age, and every year reminded of them when watching this movie.

10. Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer 

Being made fun of for a personal characteristic you were born with is never fun, especially as a child. Rudolph has been made fun of his whole life for a shiny, bright, red nose that later helps him on one of the most important days of the year. For Rudolph, his main focus was to be like all the other reindeer, but his time to shine comes when you would least expect it.