The Best Holiday Episodes of Your Favorite TV Shows…Ever
It's basically a fact that nothing will ever, ever beat Seth Cohen in a Chrismukkah sweater (swoon!), but only one episode—no matter how amazing—does not make for a holiday binge-watching marathon extravaganza. Unless you watch said episode, like, 12 times in a row, which we would totally not judge you for.
We rounded up the best holiday episodes of your favorite TV shows to keep you feeling festive all break long. Click through the slideshow above, then let us know your favorite in the comments!
Photo: Courtesy of The CW1/11You're gonna want all the Santa-shaped cookies for this couch sesh.
Photo: Courtesy of The O.C.2/11The O.C., "The Best Chrismukkah Ever"
For real, though. Seth Cohen gives his new "bro" Ryan the lowdown on his favorite holiday: Chrismukkah, aka the merging of Christmas and Hanukkah. In fact, there's a whole soundtrack dedicated to it (which is amazing). In the episode, Seth wears the most incredible Fair Isle sweater with reindeer, not to mention Santa-inspired yarmulke, and there's an insane amount of love drama. So pretty much everything you'd ever want in 40 minutes.
Photo: Courtesy of New Girl3/11New Girl, "The 23rd"
The first season of New Girl was glorious, and its holiday episode was nothing short of magical. It's all about friendship and warm and fuzzy feelings, and lots and lots of twinkling lights. Jess breaks up with her old BF Paul after realizing she's not exactly in love with him, but nothing can stop her holly-jolly heart from having the best Christmas ever with her pals.
Photo: Courtesy of Parks and Recreation4/11Parks and Recreation, "Citizen Knope"
Leslie's dreams of achieving city-council status come to a crushing halt after some particularly dismal numbers and the resignation of her campaign managers. But it wouldn't be Christmas without a miracle, would it? After years of giving her co-workers the most thoughtful gifts ever, they finally find a way to really, truly return the favor: run Leslie's campaign. There will be tears, guys. There will be tears.
Photo: Courtesy of Gilmore Girls5/11Gilmore Girls, "Forgiveness and Stuff"
Stars Hollow during the holidays, how we love thee so. In this season-one episode, Lorelai is banned from her parents' annual Christmas party and heads to Luke's diner for a little Christmas cheer. Luke whips up a Santa burger (because of course he does), but before Lorelai gets a chance to enjoy it, she gets some bad news: Richard is in the hospital. Luke brings Lorelai to see her dad, and it's basically a major moment in the Luke/Lorelai love fest that continues to brew for years on end.
Photo: Courtesy of The Office6/11The Office, "A Benihana Christmas"
Thank you Netflix gods for housing every single episode of The Office ever. While there were, like, seven holiday episodes to choose from (and it was a close tie between this one and the OG "Christmas Party" of season two fame), it's hard to beat a boys' trip to Benihana to mend Michael's broken heart and a full-on party drama situation between Angela, Pam, and Karen. Also, Dwight brings a Christmas goose to work, so there's that.
Photo: Courtesy of Hart of Dixie7/11Hart of Dixie, "Blue Christmas"
We'd watch it for the seriously killer styling alone, but the most important part of this episode is when Zoe finally tells Wade she wants to date him in public. (Side note: We 'ship 'em pretty hard and can't wait to see what happens this season!)
Photo: Courtesy of Gossip Girl8/11Gossip Girl, "It's a Wonderful Lie"
If there's a ball of any kind, we're into it. And if it's an Upper East Side Snowflake Ball, we're extra into it. The whole Nate/Vanessa secret dating thing comes to a head—complete with some mean-girl pranks—and that's just the tip of the super-dramatic love iceberg. Also, Chuck Bass in a tux.
Photo: Courtesy of The Mindy Project9/11The Mindy Project, "Josh and Mindy's Christmas Party"
Mindy thinks she's having the best Christmas party of her life until her co-host/boyfriend is surprised by a special guest: his girlfriend. Nuh uh, honey. Danny is extra nice to Mindy, and everyone who's been rooting for them from the get-go feels a tiny glimmer of hope.
Photo: Courtesy of Downton Abbey10/11Downton Abbey, "Christmas at Downton Abbey"
If there's a moment in television that's more romantic and magical than the few final scenes of Downton's Christmas episode, somebody please tell us. (And we'll tell you you're wrong.) Seriously, Matthew's long-anticipated snowy proposal to Mary outside the castle is, just, sigh.
Photo: Courtesy of How I Met Your Mother11/11How I Met Your Mother, "How Lily Stole Christmas"
Love How the Grinch Stole Christmas? Well this version is even better. When Lily finds out Ted called her a bad name or two—let's just say "grinch"—while she was broken up with Marshall, she takes all his Winter Wonderland decorations and hoards them in her tiny New York City apartment to get back at him. And then banishes him from Christmas. But we all know the original has a happy ending.
